Every season inspires many emotions, with winter one of the most prominent ones. Whether it’s the shorter days, colder weather, or the impending anticipation of the holiday season, it is a treasure trove of feelings.
This playlist explores some of the best winter-themed songs ever released and songs with feeling cold as a central metaphor. From holiday hits, classics from music superstars, or underappreciated gems, there is something for everyone on this list of songs about winter and cold.
“Winter Sounds” by Of Monsters And Men
Album: Beneath the Skin
Genre: Indie Folk
Released: 2015
The Icelandic indie folk band Of Monsters and Men is one of the most engrossing bands to have ever emerged from the tiny nation. This song from their second studio album perfectly illustrates their musical prowess.
This song might not have seen a single release, but it is an integral part of the sweeping journey that is their second album. The album was a huge success and reached number 3 on the US Billboard 200 chart and made the top 10 in Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Sweden, and the UK.
Similar Playlist: Songs About Sunsets
“Baby, It’s Cold Outside” by Idina Menzel & Michael Bublé
Album: Holiday Wishes
Genre: Seasonal
Released: 2014
There are few more well-known songs about cold than this all-time classic that was initially released in 1944. In that time, there have been over 400 versions of this iconic song recorded, but I’ve opted to highlight this version from 2014.
It features the vocal talents of Idina Menzel and Michael Bublé, who combined perfectly to give this song the justice it deserves. While some might consider this a holiday classic, I think it’s also a great song for any time, especially if it is a cold and rainy day.
Similar Playlist: Songs About Stars
“Colder Weather” by Zac Brown Band
Album: You Get What You Give
Genre: Country
Released: 2010
Zac Brown Band is one of the world’s most popular country music bands, with seven studio albums up their sleeves and a long list of singles that have topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, including this awesome song.
Released in 2010, this single was from their second album and went on to sell 2 million copies. It weaves a tale of a man separated from his lover and also features Liam Hemsworth in the music video. A must-listen song for any country music fan.
Similar Playlist: Songs About Clouds
“Love Like Winter” by AFI
Album: Decemberunderground
Genre: Alternative Rock
Released: 2006
American rock band AFI has gone from strength to strength over the course of their multi-decade career. In 2006, they were in full stride, having achieved massive commercial success with this excellent album.
Love Like Winter was the second single from the album. While not as popular as some of their other singles, it still broke into the top 100 in the US, Australia, Scotland, Portugal, and the UK. One of the best songs about winter to come out in the last few decades.
Similar Playlist: Songs About Spring
“Early Winter” by Gwen Stefani
Album: The Sweet Escape
Genre: Soft Rock
Released: 2006
Gwen Stefani isn’t just an ultra-talented singer. She is also a bonafide megastar with countless hits, a slick fashion line, an acting career, and a legendary run on the US talent show The Voice.
After establishing herself as part of the group No Doubt, she went on to also have a successful solo career, and this song comes from her second studio album. Powerful lyrics backed up by an equally impressive vocal delivery make it a highlight of the album.
Similar Playlist: Songs About The Sky
“Cold” by Annie Lennox
Album: Diva
Genre: Blue-Eyed Soul
Released: 1992
Ask anyone to name one of the best Scottish musicians of all time, and it is likely that Annie Lennox will be one of the responses. With an epic career that included mega fame as one half of the duo Eurythmics she also had a successful solo career.
Cold was a song from her debut solo album, which went on to sell 7 million copies worldwide. It’s a moody and brooding tune with deep soul and jazz influences. It’s never in your face and perfectly highlights the range of Annie Lennox’s captivating voice.
“Winter” by Khalid
Album: American Teen
Genre: R&B
Released: 2017
American R&B sensation Khalid burst onto the music scene in 2017 with his debut album American Teen which included the smash hit Young, Dumb & Broke. The album was a huge success, selling 4 million copies in the US.
Contained within the 15-track album is this fantastic song that features winter as a central theme. It was never released as a single, and in my mind, it’s a shame as it’s one of the best songs on the album. Incredible groove and excellent lyrical composition.
“Winter Things” by Ariana Grande
Album: Christmas & Chill
Genre: Seasonal
Released: 2015
It seems like it’s almost a right of passage for a super popular artist to release at least one Christmas album in their career, so it is no surprise that megastar Ariana Grande joins the list with Christmas & Chill.
This song stands out from the rest of the album thanks to its stripped-back composition that features a simple melody and Arianne showcasing her silky smooth pop vocal talents. A fun romantic song with excellent use of winter as a theme.
