Three in 10 festive motorists who will be driving home for Christmas say that a suitable playlist is key for such a trip \u2013 and have shared the top 30 tracks they are most likely to sing along to in the car. <\/p>\n
The Pogues took the top spot for festive road trips this year with their classic 1988 track, \u201cFairytale of New York\u201d, featuring Kirsty MacColl \u2013 after the news that the band's frontman, Shane MacGowan, passed away last month.<\/p>\n
Chris Rea's 1986 hit, \u201cDriving Home For Christmas\u201d, came in second, while \u201cLast Christmas\u201d, by Wham!, rounded out the top three.<\/p>\n
And other festive favourites on the ultimate driving playlist include \u201cMerry Xmas Everybody\u201d by Slade, \u201cAll I Want For Christmas Is You\u201d by Mariah Carey, and Brenda Lee's \u201cRockin' Around The Christmas Tree\u201d.<\/p>\n
The survey of 2,000 Brits, who will be driving home for the holidays this year, found that 22% will sing along to seasonal songs during their journey \u2013 although 27% admit they have received complaints about their Christmas crooning.<\/p>\n
The study was commissioned by \u0160koda to highlight the Canton sound system in the all-electric Enyaq, which can mute music for back seat passengers.<\/p>\n
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Music psychology lecturer at University of York, Mimi O\u2019Neill, said: \u201cMusic has the ability to elicit nostalgia, as it can evoke a strong connection between sound and memory.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen individuals interact with music, it activates neural networks connected to emotions and memory retrieval, prompting the resurgence of both memories, and the feelings attached to them.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn particular, Christmas songs often carry sentimental associations with cherished holiday moments, contributing to a nostalgic allure.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe popularity of this list's top three songs, \u201cFairytale of New York\u201d, \u201cLast Christmas\u201d, and \u201cI Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday\u201d, as driving songs during the Christmas season, are unsurprising.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey exhibit well-crafted and catchy melodies that resonate with a broad audience, providing a musically engaging experience conducive to driving.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdditionally, their lyrics encapsulate the essence of the holiday season, evoking emotions and themes associated with Christmas \u2013 such as love, celebration, and the festive spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n
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