Lovely winter song

[A Major Glow-Up!] Western songs that color the illuminations—tracks you’ll want to listen to together

POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

Music that makes the illuminations shine even brighter.

You hear it around town, don’t you?

When winter comes, Christmas trees and illuminations become even more dazzling and eye-catching.

This time, I’ll introduce Western songs that match those illuminations.

From Christmas songs and sparkling tracks to gently romantic tunes, they’re all wonderful, aren’t they?

I’ve also focused on party songs that make time with friends even more fun, as well as songs that depict light.

What kind of songs do you like?

Be sure to enjoy them on your way home, when hanging out with friends, or on a date!

[A Big Glow-Up!] Western songs that color the illuminations: tracks I want to listen to together (21–30)

The First NoelPentatonix

Pentatonix – The First Noel (Official Video)

The First NoelPentatonix

Many of you may already know the original song, which comes from the traditional English Christmas carol “The First Nowell / The First Noel.” Pentatonix focuses on a cappella harmonies, making both the lead melody and the harmony parts easy to hear, and their singing seems to flow straight into the heart.

Some of you might be practicing a cappella for the Christmas season, right? Since a cappella relies on singing in perfect sync, I think it’s best to memorize the lyrics completely.

Of course, singing it solo at karaoke also creates a great atmosphere! Rather than singing it in a flowing manner, if you deliver each phrase carefully and with feeling, it becomes a very compelling piece—so sing it with confidence!

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Night Before ChristmasSam Smith

Sam Smith – Night Before Christmas (Lyric Video)

Night Before ChristmasSam Smith

Singer-songwriter Sam Smith, known for his distinctive high-tone voice, originally focused mainly on ballads, but his musical style has evolved since around “Unholy,” and he’s now exploring a variety of genres.

His Christmas number “Night Before Christmas” is a piece imbued with a soulful vibe.

Because it’s in 3/4 time, the rhythm can be hard for Japanese listeners to feel, but the tempo is very slow and the melodic leaps aren’t extreme, so if you’re comfortable with Black music, definitely give it a try.

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Viva La VidaColdplay

Coldplay – Viva La Vida (Official Video)

Viva La VidaColdplay

Coldplay is a British rock band formed in London in 1996.

Released in 2008, this song was inspired by the paintings of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.

It depicts the mindset of a ruler who, despite wielding immense power, ultimately loses everything, weaving in imagery from the French Revolution and Christianity.

Its grand orchestration and bright melody strikingly contrast with the melancholy of the lyrics, expressing the ups and downs of life in a universal way.

The work won Song of the Year at the 2009 Grammy Awards and topped both the U.S.

and U.K.

charts.

It was also used in an Apple iPod commercial, and is recommended for those who wish to reflect on the futility of power and the impermanence of life.

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In conclusion

I introduced some Western songs that are perfect to listen to with the illuminations.

There are quite a few Christmas songs, but the ones with a gentle, mellow vibe that create a romantic mood are wonderful too, aren’t they? Did you find a song that really struck you? I’d be happy if this helps you spend a lovely time with great music!