Christmas time is drawing nearer and nearer, which can only mean one thing.

Well, it can mean many things – but this in the case of music, there is one certainty.

Christmas music will be blasted down your eardrums for the forseeable future.

Whether it’s by choice or not, you’ll be hearing a lot of Mariah Carey and George Michael for the next month or so.

ITV)

If you’re feeling a little more cultured, you might throw on the John Lennon song.

But another old favourite is Band Aid’s ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’

Released in 1984 to raise money for relief efforts in Ethiopia, the song has been a holiday staple ever since.

The song brought together big names in the music industry such as Boy George, Sting and Bono.

They were all brought together by Bob Geldof himself.

The format was so popular that it’s been redone over the years with other artists.

As recently as 2014, One Direction and Ed Sheeran participated in a updated version to raise money to fight Ebola.

But as popular as the song is, it’s come under some criticism over the years.

Band Aid)

Some feel that the song perpetuates stereotypes about ‘white saviors’ and that some of the lyrics are insensitive.

A lyric that has often been singled out is the ‘Well tonight, thank God it’s them, instead of you’.

Geldof himself has been asked about the criticisms in a recent interview.

For the most part, he’s been able to shrug off the critiques.

He said: “I’m always up for a scrap.

“I like to be intellectually challenged and engaged.”

However, he did go on to defend the song, which raised more than $178 million to combat poverty in Africa.

The 73-year-old said: “This record is an instrument of change.

“In 40 years, sensibilities change. But those wouldn’t see the light of day if it wasn’t for this record. This record gives you agency, a way to change the world a little bit … Any contradictory opinion gives me political leverage. Now it’s not just a pop song, it’s in the cultural arena.”

Band Aid)

A new anniversary edition has dropped recently, featuring combined vocals from the 1984 version and the 2014 version.

So, if you ever wanted to hear the late George Michael sing alongside the likes of Sam Smith or Chris Martin, you’re in luck.

Bono is the only artist to have appeared on all three versions of the track.

Speaking of Bono, Geldof said: “He’s a very clever man.

“He’s motivated by his faith and I’m motivated by my lack thereof.”