I typically hate winter; where’s the fun in numb fingers, wet shoes, and darkness before 6pm? Still, something I do enjoy about the colder months is being able to hibernate in my room drinking hot tea and listening to slower, cool music. In an attempt to embrace the November vibes, I decided to create a playlist of old and new songs perfect for snowy days when you can’t be bothered to leave your bed.
1. Another Sad Love Song – Khalid
I love this song for its softness, how it’s perfect to play in the background while you do your homework or if you’re chilling in your room doing nothing. Sung with his soothingly raspy voice, Khalid’s debut album is full of awesome R&B slow jams like this one.
2. Flashed Junk Mind – Milky Chance
Milky Chance are the kings of chill music, perfect for blasting through headphones while walking to class or on the commute home. I personally love listening to them while I’m cooking.
3. Altar – Sir Sly
I chose this song because of the way it blends strong vocals over a cool beat. The lyrics are also stellar, portraying heartbreak through a poetic story.
4. Passenger Seat – Death Cab for Cutie
I’ve loved Death Cab for years, and this song has always stuck out to me (I even taught myself how to play it on piano). It’s truly beautiful, calming, and so cozy that it will make you grab your warmest blanket, snuggle into bed, and call your mom.
5. Winter – Khalid
Can you tell that I love this album? True to its name, this song effortlessly portrays how loneliness feels all the lonelier in the winter. That said, its lively beat and catchy chorus stop it from feeling depressing.
6. XL – Fly by Midnight
Sweater season would be incomplete without a song dedicated it. Warning: this track may cause you to seek a boyfriend just for the oversized sweaters.
7. Love / Idleness – Wardell
I’d classify this song as a hybrid of R&B, alternative, and pop – either way, it’s amazing. The lead singer, Sasha Spielberg, has one of the coolest voices I’ve ever heard; give this song a listen to see what I mean.
8. Sweet Sun – Milky Chance
One Milky Chance song just isn’t enough.
9. Sorry – Nothing But Thieves
Lead singer Conor Mason has such a hypnotizing voice that I swear he could sing anything and I’d love it. Additionally, the English alternative band’s modern spin of the rock genre is truly magical.
10. LOVE. (Feat. Zacari) – Kendrick Lamar
Another great album of 2017, I had trouble choosing one song for this playlist. This song gives me the best middle of winter, warmed by crowded bodies in a bar vibes. In my opinion, Kendrick is one of the most talented rappers today, and this song is a strong representation of why.
11. I’m Yours – Alessia Cara
Cara’s gorgeous voice always makes me feel better. I love this R&B pop ballad because it’s great energy – I can always count on it to give me that much needed boost while studying for midterms and term papers.
12. Call it What You Want – Taylor Swift
One of my favourite tracks off of reputation, I love how vulnerable and sweet this song is. The only downside is that I find it impossible to not sing along with, which is unfortunate for anyone around me at the time (sorry).
13. White Winter Hymnal – Fleet Foxes
I honestly couldn’t tell you what this song is about, but I love its folksy beat and choir inspired singing.
14. Sleep on the Floor – The Lumineers
One of my favourite songs from my favourite band. I don’t think I have ever found a song by The Lumineers less than genius, and this song is no exception. There’s something both nostalgic and exciting about it, and with each listen I fall more in love. Challenge: watch the music video without crying.
15. Ever Since New York – Harry Styles
I was never a fan of One Direction, so when Harry Styles released his first solo album this past summer, I was pleasantly surprised. I love the use of the acoustic and drums in this track, and of course Styles’ sultry voice leaves no doubt as to why thousands of girls fall at his feet. He is an incredible musician, so I recommend giving the rest of his album a listen.
Enjoy listening to my favourite songs this month. Music is an awesome way to escape reality for awhile, leaving you feeling refreshed enough to power through the rest of this semester; we’ve got this, HC UBC.