For my Christmas article, I wanted to investigate what Derby’s favourite Christmas song is. Too often the same selection of songs are repeated so I decided to make a poll with a varied choice to keep it fair and maybe highlight some hidden gems.
Over the past month, I sent a survey out to a selection of our community through online groups, friends and word of mouth. There were over 80 possibilities to choose from with a mix of new and old, number one’s and TV show classics.
After 173 responses, we have a clear winner along with a few runners up so I thought it would be fun to have a delve into why we love these songs so much! I’d also like to thank anyone who took part, I’m really pleased I was able to get so many people involved. It made the experience a lot more exciting for me.
Fairytale of New York (The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl)
Right from the get-go this 1988 classic took the lead. With 36 votes it massively outshone all the other picks.
I do think that in its own right, it is a good song. It’s been around long enough now to become a classic. It’s easily overplayed yet it doesn’t rely on being a cute and catchy jingle. I was disappointed to see a big name take the top spot, however out of all of the songs which are repeated on the radio every year I think this one is one of the best.
The Pogues are an interesting band that was able to bring their Irish folk roots with them into a world of punk. Kirsty MacColl’s voice pairs great with Shane MacGowan’s. It almost feels like a Christmas tradition that someone has to mention her tragic passing every time this song plays.
Last Christmas (Wham!)
Second place goes to the track I predicted could win it. Released in 1984, this song to me has such an eighties feel to it. 22 of you decided this was your favourite. I know this has a firm hold over the George Michael fan’s hearts.
It’s wholesome and has a nice bit of synthesiser magic to it. Not a personal favourite of mine yet I’m not too disappointed it did so well. Wham! is almost the exact opposite of the music I usually listen to. Having said that, I think there is something quite nice about the fact everyone knows the Christmas classics by heart. This is definitely one for singing together at the typical Christmas gatherings.
All I Want for Christmas is You (Mariah Carey)
Mariah must make an insane amount of money on this track every December. It’s one that floods shopping centres and Christmas parties every year. I’d go as far as to say this is one of the most overplayed Christmas songs since it was released in 1994.
The bells in the introduction often spark a reaction of disdain from a lot of people I know. The magic of this song may be depleted by how much it’s been played. I once had to play it at a Christmas concert so I’d say I haven’t felt the magic of this track since about 2011.
Eight people chose this as their favourite, so for some of you out there who are probably a lot more festive than me, overplaying a Christmas song doesn’t have to take the spark out of it.
I Believe in Father Christmas (Greg Lake)
At fourth place and seven votes is one that has surprised me. It’s the oldest on the list, being released back in 1977.
The gradual build-up of this song is something I really enjoy. It does feel warm and wholesome to me. I think there’s something about the riff that is quite magical. Also, acoustic guitars can be Christmassy. It doesn’t have to be the same old bells and choir vocals to make a song have that festive feeling.
I don’t really know Greg Lake or his work so I did some research. He was in the progressive rock band King Crimson and the lead of Emerson, Lake and Palmer. If this is your favourite Christmas song it might be worth checking out some of his other projects as he seemed to have quite an extensive career.
Driving Home for Christmas (Chris Rea)
The fact this song has made it into the top five is a travesty. If you know me you know how much I dislike this song (I bring it up every time someone plays it). I find it boring and a weird message, it isn’t cosy it’s just people wanting to go home which isn’t festive even if you add ‘for Christmas’ to the title.
If you’re one of the six people who voted for this, I’m sorry to hate your favourite song so much. However, I’d recommend you listen to more Christmas songs because I genuinely find it shocking that this could be anyone’s favourite. I also discovered that Chris Rea featured in the 1989 version of Band-Aid. I think he should’ve left his Christmas song career there, to be honest.
Once again, thank you to everyone who voted! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching the votes come in. If I disliked your favourite song, then I am truly sorry! My vote was on Proper Chrimbo from Bo Selecta so I can’t lie and pretend I chose a musically brilliant piece. Whatever makes you feel festive is a great pick.