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{{short description|1996 single by George Michael}}
{{Short description|1996 single by George Michael}}
⚫
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2011}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2011}}
⚫
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox song
{{Infobox song
| name = Spinning the Wheel
| name = Spinning the Wheel
| cover = Spinning the Wheel (George Michael single - cover art).jpg
| cover = Spinning the Wheel (George Michael single - cover art).jpg
| alt =
| alt =
| type = single
| type = single
| artist = [[George Michael]]
| artist = [[George Michael]]
| album = [[Older (album)|Older]]
| album = [[Older (George Michael album)|Older]]
| B-side = {{hlist|"You Know That I Want To"|"Safe"}}
| B-side =
* "You Know That I Want To"
* "Safe"
⚫
| released = {{start date|1996|8|19|df=y}}<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1996/Music-Week-1996-08-17.pdf|title=New Releases: Singles|magazine=[[Music Week]]|page=35|date=17 August 1996|access-date=2 July 2021}}</ref>
| released = 19 August 1996
| recorded = 1995
| recorded =
| studio =
| studio =
| venue =
| venue =
| genre = {{hlist|[[Pop music|Pop]]|[[smooth jazz|jazz pop]]|[[reggae]]}}
| genre =
* [[Pop music|Pop]]
* [[smooth jazz|jazz pop]]
* [[reggae]]
* [[soul music|soul]]
| length = 6:22
| label = [[Virgin Records|Virgin]]
| length = 6:22
| label = [[Virgin Records|Virgin]]
| writer = {{hlist|George Michael|Jon Douglas}}
| writer =
* George Michael
* Jon Douglas
| producer =
| producer =
* George Michael
⚫
| prev_title = [[Fastlove]]
* Jon Douglas
| prev_year = 1996
⚫
| prev_title = [[Fastlove]]
⚫
| next_title = [[Older (George Michael song)|Older]]
| next_year = 1997
| prev_year = 1996
⚫
| next_title = [[Older (George Michael song)|Older]]
⚫
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|qSoMTkn_Qfg|"Spinning the Wheel"}}}}
| next_title2 = [[I Can't Make You Love Me#George Michael version|I Can't Make You Love Me]]
| next_year = 1997
⚫
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|qSoMTkn_Qfg|"Spinning the Wheel"}}}}
}}
}}


"'''Spinning the Wheel'''" is a song by [[George Michael]]. The song was co-written by Michael and Jon Douglas. It was performed by [[George Michael]] and released on [[Virgin Records]] in 1996. The song was the third single taken from ''[[Older (album)|Older]]'' and depicts the worry of a lover whose partner is sexually promiscuous during the period when AIDS was newly discovered and rampant in the West. It peaked at number 2 in the UK, kept off the top by the [[Spice Girls]]' "[[Wannabe (song)|Wannabe]]". The single also peaked within the Top 10 in Denmark, Hungary, Italy, Scotland and Spain.
"'''Spinning the Wheel'''" is a song by English singer-songwriter [[George Michael]]. The song was co-written and co-produced by Michael and Jon Douglas. It was released on [[Virgin Records]] as the third single from Michael's third studio album, ''[[Older (George Michael album)|Older]]'' (1996), and depicts the worry of a lover whose partner is sexually promiscuous during the period when AIDS was newly discovered and rampant in the West.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://attitude.co.uk/article/george-michael-discusses-open-relationships-in-frank-2004-attitude-interview-part-3-1/13320/|title=George Michael on open relationships|access-date=10 July 2022 |magazine=[[Attitude_(magazine)|Attitude]]}}</ref> The song peaked at number two in the United Kingdom, kept off the top by the [[Spice Girls]]' "[[Wannabe (song)|Wannabe]]". The single also peaked within the top 10 in Denmark, Hungary, Italy, and Spain where it spent 3 consecutive weeks at #1. The accompanying music video was directed by [[Vaughan Arnell]] and Anthea Benton.


"Spinning the Wheel" subsequently appeared on both of George Michael's compilations ''[[Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael]]'' and ''[[Twenty Five (album)|Twenty Five]]''.
"Spinning the Wheel" subsequently appeared on both of George Michael's compilations ''[[Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael]]'' and ''[[Twenty Five (album)|Twenty Five]]''.


