Driving to the airport yesterday morning, making my way to the Windy City for Christmas, Bananarama’s “Cruel Summer” came on the radio. Great tune, no matter the month, but at that very moment, both ironic and all too true.

But the encounter did remind me that Bananarama has, in fact, released a seasonally-appropriate song this year, “Baby It’s Christmas.” Soldiering on as a duo since 1992, the song marks Bananarama’s first holiday-themed release since they contributed to 1984’s Band Aid charity single, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” as a trio with Siobhan Fahey.

Sara and Keren describe “Baby It’s Christmas” as a “tears on the dance floor” tune, and it is. Set against disco beats and glittering synths, the otherwise sad thematic of holiday heartbreak (written by Sara with producer Ian Masterson) is fantastically festive four-to-the-floor pop (even if Sara and Keren are, in fact, singing, “Baby, it’s Christmastime,” which isn’t technically the track’s title). Hear here:

“Baby It’s Christmas” was issued as a proper single in Britain, with mixes from Hi-NRG legends Almighty (of course). On this side of the Atlantic, Bananarama’s Christmas number instead pops up twice on Super Dance Christmas Party Vol. 3, a various artists compilation, as an edit and extended remix from Masterson. 

Whichever side on the pond you’re on for the holiday, grab Bananarama’s unabashedly upbeat “Baby It’s Christmas” from iTunes. Then hit play, crank up the speakers, and perk up your holiday party even if you happen to be dancing alone. 

Purchase Bananarama – “Baby It’s Christmas” via iTunes (edit, extended remix).