Wham-ageddon: Is it possible for a new song to top the Christmas charts?

The holiday season is here, and with it comes the familiar musical onslaught. For weeks, the airwaves will be dominated by Whams festive classic, Noddy Holders booming holiday anthem, and Mariah Careys perennial Yuletide hit. All of these tracks have reappeared in the Top 40, making it likely that one will secure the Christmas number one spot once again.

This recurring trend is largely due to the way chart rankings are now calculated. Since the inclusion of streaming data, older festive songs tend to overshadow current releases each December. Some argue these timeless hits should have their own separate chart, similar to how compilation albums are treated. However, this year brings some fresh contenders vying for your Christmas playlist attention.

Kylie - XMAS

Kylie Minogue is a strong contender with a brand-new festive pop track, released for the 10th anniversary edition of her Christmas album. Recorded during a break in her Tension World Tour, Kylie got into the seasonal spirit by decorating her recording studio with a stocking. Exclusively available on Amazon, the track benefits from streaming boosts, ensuring each play counts toward the Top 40 charts.

Tom Fletcher - One Of Us

Tom Fletcher, frontman of McFly, brings a heartfelt seasonal ballad from the new Paddington musical. The song highlights a touching moment in the story where the Brown family appreciates the Peruvian bears role in their lives. Fletcher notes that the spirit of Christmas aligns with Paddingtons message of kindness, making this a fitting holiday release.

Alison Limerick - Where Love Lives

Alison Limericks 1990 piano house track is experiencing a revival after featuring in a John Lewis Christmas advert. The songs emotive vocals and atmospheric production have captivated both longtime fans and new listeners. While Limerick enjoys seeing her classic embraced anew, she humorously notes that her family ensures she doesnt sing it non-stop on Christmas Day.

Laufey - Winter Wonderland

Icelandic-Chinese jazz artist Laufey offers a cozy take on the holiday classic Winter Wonderland as part of her expanded Christmas EP, A Very Laufey Holiday. Known for her intimate, nostalgic sound, Laufeys rendition evokes the charm of snowy winter days. Already charting at number 18 in the UK, it could mark her first Top 10 entry.

Roland Gift - Everybody Knows Its Christmas

Roland Gift, lead singer of Fine Young Cannibals, has released a new Christmas single alongside a UK tour celebrating the 40th anniversary of the bands debut. Originally a darker track, the song was reworked with bells and festive cheer, offering a celebratory holiday message to listeners.

Emily Fern featuring Bez & the London Symphony Orchestra - Christmas Dream

Guernsey singer Emily Fern created her sparkling Christmas ballad by accident during a live performance. Encouraged by audience enthusiasm, she recorded it at Abbey Road with the London Symphony Orchestra, and included Happy Mondays Bez on triangle. The orchestral arrangement adds a grand, joyful touch to her seasonal creation.

Alya featuring Eric Clapton - Silent Night

Alyas rendition of Silent Night, from her Home For Christmas EP, blends delicate vocals with an emotional depth that captures the serenity of a snowy winter day. Despite recording in the middle of summer, she intentionally channels the festive spirit, transforming the track into a magical seasonal experience. Alya describes Christmas as a cherished holiday she wishes she could feel bright and merry every day.

With these fresh releases, there is real competition this year to claim the Christmas number one spot, offering listeners a chance to discover new holiday favorites alongside timeless classics.

Author: Caleb Jennings