Few things get you in the mood for Christmas quite like the radio blasting out some yuletide tunes. In fact, there are many Christmas songs that have become ingrained in festive culture and it just wouldn’t feel Christmassy without them.
We’re not only about Christmas trees here! We got to thinking what makes a good Christmas song, and so we asked 80s pop superstar Kim Wilde for her thoughts on the matter. Kim has recently released a belting Christmas album so we thought she’d be perfect to offer a little insight. Here’s what she had to say…
What elements do you think are necessary for a great Christmas song?
I think the best Christmas songs come from a very genuine place in the heart, from John and Yoko’s call for world peace (Happy Christmas, War is Over) to Chris Rea’s anticipation of spending the festive season with the ones he loves most ‘Driving Home for Christmas’, the rest is a kind of alchemy!
What do you think it is that makes people so fond of Christmas songs?
I think Christmas is a time when we can fully indulge in our inner child, embrace a sense of fun and reach out to those around us. Christmas songs can help connect people in a way that few other things can.
Do you have a favourite Christmas song? What is it you like about it so much?
I can’t resist Wizzard’s ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’, I remember when it was first released in 1973, and watching Roy Wood perform it on TOTP, what a legend that man is!
How do you think today’s Christmas tunes compare to those we’ve had in the past?
Kate Bush’s ‘50 Words for Snow’ and Tracey Thorn’s ‘Tinsel and Lights’ are more reflective viewpoints of Christmas, I found them very inspiring,but I simply can’t resist Michael Bublé at Christmas!
How did you go about choosing which songs to cover for your album?
I simply chose the Christmas songs I’ve always loved, and felt I could bring something new to the table.
There are also some original tracks on there too. How well do you think they embody the spirit of Christmas?
I am really happy with the original songs and have had amazing feedback since the album was first released 2 years ago. I set out to make an album that reflects the many feelings I have about Christmas, I’m very glad that other people seem to share those feelings with me.
What’s on your Christmas list this year?
Tony Hadley ‘The Christmas Album’, I’ve always loved his voice.
Kim Wilde’s Winter Songbook Deluxe Edition with bonus DVD is out now – Kim performs at London’s Coronet on 18th December with special guests Heaven 17 and Altered Images. For more information go to http://www.kimwilde.com.