==Critical reception==
==Critical reception==
[[Larry Flick]] from ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' complimented the Forthright-remix of "Spinning the Wheel" as a "hard-driving dance record". He said that the "sleek and jazzy interlude" from the ''[[Older (album)|Older]]'' album had been reconstructed "with a textured house music sound." He also complimented that Michael "breaks interesting new ground" and that the "sophistication of the original recording remains fully intact, though Forthright darkens the groove to complimentary effect".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1996/BB-1996-09-21.pdf|title=Single Reviews|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=21 September 1996|accessdate=5 February 2020|page=64}}</ref> Sarah Davis from ''[[Dotmusic]]'' picked the song as the album's "upbeat highlight", adding that it finds Michael "sending out warning signs to an errant partner: "Five o'clock in the morning, you ain't home ... I will not accept this as part of my life... I would rather be alone than watch you spinning the wheel for me"."<ref>{{cite web|author=Davis, Sarah|title=GEORGE MICHAEL - OLDER|work=[[Dotmusic]]|date=15 April 1996|accessdate=8 April 2020|url=http://www.dotmusic.com/artists/GeorgeMichael/reviews/April1996/reviews11083.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000901223227/http://www.dotmusic.com/artists/GeorgeMichael/reviews/April1996/reviews11083.asp|archive-date=1 September 2000}}</ref> Swedish newspaper ''[[Expressen|Göteborgs-Tidningen]]'' stated that it is "at least as good" as "[[Jesus to a Child]]" and "[[Fastlove]]".<ref>''[[Expressen|Göteborgs-Tidningen]]''. 19 August 1996.''</ref> Elysa Gardner from ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' said that Michael "achieves a light jazz feel [on the song] that also makes for good background music".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oMJOAAAAIBAJ|title=MUSIC REVIEWS: "Older"|magazine=[[Lakeland Ledger]]|date=25 May 1996|accessdate=14 March 2020}}</ref> Victoria Segal from ''[[NME]]'' noted its "brassy bleakness".<ref>{{cite web|first= Victoria |last= Segal |title= GEORGE MICHAEL – Ladies And Gentlemen - The Best of George Michael |url= https://web.archive.org/web/20000817211528/http://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews/19981006103726reviews.html |work= [[NME]]|accessdate= 24 November 2020}}</ref> Bob Waliszewski of ''[[Focus on the Family|Plugged In]]'' said that the singer "demonstrates 'tough love' on 'Spinning the Wheel' as he walks out on an adulterous woman."<ref>{{cite web|first= Bob |last= Waliszewski |title= Older |work= Plugged In |publisher= [[Focus on the Family]] |accessdate= 27 March 2020 |url= https://www.pluggedin.com/album-reviews/georgemichael-older/}}</ref> Ed Morales for ''[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]'' wrote that "the singular swing of the trip-hoppy" song "is compelling".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dS4EAAAAMBAJ|title=George Michael - Older|magazine=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]|date=1 August 1996|accessdate=2 March 2020}}</ref>
[[Larry Flick]] from ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' praised the Forthright remix of "Spinning the Wheel" as a "hard-driving dance record", noting that the "sleek and [[jazz]]y interlude" from the ''[[Older (George Michael album)|Older]]'' album had been reconstructed "with a textured [[house music]] sound." He also complimented Michael for breaking "interesting new ground", and that the sophistication of the original recording "remains fully intact, though Forthright darkens the groove to complimentary effect".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1996/BB-1996-09-21.pdf|first=Larry|last=Flick|title=Single Reviews|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date=21 September 1996|access-date=5 February 2020|page=64|author-link=Larry Flick}}</ref> Sarah Davis from ''[[Dotmusic]]'' named it the album's "upbeat highlight", adding that it finds Michael "sending out warning signs to an errant partner": ''Five o'clock in the morning, you ain't home ... I will not accept this as part of my life... I would rather be alone than watch you spinning the wheel for me''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Davis, Sarah|title=GEORGE MICHAEL - OLDER|work=[[Dotmusic]]|date=15 April 1996|access-date=8 April 2020|url=http://www.dotmusic.com/artists/GeorgeMichael/reviews/April1996/reviews11083.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000901223227/http://www.dotmusic.com/artists/GeorgeMichael/reviews/April1996/reviews11083.asp|archive-date=1 September 2000}}</ref>


