There’s no denying it: winter’s in full swing, and we’re looking at months of ice and snow ahead of us. Unfortunately, no matter if you’re in one of Chicago’s premier penthouses or one of the best luxury condos Long Island City has to offer, the northern United States is in the dead center of a cold snap at the moment, and it’s not about to break anytime soon. The good news? While you can’t shrug off the sub-zero temperatures or safely go outside without a puffy jacket, scarf, hat, gloves, and snow boots for the foreseeable future, there’s one surefire cure for those winter blues: a great playlist. If winter’s got you down, just put on these perfect cold-weather tunes and watch your day get instantly brighter:
“Back to December” by Taylor Swift: While the month in the song’s title may have already come and gone, this song about romance and regret from pop music’s reigning princess will have you feeling a little bit fonder when it comes to this blustery season. One of the first singles that hinted Swift’s crossover to pop music, this moody ballad is all about how those cold winter days can provide anyone a lot of time for self-reflection—sometimes leading to some difficult realizations about the people we’ve loved and lost.
“A Hazy Shade of Winter” by Simon & Garfunkel: Feeling like the winter is getting the best of you? This song knows the feeling all too well. This 1968 hit by Simon & Garfunkel details the brutality of the wintertime, but ends on a positive note, with springtime promised in the near future.
“Frozen” by Madonna: While not about the weather, per se, Madonna’s “Frozen” is the perfect wintertime bop. This song, ostensibly about the coldness of a lover’s heart, is still just as relatable for anyone who can’t stand waking up early to scrape the ice off their car and salt their front steps again.
“Cold, Cold Heart” by Norah Jones: Norah Jones’ buttery-smooth voice can make anyone perk up a little bit, and her rendition of Hank Williams classic “Cold, Cold Heart” is a perfect addition to any winter playlist. While you’re listening to Jones lament her paramour’s coldness, you’ll forget all about the snow seeping into your boots.
“Summertime” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince: Of course, sometimes, to deal with the wintertime, you’ve got to tap into a little escapism. When that’s the case, full-fledged summer jams, like DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s vintage classic, “Summertime” will make you feel so warm inside you’ll swear it’s July.
While you can’t ditch the cold weather for a few more months yet, you can make the winter feel a whole lot more bearable. Armed with the right wintertime playlist, you can lament those frigid days and look forward to warmer ones ahead. No matter how hard the winter hits you this year, this playlist is sure to help you banish those winter blues yet—all that’s left for you to do is hit play.