“Coldest Winter” by Pentatonix
Album: A Pentatonix Christmas
Genre: Seasonal
Released: 2016
Speaking of Christmas albums, the American a cappella group Pentatonix also has a Christmas album in their discography. For those unfamiliar with Pentatonix, you are missing out! They are a super-talented group that manages to create unique covers of popular songs.
This is a cover of Kanye West’s song from his fourth album, but it certainly has its own vibe and energy. This Christmas album went on to sell 1.4 million copies. It even reached the number 1 position on the US Billboard album chart.
“The Hounds Of Winter” by Sting
Album: Mercury Falling
Genre: Adult Contemporary
Released: 1996
Sting has a history of exploring different genres throughout his illustrious career. For his fifth album, there was a distinctly soulful vibe throughout and even splashes of country influences.
This song kicks off the album and is a smooth adult contemporary song that doesn’t overstay its welcome. Smooth lyrics and a laid-back vibe that is great for a cold winter day. It’s also an ideal starting point for an album that includes a bunch of fantastic songs.
“Wintertime” by Cordae
Album: The Lost Boy
Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
Released: 2019
I’ve always had a soft spot for Hip Hop and Rap, thanks to the explosion of the genres during my youth in the 90s. While some modern rappers are not to my liking, Cordae is right up there with some of my favorites.
His smooth lyrical rap style combined with chilled soulful vibes are perfect for grooving out on a cold winter day. The album was nominated for Best Rap Album in 2020 and is well worth a listen if you like rap music.
“Looks Like A Cold, Cold Winter” by Ingrid Michaelson
Album: Songs For The Season
Genre: Indie Pop/Seasonal
Released: 2018
While other modern artists aim to reinvent classic Christmas songs, Ingrid Michaelson went in the opposite direction. She put together a Christmas album with a distinctly retro vibe that harkens back to yesteryear.
Her skill at embracing the style throughout the album is impeccable. You could comfortably have this album playing throughout the holiday season right alongside the classics. An ideal choice for the winter holiday season.
“Wintertime” by Norah Jones
Album: Begin Again
Genre: Pop
Released: 2019
Long days inside on a cold winter’s day require songs that ooze warmth, and this song from Norah Jones is an excellent candidate to help beat away the winter blues. Smooth and downtempo with excellent piano and vocal work from the talented American.
While she has multiple albums, this one was unique for being a compilation album that featured collaborations with a wide range of artists. So the next time you want to listen to something smooth on a winter’s day, look no further than this awesome song.
“My Love Is Winter” by The Smashing Pumpkins
Album: Oceania
Genre: Alternative Rock
Released: 2012
After grooving away to the smooth vibes of Norah Jones, let’s switch it up with something a bit more energetic with this fantastic song from The Smashing Pumpkins’ eighth studio album Oceania.
The album was a huge hit, reaching the number 4 position on the US Billboard Album chart and the top 10 in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. An excellent progressive rock album from an ultra-talented band.
“Forever Winter” by Taylor Swift
Album: Red (Taylor’s Version)
Genre: Pop
Released: 2021
The last song I want to highlight is this fantastic song from Taylor Swift with a lot of backstory. First, it was initially an unreleased track, but second, it was part of Taylor’s Red (Taylor’s Version) album.
Why is that important? After an epic dispute over the rights to her original recordings, Taylor Swift decided to re-release her original albums and helped bring the discussion of creative rights to the forefront. But beyond all that, it’s just an awesome song from one of the biggest music stars in the world.
21 Bonus Songs About Winter
“Winter” by Tori Amos
“Coldest Winter” by Kanye West
“Winter Song” by Chris Rea
“When It’s Cold, I’d Like To Die” by Moby
“Winter” by U2
“Winter Song” by Bruce Springsteen
“Colder Than Winter” by Sarah Brightman
“Winter Song” by Def Leppard
“Cold Weather Blues” by Muddy Waters
“Winter Song” by Sara Bareilles And Ingrid Michaelson
“Wintertime Love” by The Doors
“A Hazy Shade Of Winter” by Simon And Garfunkel
“Winter Winds” by Mumford And Sons
“Hazy Shade of Winter” by Bangles
“Winter Now” by Broadcast
“I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” by Billie Holiday
“Winterlude” by Bob Dylan
“It May Be Winter Outside (But In My Heart It’s Spring)” by Barry White
“A Winter’s Tale” by Queen
“Winter” by The Rolling Stones
“Winter Song” by The Head and the Heart
Watch The Full Playlist
The full playlist with every song in this post can be watched via the video below or directly on our YouTube channel.
