In case you haven’t looked out of your window recently, winter is here.
The first couple weeks back from winter break are always the hardest, and this year is no exception. The nights are growing colder, and daylight seems to slip away all too quickly, leaving us in the early darkness of the evening. The warmth of summer is now a distant memory, and the sidewalks are covered in snow, slush, and ice.
That said, winter’s not all bad. Along with fall, it’s the one season where it’s socially acceptable to listen to exclusively sad music without judgement.
However, I’ve never been one to curate different playlists to match my different moods. I don’t have a “sad” playlist I listen to when I’m feeling low, nor do I have a “happy” playlist reserved solely for moments of joy. In fact, I only have one, which I listen to all year round.
I’m a firm believer that playlists should be comprised of whatever songs you like at the moment—which is why this one is a mix of songs that are upbeat, melancholic, and perfect for winter.
“Dylan Thomas” by Better Oblivion Community Center
Not to quote Taylor Swift, but “Phoebe Bridgers is one of my favourite artists. If she sings it, I will listen to it,” and this song is no exception.
Written and performed by Connor Oberst and Phoebe Bridgers, “Dylan Thomas” is deceptively upbeat, featuring a preppy guitar riff and high energy drums that disguise the deeper narrative conveyed through its lyrics. The best part: it’s a song you can dance to and cry to at the same time.
“Doomsday” by Lizzy McAlpine
Whenever I hear a song or artist that I really like go viral on TikTok, I feel a mix of both excitement and apprehension. On one hand, it’s thrilling to witness a piece of music, or a talented artist finally gain widespread recognition and exposure. On the other hand, there’s a fear the song might become overplayed, or worse, reduced to just another TikTok trend.
However, if any song deserves to go viral, it’s “Doomsday” by Lizzy McAlpine. The track is about being in a relationship so toxic you know it’s doomed. It’s bluesy, raw, and beautiful.
What really sets this song apart from the others on the list is its orchestration, which grows grander as the song progresses.
“Supercut” by Lorde
I know “Supercut” by Lorde isn’t an obvious choice when compared to the previous songs but trust me when I say it belongs on this playlist. As one of the better tracks on Lorde’s 2017 album Melodrama, “Supercut” is all about looking back at the highs and lows of a relationship after it’s over.
The song seamlessly combines lush electronic elements with emotive vocals which contribute to its catchiness without compromising its depth. If I had to describe it in one word, it would be infectious. It makes you want to dance and scream the lyrics with your friends and invites you to feel your emotions deeply and unabashedly.
“Cold Love” by Rainbow Kitten Surprise
I know what you’re thinking—if someone other than my best friend was to recommend a song by a band called “Rainbow Kitten Surprise,” I wouldn’t be able take anything they say after seriously, but trust me when I say you’ll thank me after listening.
“Cold Love” is about the complexity of love and the emotional disconnect that comes with maintaining long-term relationships. It articulates the internal conflict associated with deciding whether to stay in a relationship or to part ways—implying that while love can sometimes feel cold and complicated, it can still be comforting.
From the ethereal harmonies to the emotional message, this song is all around perfect.
“Alaska” by Maggie Rogers
There’s a reason why “Alaska” put Maggie Rogers on the map, and it’s not because of the video with Pharrell Williams. While the video might have might have added a layer of allure, the song is vibrant and exciting to listen to.
It’s a beautiful balance between folk and dance, with layered percussion and gorgeous instrumentation. However, what truly makes “Alaska” great is Rogers’ breathtaking vocals and the message of hope.
It’s a breath of fresh air and perfect if you’re like me and avoid the outside at all costs during the winter months.
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