Christmas has officially arrived, as Elton John and CMAT have joined forces on a brand new, reimagined version of the festive classic ‘Step Into Christmas’.
Released on 5 November as an Amazon Music Original, the track is available to stream now exclusively on Amazon Music.
A festive classic with a fresh twist
Originally written as a thank-you gift to fans, ‘Step Into Christmas’ has become one of the most enduring festive songs of all time.
The new version keeps the lively rock ‘n’ roll rhythm and joyful singalong chorus that fans know and love, while adding new musical elements and CMAT’s unmistakably vibrant vocals. With lyrics celebrating the simple pleasures of the season, it is set to soundtrack plenty of Christmas parties this year.
One of the most successful and influential artists of all time, EGOT winner Elton has sold more than 350 million records worldwide across a career spanning more than five decades.
Joining him is Ivor Novello Award winner and BRIT Award nominee CMAT. The Irish singer-songwriter is known for her distinctive blend of indie-pop, classic country melodrama and razor-sharp wit, and has released a string of chart-topping, award-winning records including If My Wife New I’d Be Dead and EURO-COUNTRY.
‘We’re kindred spirits’
Speaking about the collaboration, Elton said: “I’ve loved CMAT since I first heard her and saw her videos years ago. She has this incredible personality, and a wicked sense of humour. You can tell she has Rock n Roll and Country and Americana at the heart of what she does. We’re kindred spirits in so many ways. And that’s why I was so thrilled with the idea of us collaborating on Step Into Christmas. She’s done an amazing job.”
CMAT added: “When I listen to the music of Elton John, I am 7 years old in the back of my mam’s car. It doesn’t matter how old or famous I become, whenever I listen to Elton John I will always be 7 years old in the back of my mam’s car. Reconciling this feeling with the reality of getting to work with the man in question has been confusing to say the least, but the greatest joy of my life.”
She continued: “Christmas is my absolute favourite thing in the world, second maybe only to Elton John. I would like to invite the whole world to step into Christmas with us and make your yuletide dreams come true.”
Laura Lukanz, Head of Amazon Music UK, described the original as a song that has soundtracked the festive season for generations, adding: “To have the opportunity to reimagine such a beloved, iconic track is a genuine thrill, and to do it with two artists as extraordinary as Elton John and CMAT makes it truly magical.”
Amazon Music’s growing festive line-up
The track is the latest in a growing list of holiday songs released exclusively on Amazon Music. It follows last year’s huge success for Kylie Minogue’s ‘XMAS’, which was crowned Christmas No. 1 on the UK Official Charts.
Previous Amazon Music Originals include Taylor Swift’s ‘Christmas Tree Farm’, Katy Perry’s platinum-certified ‘Cozy Little Christmas’, John Legend’s gold-certified ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’, Sam Ryder’s ‘You’re Christmas to Me’ and Tom Grennan’s ‘It Can’t Be Christmas’, which reached No. 2 in the UK charts last year.
Fans can listen to ‘Step Into Christmas’ alongside ‘XMAS’ and more festive favourites on Amazon Music’s ‘Merry Mix’ playlist.
Have you heard Elton John and CMAT’s version of ‘Step Into Christmas’ yet? Let us know what you think by tweeting us @CelebMix!