The joys of the season may be expressed in a multitude of ways, especially in song. Like previous tunes on this list, Christmas Morning or Winter Wonderland to name a few, the spirit of Christmas is a joyous one, but the song itself might not be as festive. There is something to be said for the festive version of a song. Merry Christmas Everyone by Shakin’ Stevens does that both in melody and verse.
Released in 1985 and written by Bob Heatlie and was the number one Christmas song of that year. Since that time it has charted throughout the years and re-entered the top 30 in the United Kingdom in 2007. Stevens also released a new version, Echoes of Merry Christmas Everyone, as a charity single. The song is at the same time a description of Christmas time and all the sounds, sights and feelings that are so in keeping with that very holiday. The melody reflects that joy by being upbeat and happy, everything seemingly wrapped up in a Christmas gift.
Shakin’ Stevens was born Micheal Barrat in Wales 1948 and began his musical career in the late 60s. It wasn’t until the 80s that he broke through and has had several hits during that time. Known for his rockabilly style, his music has been a mix of rock n’ roll, bluegrass and pop.
The fact that the festive attitude of the tunes lyrics is so obvious in the melody is what makes Merry Christmas Everyone number 15 on the Christmas List of Songs.
-Andrew Tobias
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