Musicians, musicologists, composers and choirs have come together to create the happiest Christmas song ever to bring some extra festive joy at intu shopping centres nationwide in the lead up to Christmas.
The three minute track has been created as part of intu’s pledge to make shoppers smile and features sleigh bells ringing in the chorus and 21 mentions of the word ‘Christmas’ – proven to evoke happiness in people. It will be performed by choirs at intu Milton keynes throughout December.
The guide to writing 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 partying, 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 British songwriter Steve Anderson – who has written and produced a stream of major hits for artists including Take That, Britney Spears, Westlife, Leona Lewis and Kylie Minogue – and singer-songwriter Harriet Green.
Shelley Peppard, general manager at intu Milton Keynes, said: “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 from up and down the country bring a bit of added festive joy to shoppers and raises a smile for everyone that visits.”
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.”
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. See below for the Top 10 festive tunes.
THE TOP 10 MOST POPULAR CHRISTMAS SONGS
All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
Last Christmas – Wham!
Fairytale of New York (feat. Kirsty MacColl) – The Pogues
Merry Christmas Everyone – Shakin’ Stevens
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams
Do They Know It's Christmas? – Band Aid
It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas – Michael Bublė
I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday – Wizzard
Step Into Christmas – Elton John
Wonderful Christmas time – Paul McCartney
> Never miss leisure news in Milton Keynes - Follow us on www.twitter.com/thisistotalmk
And on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thisistotalmk
