Ever since its original release in 1984, Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’ has been beloved many. Only reaching #2 on the UK singles chart the first time around, it became the second most celebrated track to fall just shy of the top spot. Ultravox’s ‘Vienna’, arguably, takes the crown there, losing out to a terrible novelty record – ‘Shaddap You Face’ by The Joe Dolce Music Theatre; at least Wham! had the dignity of knowing they were beaten to the top by a charity record, and one that George Michael was also on!
The song finally got it’s ultimate reward when it reached the top of the UK chart with the help of digital sales in 2020.
…And again in 2022.
…And 2023.
…And 2024.
It’s one of those yuletide tracks that people never seem to tire of hearing towards the end of every year. It’s also been covered by some interesting artists, ranging from Taylor Swift to Gwen Stefani, from emo-pop giants Jimmy Eat World to the popular porcine cartoon Peppa Pig.
Love it or hate it, ‘Last Christmas’ isn’t ever going away, and its a travesty that George Michael isn’t here to have witnessed his festive heartbreaker become a runaway success following its ascent to the top spot during the “lockdown year”.
Here’s another great version for you, from the capable hands of Bad Mary.
No stranger to a cover tune, the New York pop punkers give the number a kick up the arse by transposing the familiar melody from Casio keys to a chunky guitar, and then inject a fair bit of speed. This results in something that sometimes feels a little rough and ready, but certainly has a lot of energy. From the outset, David’s guitar delivers a chunky old school tone that’s a little more CBGB than peak Green Day, and the rhythm section (Mike on bass, Bill on drums) hit upon a similiarly retro groove. The performance is ultimately stolen by vocalist Amanda who tears through the lyric with gusto. The increased tempo doesn’t really allow her to drop in some of the huge and curly tones that help to make some of Bad Mary’s best work shine, but there’s a love and certain spirit that still makes this punky cover a lot of fun, and that’s accentuated further with the arrival of an unexpected trumpet solo…
‘Last Christmas’ has long held a legendary status, but it’s great to hear it approached with such a vigour that it feels different enough to almost feel new again.
Almost.