After retiring from the successful pop duo, Michael released his first solo album, "Faith," in 1987. The album was an enormous success, and the hits "Faith," "Father Figure" and the scandalous "I Want Your Sex" helped the album sell over seven million copies. Although his follow-up, "Listen Without Prejudice" ("Freedom"), sold only a million copies, it was a critical success. Unfortunately, the album also marked the beginning of Michael's much-publicized legal problems with his record label.

Michael was more or less out of the limelight for the next decade. His comeback didn't happen in the way he would have preferred -- the story of his arrest for lewd conduct in a public men's room made international news -- but it provided the occasion for him to come out publicly.

He released "Songs From the Last Century" in 1999, but reinterpretations of 20th-century standards weren't exactly what his public wanted to hear, and the album was largely overlooked. With news from the star himself about a possible early retirement, it looked like his fans were just going to have to cross their fingers and wait.

The wait is over! On May 18, the multitalented Michael will release his first full-length album in eight years -- the aptly titled "Patience."

Released in Europe last month, the 14-song album debuted in the number-one slot in the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain and Denmark, and it's currently in the top five in most other European countries. The album's instant success could be chalked up to the return of one of pop's biggest icons -- but the real buzz is how good Michael's new record really is.

The gay megastar has also been churning out international headlines these past few weeks. First, the star's choice to include the song "Flawless" on the album specifically for his gay male fans got lots of attention. Then, Michael was named the most-played artist on U.K. radio over the last 20 years.

With his international headlines, glowing reviews and a chart-topping new record, it's like the '80s all over again for this gorgeous, talented gay star.