George Michael: 'December Song (I Dreamed Of Christmas)'

George Michael evidently has – sorry in advance – faith in this one. Originally offered as a freebie download on Christmas Day last year, 'December Song' is now being granted an official release as a one-off single on Island Records. What's more, like that bottle of mulled wine you didn't quite get round to opening last year, it may actually have improved with age.

Of course, it's still far less instant than Michael's last festive offering, the (sleigh)bells and whistles-assisted 'Last Christmas', but the richness of 'December Song's melody and emotional heft of its lyrics seem to deepen with every spin. Actually, the disparity between Michael's two Yuletide tunes – one a fantastically cheesy crowd-pleaser, the other a quietly moving grower – provides a neat summary of his post-Wham! journey towards classier pastures. (Musically, that is – we'll turn a blind eye to whatever may or may not happen within the confines of certain recreational open space in NW3.)

> Click here to watch the 'December Song' video