Winter Songs

I have always loved the winter not for the beauty of the pure white snow or the excitement of the holidays, but rather the dynamic it plays in my music selection. Instead of choosing upbeat Christmas tunes I find myself akin to cold and bleak songs that reflect sadness and fragility of winter. With the bleak landscape scattered with snow, cold temperatures and fewer hours of sunlight it seems appropriate for such music to be played. One of my most cherished winter song is definitely "River" by Joni Mitchell, a song that exemplifies the kind of mood winter can paint on musicians. With lyrics like, "Oh I wish I had a river/I could skate away on," Mitchell crafts an urge to move away and reflect on life's shortcomings. Conversely songs like Tori Amos's "Winter," glorify the beauty of winter with references to white horses and the competition over the sun. Other poignant lyrics point to suffering despite the aura of winter ("Boys get discovered as Winter melts"). She not only adds emotion to the song with beautiful lyrics, but a layer of piano, strings and echoing voices. Artists like Iron & Wine are excellent at constructing songs that soothe the soul and relaxes the heart and on the song "Faded From the Winter," Sam Beam once again never fails to disappoint. His whispery vocals and virtuoso guitar playing skills add depth to music that could otherwise be played in a coffee house. Imagine yourself sitting in a log cabin with snow falling snuggled up next to that special someone and I bet you Iron & Wine would be playing along with others like Bon Iver (lol no french pun intended - "good winter") and Sufjan Stevens. Lastly, the song "Rhymes of an Hour" by Mazzy is perfect for walking around the snow-scapes of morning. The minimal drums and dreamy guitars create movement as if walking through snow. Hope Sandoval's soft and angelic vocals remind me of the golden yellow sun of morning shining down on the little foliage that chooses to stay.

Below are a list of other good winter songs:

1. In a Bleak Mid Winter by Sarah McLachlan
2. Aurora by Bjork
3. Whither Must I Wander by Martha Wainwright
4. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing by Sufjan Stevens
5. The Heartache Can Wait by Brandi Carlie