Swedish ''[[Expressen|Göteborgs-Tidningen]]'' stated that it is "at least as good" as "[[Jesus to a Child]]" and "[[Fastlove]]".<ref>''[[Expressen|Göteborgs-Tidningen]]''. 19 August 1996.''</ref> Elysa Gardner from ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' said that Michael "achieves a light jazz feel [on the song] that also makes for good background music".<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Elysa|last=Gardner|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oMJOAAAAIBAJ|title=Music Reviews: "Older"|magazine=[[Lakeland Ledger]]|date=25 May 1996|access-date=14 March 2020}}</ref> [[Paul Lester]] from ''[[Melody Maker]]'' said songs like "Spinning the Wheel" "are snazzily produced late-night smoochathons that'll provide horny shop assistants and bank clerks with shag material for months."<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Paul|last=Lester|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/nothingelseon/53674491624/|title=Albums|magazine=[[Melody Maker]]|date=25 May 1996|page=50|access-date=14 May 2024|author-link=Paul Lester}}</ref> A reviewer from ''[[Music Week]]'' gave it four out of five, adding that this "balladic" follow-up to two number ones, "could just hit the spot again."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1996/Music-Week-1996-07-27.pdf|first=|last=|title=Reviews: Singles|magazine=[[Music Week]]|date=27 July 1996|page=10|accessdate=1 September 2021}}</ref> Victoria Segal from ''[[NME]]'' noted its "brassy bleakness".<ref>{{cite web|first= Victoria |last= Segal |title= George Michael – Ladies And Gentlemen - The Best of George Michael |url= http://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews/19981006103726reviews.html |work= [[NME]]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20000817211528/http://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews/19981006103726reviews.html |access-date= 24 November 2020|archive-date= 17 August 2000 }}</ref> Bob Waliszewski of ''[[Focus on the Family|Plugged In]]'' said that the singer "demonstrates 'tough love' on 'Spinning the Wheel' as he walks out on an adulterous woman."<ref>{{cite web|first= Bob |last= Waliszewski |title= Older |work= Plugged In |publisher= [[Focus on the Family]] |access-date= 27 March 2020 |url= https://www.pluggedin.com/album-reviews/georgemichael-older/}}</ref> Ed Morales for ''[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]'' wrote that "the singular swing of the trip-hoppy" song "is compelling".<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Ed|last=Morales|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dS4EAAAAMBAJ|title=George Michael - Older|magazine=[[Vibe (magazine)|Vibe]]|date=1 August 1996|access-date=2 March 2020}}</ref>
⚫
==Track listing==
⚫
*'''Asian/Australian/European/UK CD EP'''
⚫
#"Spinning the Wheel" (Radio Edit) – 4:57
⚫
#"You Know That I Want To" – 4:35
⚫
#"Safe" – 4:25
⚫
#"Spinning the Wheel" (Forthright Edit) – 4:41


==Music video==
⚫
*'''Asian/Australian/European/UK CD "The Dance Mixes"'''
A black-and-white music video was produced to promote the single, directed by [[Vaughan Arnell]] and Anthea Benton.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6695576/ |title= George Michael: Spinning The Wheel |publisher= [[IMDb]] |date= |access-date= 3 October 2021}}</ref> It features Michael performing with a band in a club and was later made available on Michael's official [[YouTube]] channel in 2010. The video has amassed more than 7,8 million views as of August 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSoMTkn_Qfg |title= George Michael - Spinning The Wheel (Official Video) |publisher= [[YouTube]] |date= 28 September 2010 |access-date= 3 October 2021}}</ref>
⚫
#"Spinning the Wheel" (Forthright Club Mix) – 8:11
⚫
#"Fastlove" (Forthright Edit) – 4:23
⚫
#"Spinning the Wheel" (Jon Douglas Remix) – 6:40


⚫
==Track listings==
==Charts and certifications==
⚫
* '''Asian, Australian, European, and UK CD EP'''
⚫
# "Spinning the Wheel" (radio edit) – 4:57
⚫
# "You Know That I Want To" – 4:35
⚫
# "Safe" – 4:25
⚫
# "Spinning the Wheel" (Forthright edit) – 4:41

⚫
* '''Asian, Australian, European, and UK CD "The Dance Mixes"'''
⚫
# "Spinning the Wheel" (Forthright club mix) – 8:11
⚫
# "[[Fastlove]]" (Forthright edit) – 4:23
⚫
# "Spinning the Wheel" (Jon Douglas remix) – 6:40

