Christmas Songs - Last Christmas

It's been snowing all day here in Massachusetts, so of course I can't resist posting more Christmas tunes.

Wham!'s 1984 holiday classic , 'Last Christmas' might just be George Michael's single most important contribution to music. It may sound a little bit dated with the cheesy mid-80s synthesizer and over the top heartbroken lyrics, but it just isn't Christmas without Wham! I never thought I'd hear myself say that, but it's true.

'Last Christmas' also happens to be one of the most frequently covered modern Christmas songs. Surprisingly, the majority of the covers I've heard don't even mock the classic Wham! song (which would be so easy to do). Most of the renditions I've heard just sound incredibly earnest and sincere. What's so interesting about the covers is that every artist really does put their own unique spin on the song. No matter what type of music you prefer, there is bound to be a version of 'Last Christmas' that will be right up your alley.

MP3: Wham! - Last Christmas
The original version by Wham! proves to still be an essential for any Holiday mix.

MP3: Manic Street Preachers - Last Christmas
The Manic Street Preachers recorded a stripped down acoustic version of the Wham! classic. Is it just me or does James Dean Bradfield's vocal performance here not sound that dissimilar to George Michael?

MP3: PAS/CAL - Last Christmas
PAS/CAL's cover of 'Last Christmas' is the most fun and innovative one I have heard. Filled with guitar, piano, disco drums and bass and topped off with just a little falsetto, this version is a must have.

MP3: Erlend Øye - Last Christmas
Another stripped down version of 'Last Christmas'. The only ingredients are an acoustic guitar and of course, Norwegian singer Erlend Øye's lovely voice.

MP3: Jimmy Eat World - Last Christmas
Say what you will about Jimmy Eat World, their cover of 'Last Christmas' is actually quite good! I advise that you do not deny it a listen.

MP3: Le Sport, Montt Mardié and Mr Suitcase - Last Christmas
Before Le Sport's untimely split, they gave the world a Swedish euro-dance cover of 'Last Christmas' that is ready for the dance floor. It might be even cheesier than the original (if that's possible).

MP3: Swipe! and Gwenno (of The Pipettes) - Last Christmas
A girl & guy duet version this time around. This cover of 'Last Christmas' is quite sweet and heartfelt sounding. Fans of The Pipettes should be especially interested in hearing this one.