Western songs to listen to in winter: heart-touching winter songs

Early Christmas MorningCyndi Lauper

Early Christmas Morning

Cyndi Lauper is an artist’s artist, admired by many fellow musicians.

Because she’s a singer with a distinctive vocal quality, plenty of people may hesitate to try singing her songs, thinking they must be difficult.

That’s why I recommend Early Christmas Morning.

Crafted with a nursery rhyme–like feel reminiscent of a German folk song, this track does include a few high phrases that verge on a shout, but every other line is organized in a way that’s very easy to sing.

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Ryo

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Christmas EveIdina Menzel

Christmas Eve

This song is included on a Christmas holiday album released in 2014.

In Japan, the same album was also released under the title “Snow Wishes,” and the song appears there as well.

Since it shares the same melody as Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Christmas Eve,” it’s very easy to listen to.

If you want a stylish English version, Idina Menzel’s rendition might be a good choice.

That said, the song builds steadily toward the latter half, so there are several spots where you’ll need to hit higher notes.

The ending phrases have very cool melodic lines, so men can lower the key and still deliver it well.

Overall, rather than enunciating crisply throughout, it’s better to sing with awareness of accents at the beginning and in certain parts.

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Kubota Mami

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Every Year, Every ChristmasLuther Vandross

Luther Vandross – Every Year, Every Christmas

Luther Vandross has a soft, rich singing voice.

“Every Year, Every Christmas” is a Christmas song that suits his voice perfectly.

Because it’s a relaxed tempo, even those who aren’t confident in English pronunciation can sing it calmly.

There are plenty of parts to really sing out, and it feels good just to listen—so if you can master it, it’ll feel even better! Vocal power is important, but more than that, focus on resonance when you sing.

In the parts where the chorus swells, use your breath well to project your voice farther, and let it resonate in your chest and head.

Simply placing a hand on your chest helps you feel the resonance and makes it easier to sing.

For high notes, don’t force chest voice; aim for head resonance so you can use a strong falsetto—be especially mindful of your breath here too!

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Kubota Mami

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The First NoelPentatonix

Pentatonix – The First Noel (Official Video)

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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Kubota Mami

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Night Before ChristmasSam Smith

Sam Smith – Night Before Christmas (Lyric Video)

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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Happy Xmas (War is Over)Miley Cyrus, Mark Ronson ft. Sean Ono Lennon

Miley Cyrus, Mark Ronson ft. Sean Ono Lennon – “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” Official Performance |Vevo

Happy Xmas (War Is Over), a cover song by Miley Cyrus featuring British music producer Mark Ronson and Sean Lennon, the son of John Lennon.

It’s John Lennon’s timeless classic, needless to say.

This cover keeps the original vibe, with the main change being the vocalist, so those who are attached to the original should enjoy it as well.

Perfect for spending Christmas with your significant other!

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Ryo

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DecemberEarth, Wind & Fire

Earth, Wind & Fire – December (Official Video)

“December” is a song by the American funk band Earth, Wind & Fire, and it’s a self-cover version of their massive 1978 hit “September.” It was included on their 2014 Christmas album Holiday.

The original “September” lyrics reminisce in December about events from September, but for “December” they were rewritten to focus more on Christmas.

It’s an up-tempo, high-energy dance track that was huge in discos, making it a perfect song for enjoying the winter season!

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Hamada Takuya

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