==Charts==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}


===Weekly charts===
===Weekly charts===
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
⚫
!Chart (1996)
⚫
!Peak<br/>position
|-
|-
⚫
! scope="col"| Chart (1996)
⚫
{{singlechart|Australia|14|artist=George Michael|song=The Spinning the Wheel E.P.|rowheader=true|accessdate=25 October 2016}}
⚫
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Austria|29|artist=George Michael|song=The Spinning the Wheel E.P.|rowheader=true|accessdate=25 October 2016}}
{{single chart|Australia|14|artist=George Michael|song=The Spinning the Wheel E.P.|rowheader=true|access-date=25 October 2016}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Flanders|36|artist=George Michael|song=The Spinning the Wheel E.P.|rowheader=true|accessdate=25 October 2016}}
{{single chart|Austria|29|artist=George Michael|song=The Spinning the Wheel E.P.|rowheader=true|access-date=25 October 2016}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Wallonia|27|artist=George Michael|song=Spinning the Wheel|rowheader=true|accessdate=25 October 2016}}
{{single chart|Flanders|36|artist=George Michael|song=The Spinning the Wheel E.P.|rowheader=true|access-date=25 October 2016}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Canadaadultcontemporary|41|chartid=9819|rowheader=true|accessdate=28 July 2013}}
{{single chart|Wallonia|27|artist=George Michael|song=Spinning the Wheel|rowheader=true|access-date=25 October 2016}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|Canadaadultcontemporary|41|chartid=9819|rowheader=true|access-date=28 July 2013}}
⚫
!scope="row"|Denmark ([[IFPI Danmark|IFPI]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-09-21.pdf|title=Top 10 Denmark|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|accessdate=25 June 2018}}</ref>
⚫
|7
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Europe ([[European Hot 100 Singles|Eurochart Hot 100]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-09-14.pdf|title=Eurochart Hot 100 Singles|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|accessdate=26 June 2018}}</ref>
! scope="row"| Denmark ([[IFPI Danmark|IFPI]])<ref name="m&m">{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-09-21.pdf|title=Top National Sellers|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=13|issue=38|date=21 September 1996|page=19|access-date=25 June 2018}}</ref>
⚫
| 7
⚫
|5
|-
|-
! scope="row"| Europe ([[European Hot 100 Singles|Eurochart Hot 100]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-09-14.pdf|title=Eurochart Hot 100 Singles|magazine=Music & Media|volume=13|issue=37|date=14 September 1996|page=16|access-date=26 June 2018}}</ref>
⚫
{{singlechart|Finland|13|artist=George Michael|song=Spinning the Wheel|rowheader=true|accessdate=25 October 2016}}
⚫
| 5
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Germany2|67|artist=George Michael|song=The Spinning the Wheel E.P.|songid=3283|rowheader=true|accessdate=25 October 2016}}
{{single chart|Finland|13|artist=George Michael|song=Spinning the Wheel|rowheader=true|access-date=25 October 2016}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|Germany|67|artist=George Michael|song=The Spinning the Wheel E.P.|songid=3283|rowheader=true|access-date=25 October 2016}}
⚫
!scope="row"|Hungary ([[Mahasz]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-09-21.pdf|title=Top 10 Hungary|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|accessdate=25 June 2018}}</ref>
|6
|-
|-
! scope="row"| Hungary ([[Mahasz]])<ref name="m&m"/>
⚫
!scope="row"|Iceland ([[Íslenski listinn|Íslenski Listinn Topp 40]])<ref>{{cite newspaper|url=https://timarit.is/page/2945627#page/n1/mode/2up|title=Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (NR. 189 Vikuna 26.9. – 2.10. '96)|newspaper=Dagblaðið Vísir|language=is|page=16|date=27 September 1996|accessdate=21 July 2018}}</ref>
|16
| 6
|-
|-
⚫
! scope="row"| Iceland ([[Íslenski listinn|Íslenski Listinn Topp 40]])<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timarit.is/page/2945627#page/n1/mode/2up|title=Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (NR. 189 Vikuna 26.9. – 2.10. '96)|newspaper=Dagblaðið Vísir|language=is|page=16|date=27 September 1996|access-date=21 July 2018}}</ref>
