Wham! fans and Christmas lovers have a reason to celebrate as the timeless melody “Last Christmas” once again claims the throne at Number 1 on the UK Official Singles Chart. The track, a festive classic from George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, surges back to the summit, leaping four spots to reaffirm its dominance, amassing over 53,000 chart units.
Debuting back in 1984, this reflective Christmas anthem swiftly carved its mark in musical history. Its remarkable journey to the top spot took an unprecedented turn in 2021, securing the Number 1 position after 36 years since its initial release, setting a brand new record. While Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” later took over this record in 2022, “Last Christmas” continued to top the charts, seizing the crown once again last year, in 2022, as well as in 2023 with a triumphant return to the chart’s top spot for the third time. Now it’s achieved its fourth time being at the top, could it secure a consecutive Number 1 by staying at the top next week?
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that it’s the first time “Last Christmas” has secured Number 1 status twice in the same calendar year. As the countdown to the Official Christmas Number 1 commences next Friday, December 15, Wham!’s iconic track stands as the one to beat for this year’s most important chart-topper.
In an exclusive statement to Official Charts, Andrew Ridgeley from Wham! expressed his elation at the song’s resurgence, saying, “Christmas has indeed come early in 2023. I’m delighted that Last Christmas has once again reached the zenith of the Official Singles Chart, continuing a bit of trend in the 2020s. Long may that continue! Merry Christmas, Happy New Year… and thank you!”
Amidst the holiday cheer, Mariah Carey’s ever-lasting Christmas anthem, “All I Want for Christmas is You”, gracefully climbs four positions to secure the coveted Number 2 spot. The resolute rise of this enduring festive favourite not only heralds the spirit of the season but also sets the stage for an anticipated clash at the summit of the charts. With its magnetic pull and timeless charm, the track positions itself for a thrilling chart showdown against the resurgent classic, “Last Christmas”, promising an enthralling battle of melodies in the weeks to come. Although we can’t count out the other rising Christmas tunes that are ready to battle it out.
Amidst the chart shifts, the previous chart-topper, Jack Harlow’s “Lovin on Me,” gracefully descends to Number 3 following its triumphant three-week reign. However, an emotive tribute to the late Shane MacGowan has ignited a fervent resurgence for The Pogues’ timeless ballad, “Fairytale of New York”, featuring Kirsty MacColl. Propelled by devoted fans paying homage to MacGowan, the track swiftly ascends an impressive 14 places to reclaim its position in the Top 5, settling at Number 4 on the charts.
Originally released in 1987, this iconic composition narrowly missed clinching the Christmas Number 1 spot that year. Yet, the recent surge in its popularity has sparked fervent speculation regarding its potential ascent to the top slot this year, particularly in honour of MacGowan’s passing. Many fans are rallying behind the idea of seeing this beloved track attain the Number 1 position for the first time ever, conceivably during the festive season, to pay a poignant tribute to the band’s frontman, who succumbed to pneumonia.
The news of Shane MacGowan’s passing has deeply resonated within the music community and beyond. On December 8, a poignant funeral procession through the streets of Dublin paid homage to the legendary musician. His coffin, carried on a horse-drawn carriage, was met with an outpouring of love and respect from devoted fans lining the streets. At Saint Mary of the Rosary Church in Nenagh, County Tipperary, hundreds gathered, with notable figures making appearances for the funeral like Nick Cave, Johnny Depp, Bob Geldof, Aidan Gillen, President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, and former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams, to bid farewell to The Pogues’ frontman.
The poignant ceremony witnessed heartfelt performances, including a rendition of “Fairytale of New York” by Glen Hansard and Lisa O’Neill, evoking poignant emotions that resonated deeply with those in attendance. The congregation found solace and unity through music, celebrating MacGowan’s enduring legacy and the profound impact he left on the world of music and beyond. Can “Fairytale of New York” rightfully get to that Number 1 top spot, an achievement it completely deserves?
The festive spirit dominates the Top 10, this week, with holiday classics like Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” charting at Number 6, Ed Sheeran & Elton John’s “Merry Christmas” which hit Number 7, Michael Bublé’s “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” got to Number 8, Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock” landed at Number 9, and Shakin’ Stevens’ “Merry Christmas Everyone” rounds out the list at Number 10.
The Christmas chart battle is heating up, with the timeless appeal of these festive classics vying for the coveted Number 1 spot, promising an exciting race for the ultimate Christmas anthem of 2023.