Before George Michael became a global sensation with Wham! and later as a solo artist, he helped write a rap song about a very real concern facing young people in Britain: unemployment. “Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do?)” became Wham!’s debut single in 1982, standing out for embracing rap at a time when the genre was still largely associated with American artists. Now, a new ranking names it Michael’s greatest song of all time, highlighting an early track that revealed the ambition and rebellious spirit behind his eventual stardom.
How George Michael’s Father Inspired “Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do?)”
Wham! wasn’t the first British band to embrace rap culture. Modern Romance, Haircut 100 and Spandau Ballet all experimented with rap influences, but Wham! leaned further into the spoken-word flow, pairing it with a buoyant Brit-funk sound.
The song’s origin story was personal. Michael began developing the idea while dancing to the Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight,” putting his own lyrics to the infectious sound. The words reflected a conflict at home: his father had given him an ultimatum to get a job, helping inspire a song that pushed back against the expectation that young people should follow a conventional path. Instead, “Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do?)” celebrated doing what you love, even when others question your choices.
The single made little impact when it was first released in June 1982. After Wham!’s “Young Guns (Go for It!)” became a hit, however, it was re-released and climbed to No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart in early 1983. Its blend of social commentary and dance-floor energy also drew admiration from Paul Weller, while the Special AKA poked fun at it with “Bright Lights” in 1984.
Related: 1985 Synth Hit Sung by Husband and Wife Duo From Portland Featuring Wine Bottles as Percussion Named One of the Best One-Hit Wonders of the Decade
Why “Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do?)” Deserves Recognition as George Michael’s Best Song
“Careless Whisper,” “Faith” and Michael’s other soaring pop hits tend to dominate lists of his best songs, but “Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do?)” captures a different side of the artist: the ambition, humor and defiance of a young musician still trying to turn his dream into a career.
Rather than reflecting on success from the other side of fame, the track captures Michael at the beginning of his journey, challenging the pressure to get a conventional job. Its rap-influenced delivery also shows his willingness to experiment before he became known for a very different sound.
For a song now named his best of all time, “Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do?)” makes a compelling case. It’s not just Wham!’s debut single; it’s an early declaration of independence from an artist who was just getting started.
What do you think is George Michael’s best song of all time?
Related: Bob Dylan Wrote This 1975 Classic After Listening to Joni Mitchell’s ‘Blue’ and Rolling Stone Calls His New Version ‘Absolutely Stunning’
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