⚫
{{singlechart|Ireland2|14|artist=George Michael|song=The Spinning the Wheel EP|rowheader=true|accessdate=25 October 2016}}
| 16
|-
|-
⚫
{{single chart|Ireland2|14|artist=George Michael|song=The Spinning the Wheel EP|rowheader=true|access-date=25 October 2016}}
⚫
!scope="row"|Italy (''[[Musica e dischi]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-10-19.pdf|title=Top National Sellers|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=13|issue=42|page=18|date=19 October 1996|access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref>
⚫
|10
|-
|-
⚫
! scope="row"| Italy (''[[Musica e dischi]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-10-19.pdf|title=Top National Sellers|magazine=Music & Media|volume=13|issue=42|date=19 October 1996|page=18|access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref>
{{singlechart|Dutch40|31|artist=George Michael|song=Spinning The Wheel|rowheader=true|accessdate=27 June 2018}}
⚫
| 10
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Dutch100|24|artist=George Michael|song=The Spinning the Wheel E.P.|rowheader=true|accessdate=25 October 2016}}
{{single chart|Dutch40|31|artist=George Michael|song=Spinning The Wheel|rowheader=true|access-date=27 June 2018}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|New Zealand|17|artist=George Michael|song=The Spinning the Wheel E.P.|rowheader=true|accessdate=25 October 2016}}
{{single chart|Dutch100|24|artist=George Michael|song=The Spinning the Wheel E.P.|rowheader=true|access-date=25 October 2016}}
|-
|-
⚫
{{single chart|New Zealand|17|artist=George Michael|song=The Spinning the Wheel E.P.|rowheader=true|access-date=25 October 2016}}
!scope="row"|Poland ([[Lista Przebojów Programu Trzeciego|LP3]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lp3.polskieradio.pl/notowania/?numer=770|title=Notowanie nr770|publisher=[[Lista Przebojów Programu Trzeciego|LP3]]|language=pl|date=1 November 1996|accessdate=27 November 2019}}</ref>
|18
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Scotland|3|date=19960831|rowheader=true|accessdate=25 May 2020}}
{{single chart|Scotland|3|date=19960831|rowheader=true|access-date=25 May 2020}}
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Spain ([[Productores de Música de España|AFYVE]])<ref>{{cite book|last=Salaverri|first=Fernando|title=Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002|edition=1st|date=September 2005|publisher=Fundación Autor-SGAE|location=Spain|isbn=84-8048-639-2}}</ref>
! scope="row"| Spain ([[Productores de Música de España|AFYVE]])<ref>{{cite book|last=Salaverri|first=Fernando|title=Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002|edition=1st|date=September 2005|publisher=Fundación Autor-SGAE|location=Spain|isbn=84-8048-639-2}}</ref>
|1
| 1
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Sweden|18|artist=George Michael|song=The Spinning the Wheel E.P.|rowheader=true|accessdate=25 October 2016}}
{{single chart|Sweden|18|artist=George Michael|song=The Spinning the Wheel E.P.|rowheader=true|access-date=25 October 2016}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Switzerland|24|artist=George Michael|song=The Spinning the Wheel E.P.|rowheader=true|accessdate=25 October 2016}}
{{single chart|Switzerland|24|artist=George Michael|song=The Spinning the Wheel E.P.|rowheader=true|access-date=25 October 2016}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|UKsinglesbyname|2|artist=George Michael|rowheader=true|accessdate=6 March 2016}}
{{single chart|UKsinglesbyname|2|artist=George Michael|artistid=3|rowheader=true|access-date=6 March 2016}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Billboarddanceclubplay|44|artist=George Michael|rowheader=true|accessdate=6 March 2016}}
{{single chart|Billboarddanceclubplay|44|artist=George Michael|rowheader=true|access-date=6 March 2016}}
|}
|}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}


