Musicians, musicologists, composers and choirs have come together to create the happiest Christmas song ever and bring some extra festive joy at intu shopping centres nationwide in the lead up to Christmas.

The three minute track has been created as part of intu’s pledge to make shoppers smile and features sleigh bells ringing in the chorus and over 20 mentions of the word ‘Christmas’ – proven to evoke happiness in people.
 
The guide to writing the happiest Christmas song was developed by musicologist Dr Joe Bennett, who analysed the lyrical theme, tempo, musical key and vocals of 200 Christmas hits, from Mariah Carey to Slade. The key attributes of the ultimate Christmas cracker include lyrical references to partying, Santa, snow, home, peace and love, sleigh bells in the chorus, a major key and an average tempo of 115 beats per minute.
 
‘Love’s Not Just For Christmas’ was then written by British songwriter Steve Anderson – who has written and produced a stream of major hits for artists including Take That, Britney Spears, Westlife, Leona Lewis and Kylie Minogue – and singer-songwriter Harriet Green. It has been recorded by the London Community Gospel Choir, who have previously sung with artists including Madonna, Blur and George Michael, and has now been released on Spotify.
 
The song will be played at  intu’s retail and leisure destinations around the country in the lead up to Christmas to inspire the nation to ‘Get Christmassing’. Rob Pickersgill, marketing manager at intu Merry Hill, said:

“Music and festive songs are a huge part of the excitement and build up to Christmas and we wanted to find a way to make the shopping period an even happier one for intu shoppers.

"We were fortunate enough to work with some of the best Christmas songwriters around and we hope to bring a bit of added festive joy to shoppers and raise a smile for everyone that visits.”                                                                                                
 
As part of the research to create the world’s happiest Christmas Song, Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You was revealed to be the most popular Christmas song in the UK, ahead of Last Christmas (Wham!), Fairytale of New York (The Pogues) and Merry Christmas Everyone (Shakin’ Stevens).
 
Others in the top ten included Do They Know It’s Christmas (Band Aid) and I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday (Wizzard). Despite pipping it to Number One in 1973, Slade’s Merry Xmas Everybody ranked 11th, just outside the top ten.
 
The ‘Happiest Christmas Song’ will be played at intu retail and leisure destinations around the country throughout December. To listen to the song, you can visit intu.co.uk/christmas, or search for the track on Spotify, iTunes and Amazon Music.