This song is part of our “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist. Check out the full list.
Masterful songwriters turn their experiences into relatable songs, and true superstars know how to turn scandal into success. When George Michael’s career was marred in controversy following his arrest for allegedly soliciting public sex, forcing him to publicly come out, he spat in the face of entrapment by relishing in sexual liberation. Released months after the 1998 incident, “Outside” celebrates public sex, calling it human nature; a return to form. This sexy disco number and its accompanying video made good trouble out of the bad. George Michael is a gay icon, and “Outside” was his first true anthem.
Watch the “Outside” video, stream it, or buy some George Michael vinyl.
In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.