Wham!'s iconic holiday song "Last Christmas" has once again topped the UK singles chart, marking its place as the Christmas number one for the second consecutive year. This continuing success has made the song, written by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, not just a seasonal favorite but also firmly embedded it within the cultural fabric of the festive season.
Andrew Ridgeley, who formed Wham! with the late George Michael, expressed joy over the enduring legacy of their classic Christmas hit. Ridgeley noted how Michael would have been "utterly delighted" with this achievement, celebrating the song's status as one of the quintessential holiday tracks. Reflecting on its significance, Ridgeley likened the song's nostalgic essence to cherished Christmas traditions, such as enjoying turkey and mince pies during festive celebrations.
The resurgence of "Last Christmas" has been nothing short of remarkable. Released initially back in December 1984, the song climbed to cover the gap left by its past chart performances. For years, it battled for supremacy but never reached number one during Michael's lifetime. After the song finally topped the charts for the first time during Christmas 2020, its charm has continued to resonate, culminating in another victory this year - the first song to be Christmas number one two years running.
According to The Official Charts Company, "Last Christmas" was streamed approximately 12.6 million times leading up to this Christmas. This staggering figure is indicative of how traditional favorites remain relevant amid new contemporary releases. While other holiday songs, like Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You," continue to shine, "Last Christmas" manages to tap deep emotional chords during the holiday season, cementing its role as a timeless staple.
This year, "Last Christmas" outperformed several notable competitors, including new entries from artists like Tom Grennan and Ariana Grande. Meanwhile, Band Aid’s remixed attempt at reviving "Do They Know It's Christmas" faced critiques and could only reach number 12, illustrating the fierce competition on the charts and the stronghold of classics.
The music video for "Last Christmas" has also retained its charm, with its picturesque setting filmed at the Swiss resort of Saas-Fee. The setting was as much a part of the song's legacy as the music itself, with the snowy Alps providing the perfect backdrop for the nostalgic visuals. Recently, members from the original music video gathered back at Saas-Fee, partaking in festivities reminiscent of those wintery days captured on film.
The enduring love for "Last Christmas" also helps cultivate its devoted fanbase, who've actively promoted the song through various social media channels each holiday season. It's not just about the music now but the shared experience it brings—connecting families and friends through laughter and reminiscing about the past.
Ridgeley's comments about his late friend highlight George Michael's gift for songwriting and the emotional depth he infused even the cheeriest of tunes. The melancholy story within "Last Christmas" portrays themes of love and heartache—a bittersweet depiction of longing mixed with traditional festive joy.
Despite the song’s heavy themes, its festive association has kept it alive and thriving on playlists universally each year. The incredible success of "Last Christmas" reaches beyond mere numbers; it is about the connections it fosters and the emotions it evokes across generations.
Looking forward, the trends suggest holiday music will continue to evolve, integrating more diverse genres and themes. Yet, it is clear classics like "Last Christmas" will always hold nostalgic power—comforting and familiar during the frigid winters, possibly illuminating the path for future holiday hits.
Overall, the story of "Last Christmas" isn't just rooted in sales records and streaming figures; it embodies the spirit of connection, friendships remade, and cherished memories, particularly as the holidays fade and new years commence. The song lives on, undeniably, reminding audiences worldwide of why they will never stop playing it—because every once in a blue moon, especially when Christmas rolls around, we all need something to pull at the heartstrings.
