The anti-Keir Starmer Christmas track, "Freezing This Christmas," has failed to secure the UK's festive top spot, with Wham!'s classic, "Last Christmas," again reigning supreme. This marks the second consecutive year the 1984 hit has clinched the number one position, continuing its legacy as one of Christmas's most iconic songs.
George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley’s beloved melody has once again eclipsed other prominent contenders, beating out seasonal favorites from Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, and more to top the Christmas chart. Ridgeley, 61, expressed his delight over the achievement, particularly for the late Michael, who passed away in 2016 at age 53. "He would have been utterly delighted [that] his fabulous Christmas composition has become such a classic, almost as much a part of Christmas as mince pies, turkey, and pigs in blankets," Ridgeley stated.
According to the Official Charts Company, "Last Christmas" has amassed 12.6 million streams leading up to Christmas this year, solidifying its place as the first song ever to reach two consecutive Christmas Number one victories. It also marks 40 years since its debut, making it the most-streamed song of the week.
On the other hand, the Christmas protest song by Sir Starmer and The Granny Harmers, which parodies Mud's "Lonely This Christmas," is currently languishing at 37 on the charts. The lyrics of this satirical piece portray frustrations over the current Labour government, with lines such as, "It'll be freezing this Christmas, without fuel at home, it'll be freezing this Christmas, while Keir Starmer is warm." These lyrics reflect deep concerns over winter fuel payment cuts, aimed directly at the Prime Minister.
Despite its spirited messaging and resonance with many listeners, the anti-Starmer track could not compete against the overwhelming streaming success of "Last Christmas." The parody song reached number one on the Official Download Chart and the Official Sales Chart, netting over 14,000 sales as listeners gravitated toward its tongue-in-cheek critique.
Martin Talbot, chief executive of the Official Charts, acknowledged the historic significance of Wham!’s victory, stating, "Many, many congratulations to Andrew Ridgeley and Team WHAM! on achieving an incredible piece of Official Chart history this week." He elaborated on the song's timeline, mentioning how it took years for "Last Christmas" to find its footing, first becoming the biggest-selling single never to hit Number 1 four years ago, before finally clinching the title earlier this decade.
The atmosphere surrounding this festive music showdown highlights the interplay between sentimentality and satire within the UK music scene. Talbot noted the remarkable achievement of Wham!, making this year's victory part of an astonishing narrative, calling the song undeniably established now as "the British Nation's all-time favorite Christmas song."
Meanwhile, Mariah Carey’s "All I Want for Christmas is You," celebrating its 30th anniversary, still managed to secure the number three position. While fans are likely to enjoy this catchy jingle, it’s clear the public's fascination with classic Christmas tunes remains strong.
With humor infused Protest songs like "Freezing This Christmas" making waves during the holiday season, they indicate growing public sentiment against the government, merging meaningful critique with classic holiday vibes. The performance of these songs within the festive charts not only showcases the competitive nature of the UK music scene but also reflects the current political climate. The song's fun and pointed lyrics resonate, albeit not enough to dethrone the beloved classics.
This year’s music charts reveal more than simple entertainment; they demonstrate how cultural phenomena can highlight public sentiment and galvanize discourse within society. The juxtaposition of heartfelt classics against pointed political parodies provides both nostalgia and commentary, ensuring the holiday season remains as vibrant as ever.
While "Freezing This Christmas" missed the top spot, it undeniably highlights the impact political humor can have during the festive season, even if it doesn’t capitalize on the top charts. The discourse surrounding such tracks can help amplify the voices of those feeling disheartened by current events, making music not just entertainment but also a form of protest. This festive season was marked not only by Wham!'s continued reign but also by the emergence of significant political commentary through song.
