Elton John and CMAT team up for Amazon Music Original reimagined version of Step Into Christmas

Elton John has once again refreshed his holiday repertoire by teaming up with Irish singer-songwriter CMAT for a new version of his classic Christmas track, "Step Into Christmas." Released exclusively on Amazon Music, this reimagined single blends the original’s iconic elements with contemporary additions, introducing the seasonal favorite to a broader audience.

Originally launched in 1973, "Step Into Christmas" has cemented itself as a perennial holiday staple. The latest rendition makes use of the original audio stems but enhances the sound with new string arrangements and vocals contributed by CMAT, known for her distinctive fusion of country, Americana, and rock influences. This collaboration also marks another milestone in Amazon Music’s series of exclusive holiday releases.

CMAT, an Ivor Novello award recipient and BRIT-nominated artist, gained significant attention last year with her Euro-Country album, which climbed to the No. 2 spot on the charts. Her partnership with Elton John pairs her modern musical sensibilities with his established legacy, creating an offering that respects the original while injecting contemporary freshness.

Elton John’s history with festive chart-toppers is notable; he previously achieved Christmas No.1 hits with collaborations such as "Sausage Rolls For Everyone" alongside Ladbaby and Ed Sheeran, as well as with "Merry Christmas" in 2021. Meanwhile, "Step Into Christmas" itself reached No. 7 on the singles chart last year, demonstrating the track’s sustained popularity.

Amazon Music’s commitment to holiday exclusives is underscored by its roster of original festive songs from prominent artists. Past releases include Kylie Minogue’s "XMAS," which became the streaming service’s first Christmas No.1, along with tracks from Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, John Legend, Olivia Dean, Sam Ryder, and Tom Grennan. These releases feature prominently on Amazon Music’s curated ‘Merry Mix’ playlist, offering listeners a blend of classics and new seasonal tunes.

The collaboration between Elton John and CMAT reflects a meeting of like-minded talents. CMAT’s musical style, rooted in country and Americana with a rock edge, complements Elton John’s versatile artistry. Their joint effort aims to honor the spirit of the original while providing a renewed festive experience for listeners across generations.

Amazon Music’s UK head Laura Lukanz highlighted the significance of reinterpreting such an iconic track with two artists who bring unique energy and chemistry to the project. This fresh version not only pays homage to the original but also seeks to ignite holiday joy anew within the streaming audience.

As the Christmas season approaches, "Step Into Christmas" will compete alongside a mix of enduring classics and contemporary releases from artists including Sam Fender and Olivia Rodrigo. This vibrant seasonal music landscape exemplifies the evolving ways in which holiday music is consumed and celebrated, blending nostalgia with modern creativity.

Details about promotional plans or live performances linked to this release remain limited. However, the exclusive availability of the track on Amazon Music signifies the platform’s growing role in shaping the festive music market.

With this collaboration, Elton John continues to assert his relevance in today’s music scene, while CMAT gains an opportunity to reach wider audiences through association with a legendary figure. Together, they offer fans a refreshed soundtrack to the festive season, bridging past and present in a spirit of celebration.