Musicians, musicologists, composers and choirs come together to create a the ultimate Christmas song

Musicians, musicologists, composers and choirs have come together to create the happiest Christmas song ever, which features sleigh bells ringing and 21 mentions of the word ‘Christmas’ – proven to make people happier.



The guide to the happiest Christmas song was developed by musicologist Dr Joe Bennett, who analysed the lyrical theme, tempo, musical key and vocals of 200 Christmas hits from Mariah Carey to Slade. The key attributes of the ultimate Christmas cracker include lyrical references to Santa, snow, home, peace and love, sleigh bells in the chorus, a major key and an average tempo of 115 beats per minute.

‘Love’s Not Just For Christmas’ was written by Britney Spears and Kylie songwriter Steve Anderson and Harriet Green, and will be performed by choirs at intu shopping centres throughout December in an effort to bring festive joy to Christmas shoppers.

The song has been recorded by the London Community Gospel Choir, who have previously sung with artists including Madonna, Blur and George Michael, and is available on Spotify. The official music video is available to view here https://youtu.be/96jOezZhlRQ

Dr Joe Bennett said: “There is no simple formula for a successful song, and in practice songwriters combine their own experience, musical skills and personal creative preferences when writing. But we can infer listeners favoured song characteristics by analysing the most popular recordings – in this case, Christmas songs. In ‘Love’s Not Just For Christmas’, Steve and Harriet have done an amazing job, weaving together these musical elements into a really enjoyable, happy festive song that combines classic themes with their own original ideas.”

Roger Binks, customer experience director for intu, comments: “Music and festive songs are a huge part of the excitement and build up to Christmas and we wanted to find a way to make the shopping period an even happier one for intu shoppers. We were fortunate enough to work with some of the best Christmas songwriters around and we hope the in-centre performances up and down the country bring a bit of added festive joy to shoppers and raise a smile for everyone that visits.”

Steve Anderson said: "Over the years I have been lucky to enough to have written and produced Christmas tracks and albums for a number of artists including Kylie, Susan Boyle and Harriet, who co wrote this song with me. Hopefully we’ve risen to the challenge and provided a song people will love not only this Christmas, but for every Christmas to come.”

As part of the research to create the world’s happiest Christmas Song, Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You was revealed to be the most popular Christmas song in the UK, ahead of Last Christmas (Wham!), Fairytale of New York (The Pogues) and Merry Christmas Everyone (Shakin’ Stevens). Others in the top ten included Do They Know It’s Christmas (Band Aid) and I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday (Wizzard). Despite pipping it to Number One in 1973, Slade’s Merry Xmas Everybody ranked 11th, just outside the top ten.

THE TOP 10 MOST POPULAR CHRISTMAS SONGS
1. All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
2. Last Christmas – Wham!
3. Fairytale of New York (feat. Kirsty MacColl) – The Pogues
4. Merry Christmas Everyone – Shakin’ Stevens
5. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams
6. Do They Know It's Christmas? – Band Aid
7. It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas – Michael Bublė
8. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday – Wizzard
9. Step Into Christmas – Elton John
10. Wonderful Christmas time – Paul McCartney

The ‘Happiest Christmas Song’ will be played at intu shopping centres around the country including intu Trafford Centre, intu Lakeside and intu Metrocentre throughout December.