It is the festive season and with Christmas on the horizon, you may already be sick of hearing the various renditions of ‘Jingle Bells’ and ‘Deck the Halls’ which have been playing in shops and town centres for ages now.
Nevertheless, in the spirit of the season, we’ve decided to honour the tradition of yuletide music by presenting our Top 10 Christmas songs, as selected by readers of JMU Journalism in our online poll.
10: ‘Stop the Cavalry’ – Jona Lewie
Tells the tale of a soldier who longs to be home for Christmas. The song peaked at number three in the UK singles chart in December 1980.
9: ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ – Brenda Lee
Another classic recorded by the American singer in 1958 when she was just 13 years’ old.
8: ‘Little Drummer Boy’ – Bing Crosby & David Bowie
Although first recorded in 1955 by the Trapp Family Singers, the most popular rendition was the medley version ‘Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy’ by the unlikely duo in 1977 for Bing Crosby’s Christmas television special
7: ‘Santa Claus is coming to Town’ – Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
It has been sung by multiple artists, including Frank Sinatra in 1948. This version was released in 1985 as a B-side to one of Springsteen’s hits, and gradually became the definitive rendition.
6: ‘It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas’ – Johnny Mathis
This Christmas classic received greater popularity in 1992 after it was used in the festive film, ‘Home Alone 2: Lost in New York’.
5: ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ – Band Aid
The 1984 charity single was the biggest-selling single in UK chart history until 1997, when Elton John’s Candle in the Wind was released in tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales.
4: Happy Xmas (War is Over) – John Lennon
Co-written by The Beatles’ legend and Yoko Ono. Released in the US in 1971 and in the UK in 1972, where it also reached number four.
3: ‘Driving Home for Christmas’ – Chris Rea
Released in December 1988, the song only reached number 53 in the UK singles chart. It managed to climb to 33 when it re-entered the charts in 2007.
2: ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ – Mariah Carey
This festive favourite has this week reported selling its millionth copy, 20 years after being released. 68,000 copies have been sold in the UK this year alone.
And finally, hitting our number one spot with over 20% of the votes:
1: ‘Fairytale of New York’ – The Pogues & Kirsty McColl
Not only has it topped the JMU Journalism poll, it has also just this week been named the best-selling Christmas song of all time. It was first released in November 1987 and reached number two in the UK Charts.