You’ve stocked up on the best winter foods — from holiday-specific treats, like roast turkey or potato latkes to buttered rum and hot chocolate. You’ve cranked up the thermostat. You’ve dug out your warmest puffer coat, scarf, and snow boots. Now, it’s time to celebrate the winter with these tracks from our edgy and offbeat playlist of seasonal songs. Create your own winter music playlist and get into the holiday spirit.
“Christmas Time Is Here” by Khruangbin
If you’re into the “chillhop” genre (better known as lo-fi hip-hop), start off with Khruangbin’s smooth, dreamy “Christmas Time Is Here” — featuring cascading guitars and ambient “stage reverb.”
“Christmas Wrapping” by The Waitresses
If you lean toward indie rock, dance-rock, art-rock, or post-punk during the holiday season, throw back to the New Wave with The Waitresses’ “Christmas Wrapping.” The iconic 1980s single is known for its catchy intro and lyrics with an unexpectedly heartwarming twist.
“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” by The Polyphonic Spree
The Polyphonic Spree’s Beatles cover puts the band’s signature psychedelic-pop twist on the Beatles’ holiday classic — resulting in a sound that’s eccentric, vaguely dissonant, and distinctly American.
“Lady December” by The Concretes
“Lady December” offers a folksy melody, hypnotic instrumentals, and the “drunken-pop” feel that made the Concretes so successful.
“New Year’s Eve” by The Walkmen
The Walkmen’s piano-driven “New Year’s Eve” will help you close off 2019 on a high note (literally), with its cheery piano melody.
“White Winter Hymnal” by Fleet Foxes
If you want to transition your winter music playlist into a folksier mood, Fleet Foxes’ celebrated “White Winter Hymnal,” is considered an indie classic.
Had the time of my life at Newport this year, what an incredible collection of musicians! It was the highest honor to sing with Judy Collins, help James Mercer and Eric Johnson do CSN, and to sing Instant Karma with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. To play music with Janet Weiss (!!), John Stirrat (!!), Benmont Tench (!!), Chris Funk (!!) and everyone else was like a wonderful fever dream, as was getting to witness so many incredible sets, features, and surprises (Dolly? Kermit and Jim? Wtf??). It all felt like music at its absolute best, and I’m legit #blessed to have been involved. I’m a Jazz Dad for Newport hallelujah
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“Driving Under Stars” by Marika Hackman
Marika Hackman’s “Driving Under Stars” evokes a winter landscape in her native England, with thoughtful lyrics and melancholy harmonies.
“heavy snow” by Christian French
“heavy snow” boasts a sleepy alt-pop sound and uses a winter metaphor to describe the challenges of trying to make it on one’s own.
“White Tiger” by Izzy Bizu
Izzy Bizu’s “White Tiger” is a jazzy, uplifting soul track that shows off the British singer’s impressive vocal range.
“Candlelight (feat. Jeremih)” by Zhavia Ward and Jeremih
“Candlelight” plays off of a winter metaphor, with strong vocals by Zhavia Ward and Jeremih and a thoughtful and emotional message.
Getting in the Holiday Spirit?
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