Synopsis

George Michael turns a provocative plea into a stylized celebration of desire and commitment. In a dark, smoky setting, he performs among dancers, flashes of leather, suggestive poses, and intimate encounters with his girlfriend Kathy Jeung. The erotic imagery is balanced by a clear statement that the song is not promoting casual sex. Michael writes "explore" on Jeung's thigh and "monogamy" across her back, with the two words ultimately combined into the video's defining message: "Explore Monogamy."

Factoids & Trivia

• The video was created to counter the criticism that the song encouraged promiscuity during the AIDS crisis. It opens with Michael's spoken assurance that the song is not about casual sex.

• Kathy Jeung, Michael's girlfriend at the time, appears in the video. Her presence helped support the video's emphasis on a committed relationship rather than anonymous or casual encounters.

• The closing "Explore Monogamy" message became the video's most recognizable image. Michael writes the words on Jeung's body, after which the image is photographed and retouched to bring the phrase together.

• The song was released in 1987 as part of the *Beverly Hills Cop II* soundtrack before appearing on Michael's debut solo album, *Faith*.

• The title caused immediate controversy. The BBC restricted the song's exposure, while many US radio stations refused to play it or used the altered title "I Want Your Love."

• MTV initially objected to the clip's sexual imagery and required edits before airing it. The controversy nevertheless increased attention around the song and helped make the video one of Michael's most discussed early solo releases.

• Michael later expressed reservations about the song's first section, saying its production sounded too heavily influenced by Prince.