Winter is a somber time for me. Biting winds, shorter days and gray skies — once November hits, all I want to do is curl up under a blanket and wait for spring’s return. To pass the time, I seek comfort in hot chocolate and a good, sad playlist. If you’re anything like me, you also have a playlist dedicated to those long winter months, but if not, here’s a collection of songs to help you get started on your playlist this season.
“Space Song” by Beach House
It would be a crime for “Space Song” to not make this list. This dreamy, ethereal track off of Beach House’s 2015 album, “Depression Cherry,” is the epitome of a sad winter night — I think of night drives with headlights submerged in darkness as layered voices repeat solemn lyrics when I hear this song. It is deliciously sad.
“Saw You In A Dream” by The Japanese House
A heartbreakingly simple song about longing for someone you can no longer be with, at least not in the waking world. With lyrics like, “I’m starting to believe that when I call your name / You just don’t hear me anymore / And I know that I shouldn’t even try / It’s a waste of time,” I admit I get choked up on every listen. For anyone who has loved and lost, I warn you to listen to this song at your own risk.
“We Move Lightly” by Dustin O’Halloran
I’m not really one to save instrumental songs to my playlists. However, my sister sent me this song, so of course, I had to give it a listen. It’s an absolutely beautiful and touching piano piece that I find myself listening to every winter. While bittersweet, it has a taste of hope as well, like the first weeks of warm spring weather. It feels like revival.
“FEEL” by Kendrick Lamar
I’m pivoting a bit from dream pop and piano instrumentals, but stay with me here. Kendrick Lamar is one of my favorite artists of all time; his lyricism and sincerity resonates with me the way other artists don’t. I would argue that “FEEL” is an incredible song for winter, with a laidback beat that is easy to listen to during cold morning lifts at the gym. “I feel like a chip on my shoulders / I feel like I’m losin’ my patience… Feel like I don’t wanna be bothered / I feel like you may be the problem,” Lamar raps, encapsulating a feeling I was not sure how to articulate myself.
He ends the song saying, “I feel like the whole world want me to pray for ‘em... Ain’t nobody prayin’ for me.” For those who love the previous genres on this list but aren’t too sure about rap, I urge you to give Lamar a listen.
“Sparks” by Coldplay
Don’t play this song in front of me, because I will start sobbing. I’m regretting even playing it now to write this column, because I already feel the tears forming, which is why it’s the perfect winter song for me. It’s a gut wrenchingly honest song filled with lyrics of regret, heartbreak, longing and self-destruction paired with a warm melody and soothing guitar. It’s songs like “Sparks” that remind me how powerful music can be, of how much emotion can be drawn out of you from just a three-minute song.
As the December cold sets in, it can be easy to get discouraged and reclusive (speaking from personal experience here). My advice is to take it day by day and to prioritize your health and mental wellbeing more than usual. Curl up with a hot tea, eat nutritious foods, maybe start a journal and give these songs a listen.
