The high street department store John Lewis Xmas TV commercial entitled “The Journey” was first broadcast over the weekend to great acclaim on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. The theme and storyline of the John Lewis Xmas TV advert has echoes of Raymond Brigg’s “The Snowman”, but with the twist of a happy ending. The soundtrack and theme song is delivered by 20-year-old Gabrielle Aplin, with a cover version of Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s 1984 Xmas No1 “The Power of Love”.

Covers of classic songs recorded for John Lewis TV commercials since 2009 have sold in excess of 1 million units and if previous John Lewis Xmas TV adverts are an accurate gauge, then Gabrielle Aplin could sell multi thousands of copies of her rendition of Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s “The Power of Love”. It is possible that Gabrielle Aplin’s “The Power of Love” could be Xmas No1, emulating the original song by Frankie Goes To Hollywood.

Songs from three John Lewis Xmas TV commercials since 2009 have sold a total of 1,070,000 units. The biggest hit was Ellie Goulding’s cover of Elton John’s “Your Song”, which accompanied the 2010 Christmas TV advert, selling 725,000 units and reaching No 2. Although not a Xmas TV commercial, Dangerfield’s rendition of “She’s Always A Woman” from Billy Joel’s 1977 album “The Stranger”, was also very memorable, peaking at No 7 in the charts.

Let’s hope John Lewis might provide the Xmas No1 this year, rather than the X Factor with an another plastic, packaged act!! I have nothing against Ella Henderson or James Arthur, one of whom will presumably win the X Factor this year – they are undoubtedly very talented. But like many I’m tiring of the contrived and manipulative X Factor. Simon Cowell is the Dr Frankenstein of the entertainment world and X Factor has become his rambling, pedestrian monster!!

Gabrielle Aplin’s “The Power of Love” would be a worthy Xmas No1 and would take it’s place with the best Xmas No1’s, most of which have not had a stereotypical festive theme. Here’s the MyFirstRecord.co.uk Top 10 Best Xmas No1s –

Top 10 Best Xmas No1s

1) Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody ( 1975 )

2) Slade – Merry Xmas Everybody ( 1973 )

3) Pink Floyd – Another Brick in the Wall ( 1979 )

4) Pet Shop Boys – Always on my Mind ( 1987 )

5) Mud – Lonely this Christmas ( 1974 )

6) Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You (1992)

7) East 17 – Stay Another Day ( 1994 )

8) Girls Aloud – Sound of the Underground (2002 )

9) Michael Andrews/Gary Jules – Mad World (2003)

10) Robbie Williams & Nicole Kidman – Somethin’ Stupid (2001 )

A favourite song in a vinyl or CD format; single, album or album cover; framed and mounted as a picture disc souvenir…. would make a great & unique Xmas gift. You can also personalise it with an inscribed / engraved plaque…… 

ORDER NOW…….. www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/

Also available – framed DVD of your favourite film or TV programme, with a personalised, engraved plaque……. ORDER NOW…….. www.myfirstrecord.co.uk/

Framed vinyl records, framed CDs and framed DVDs with a personalised plaque, make unique presents or original gifts for all special celebrations  ie a Wedding ( Wedding First Dance Song ), an Engagement Party ( Our Song ), a House Warming Party ( New Home ), a 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th or 70th Birthday, a Silver, Ruby or Golden Wedding Anniversary, Father’s or Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day!!  THE PERFECT PERSONALISED PRESENT!!