English Listening Practice with Iconic Christmas Hits Ep 790
Learn English Through Listening
Deep Dive
Why is Wham!'s 'Last Christmas' significant in the UK's Christmas music scene?
Wham!'s 'Last Christmas' is significant as it is likely to be the most streamed Christmas song in the UK for the second consecutive year, despite being released 30 years ago. It has also been a Christmas number one in countries like Iceland and Lebanon, showcasing its enduring popularity.
What is the story behind Chris Rea's 'Driving Home for Christmas'?
Chris Rea wrote 'Driving Home for Christmas' while driving from London to Middlesbrough in northeast England. The song reflects the experience of traveling home for the holidays, often associated with congested motorways in the UK. It has topped charts in Slovenia and Croatia and is well-known across Europe.
What makes 'Fairytale of New York' by The Pogues unique among Christmas songs?
'Fairytale of New York' is unique because it features characters calling each other names and references the 'drunk tank,' making it far from a typical Christmas song. Its unconventional nature has contributed to its global popularity, especially in Sweden, Norway, and Japan.
What is the controversy surrounding the Band-Aid song 'Do They Know It's Christmas?'?
The song has been criticized for portraying Africa as a single, starving country rather than a diverse continent. It has been accused of perpetuating negative stereotypes and a 'white saviour complex.' Despite these criticisms, the song has raised significant funds for famine relief.
How has Band-Aid's 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' evolved over time?
The song has been re-released multiple times, including versions in 1989, 2004, 2014, and a 2024 release marking its 40th anniversary. The 2024 version controversially uses Liam Payne's vocals posthumously, sparking further debate about the song's legacy.
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