Kissing a Fool (song)

"Kissing a Fool"
Single by George Michael
from the album Faith
Released	November 21, 1988
Format	CD single
Recorded	1987
Genre	Sophisti-pop[1]
Length	4:34
Label	Columbia
Writer(s)	George Michael
Producer(s)	George Michael
George Michael singles chronology
"Monkey" (1988) "Kissing a Fool" (1988) "Praying for Time" (1990)

"Kissing a Fool" is a song written and performed by George Michael and released by Columbia Records in 1988.

A ballad with minimal instrumentation and a jazz feel, the song was written about Michael's insecurities as a soulmate and partner because of the baggage and reputation with which he came. According to Michael the vocals were recorded a cappella in one take. "Kissing a Fool" was the working-title for the album, which later was renamed to Faith.

Aside from Michael's vocals, the song employs piano, guitar, bass, drums, and a brass section. It was the sixth and final single to be released from the album Faith. It was also the least successful, making #18 in the UK Singles Chart and becoming the first single in five not to make #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the USA. However, it reached #1 in the Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks and became a #5 hit on the Billboard Hot 100,^[2] remaining a fan favourite and being regarded critically as one of his most accessible and honest recordings.

"Kissing a Fool" was Michael's last single for almost two years in the United Kingdom. It was later covered by Michael Bublé on his self-titled album and released as a single in the United States and reached #29 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.

Track listing

7": UK / Epic EMU 7

1. "Kissing a Fool" – 4:34
2. "Kissing a Fool" [Instrumental] – 4:34

12": UK / Epic EMU T7

1. "Kissing a Fool" – 4:34
2. "Kissing a Fool" [Instrumental] – 4:34

CD: UK / Epic CD EMU 7

1. "Kissing a Fool" – 4:34
2. "Kissing a Fool" [Instrumental] – 4:34
3. "A Last Request (I Want Your Sex Part III)" – 3:48

Charts

Chart (1988)	Peak position
Australia (ARIA Singles Chart)[3]	55
Canadian The Record Singles Chart[4]	7
Dutch Singles Chart[5]	13
French Singles Chart[6]	45
German Singles Chart[7]	44
Irish Singles Chart[8]	9
UK Singles Chart[9]	18
US Billboard Hot 100[10]	5
US Billboard Adult Contemporary[10]	1
US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs[10]	33

References

1. Greene, Jayson (17 July 2007). "George Michael – Faith – Review". Stylus Magazine. Archived from the original on 14 September 2007. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
2. Whitburn, Joel (2002). Top Adult Contemporary: 1961-2001. Record Research. p. 169.
3. "25 Years Ago This Week: January 15, 1989". chartbeat.blogspot.com.au. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
4. "Canadian Singles Chart from Nanda Lwin; Top 40 Hits: The Essential Chart Guide (2000)"
5. Nederlandse Top 40. Retrieved May 18, 2011.
6. George Michael - Kissing a Fool (song). Retrieved May 18, 2011.
7. Single-Chartverfolgung. Retrieved May 18, 2011.
8. The Irish Charts. Retrieved May 18, 2011.
9. Top 75 Releases. Retrieved May 18, 2011.
10. Kissing a Fool - George Michael. Retrieved May 18, 2011.

External links

• Lyrics of this song at MetroLyrics