As the temperature drops and the days grow shorter, music gives us the solace that keep us warm.
Whether or not the winter blues have you down, these six holiday songs have got you covered for all the emotions this season may bring. Unlike the typical carefree and upbeat holiday tunes, these songs add complexity and richness, making them a unique addition to your winter playlist.
Through the ups and downs of the coming season, allow yourself the space to wallow, reminisce, or simply embrace the chill with these songs. Take the time to savour the moments of solitude, and let music be your companion through the cold.
“Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call” by Bleachers
The latest release from Jack Antonoff’s band Bleachers, “Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call” blends the band’s typical indie-pop sound with melancholy lyrics, narrating a tale of bittersweet holiday longing.
Building throughout, this addictive pop ballad encapsulates the conflicting emotions surrounding holiday reconciliation, suggesting that perhaps being alone this Christmas isn’t the worst thing.
This single isn’t entirely sorrowful—Antonoff still wishes the subject a happy holiday season, even if they hurt him in the past. The song can be summed up in the titular lyric, “Merry Christmas, please don’t call.”
“When We are Together” by The 1975
The 11th, and final, track on The 1975’s 2022 album, Being Funny in a Foreign Language, “When We are Together” embodies the holiday desire for connection and the importance of togetherness.
Produced by none other than Antonoff, the song features a unique sound not completely heard in the band’s previous albums. Departing from the band’s typical, more digital production, and ironic lyrics, this track feels rawer, with notes of real sincerity both sonically and lyrically.
The whole album gives off a winter vibe, but this track stands out with its mellow acoustic guitar paired with familiar string and drums, perfectly capturing the wintering feeling.
“Winterlude” by Bob Dylan
With A Complete Unknown starring Timothée Chalamet coming out Dec. 25, a Bob Dylan Winter is upon us. So put your hands in your pockets, wear your jacket Bob Dylan style, and allow yourself to be entranced by his poetic lyrics in this wintry tune.
“Winterlude” is an ode to things working out, playing with the idea that while the weather may be cold, love doesn’t have to be. The ’70s folk tune is reassuring, with Dylan’s lyric, “ev’rything is gonna be all right” acting as a guide through the winter cold.
“Flowers in December” by Mazzy Star
Through its mellow instrumental and enchanting vocals, “Flowers in December” is a hauntingly beautiful song of hope and love—perfect for wintertime yearning.
The transcendent feeling this song evokes is as somber as it is captivating, offering personal and vulnerable lyrics. With comforting guitar strumming and harmonica interludes, Mazzy Star creates the perfect song for some wistful contemplation this winter.
“We’re the Lucky Ones” by The Marías
Showcasing the dreamy sound The María’s are known for, “We’re the Lucky Ones” imagines the coming holiday season with hope and anticipation, mixed with feelings of gratitude.
Co-writers Maria Zardoya and Josh Conway wrote the song around the idea of being lucky to experience another holiday season and being grateful for their “beating hearts” that allow them to experience the joys of the holidays.
The song emphasizes love and the importance of loving, “but if only for today,” as their lyrics describe.
“Christmas Song,” Phoebe Bridgers
It’s wouldn’t feel like Christmas without Phoebe Bridgers and a heart-wrenchingly beautiful holiday cover.
Originally by McCarthy Trenching, Bridgers’ rendition of “Christmas Song” pairs a beautiful piano melody with her equally angelic vocals, conveying a familiar feeling and one of holiday melancholy and sorrow.
Even with the woeful lyrics and sound, this song is an emotional masterpiece and a must-listen to get through any feelings of chilly heartache this winter.
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