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

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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Ryo

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thank u, nextAriana Grande

Ariana Grande – thank u, next (Official Video)

As the title suggests, it carries a powerful message: “Thanks for everything up to now—I’m moving on!” Singing that “the encounters I’ve had until now made me who I am,” she expresses gratitude to the men she’s dated so far, even naming her exes and describing what they were like.

She also sings, “This song will probably be a big hit!” It’s bright and uplifting! Since a woman in a Santa outfit appears, they might also be aiming for a seasonal song.

breathinAriana Grande

Ariana Grande – breathin

Ariana Grande is an idol singer who has gained worldwide popularity with her high-tone voice and cute looks.

She’s a familiar artist in Japan as well.

“breathin” was released in 2018 and included on her fourth album, Sweetener.

While she’s known for her catchy, cute melodies, this track has a very stylish finish.

It’s the kind of song that would feel great to listen to while driving on the highway on a winter night!

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Ryo

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Strawberry Fields ForeverThe Beatles

Strawberry Fields Forever (Remastered 2009)

This song is one of the Beatles’ classics, released in February 1967.

Back then it was on vinyl, and I picture listening to it on a record player in a warm room in winter.

The striking motif of “Strawberry Fields” refers to a Salvation Army children’s home on the outskirts of Liverpool, near where John played as a child.

It was a somewhat run-down place, yet for some reason he’s drawn to go there—that sentimental feeling seems very wintry to me.

Listening to a song like that in a cozy, warm room brings a sense of happiness, or maybe relief.

The ending of the track is fascinating too, so be sure to listen all the way through.

And Winter Came…Enya

And Winter Came…

This is a poetic ballad that overlays winter scenery with an inner landscape of the heart.

The protagonist’s bittersweet feelings as they remember a former lover under the moonlight are conveyed over a serene melody.

Included on Irish artist Enya’s 2008 album “And Winter Came…,” this piece stands out among the winter-themed works for its contemplative, introspective atmosphere.

The distinctive sense of weightless drift created by multi-layered vocals and long reverb is like snow floating in the winter night sky.

It’s a perfect song for spending a quiet evening alone or gently revisiting treasured memories.

Let It GoIdina Menzel

Idina Menzel – Let It Go (from Frozen) (Official Video)

This is a song from the film Frozen, which was a huge hit worldwide.

It’s sung by Idina Menzel, a Broadway star and Tony Award–winning actress, famous for playing Elsa in the American version.

The song is truly an anthem of self-liberation, boldly declaring the resolve to break free from what’s been holding you back and live as your true self.

Her powerful vocals alone are enough to stir your heart and make you itch to sing along! This classic, which won Best Original Song at the 86th Academy Awards, is perfect for karaoke.

If you let your emotions explode and sing it with all your heart—as if blowing away all your worries—you’ll feel absolutely amazing.

This ChristmasChris Brown

Chris Brown – This Christmas (Official HD Video)

Though not very well known in Japan, this is a beloved staple Christmas song in the West.

The “This Christmas” introduced here was released by singer Chris Brown in 2007.

The song was originally released in 1970 by Donny Hathaway, often called the god of R&B, and Chris Brown released it as a cover.

Compared to the original, it has a more contemporary feel and an arrangement brimming with positive energy.

With its sparkling, bright vocals, it’s a track that makes you look forward to Christmas.

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Yoimachi Jēn

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