Winter quarter at college can feel mundane and lonely at times. With cloudy skies and cold weather, many of us just want to curl up under a blanket in the warmth of our homes. To get out of the funk of just sitting around the house, I listen to music to make me energized about my school work. These are my personal favorites from my winter playlist.
“She Calls Me Back” – Noah Kahan
Seattle doesn’t really get snow like my hometown in the Northeast does. On the days that I am missing those snow flurries I love listening to Noah Kahan’s album, Stick Season. Depicting the experience of growing up in a small town in the Northeast, it’s bittersweet but such a great listen. “She Calls Me Back” is one of my favorites off the album that is less mainstream.
“Scott Street” – Phoebe Bridgers
This song feels like visiting your hometown once you move away and are on your own for the first time. It makes me feel all cozy and reflect on my life but that’s what winter is for. The song wraps you in a big hug, reminding you of your childhood memories.
“Forget Me” – Lewis Capaldi
Lewis Capaldi has an incredible voice that blows me away in every one of his songs. I’ve recently gotten really into this song after hearing it through a TikTok, a common way I seem to find music these days. I’m still waiting for him to release the full album but this song will get me through the waiting time.
“Fast Times” – Sabrina Carpenter
emails i can’t send, Sabrina Carpenter’s newest album, has everything on it. There are songs about hating men, ones that get you up dancing, and of course ones that can make you cry. “Fast Times” is catchy but not repetitive and has a guitar back track that makes it upbeat.
“False God” – Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s album Lover is by no means my favorite of hers, but this song from the album is always on repeat. It’s a good study song that makes you feel like you’re in a movie. You know that sitting in the car looking out the window pretending to be in a music video feeling. It’s catchy and a bit different from her most popular pop songs.
“All This Time” – Louis Tomlinson
Louis Tomlinson’s new album Faith In The Future had a ton of incredible songs on it but “All This Time” is my favorite. It’s about how pain in life is worth it because of love, friends, and family. During winter quarter it can be hard to remember why you are studying and working but spending time with friends and family makes me remember why it’s all worth it.
“Bloom” – The Paper Kites
This song reminds me of my favorite moments in nature, whether it’s a memory of a hike, sitting at the edge of Lake Washington, or jumping off a dock into the ocean. During the winter it gives me hope that summer is going to be here so soon and all my favorite things will return.
“this is me trying” – Taylor Swift
The day before one of my biology exams this quarter I just bawled to this song. Sometimes you just need to let all your feelings and frustrations out before attempting to take on a stressful situation. This song from folklore reminds me that I’m trying my very best and that’s all I can do.
As we reach the final stretch of winter, these songs can hopefully inspire you to finish the quarter off strong!