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 More Than Just the Classics! Hidden Gems of Winter Songs (21–30)
TEARS (like powder snow dancing…)Nakajima Mika
Mika Nakashima is often associated with winter songs, especially because of her signature track “Yuki no Hana.” This song is the B-side to her debut single “STARS,” released in 2001.
As a B-side, it truly deserves to be called a “hidden gem,” beautifully expressing the sense of poignancy and loneliness that Mika Nakashima evokes.
It conjures images of winter’s chill and gently falling powder snow, making it a perfect song for those who feel a longing for human connection or a touch of solitude in the cold wind.
HEART SNOW ~The Snow That Falls on the Heart~GLAY
A song that gently wraps winter’s loneliness, layering the softly falling snow upon the heart.
It’s included on GLAY’s single “Precious,” released in September 2010.
TERU’s clear, translucent vocals and the tender, comforting melody leave a strong impression.
The lyrics, which sing of deep love and gratitude for a partner, carry a message that reminds us of the precious bonds we tend to lose sight of in our busy daily lives.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to on a quiet winter night while thinking of someone special.
Coffee and syrupOfisharu Higedan Dism
Official HIGE DANDism has released many staple winter songs.
One of their hidden gems is “Coffee and Syrup.” It’s a track included on the album “MAN IN THE MIRROR,” which came out before their major-label debut.
Because of that, many fans may not know it.
The song, based on vocalist Satoshi Fujihara’s real-life experiences, portrays the challenges of entering society and working.
While it’s not specifically set in winter, it’s an encouraging song that accompanies you through seasonal transitions and the start of a new chapter in life.
snowdropNEWS
In this season when the biting cold makes you yearn for warmth, there’s a hidden gem by NEWS you should hear.
Released only on the regular edition of the single “EMMA” in February 2017, this song is a love ballad that blends wistfulness and warmth, inspired by the image of a white flower blooming on a snowy night.
It was performed during the “NEWS LIVE TOUR 2017 NEVERLAND,” where its story-like, beautiful staging captivated fans.
Ryo-Suke Nakanishi’s delicate arrangement and the members’ vocals exquisitely capture winter’s quiet and the subtleties of love.
Listen to it on a Valentine’s night when you long for someone’s touch, or when you want to quietly reflect, and you’ll feel a gentle light kindling in your chilled heart.
It’s a precious song that keeps you company through long winter nights.
SpecialKobayashi Tōya
Kobayashi Shuya’s winter song resonates with its warm, emotional vocals, timelessly catchy melodies, and lyrics that feel close to the listener’s heart.
The words, which seem to sing about those unexpected happy moments that appear in otherwise ordinary days, gently warm the soul.
Alongside cozy items like the kotatsu, soup, and cocoa, the song is filled with small, relatable joys that create a rich, comforting atmosphere.
It’s also a perfect track for those chilly winter mornings when you don’t want to crawl out from under the covers.
First snowAYANE
A winter song that weaves a new love story beginning with the season’s arrival, in delicate, beautiful words.
AYANE’s translucent vocals settle quietly on the heart like the first snowfall.
Released in November 2022, it captivated many listeners, reaching No.
1 on real-time charts.
Included on the album “#Twenty,” it lets you savor her musical world where existing tracks and new songs intertwine.
Perfect for moments when you want to feel your heart warmed by love even as you’re wrapped in winter’s chill.
Recommended for those who want to taste the sweet tang of first love or sort out their feelings amid the hush of winter.
overwinteringLucky Kilimanjaro
A song filled with warmth that won’t lose to the winter cold.
Lucky Kilimanjaro’s gentle vocals resonate in the heart.
Through the scars left by a ring and the city’s scenery, you can feel a strong will to get through winter.
It was released in November 2022 as the B-side to the single “Hitosuji Sasu.” The track was also used in URBAN RESEARCH’s holiday campaign commercial, matching perfectly with the cozy visuals.
Recommended for those who feel lonely in the cold season or want to look back on memories with someone special.
It’s a heartwarming song you’ll want to listen to on a calm winter night.