Since it’s officially winter, it’s time to bundle up and listen to something new! Here are a few recommendations from our staff to match this season’s chill vibe.
“Lovers” by Anna of the North – Hannah’s choice
Whenever I hear this song, I immediately think of the hot tub scene from the movie “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before.” This dreamy song brings me back to giggly sleepovers, the smell of popcorn and cold weather assuaged with a cup of hot chocolate. Maybe I’m a little too nostalgic, but any rom-com lover will tell you how iconic this song is. It’s chill, synthy and so 2018. Perfect for winter.
Favorite lyric: “Just feeling my way back to you”
Rating: 6/10
“Softcore” by The Neighbourhood – Hannah’s choice
Now, this song is a little more grungy than I usually listen to, but it still gives me winter vibes. The hypnotic singing and melody bring to mind a cold, grey winter day. The whole song is about the main singer’s dysfunctional relationship, and the lyrics just seem empty to me. The whole song feels kind of empty, like the emptiness of a frozen winter day. All in all, this song is regretful and bitingly cold.
Favorite lyric: “I can hear the sound of breaking down”
Rating: 7/10
“400 Lux” by Lorde – Hannah’s choice
The thing I love most about this song is Lorde’s ability to tell a story. After the first notes of blaring, alarm-like synth, she drops you into a specific moment: driving through the suburbs at sunrise on a cold day with a friend who buys you orange juice. I don’t know, something about this song feels like an anthem for teendom. This song is relatable and familiar. The beat is steady. Somewhere in the song, you just get the sense that everything is going to be okay.
Favorite lyric: “I love these roads where the houses don’t change”
Rating: 9/10
“Alma Mater” by Bleachers – Hannah’s choice
Here is a shameless plug from my favorite band ever. The song is soft and hypnotic, with Lana del Rey’s whispery echoes in the background. There’s saxophone here and there, but underneath it all is this humming, electronic beat. It’s haunting, like a dark drive with snow cascading in front of the car’s headlights. This song is disorienting in the best way. Each time you listen, you notice something you hadn’t heard before.
Favorite lyric: “You’re a movie to me, the way you move around me”
Rating: 8/10
“Sweater Weather” by The Neighbourhood – Ayana’s choice
There’s something about this song that shouts winter romance. Its sultry tone, paired with the imagery of cold weather and oversized sweaters, makes it the ultimate song for a winter setting. The alternative rock and meaningful lyrics create a vibe that’s both chilly and warm, like the perfect winter paradox.
Favorite lyric: “And now, so let me hold both your hands in the holes of my sweater”
Rating: 9.5/10
“Siegfried” by Frank Ocean – Ayana’s choice
Frank Ocean’s “Siegfried” embodies the ultimate winter-night vibe – introspective and surreal. While it’s not a festive holiday tune filled with sleigh bells, its melody fits perfectly at home on a cold evening. His lyrics about bravery, love and self-doubt resonate even more deeply during winter, when the world feels still and a bit unreal. Siegfried masterfully captures the season’s introspection and magic.
Favorite lyric: “Maybe I’m a fool, to settle for a place with some nice views”
Rating: 8/10
“Free Now” by Gracie Abrams – Ayana’s choice
Gracie Abrams’ “Free Now” is like stepping into winter itself. The slow, delicate melody with heartfelt lyrics perfectly captures the mood of the season. The gradual build-up in this song feels profound and captivating. It reminds me of having fun in the cold weather, not having a care in the world. The soft rhythm mirrors the fall of snowflakes, soft and unhurried, which creates a serene atmosphere in my mind that stays long after the song is over.
Favorite lyric: “If you feel like fallin’, catch me on the way down. Never been less empty, all I feel is free now.”
Rating: 9/10
“That’s So True” by Gracie Abrams – Naomi’s choice
The moment I hear the first three seconds of this song and the gentle strum of the guitar as Gracie’s harmonic voice begins to echo in my mind, I am overcome with utter bliss. I first discovered Gracie Abrams in October of this year and I have been deeply in love ever since. I love everything about this song, from Gracie’s almost angelic voice to her lyrics, carefully crafted with such care that every sentence feels like a heartfelt confession wrapped in song. If you are looking for the perfect upbeat yet tranquil song for your winter playlist, this song should be your number-one choice.
Favorite Lyric: “Smiling through it all, yeah, that’s my life”
Rating: 10/10
“‘Tis the Damn Season” by Taylor Swift – Naomi’s choice
Some might call Taylor Swift ‘basic’ or ‘unoriginal,’ but to me, she feels like home – a constant I can always return to, no matter how tired of music I might be. This song in particular captures the perfect melancholic holiday feel, as Taylor delves into the heartache of a breakup during the season. It is the perfect song choice for stay-home-in-bed-and-watch-the-snow days, although we clearly don’t get many of those in Houston. So cozy up in your favorite fuzzy blanket, pop on your headphones and let yourself get lost in the wonder that is Taylor Swift.
Favorite Lyric: “The holidays linger like bad perfume, You can run, but only so far”
Rating: 8.5/10
“Ivy” by Frank Ocean – Naomi’s choice
This song is almost untouchable. Frank Ocean is a mastermind of a songwriter, and this song captures his serenity perfectly. It evokes a sense of nostalgia never felt before, wrapping you in its calm embrace. The layered melodies and tender lyrics create a soothing escape from reality, making it the ultimate chill song – a perfect companion for quiet moments or late-night music sessions.
Favorite Lyric: “I ain’t a kid no more, We’ll never be those kids again”
Rating: 9.5/10
“New Year’s Day” by Taylor Swift – Naomi’s Choice
Continuing with the theme of Taylor Swift, “New Year’s Day” is the perfect winter playlist song. It’s simple and heartfelt, with lyrics about love that lasts through both the fun and the tough moments. It’s the kind of song you play on a quiet evening, thinking about the people who mean the most to you. It feels warm and nostalgic, perfect for those cold winter nights when you just want to slow down and appreciate everything.
Favorite Lyric: “Hold on to the memories, They will hold on to you”
Rating: 9/10
