PODCAST:The Global Story
TITLE:The Christmas number one formula (and why old songs do best)
DATE:2023-12-22 00:00:00
URL:
MODEL:gpt-4-gizmo
In the podcast "The Global Story" from the BBC World Service, titled "The Christmas Number One Formula (And Why Old Songs Do Best)," the hosts explore the secret formula behind successful Christmas songs. The episode features Mark Savage, the BBC's music correspondent, and Chris Lockery, a music journalist and a friend of the BBC's "More or Less" podcast.
The discussion delves into why certain Christmas songs become perennial hits, with a focus on the elements that make these songs so enduring. They discuss how Christmas music can be categorized into carols, early 20th-century jazz standards, and pop songs from the latter half of the 20th century. The conversation also touches on the musical theory behind these songs, including their use of major keys and specific rhythms like the waltz or a 3/4 time signature.
Savage and Lockery explore the financial aspect of Christmas music, highlighting how certain songs become lucrative annual earners for artists and record labels. They give examples like "Merry Christmas Everybody" by Slade and Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You," which earn substantial royalties each year.
The episode also examines the importance of nostalgia in Christmas music and how it plays a significant role in the popularity of certain songs. This nostalgia factor contributes to why older Christmas songs often outperform newer ones. The hosts discuss how these songs create a sense of warmth and familiarity, linking listeners back to cherished memories and traditions.
Additionally, the podcast touches on the impact of cultural and technological changes on Christmas music. This includes how streaming services and algorithms influence which songs become popular during the holiday season.
Towards the end of the episode, the hosts reflect on the lack of similarly popular music associated with other global festivals like Diwali, Chinese New Year, Eid, and Hanukkah, noting the unique place of Christmas music in popular culture.
As a fun conclusion, Chris Lockery attempts to create a new Christmas song live on the show, incorporating the elements discussed throughout the episode. The hosts and guests wish listeners happy holidays, and the podcast ends with a cheerful note.