===Year-end charts===
===Year-end charts===
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
⚫
!Chart (1996)
!Position
|-
|-
⚫
! scope="col"| Chart (1996)
!scope="row"|Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40)<ref>{{cite newspaper|url=https://timarit.is/page/2949469#page/n15/mode/2up|title=Árslistinn 1996|newspaper=[[DV (newspaper)|Dagblaðið Vísir]]|language=is|page=16|date=2 January 1997|access-date=30 May 2020}}</ref>
! scope="col"| Position
|59
|-
|-
!scope="row"|UK Singles (Official Charts Company)<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Top 100 Singles 1996|magazine=[[Music Week]]|page=25|date=18 January 1997}}</ref>
! scope="row"| Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timarit.is/page/2949469#page/n15/mode/2up|title=Árslistinn 1996|newspaper=Dagblaðið Vísir|language=is|page=16|date=2 January 1997|access-date=30 May 2020}}</ref>
|49
| 59
|-
! scope="row"| UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Top 100 Singles 1996|magazine=Music Week|page=25|date=18 January 1997}}</ref>
| 49
|}
|}
⚫
{{col-end}}


===Certifications===
==Certifications==
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=George Michael|title=Spinning the Wheel|award=Silver|relyear=1996|certyear=1996|id=6203-3520-1|access-date=25 May 2020}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=George Michael|title=Spinning the Wheel|award=Silver|relyear=1996|certyear=1996|id=6203-3520-1|access-date=25 May 2020}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true}}
⚫
{{col-end}}


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{MetroLyrics song|george-michael|spinning-the-wheel}}<!-- Licensed lyrics provider -->


{{George Michael singles}}
{{George Michael singles}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Spinning The Wheel}}
[[Category:1996 singles]]
[[Category:1996 singles]]
⚫
[[Category:1996 songs]]
⚫
[[Category:Black-and-white music videos]]
[[Category:George Michael songs]]
[[Category:George Michael songs]]
[[Category:Songs written by George Michael]]
[[Category:LGBT-related songs]]
⚫
[[Category:Music videos directed by Vaughan Arnell]]
[[Category:Number-one singles in Spain]]
[[Category:Number-one singles in Spain]]
[[Category:Songs written by George Michael]]
[[Category:Song recordings produced by George Michael]]
[[Category:Virgin Records singles]]
[[Category:Virgin Records singles]]
⚫
[[Category:Music videos directed by Vaughan Arnell]]
⚫
[[Category:Black-and-white music videos]]
⚫
[[Category:1996 songs]]
[[Category:LGBT-related songs]]

Latest revision as of 12:35, 16 May 2024

"Spinning the Wheel"
Single by George Michael
from the album Older
B-side
  • "You Know That I Want To"
  • "Safe"
Released19 August 1996 (1996-08-19)[1]
Genre
Length6:22
LabelVirgin
Songwriter(s)
  • George Michael
  • Jon Douglas
Producer(s)
  • George Michael
  • Jon Douglas
George Michael singles chronology
"Fastlove"
(1996) 		"Spinning the Wheel"
(1996) 		"Older" / "I Can't Make You Love Me"
(1997)
Music video
"Spinning the Wheel" on YouTube

"Spinning the Wheel" is a song by English singer-songwriter George Michael. The song was co-written and co-produced by Michael and Jon Douglas. It was released on Virgin Records as the third single from Michael's third studio album, Older (1996), and depicts the worry of a lover whose partner is sexually promiscuous during the period when AIDS was newly discovered and rampant in the West.[2] The song peaked at number two in the United Kingdom, kept off the top by the Spice Girls' "Wannabe". The single also peaked within the top 10 in Denmark, Hungary, Italy, and Spain where it spent 3 consecutive weeks at #1. The accompanying music video was directed by Vaughan Arnell and Anthea Benton.

"Spinning the Wheel" subsequently appeared on both of George Michael's compilations Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael and Twenty Five.

Critical reception

[edit]

Larry Flick from Billboard praised the Forthright remix of "Spinning the Wheel" as a "hard-driving dance record", noting that the "sleek and jazzy interlude" from the Older album had been reconstructed "with a textured house music sound." He also complimented Michael for breaking "interesting new ground", and that the sophistication of the original recording "remains fully intact, though Forthright darkens the groove to complimentary effect".[3] Sarah Davis from Dotmusic named it the album's "upbeat highlight", adding that it finds Michael "sending out warning signs to an errant partner": Five o'clock in the morning, you ain't home ... I will not accept this as part of my life... I would rather be alone than watch you spinning the wheel for me.[4]

Swedish Göteborgs-Tidningen stated that it is "at least as good" as "Jesus to a Child" and "Fastlove".[5] Elysa Gardner from Los Angeles Times said that Michael "achieves a light jazz feel [on the song] that also makes for good background music".[6] Paul Lester from Melody Maker said songs like "Spinning the Wheel" "are snazzily produced late-night smoochathons that'll provide horny shop assistants and bank clerks with shag material for months."[7] A reviewer from Music Week gave it four out of five, adding that this "balladic" follow-up to two number ones, "could just hit the spot again."[8] Victoria Segal from NME noted its "brassy bleakness".[9] Bob Waliszewski of Plugged In said that the singer "demonstrates 'tough love' on 'Spinning the Wheel' as he walks out on an adulterous woman."[10] Ed Morales for Vibe wrote that "the singular swing of the trip-hoppy" song "is compelling".[11]

