Much like the Queen's Speech, or turkey with stuffing, the Christmas Number One Single is part of tradition in the UK, and year on year, there is huge speculation over which song will top the charts on Christmas Day. There have been some classics that made it to the top (
Merry Christmas Everyone,
Do They Know It's Christmas to name just a couple), but what about those classic songs that DIDN'T make it all the way? Here's a list of songs that are instantly recognisable, but none of which actually topped the UK Charts.
1. Mariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas (1994)
Since the songs' original release in '94, it has been re-released on more than a few occasions, however Mariah has never got higher than the second spot in the UK charts for this song. In the UK, it's officially the most played Christmas song over the last decade, and has been covered by other artists including Shania Twain, Lady Antebellum, and slew of X-Factor contestants. Last year, Carey released a version of the song with Justin Beiber, but despite the popularity of the young Canadian, it only reached Number 3 in the US Billboard Charts. Ironically, Michael Buble actually got the single to Number 1 in the US. http://youtu.be/K5bo4VDEH-U
2. Wham - Last Christmas (1984)
Highest position Number 2. Despite the relatively short life, (1982-86), Wham were one of the most popular bands of the early 80's. Hits like "Careless Whisper" and "Wake Me Up Before you Go-Go" sold millions, so when they released "Last Christmas" initially it looked like a sure-fire Xmas number 1. However, a small collaborative effort by a group of musicians led by Bob Geldof was to dominate the charts at the end of 1984, "Do They Know It's Christmas" eventually leading to Band Aid the following year. Impressed by the popularity of the song, and strong sales despite Band Aids song in '84, Wham re-released the track the following year. Unfortunately it only reached Number 6 in 1985. It did perform much better around the world though. In fact, it is the most successful Christmas song of all time in Germany. It has been in the Top 40 at one point EVERY year since 1997. http://youtu.be/E8gmARGvPlI