On this day July 4, 1988, George Michael released Monkey as the fourth single from his debut solo album Faith. The song would go on to become the number 1 song in America from August 27 through September 9 and also reached number 1 in Canada. Known for its sharp rhythm, layered production, and edgy energy, Monkey added a new dimension to the already successful Faith era.
Unlike the soulful ballads that made up other parts of the album, Monkey leaned into a funk inspired dance groove with remixes produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The lyrics explored frustration and emotional weight in a relationship clouded by addiction, giving the upbeat sound a deeper emotional core. It showed George Michael’s ability to craft music that was both commercially successful and thematically complex.
Monkey gave him his fourth number 1 hit from the Faith album, helping solidify his place as one of the dominant pop artists of the decade.
80s insight: George Michael used the 80s to break boundaries and define pop stardom on his own terms. Monkey was a bold reminder that he could deliver hits with depth, style, and complete creative control.