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 Winter Song Gems (31–40)
Around the time winter endsberii guddoman
A single ray of light offered in a frigid season, this song wraps gratitude born from farewell in a beautiful harmony.
It’s a track from the 2014 album “SING SING SING 2.” Standing on the seasonal boundary where snow turns to rain, it gently accepts a relationship that can never return, while expressing kindness in praying for the other person’s happiness “just as they are.” In 2015, it was chosen as an ending theme for TBS’s “Hiruobi!” and Kyushu Asahi Broadcasting’s “Dooo” among others, etching itself deeply into viewers’ winter memories across regions.
Though originally an indie-era song, it was included in a remastered version on a best-of album in 2018, and remains a staple that unites audiences at winter live shows.
For those trying to move forward while carrying a sense of loss, or when you need gentle words on a solitary night, let this one song by Benri Goodman be your companion.
On a night when stars fallGReeeeN
GReeeeN has many songs with straightforward Japanese lyrics that let you visualize a drama-like storyline.
This track is also a number that brings a story to mind, as if you’re reading it page by page.
It was included as the B-side to the 2012 single “Yuki no Ne” (Snow Sound).
It’s a heartbreaking song that will especially hit home for those in long-distance relationships or those who’ve left their hometown.
It’s the kind of song you’ll suddenly want to listen to at the busy end of the year, when someone special comes to mind.
The North Wind and the SunKubota Toshinobu
Toshinobu Kubota, the singer-songwriter who popularized R&B in Japan.
He’s famous for songs like “LA•LA•LA LOVE SONG,” but I also recommend “The North Wind and the Sun,” where his funky vocals really shine.
It’s included on his 1987 release “GROOVIN’,” and the bass line that melts into the synth sound gives it a dance-music vibe.
The fresh, mature lyrics make it perfect for a date.
Listen to this track on a winter night and you’ll feel a stylish new you emerge!
A Lump of LoveKinKi Kids
This song, Ai no Katamari, was included as the coupling track to KinKi Kids’ 13th single Hey! Minna Genki Kai?, released in 2001.
The lyrics were written by Tsuyoshi Domoto, and the music was composed by Koichi Domoto.
It’s a love song from a woman’s perspective, expressing her feelings for someone she loves, with a painfully beautiful melody that tightens the chest.
It’s filled with single-minded devotion to the person she loves, and the very intensity of that love brings a gentle, lingering sadness.
white snowKuraki Mai
When it comes to Mai Kuraki, many people probably have a strong image of her as the singer of Detective Conan’s theme songs.
This track was released in 2006 and served as the ending theme for the Detective Conan anime until April of the following year.
If you watched a lot of anime back then, you might be very familiar with this song.
The lyrics depict a poignant story set in winter, and Kuraki’s clear, transparent voice makes you feel as if your heart is being cleansed as you listen.
[I want more than just the classics!] Hidden winter song gems (41–50)
LOVER SOULJUDY AND MARY
Even after their 2001 breakup, JUDY AND MARY are almost always mentioned as a band people want to see reunite.
Their song “LOVER SOUL” was the group’s 13th single, released in 1997.
While Judy and Mary are strongly associated with poppy, fast-paced tracks, this song is very gentle—spoken softly, almost in droplets—drawing you in as if you’re listening to a story.
It’s a number that lets you picture a beautiful winter scene, even though it isn’t packed with winter-related seasonal words or imagery in the lyrics.
Winter FairyMatsuda Seiko
It’s exactly because winter makes us crave human warmth that we feel like listening to pop music, isn’t it? “Winter Fairy,” a song that brings a touch of fun to the season, is a cute winter tune.
Included on Seiko Matsuda’s 1981 release “Kazetachinu,” the moment the intro starts, you can feel winter arriving.
Its rhythmic sound and her gentle vocals warm up the freezing season.
Alongside the bittersweet songs, her happy side is also part of her charm.
Add this winter song by an eternal idol to your playlist.