Music video

[edit]

A black-and-white music video was produced to promote the single, directed by Vaughan Arnell and Anthea Benton.[12] It features Michael performing with a band in a club and was later made available on Michael's official YouTube channel in 2010. The video has amassed more than 7,8 million views as of August 2023.[13]

Track listings

[edit]
  • Asian, Australian, European, and UK CD EP
  1. "Spinning the Wheel" (radio edit) – 4:57
  2. "You Know That I Want To" – 4:35
  3. "Safe" – 4:25
  4. "Spinning the Wheel" (Forthright edit) – 4:41
  • Asian, Australian, European, and UK CD "The Dance Mixes"
  1. "Spinning the Wheel" (Forthright club mix) – 8:11
  2. "Fastlove" (Forthright edit) – 4:23
  3. "Spinning the Wheel" (Jon Douglas remix) – 6:40

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI)[37] Silver 200,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "New Releases: Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 17 August 1996. p. 35. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  2. ^ "George Michael on open relationships". Attitude. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  3. ^ Flick, Larry (21 September 1996). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. p. 64. Retrieved 5 February 2020.
  4. ^ Davis, Sarah (15 April 1996). "GEORGE MICHAEL - OLDER". Dotmusic. Archived from the original on 1 September 2000. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
  5. ^ Göteborgs-Tidningen. 19 August 1996.
  6. ^ Gardner, Elysa (25 May 1996). "Music Reviews: "Older"". Lakeland Ledger. Retrieved 14 March 2020.
  7. ^ Lester, Paul (25 May 1996). "Albums". Melody Maker. p. 50. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  8. ^ "Reviews: Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 27 July 1996. p. 10. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  9. ^ Segal, Victoria. "George Michael – Ladies And Gentlemen - The Best of George Michael". NME. Archived from the original on 17 August 2000. Retrieved 24 November 2020.
  10. ^ Waliszewski, Bob. "Older". Plugged In. Focus on the Family. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
  11. ^ Morales, Ed (1 August 1996). "George Michael - Older". Vibe. Retrieved 2 March 2020.
  12. ^ "George Michael: Spinning The Wheel". IMDb. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  13. ^ "George Michael - Spinning The Wheel (Official Video)". YouTube. 28 September 2010. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  14. ^ "George Michael – The Spinning the Wheel E.P.". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  15. ^ "George Michael – The Spinning the Wheel E.P." (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  16. ^ "George Michael – The Spinning the Wheel E.P." (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  17. ^ "George Michael – Spinning the Wheel" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  18. ^ "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 9819." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  19. ^ a b "Top National Sellers" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 13, no. 38. 21 September 1996. p. 19. Retrieved 25 June 2018.
  20. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 13, no. 37. 14 September 1996. p. 16. Retrieved 26 June 2018.
  21. ^ "George Michael: Spinning the Wheel" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  22. ^ "George Michael – The Spinning the Wheel E.P." (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  23. ^ "Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (NR. 189 Vikuna 26.9. – 2.10. '96)". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). 27 September 1996. p. 16. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  24. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – The Spinning the Wheel EP". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  25. ^ "Top National Sellers" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 13, no. 42. 19 October 1996. p. 18. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
  26. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – George Michael" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 27 June 2018.
  27. ^ "George Michael – The Spinning the Wheel E.P." (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  28. ^ "George Michael – The Spinning the Wheel E.P.". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  29. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  30. ^ Salaverri, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN 84-8048-639-2.
  31. ^ "George Michael – The Spinning the Wheel E.P.". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  32. ^ "George Michael – The Spinning the Wheel E.P.". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 25 October 2016.
  33. ^ "George Michael: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 6 March 2016.
  34. ^ "George Michael Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 6 March 2016.
  35. ^ "Árslistinn 1996". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). 2 January 1997. p. 16. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
  36. ^ "Top 100 Singles 1996". Music Week. 18 January 1997. p. 25.
  37. ^ "British single certifications – George Michael – Spinning the Wheel". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
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