Ah, the holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the delightful sound of jingling bells, the aroma of freshly baked cookies, and of course, the timeless melodies that make Christmas truly magical. One song that never fails to get us in the festive spirit is the classic tune "Last Christmas." Originally sung by the iconic duo Wham! back in the 80s, this heartwarming track has undergone countless makeovers throughout the years.

From Ariana Grande's powerful vocals to unexpected renditions by emerging artists, we've rounded up the top cover versions that not only capture the essence of the holiday season but also bring us sheer joy. So buckle up and get ready to immerse yourself in a whirlwind of enchanting harmonies and merry holiday cheer!

The Timeless Appeal of 'Last Christmas'

The Popularity of Wham!'s Original Version

Wham!'s original version of "Last Christmas" holds a special place in the hearts of music lovers. Its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics have made it a timeless holiday classic. The song's popularity lies in its ability to evoke nostalgic feelings and create a joyous atmosphere during the festive season. The unforgettable chorus and George Michael's soulful vocals resonate with listeners, making it a beloved favorite for cover artists.

Numerous musicians have embraced the challenge of putting their own spin on this iconic track, showcasing the enduring appeal of Wham!'s original rendition. From pop stars to rock bands, "Last Christmas" has been reimagined by artists across genres, further cementing its place in the musical landscape.

The Enduring Legacy of George Michael's Songwriting

• George Michael's songwriting prowess has left an indelible mark on the music industry and continues to inspire countless artists.
• His ability to craft infectious melodies and poignant lyrics is evident in his holiday classic "Last Christmas."
• The song's relatable themes of heartbreak and longing resonate with audiences across generations.
• Michael's talent for storytelling and creating memorable hooks showcases his songwriting genius.
• His legacy is evident in the numerous cover versions of "Last Christmas," with each artist bringing their unique interpretation to the timeless track.
• George Michael's songwriting has proven to be a lasting source of inspiration for musicians seeking to create emotionally impactful and enduring music.

Last Christmas Cover Versions that Became Hits

Ariana Grande's Modern Rendition

• Ariana Grande's modern rendition of "Last Christmas" breathed new life into the timeless holiday hit.
• With her powerful vocals and contemporary pop sound, Grande added a fresh and resonant twist to the song.
• Her unique interpretation showcased her versatility as an artist and resonated with a younger generation of listeners.
• By infusing her own style while staying true to the essence of the original, Grande managed to create a cover that appealed to both longtime fans and new fans alike.
• Her version became a hit, reaching the top of the charts and solidifying her reputation as an artist who can successfully reinterpret classic songs.

A Fresh Take on Wham!'s Classic

Ariana Grande's cover of "Last Christmas" offers a fresh take on Wham!'s classic holiday hit. With her powerful vocals and contemporary sound, Grande infuses the song with her own unique style. By adding modern production elements and emotive delivery, she brings a new energy to the timeless track. This version resonates with a younger audience while still honoring the nostalgia of the original.

Grande's fresh interpretation demonstrates the potential for artists to reimagine well-known songs, introducing them to a new generation and keeping the spirit of the original alive.

Cascada's Dancefloor Hit

Cascada's dancefloor hit rendition of "Last Christmas" brought a fresh electronic sound to the holiday classic. The energetic beats and captivating melodies transformed the song into an irresistible anthem for nightclub-goers and party enthusiasts. With its upbeat tempo and catchy hooks, Cascada's version breathed new life into the track, making it a favorite choice for DJs and holiday playlists alike.

This cover demonstrated the power of reimagining a well-known song with a contemporary twist,attracting a new audience while still honoring the beloved original. Cascada's success showed that updating timeless classics can create an exciting fusion of nostalgia and modernity.

Infusing Electronic Beats into 'Last Christmas'

One of the standout approaches in "Last Christmas" cover versions has been the infusion of electronic beats. This transformation takes the original festive tune to new heights, giving it a modern and energetic twist. By incorporating electronic elements, artists have successfully reimagined the song for a new generation of listeners while still maintaining its familiar charm.

Through the use of synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments, the cover versions create a fresh and dynamic sound that adds layers of excitement to the beloved holiday hit. This adaptation showcases the flexibility of the song and demonstrates how a simple alteration can breathe new life into a timeless classic.

Taylor Swift's Chart-Topping Cover

Taylor Swift's chart-topping cover of "Last Christmas" captivated audiences with its emotional twist on the holiday hit. Swift's unique interpretation showcased her ability to infuse raw storytelling and vulnerability into the song, resonating with her dedicated fanbase. By incorporating her signature pop-country sound and heartfelt lyrics, Swift transformed the classic into a modern anthem that struck a chord with listeners worldwide.

Her success demonstrates the power of putting a personal touch on a well-known track, offering artists a valuable lesson in making a song their own while staying true to its essence.

