UniversalEveryone has a favourite Christmas song, and the guys from The Vamps are no exception.
Connor, Tristan, James and Brad – aka. the British four-piece who released their debut album, Wake Up in 2015 – have taken some time out of their touring schedule to share their favourite festive tracks exclusively with UNILAD for your oratory delectation.
With a sprinkle of old school glamour and an alternative noel number – this playlist is sure to see you through until Boxing Day.
Mariah Carey – All I Want For Christmas
To kick things off, the boys have selected this merry tune courtesy of Mariah Carey back in the nineties. The mistletoe is out; the mulled wine is flowing; the images of Joanna in Love Actually flash before your eyes; you think to yourself, ‘When is the time for romance if not at Christmas?’
On a slightly less wistful note, Connor said it reminds him of getting in the Christmas spirit while you flit around the shops, frantically playing at being Santa – a period which now begins annually in mid-November. He added, ‘It always gets played in House of Fraser when you are doing your Christmas shopping!’
Get the gin flowing, and All I Want For Christmas is a go-to guaranteed to get everyone dancing at the Christmas party. But proceed with caution; that high-C is not for fainthearted festive tomfoolery.
Chris Rea – Driving Home For Christmas
After the glamour of Mariah Carey, next up is the comforting, mellow tones of Chris Rea.
Chris is here to soothe your perpetual festive hangover and keep you company as you make the long journey home, dodging delayed East Midlands trains and docile drunks who decide your shoulder is a good place to lay their weary heads.
Luckily for Brad, he’ll be sticking true to Rea’s lyrics when he makes the journey back home, saying, ‘I’ve just passed my test so I’m excited to play Driving Home For Christmas in my car on the way home.’
Mumford & Sons – Little Lion Man
You’re safely home – thanks Mr. Rhea – getting some much-needed Christmas TLC and a few square meals in before going out and spending your evenings neck deep in hot cider.
Next on the playlist is an alternative take on the classic Little Drummer Boy trope… This Noel number is perfect for celebrating the impending week-long holiday with your mates in the local establishment after your last day in the office.
For James, this track reminds him of being in the pub on Christmas eve. Whatever you think of Mumford & Sons, James is right: Little Lion Man is ‘a great folk and pop song that gets everyone dancing’ and stomping their feet.
Leonard Cohen – Hallelujah
Next, The Vamps are hitting you right in the feels with a tribute track from the Godfather of Gloom. Christmas is a time for family, and inevitably, we all pause to remember those who aren’t with us any longer.
Brad said, ‘It’s so sad to see such a legend of songwriting pass away. Cohen’s voice was amazing and kept everyone warm at Christmas time.’
Hallelujah is one of the most covered songs in history, so if you’re in the mood for absorbing some heartfelt lyrical sentiments around the fire, there are plenty of versions – none quite like the original – from which to choose.
The Pogues – Fairytale Of New York
Just when you thought you were all cried out, the good whisky is brought out of the cabinet for a After all, what would Christmas be without a dose of undiluted depression and unmitigated anger towards loved ones expressed in the mode of music?
Thankfully, The Pogues are here to serve it up with a pint of stout and a withering, half-arsed smile.
GIPHYThe Vamps’ Tristan said, ‘It always gets played around the house. My dad loves it when he’s merry on Christmas Day.’
Don’t we all, Tristan, don’t we all.
A former emo kid who talks too much about 8Chan meme culture, the Kardashian Klan, and how her smartphone is probably killing her. Francesca is a Cardiff University Journalism Masters grad who has done words for BBC, ELLE, The Debrief, DAZED, an art magazine you’ve never heard of and a feminist zine which never went to print.