Upon its initial release in 1984, "Last Christmas" spent five consecutive weeks at number two in the UK Singles Chart-it was held off the top spot at Christmas by Band Aid's " Do They Know It's Christmas?" (on which Michael also performed). Described as a "high watermark of mid-80s British synthpop songcraft", it was written and produced by George Michael, and has been covered by many artists since its original release. " Last Christmas" is a song by British pop duo Wham!, originally released in December 1984 on CBS Records internationally and as a double A-side on Epic Records with " Everything She Wants" in the UK. Retrieved 13 July 2020.Back cover of original 1984 UK gatefold edition ^ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 1987−1998" (PDF) (in Swedish).^ "Billboard Hot 100 60th Anniversary Interactive Chart".^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 1990".Archived from the original on 17 January 2010. ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1990" (in Dutch).^ "Top 100 Single–Jahrescharts 1990" (in German).Retrieved 15 January 2020 – via World Radio History. ^ "Maxi Priest Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)".^ "Maxi Priest Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)".^ "Maxi Priest Chart History (Dance Club Songs)".^ "Maxi Priest Chart History (Adult Contemporary)".^ "Maxi Priest Chart History (Hot 100)".^ " Maxi Priest – Close to You" (in Dutch).^ " Nederlandse Top 40 – Maxi Priest" (in Dutch).^ " The Irish Charts – – Maxi Priest".^ " Maxi Priest – Close to You" (in German).^ " Maxi Priest – Close to You" (in French).^ " Top RPM Dance/Urban: Issue 1350." RPM.^ " Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 7747." RPM.^ " Top RPM Singles: Issue 1361." RPM.
^ "Sleeping with the Enemy Soundtracks".In 2014, US group The Uptown Band released a contemporary jazz version of the song which appears on the group's full-length CD Heart, Soul, Body & Mind. In the same year, Dutch singer Jay Delano of hip hop duo R'n'G fame covered the song and released it as his debut solo single of his debut solo album Close to You, released in 2007. In 2006, Puerto Rican reggaeton group Pachanga covered the song on their album Recontra locos latinos and released it as their second single. In 2004, American boy band B3 covered the song on their album Living for the Weekend, which also features Maxi Priest on backing vocals. In 2003, trance act Origene covered the song. ^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard) Īll-time charts Chart (1958–2018) "I Know Love" (Steven Stanley Jamaican Mix) – 5:06."Close to You" (Bodger's Radio Edit) – 4:06."Close to You" (Phill Chill's Rap Sensation) – 6:08."Close to You" (Phil Chill's Rap Sensation Mix featuring Darren Deere)."Close to You" (Bodger's bonus beats) – 4:03."Close to You" (Phil Chill's Rap Sensation) – 6:08."Close to You" (Phil Bodger Radio Mix) – 3:59."Close to You" (Leo Grant Acappella & Drum Mix) – 5:56."Close to You" (Leo Grant Bad-Ass Mix) – 6:00."Close to You" (Phil Bodger Main Body Mix) – 5:28.The song was also featured in the film Sleeping with the Enemy. There is also a second version, which takes place inside of a soundstage. The music video features Priest singing while the background features people in Egypt. Though the emphasis is still firmly on melody and honeyed vocals, the rhythm leans dancefloor-wards.
Nice melody and well sung." David Giles from Music Week wrote, "A discernible step in the soul direction from the reggae maestro. Ron Wynn from AllMusic said the song "is more pop/ R&B with a reggae touch than it is real reggae." A reviewer from Music & Media commented, "After a tougher than normal start, this song quickly becomes another Maxi Priest single like all the others.