I was quite excited for December to roll around for many reasons. Christmas movies, snow (if we get any), and just an overall feeling of holiday cheer. But at the top of this list were Christmas songs! Now there is an ongoing debate about what the best Christmas song is, with “All I Want for Christmas” by Mariah Carey typically taking people’s top slot. While I’m not denying the impact that the Queen of December Mariah has, I would like to point out a masterpiece that often goes unappreciated. A song so good that I play it on a loop every morning. The very song I’m listening to while I write this article: “Last Christmas” by Wham!. 

This song was released in 1986 by the duo George Micheal and Andrew Ridgely who together, go by the name Wham!. The song is upbeat but sort of melancholy, describing a past lover who you gave your heart to during last year’s Christmas. But sadly, this person breaks your heart the very next day. Accompanied by a blend of 80s synth with just the right amount of jingle bells in it, you got yourself a Christmas ballad that you can scream in your room while you cry. 

One of the reasons that I myself listen to this song on a nonstop loop is because it’s a Christmas song that doesn’t feel too Christmas-y. As I mentioned, the song has faint jingle bells in it, but they are not overwhelming. The lyrics help this too, not explicitly mentioning celebrating the holiday but just cleverly using Christmas terms like “Happy Christmas, I wrapped it up and sent it with a note saying ‘I love you,’ I meant it,” to explain how the singer feels. But to really get into this song, we need to look deeper into the lyrics. 

The song clearly takes place at a holiday party where our singer reminisces about last Christmas when they had a lover while simultaneously trying to avoid said ex-lover who is also at the party. With lyrics like “A crowded room, friends with tired eyes; I’m hiding from you and your soul of ice,” we get the vibe of the packed room and the overall atmosphere of the party. It’s also clear that the singer puts up a front where he resents his ex but deep down he knows, “But if you kissed me now I know you’d fool me again.” The song tells a perfect story and makes you want to listen closely to the lyrics to hear what comes next. It perfectly encapsulates the feelings that people have towards the holidays that may be not so jolly. Typical Christmas songs may be catchy, but do they have as good lyrics as “Last Christmas”? I think not. 

“Last Christmas” is that holiday song that you dance along to with tears in your eyes. With a catchy chorus that bounces around in your head for hours and amazing lyrics with a smooth vocal delivery, it is truly the best Christmas song.