Today's pop stars should be glad Wham! aren't reforming

Author: Laura Hills

When the pop juggernaut that was Wham! first entered public consciousness back in the 1980s, their unique brand of colourful, uber-camp pop surprised as much as it delighted. Selling 25 million records in just four short years, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley cemented themselves a place in music history.

So naturally yesterday when The Daily Mirror 'revealed' the duo were to don their fake tan, cycling shorts and Hawaiian shirts once more for a one-off 30th anniversary show, middle-aged women and fans of quality pop music went weak at the knees.

However, as with all things in life, the story was to be taken with a pinch of salt with George Michael's 'people' today branding the story as nothing more than unfounded wishful thinking.

"I can't help but think it's a good thing that Wham! aren't having a second stab at chart success"

Yet in a market saturated by pretty young boy bands plucked from manufactured obscurity, I can't help but think it's a good thing, if only for them, that Wham! aren't having a second stab at chart success.

Carving out a name for themselves as the chameleons of pop, Wham! traded on an image of hedonistic youth, constantly shifting their sound to keep their fans and critics entertained.

It was this attitude that gained them an unfaltering following and a very healthy income until their split, something pop stars of today can only dream about.

"The duo built themselves a back catalogue which is about as eclectic and intriguing as George's private life"

And they were talented with it. Writing, composing and producing nearly all the tracks they released, the duo managed to build themselves a back catalogue which is about as eclectic and intriguing as George's private life.

It's that kind of ability to adapt and an innate knowledge of how to write a best-selling pop track that would have had Harry Styles and his merry band of chart peers quaking in their size 11 boots when they heard the news that Wham! might be set for a comeback.

"When compared to such pop greats, the likes of One Direction end up appearing rather fraudulent"

If the rumours had been true, Wham! could easily have ended up heading out on tour or putting together a new album and this would have been the worst thing that could possibly happen to 2012's boyband chart toppers. Why? Because it would expose their lack of originality or talent.

When compared to such pop greats, the likes of One Direction, The Wanted and even JLS end up appearing rather fraudulent. Sure they might know how to dance in unison, and they certainly know how to hold a note when singing a chart-perfect track written to order by someone else, but they just don't have the raw talent or unique edge that pop artists of yesteryear like Wham! so effortlessly displayed.

Their distinct lack of any real talent is easy to forget in a world saturated with similar acts but the minute one of the legends rears their freshly reunited heads, today's young scamps would be well advised to run scared.

What do you think? Are today's pop stars inferior talents to the legends of yesteryear? Let us know in the comments section below or join in the debate on Twitter with the #socialvoices hashtag.

Laura Hills is a pop culture junkie, gin enthusiast, and Deputy Editor of Who's Jack magazine. 

Follow Laura on Twitter @laurawhosjack