I want to hear more than just the classics! Hidden gems of winter songs
When winter comes, we sometimes feel a little lonely, while other times our hearts leap at festive events and dazzling cityscapes.
In moments like these, winter songs gently stay by our side.
There are so many of them, and while the classic hits are beloved for years, many of you may be thinking, “I want to discover something different!”
So in this article, we’ll introduce some hidden gems among winter songs.
There are plenty of wonderful tracks beyond the usual standards, so take your time and enjoy them as your companions this winter.
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[I Want To Hear More Than Just the Classics!] Hidden Winter Song Gems (71–80)
HELLOSCANDAL
SCANDAL is a four-piece rock band that has led the post-2000s girls’ band scene in J-POP, performing live overseas since their indie days.
The new song HELLO, included on their third best-of album SCANDAL, features an arrangement that begins with a striking guitar arpeggio, giving it a lyrical feel.
Its message—that we can become stronger because of the presence of someone important—paired with imagery that evokes snowy landscapes, is sure to move listeners.
With a translucent, lingering chorus melody, it’s a rock tune that conjures the feeling of winter.
mufflerHitsuji Bungaku
Starting with a muffled guitar tone, this song is a beautiful number that captures Hitsujibungaku’s signature shadowed atmosphere.
The shoegaze- and dream pop-like weightlessness evokes a fantastical winter landscape.
The essay-like lyrics—featuring characters like “she,” “he,” “us,” and “you”—overlap with calm, finely crafted melodies, gently carrying you into a wintry world.
A he like a winter bird, human relationships linked like the yarn of a scarf, and in the end, it’s all a dream.
It’s a winter song that leaves the lingering afterglow of a single beautiful story—lovely, yet a little bittersweet when it ends.
From the season that feels like it will freezeAimer
Aimer is an artist whose clear, husky voice resonates with the heart.
Packed with her charm, “Kogoesou na Kisetsu kara” is a winter song you’ll want to hear precisely in the cold season.
Released in 2017, it was chosen as the opening theme for the drama “Ubai Ai, Fuyu.” Beyond acoustic guitar–driven tracks like “Kataomoi,” you’ll also find yourself wanting to hear her powerful ballads.
It’s a hidden gem that stays by your side in a winter where unreturned feelings make your chest ache.
snow globeKANA-BOON
Snow Globe, included on KANA-BOON’s 2015 album TIME, is a track full of that signature KANA-BOON drive, with something that really tugs at the heart.
It’s a big fan favorite and always gets the crowd going at live shows.
A snow globe—also called a snow dome—comes to mind: you can almost see the glittering snow swirling inside the glass.
It’s beautiful, yet it conveys a touch of sadness as well.
Snow WhiteMarushii
Marcy is a rock band based in Fukuoka Prefecture.
In 2022, they drew attention for holding their first-ever solo concert.
They’ve created many poignant ballads, and among them, the song “Shirayuki” is perfect for winter.
It depicts the feelings of a man who chose to break up with his lover, with lyrics that charmingly liken fading memories to pure white snow.
First, try listening while focusing on those metaphor-rich lyrics.
It can also be fun to develop your own interpretation.
