Poll: Have remakes of Wham’s ‘Last Christmas’ gone too far?

"Last Christmas" by the artist Wham! (Columbia/Epic Records)

“Last Christmas” is one of my favorite Christmas songs, no matter my state of love.

I hear the lyrics and imagine how awful that would feel, especially during what’s supposed to be a time of joy. And let’s be honest, most of us have had a holiday season where we’ve been heartbroken, and we know exactly how that feels.

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Like many holiday classics, “Last Christmas” has many covers, including by great artists like Taylor Swift and Gwen Stefani, but the original, released by Wham! In 1984, is the only one for me.

It was written by George Michael one afternoon. A quick Google search reveals Michael and his Wham! band member Andrew Ridgeley were watching football at Michael’s parents’ home when he disappeared upstairs for a period of time. He came downstairs with the song “Last Christmas.”

But lately, as I listen to Christmas hit stations, I mostly hear every version but that one.

While there are plenty of holiday classics remade by different artists that I enjoy, this one feels different to me. Maybe I’m sentimental, but I do not think you can top the original. I realize I might be alone in this feeling.

Some people play the game of Whamageddon, in which they do their best to NOT hear that song at all in December. Yet, there are people like my coworker Carmichael Cruz who says the Wham! version of “Last Christmas” is the only version he dislikes.

“I know it’s the original, but it’s the only version I don’t like. You can hear it everywhere you go, and I’d rather listen to newer versions of the song, like Meghan Trainor’s,” Cruz said.

What do you think? Is it an untouchable classic, or we should enjoy how other singers remake it? Take the poll below! (Could be a good conversation at your holiday parties this year.)


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