An Emotional Twist on the Holiday Hit

Taylor Swift's cover of "Last Christmas" delivers an emotional twist to the iconic holiday hit. With her heartfelt rendition, Swift captures the essence of heartbreak and longing, adding depth to the lyrics. By infusing her unique storytelling style and emotive vocals, she connects with listeners on a personal level. This emotional interpretation resonates with fans, as it taps into universal feelings of love and loss.

Swift's ability to convey vulnerability through her version of "Last Christmas" showcases the power of a well-executed cover, evoking strong emotions and creating a lasting impact.

Last Christmas Cover Versions with Unique Interpretations

Jimmy Eat World's Alternative Rock Version

Jimmy Eat World's alternative rock version of "Last Christmas" brings a fresh and edgy energy to the beloved holiday hit. Transforming the song into a rock anthem, they infuse it with distorted guitars and powerful vocals that appeal to fans of alternative and rock music. By reimagining the track in their signature style, Jimmy Eat World showcases the versatility of "Last Christmas" and attracts a new audience who may not typically listen to pop music.

Their unique interpretation demonstrates how different genres can breathe new life into classic songs, offering listeners a chance to experience familiar tunes in a whole new way.

Transforming 'Last Christmas' into a Rock Anthem

Transforming "Last Christmas" into a rock anthem gives the holiday classic an edgy and energetic twist. By incorporating distorted guitars, powerful drum beats, and aggressive vocals, artists can create a version that appeals to rock fans. This reimagination pays homage to the original while infusing it with a new sound. The rock elements add intensity and inject a sense of rebellion into the song, making it perfect for those who enjoy a more alternative take on holiday music.

Examples of bandssuccessfully achieving this transformation can be found across different genres, showcasing the versatility of "Last Christmas" as a song that can adapt to various styles.

Carly Rae Jepsen's Pop-Punk Revamp

Carly Rae Jepsen's pop-punk revamp of "Last Christmas" injects a fun and energetic twist into the classic holiday hit. With its catchy guitar riffs and upbeat tempo, Jepsen brings a fresh and youthful energy to the song. Her rendition appeals to a younger audience, introducing them to the timeless charm of "Last Christmas" while giving them a modern sound to enjoy.

This cover version showcases Jepsen's ability to put her own spin on a well-known song, making it both familiar and refreshing at the same time. Fans of Jepsen and pop-punk music will find this rendition particularly engaging and enjoyable.

Adding a Fun and Energetic Twist to the Song

Adding a fun and energetic twist to "Last Christmas" is a common approach taken by artists when covering the song. By infusing elements of pop-punk, upbeat instrumentation, and lively vocals, these versions bring a fresh and vibrant sound to the holiday classic. This approach creates an enjoyable and lively atmosphere, encouraging listeners to sing along and dance to the familiar tune.

Artists like Carly Rae Jepsen have successfully implemented this strategy, delivering a dynamic and energetic rendition that sets their cover apart from the original. The result is a version that not only captures the essence of the song but also injects it with an infectious energy that resonates with audiences.

Alcazar's Disco-Infused Cover

Alcazar's disco-infused cover of "Last Christmas" brings a fun and energetic twist to the holiday classic. By infusing the song with a '70s disco vibe, Alcazar manages to create a unique and catchy rendition that gets listeners dancing. The addition of upbeat rhythms, groovy basslines, and funky synthesizers transforms the song into a high-energy disco anthem.

Alcazar's cover demonstrates the versatility of "Last Christmas" and showcases how different genres can breathe new life into well-knowntracks. Their version serves as a reminder that even beloved songs can be reimagined and given a fresh, exciting sound.

Bringing the '70s Disco Vibe to 'Last Christmas'

Alcazar's disco-infused cover of "Last Christmas" brings a vibrant '70s vibe to the timeless holiday hit. With their energetic rendition, Alcazar captures the essence of the disco era by infusing funky beats, groovy basslines, and catchy melodies into the familiar song. The use of iconic disco elements like a pulsating rhythm section and lush orchestrations creates an irresistible dancefloor anthem that gets everyone moving.

Alcazar's take on "Last Christmas" delivers a unique and refreshing interpretation, offering a fun and nostalgic twist to the beloved track. Their disco-inspired cover serves as a reminder of the song's endless versatility and ability to transcend genres.

Over to you

If you're in the mood for some festive cheer, look no further than the top Last Christmas cover versions. From the iconic rendition by Wham! to Ariana Grande's modern take, these artists have given new life to the classic Christmas tune. Each cover brings its own unique style and interpretation, showcasing the song's enduring popularity. Whether you prefer a nostalgic throwback or a contemporary twist, these covers are sure to bring joy and put you in the holiday spirit.