A Christmas Classic Ascends: Wham!’s “Last Christmas”

Wham!’s “Last Christmas” has finally reached the number one position on the UK charts, 39 years after its release. The perennially popular holiday classic ranks as the third most successful single in UK history. This accomplishment marks a bittersweet moment for Wham!, as George Michael, who co-wrote and performed the song, is not here to witness its triumph. Nevertheless, “Last Christmas” stands as a touching tribute to the enduring contribution of Wham! to pop music and their lasting legacy.

“Last Christmas,” the beloved holiday classic by Wham!, has finally secured the Christmas number one position in the UK charts, 39 years after its initial release. The song’s enduring popularity is evidenced by its ranking as the third most successful single in UK history. While the recent triumph is bittersweet due to George Michael’s absence, “Last Christmas” stands as a touching tribute to the duo’s enduring contribution to pop music and their lasting legacy.

The Unanticipated Victory

In the vast and varied world of Christmas music, one song has finally soared to its deserved spot on the UK charts. The song in question is “Last Christmas,” a Christmas classic by the renowned British pop pair, Wham!. An astonishing 39 years after its initial release, the song has triumphantly secured the cherished Christmas number one position.

“Last Christmas,” a melody synonymous with the holiday season, resonates profoundly in the days leading up to Christmas. Whether you’re tuning into the radio or negotiating the busy holiday shopping crowds, the catchy refrains of this festive anthem seem to permeate every corner of the holiday soundscape.

Wham!, an emblem of the 1980s pop scene, has witnessed their beloved Christmas tune rise in the charts on numerous occasions. However, not once in the song’s illustrious history has it captured the premier position during the Christmas period. It did reach the pinnacle on New Year’s Day in 2021, but this year marks the first time the duo’s festive hit has spent the two weeks leading up to Christmas at number one.

Chart Success and Historical Significance

One must not undervalue the perennial appeal of “Last Christmas.” Using a “chart sales” metric, which combines physical sales and streams over time, the song ranks as the third most successful single in UK history. It trails behind Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” and Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”.

In a somewhat ironic turn of events, it was the Band Aid single that first deprived Wham! of the Christmas top spot in 1984. This globally embraced charity track, recorded by a collective of artists to address world hunger, included George Michael, who made up half of the Wham! pair.

The tale of “Last Christmas” securing its current position at the top of the charts is interwoven with the fluctuations of Wham!’s own narrative. The duo, comprising George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, split up in 1986 when they were both only 23 years old. Despite their disbandment, their joint musical heritage persisted. Michael embarked on a profitable solo career, earning international recognition with his chart-topping hits.

The Bittersweet Triumph and Lasting Legacy

However, the recent accomplishment of “Last Christmas” is shadowed with a touch of sorrow. George Michael, who tragically died on Christmas Day in 2016, is not here to celebrate this long-sought achievement. Andrew Ridgeley, the remaining half of Wham!, reflected on this poignant victory. He suggested that Michael would have been overjoyed to witness their song finally clinch the Christmas No 1 spot, an objective he had in mind when composing “Last Christmas”.

This overdue triumph stands as a testament to the enduring allure of “Last Christmas”. Wham!’s holiday tune has demonstrated a timeless appeal, enchanting multiple generations of listeners. Its recent chart triumph is evidence of its lasting impression on the Christmas music genre. As “Last Christmas” continues to resonate throughout the holiday season, it stands as a touching tribute to the duo’s enduring contribution to pop music.

So, as the Christmas season ensues, take a moment to appreciate George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley. The omnipresent echoes of “Last Christmas” serve not just as a holiday anthem, but as a joyous recognition of Wham!’s everlasting legacy.

1. What song has recently reached the number one position on the UK charts, and how long did it take for it to happen?

The song that has recently reached the number one position on the UK charts is “Last Christmas” by Wham!, and it took 39 years for it to happen.

2. What is the historical significance of “Last Christmas” in terms of its chart success?

Using a “chart sales” metric, which combines physical sales and streams over time, “Last Christmas” ranks as the third most successful single in UK history, behind Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” and Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”.

3. How has Wham!’s own narrative been interwoven with the tale of “Last Christmas” securing its current position at the top of the charts?

Wham!’s own narrative has been interwoven with the tale of “Last Christmas” securing its current position at the top of the charts, as the duo split up in 1986, but their joint musical heritage persisted. George Michael went on to earn international recognition with his solo career.

4. Why is the recent accomplishment of “Last Christmas” bittersweet?

The recent accomplishment of “Last Christmas” is bittersweet because George Michael, who co-wrote and performed the song, passed away on Christmas Day in 2016 and is not here to celebrate its long-sought achievement.

5. What does the recent chart triumph of “Last Christmas” stand as a testament to?

The recent chart triumph of “Last Christmas” stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the song and its lasting impression on the Christmas music genre, demonstrating its timeless appeal and enchanting multiple generations of listeners.

6. How does “Last Christmas” serve as a joyous recognition of Wham!’s lasting legacy?

As “Last Christmas” continues to resonate throughout the holiday season, it serves not just as a holiday anthem but as a joyous recognition of Wham!’s lasting legacy, standing as a touching tribute to the duo’s enduring contribution to pop music.