UK Top Ten: Christmas 1973

So I began the year with 1973, so let's end with it. Xmas 1973 is often seen as the beginning of the vogue for yuletide hit singles. Of course there was always going to be number ones at Christmas time, but these were often traditional fare, novelties or sentimental ballads. Or The Beatles. Interestingly it was the former Beatle John Lennon who arguably kicked off the trend for contemporary pop stars of the era to consciously provide a Christmas-themed 45 with his 1971 single Happy Xmas (War Is Over). As such this early race for the Xmas #1 only features two actual Christmassy songs, but aptly they are from Glam Rock acts when the trend was in it's imperial phase. This is borne out by the rest of the top ten, with Roxy Music, Mott the Hoople and, ahem Gary Glitter among the rest. Mid-70s favourites David Essex and Leo Sayer are also starting to make their presence felt. Merry Christmas everyone!