The Portland-raised New York-based singer, songwriter, performer, and producer Michael O. lovingly reimagines George Michael’s legendary hit, “Careless Whispers,” wrapping it in an Afro-inspired rhythm that bends the track while extracting and preserving the song’s ageless soul.
Released on ESM Entertainment, this new version of “Careless Whispers” retains the original’s emotional heft but adds a contagious feel that it is impossible to sit still. Michael O. expertly mixes classic pop with modern, rhythmic beats, giving listeners a sense of nostalgia while remaining fresh. His earnest singing spills out over the voice, beckoning listeners to get lost in the music, gliding between sentimentality and having to move.
The signature saxophone melody is still there, but Michael O.’s version adds a bit of dynamic twist that makes the core essence of the song come alive in a new way. Afro-rooted instrumentation fits like a glove for their song, coupling this rendition into scar and flesh. Whether you’re a lifelong devotee of George Michael’s original or just discovering the track, Michael O.’s cover guarantees that “Careless Whispers” remains a song for the ages.
With this release, Michael O. shows that classics can change and adapt and still hold their emotional weight. This grounds his musical ingenuity while commanding respect for artistry, as this also honors yet gives a modern twist to the legacy of an iconic song.
