"Freeek!" is a song written and performed by English singer George Michael. The song contains samples from "Try Again" by Aaliyah, "Breathe and Stop" by Q-Tip, and "N.T." by Kool & the Gang. A remastered version called "Freeek! '04" was later included on Michael's fifth and final studio album, Patience (2004).
The single was released on 18 March 2002; the first of six to come from Patience, although the album itself was not released until 2004. The song peaked at number seven on the UK Singles Chart and also charted within the top ten in many other European countries. It topped the charts of Denmark, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, and Spain and reached number five in Australia.
Music video The music video for "Freeek!", directed by Joseph Kahn, incorporates a futuristic theme, including cyborgs and sophisticated technology recalling the film Blade Runner, with a sexually aggressive tone. The directorial effects in the video were first used in Janet Jackson's "Doesn't Really Matter" video, also directed by Kahn.
With a production budget of $2 million (equivalent to $3,580,019 in 2025), the music video for "Freeek!" was among the most expensive music videos made.
Track listings
UK and Australian CD1 "Freeek!" "Freeek!" (The Scumfrogs mix) "Freeek!" (Moogymen mix)
UK and Australian CD2 "Freeek!" "Freeek!" (Max Reich mix) "The Long and Winding Road" (Beatles cover)
UK cassette single and European CD single "Freeek!" "The Long and Winding Road" (Beatles cover)
Japanese CD single "Freeek!" "Freeek!" (The Scumfrogs mix) "Freeek!" (Moogymen mix) "Freeek!" (Max Reich mix) "The Long and Winding Road" (Beatles cover)
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (2002)PeakpositionEurope (European Hot 100 Singles)1Greece (IFPI)4Hungary (Mahasz)1Japan (Oricon)93Portugal (AFP)1Romania (Romanian Top 100)9
Year-end charts Chart (2002)PositionEurope (European Hot 100 Singles)99Italy (FIMI)19Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)147Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)66UK Singles (OCC)117
Certifications and sales
Release history RegionVersionDateFormat(s)Label(s)United Kingdom"Freeek!"18 March 2002CDAustraliaJapan20 March 2002"Shoot the Dog" / "Freeek!"4 December 2002DVDPolydor
See also List of number-one hits of 2002 (Italy) List of number-one singles of 2002 (Spain) List of number-one songs of the 2000s (Denmark)
References