About the song
“One More Try” by George Michael
Released in 1988, “One More Try” is one of the most emotionally intense and vocally powerful ballads by George Michael, the iconic British singer-songwriter. As the fourth single from his debut solo album Faith (1987), the song marked a significant departure from the upbeat and funk-infused tracks that characterized much of the album. With its slow tempo, gospel influence, and raw vulnerability, “One More Try” showcased Michael’s range not only as a vocalist but also as a deeply introspective and mature songwriter.
George Michael, who first rose to fame as one half of the pop duo Wham!, proved with “One More Try” that he was capable of much more than infectious pop anthems. This ballad solidified his status as a serious solo artist, capable of exploring profound emotional terrain and delivering performances filled with sincerity and soul.
Musical Composition and Style
“One More Try” is a slow-tempo ballad, rich in atmosphere and emotion. The song’s arrangement is intentionally sparse—there are no heavy drums or elaborate instrumentation. Instead, the track is driven primarily by soft electric piano chords, gentle synth pads, and subtle background harmonies. This minimalist arrangement allows Michael’s voice to take center stage, and rightly so, as his vocal performance is one of the most expressive of his career.
The song builds gradually, starting with a hushed, intimate tone before rising to a passionate and almost anguished climax. The melody is simple yet haunting, underscoring the song’s themes of heartbreak, hesitation, and vulnerability.
Michael’s vocal delivery in “One More Try” is exceptional. He moves effortlessly from quiet, breathy whispers to full-bodied high notes, expressing deep emotion without ever sounding forced. His ability to control dynamics and convey emotional nuance makes this performance stand out even among his other well-regarded works.
Lyrical Themes
Lyrically, “One More Try” delves into the emotional complexities of love and fear. The song’s narrator is someone who has clearly been hurt before and is now hesitant to open his heart again. He sings of past pain and a deep internal conflict—longing for love while simultaneously fearing its consequences.
The opening lines set the tone:
“I’ve had enough of danger, and people on the streets. I’m looking out for angels, just trying to find some peace.”
As the song unfolds, the narrator expresses a desperate plea for understanding, asking his new love for patience. The chorus, “But I need one more try, is that too much to ask?”, captures the emotional core of the song—a vulnerable man asking for the courage to trust again, despite his scars.
This narrative of emotional hesitancy and the need for healing is universal, and Michael taps into it with remarkable honesty. It’s a song not just about romantic love, but about the human condition: the fear of being hurt again and the hope that, maybe this time, love will be different.
Commercial Success and Critical Reception
“One More Try” was a massive commercial success. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, making it George Michael’s fourth consecutive number-one single from the Faith album. It also charted highly in the UK and many other countries, reinforcing Michael’s global appeal.
Critics praised the song for its emotional depth, vocal excellence, and departure from conventional pop formulas. It was seen as a bold move for a mainstream pop artist to release such a slow and melancholic song as a single, but it paid off, both artistically and commercially.
Legacy
Over the years, “One More Try” has been covered by several artists and remains a staple on adult contemporary and soft rock playlists. However, no version has captured the same raw emotional intensity as George Michael’s original. The song is often cited as one of his most personal and enduring tracks, revealing a side of the artist that was introspective, sensitive, and deeply human.
In retrospect, “One More Try” stands as a testament to George Michael’s versatility and artistry. It’s a song that transcends time and genre, connecting with listeners on a deeply emotional level. Through his honest songwriting and soul-stirring performance, Michael turned a simple ballad into a timeless classic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “One More Try” is more than just a love song—it’s an emotional confession wrapped in music. It showcases George Michael at his artistic peak, using the power of simplicity, vulnerability, and vocal brilliance to deliver a message of pain, hope, and the possibility of healing. It remains a highlight not just in his discography, but in the canon of pop and soul music as a whole.