Temperatures in D.C. have fallen well below freezing, prompting many to bundle up in layers of scarves, sweaters and hats.
The chilling winds, while nearly unbearable, are also the perfect opportunity to put on some headphones and listen to some unexpectedly seasonally apt songs — and keep your ears warm.
Here are some recommendations:
“Sunday Morning” by The Velvet Underground and Nico
“Sunday Morning” embodies the cold weather in the warmest way possible. The song follows someone walking down the street on a Sunday morning, a seemingly idyllic account of the weekend.
It’s hard not to paint an image of cobblestone streets, farmer's markets and shoppers bundled up with scarves and trench coats in your head while listening to “Sunday Morning,” with its lullaby-like melodies and calming backing vocals that create the familiar sense of warmth.
Of course, “Sunday Morning” is best experienced on a Sunday morning.
“Let You Break My Heart Again” by Laufey
“Let You Break My Heart Again” tells the tragic story of Laufey’s heartbreak and how she yearns to move on.
Laufey’s rich tone and seamless legato coupled with the Philharmonia Orchestra create a backdrop for a beautifully tragic winter wonderland. Layers of harp, cello and guitar give listeners the ambiance of a movie-like snow globe.
“Look On Down From The Bridge” by Mazzy Star
“Look On Down From The Bridge” is haunting. The synthesizer’s quiet yet powerful chords invoke the imagery of a cold, rainy day. Paired with desolate lyrics, the synth creates a hauntingly beautiful song that could be interpreted in several different ways.
Arguably one of Mazzy Star’s most depressing songs, “Look On Down From The Bridge” is sure to put you into an emotional and contemplative state that mirrors the chill in the air.
“Lorelei” by Cocteau Twins
As Valentine’s Day quickly approaches, “Lorelei” serves as a glimmer of hope and love in the ice-cold winter weather. The backing drums under Elizabeth Fraser’s ethereal vocals allow this dream pop song to make listeners lovesick.
The long-disputed lyrics of “Lorelei” and many other Cocteau Twins songs leave listeners to their imaginations and their own interpretations. It is this lack of solid lyricism that makes the song so special.
While winter is unquestionably bleak, love and warmth make a breakthrough with “Lorelei.”
“Snow Angel” by Reneé Rapp
“Snow Angel” works well for a long, pensive walk in the cold. It tells another heartbreaking tale through its lyrics, but Rapp’s vocals are undeniably powerful.
As Rapp repeats the line, “I’ll make it through the winter if it kills me,” her cold loneliness becomes incredibly vivid with a resounding sound unique to her artistry. It’s easy to feel Rapp’s loneliness and the coldness that engulfs her as she sings.
The winter chill may bite, but we can enjoy moments of warmth and reflection through music. These tracks offer the perfect soundtrack for embracing the season, whether you’re bundled up or simply lost in thought.
This article was edited by Jessica Ackerman, Marina Zaczkiewicz and Abigail Turner. Copy Editing done by Luna Jinks, Olivia Citarella, Emma Brown, Ella Rousseau, Charlie Mennuti and Ariana Kavoossi.
