Wham!’s timeless holiday hit “Last Christmas” has officially become the UK’s Christmas number one for the second year in a row. Written by George Michael and released in 1984, the festive favorite triumphed over music heavyweights like Mariah Carey, Gracie Abrams, Tom Grennan, and Ariana Grande to secure the top spot yet again.
Andrew Ridgeley expressed his joy over the achievement, especially for his late bandmate George Michael, who passed away in 2016. “He would have been utterly delighted that his fabulous Christmas composition has become such a classic. It’s almost as much a part of Christmas as mince pies, turkey, and pigs in blankets,” Ridgeley said.
The song continues to resonate with listeners, capturing the magic of the holiday season. Ridgeley also praised the track as a symbol of what Christmas should feel like for all. Its enduring appeal was reflected in its impressive 12.6 million streams during the week leading to Christmas, according to the Official Charts Company.
A Historic Christmas Achievement
“Last Christmas” joins an exclusive league of songs that have topped the Christmas chart more than once. Among the few are Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and various versions of Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” However, Wham! achieved this back-to-back—a rare feat.
Interestingly, despite its massive popularity, “Last Christmas” didn’t claim the number one spot upon its release in 1984. The song was bested by Band Aid’s charity single supporting Ethiopian famine relief.
This year, Band Aid’s re-release of “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”—a special 40th-anniversary ultimate mix—entered the race but fell short, finishing at number 12. The re-release faced controversy, too, with some critics questioning its lyrics.
A Song Born to Be a Classic
“Last Christmas” was penned by George Michael on a whim while he visited his parents’ home in Hertfordshire. Ridgeley recounted how inspiration struck Michael during a football game, prompting him to retreat upstairs to his makeshift studio.
“An hour later, he came back excited. He was all fired up and said, ‘Andy, you’ve got to listen to this!’” Ridgeley reminisced. He immediately recognized the song’s potential to become a Christmas staple, calling it a jaw-dropping moment.
Since 2007, the song has been a reliable presence on the UK Top 40 chart, thanks to the rise of digital downloads and streaming services. Its nostalgic charm continues to capture the hearts of listeners, year after year.
The Challenge for New Christmas Songs
The UK Christmas charts have shifted as older hits dominate holiday playlists. Nostalgia now reigns supreme, with classics like “Fairytale of New York” and “Jingle Bell Rock” leading the charge. Radio 1 host Jack Saunders explained, “It takes time for songs to warm up and become classics. It’s tough for new songs to compete with the nostalgia of established hits.”
Still, newcomers like Tom Grennan’s “It Can’t Be Christmas” and Laufey’s “Christmas Magic” made waves this year, both backed by Amazon Music. Grennan’s track even secured the fourth spot, thanks to streaming boosts and a cheeky tattoo campaign promising to finish his “Christmas No. 1 is…” ink depending on the winner!
Music with a Voice
Adding to the mix, a protest anthem titled “Freezing This Christmas” grabbed attention by parodying Mud’s “Lonely This Christmas.” Critical of reduced winter fuel payments for pensioners, the track gained traction through downloads, ultimately landing at number 37.
Chart Highlights
Over on the album charts, Sabrina Carpenter claimed victory with Short ‘N’ Sweet, which delivered three number one singles throughout the year. Michael Bublé’s Christmas took second place, continuing its reign as a holiday staple, while Chappell Roan’s Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess rounded out the top three.
A Legacy That Endures
Wham!’s vindication at the top of the charts underscores the power of great songwriting and its ability to transport us into the festive spirit. “Last Christmas” continues to embody the essence of the season, a timeless classic that has firmly secured its spot in the hearts of fans worldwide.
Whether it’s sipping hot cocoa or decorating the tree, the sounds of “Last Christmas” will undoubtedly fill homes for many holidays to come.