While the winter months bring cold weather, the right music can warm your soul and bring out the quiet beauty of the season. Grab your favorite blanket, press play, and let the music carry you through this season! Don’t forget to add your own winter favorites to your new winter playlist.
“Another Life” – SZA
“Another Life” is one of SZA’s standout tracks included on her new album, SOS Deluxe: LANA. As with all of SZA’s music, this song does not disappoint. It has a catchy flow and fun beat, making it an instant favorite. The lyrics express the desire for a different outcome of a relationship that didn’t work out, encapsulating the hope for “another life” where things might have ended up differently. With its introspective lyrics and beautiful rhythm, “Another Life,” in every life, is a hit.
“Wintering” – The 1975
As its title suggests, “Wintering” is a fitting addition to any winter playlist. The song captures the joys and stresses of the holiday season, making it a fun listen as you reminisce about recent festivities, or simply enjoy its upbeat rhythm. The song has a similar sound to the 1975’s usual music, with their typical fun beat.
“Cardigan” – Taylor Swift
I had to include a few songs for all my Taylor Swift fans out there. If you’re a fan, you probably already know this song, but you might need a reminder of its perfection. If you aren’t familiar, I would recommend giving this song a listen. It has a different vibe than some of her other pop music, much like the rest of the album it is on, folklore, and is a perfect song for a winter afternoon when you’ll need a cardigan to keep warm!
“How to disappear” – Lana Del Rey
This song is a perfect fit for any fall playlist. It has a mellow vibe that matches the crispness of autumn. The lyrics capture that feeling of change and longing that comes with the season. It has a cozy, nostalgic feel which is comforting during these fall months. This song is perfect for a walk admiring the falling leaves.
“Bags” – Clairo
“Bags” is a deeply emotional song that explores the complexity of unspoken feelings, with a side of percussion and guitar. Clairo’s delicate vocals showcase lyrics which capture longing and confusion in a relationship. The subtle production adds to the song’s atmosphere with dreamy guitar riffs and drums. “Bags” is a perfect song for reflective winter nights.
“Yellow” – Coldplay
This beautiful song can fit any season, but its warmth and tenderness makes it especially comforting in the winter. Singer Chris Martin said about the song, “That song is about devotion. That’s just about somebody throwing themselves in front of a car for somebody else.” Its warm, hopeful guitar and mesmerizing lyrics create a masterpiece with which you must grace your ears.
“High and Dry” – Radiohead
This song’s melancholic tone and soothing guitar make it a perfect companion for quiet introspective winter moments. Its emotional depth resonates well with the nature of this season, and it’s another song with guitar that stands out.
“White Winter Hymnal” – Fleet Foxes
With its vivid imagery and haunting harmonies, “White Winter Hymnal” captures the essence of winter. The rich, layered vocals evoke a serene winter landscape in listeners’ minds. To top it off, the gentle guitar adds an extra layer of warmth, perfect for these chilly days. Overall, the song is a beautiful and immersive listening experience.
“Ripples” – Beabadoobee
“Ripples” combines a dreamy, atmospheric sound with introspective lyrics, making it ideal for a calm winter day. Beabadoobee’s stunning, delicate vocals make all of her songs special, and “Ripples” is no exception.
“Heavy” – The Marias
The smooth, ethereal sound of “Heavy” by The Marias is perfect for peaceful drives, winter nights, or walks in the snow. Its dreamy production and soft vocals wrap listeners in a warm embrace. Whether you’re gazing at a winter landscape or simply winding down at the end of the day, “Heavy” sets the perfect tone for a quiet winter night.
“Till There Was You” – The Beatles
With its joyful melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Till There was You” expresses the power of love. It’s a reminder that having someone you really love in your life can completely alter your perspective, turning average moments into something beautiful. The warmth and optimism in the song make it an ideal choice now more than ever.
“Maine” – Noah Kahan
Noah Kahan’s “Maine” has a warm, folksy vibe that feels cozy and comforting during the colder months. The acoustic melodies, powerful humming, and heartfelt lyrics create a perfect soundtrack for winter. I especially enjoy the long guitar intro. The line “I want to go to Maine” is relatable on a deeper level, capturing the longing for a simpler, more peaceful place amidst the chaos of life. Especially in the winter, we all find ourselves wishing for an escape, making this song a perfect addition to your playlist.
“No. 1 Party Anthem” – Arctic Monkeys
The Arctic Monkeys always deliver the perfect soundtrack for winter (maybe because “Arctic” is in their name), with their calm voices, melancholic guitar, and foot-tapping beats. “No. 1 Party Anthem” strikes the perfect balance between cool and calm, with a laid-back sound that’s both soothing and fun.
“Let it Happen” – Gracie Abrams
“Let it Happen” is my personal anthem for 2025. With its calming yet empowering sound, it captures the spirit of letting go and embracing what the future brings. While the song could be seen as surrendering yourself to a relationship, I interpret it as learning to control what you can and let the rest fall into place. Gracie’s introspective lyrics and soothing production are stunning, and the outro is especially powerful, with the line, “Whatever happens, I’m letting it.”
“Rivers and Roads” – The Head and The Heart
This song has meaningful lyrics about growing up and apart from those you love, and getting used to this adjustment. It serves as a reminder that even in moments of sadness, there’s beauty in our shared experiences and the growth that comes from them. Seniors will definitely get a good cry out of this one, seeing as we have recently entered 2025, their graduation year. The beautiful harmonies are another unique aspect of this song. While the overall message is somewhat sad, it is perfect for a quiet walk outside or cozy moments spent indoors.