Six albums to set the mood this winter

Here’s a selection of non-cliche, non-carol winter collection

Kelly Park, Writer

February 4, 2025

Six albums, each with its own depressing narrative, will make your winter – because the chill hits harder with the right soundtrack.

Though nothing can quite emulate the fuzzy feelings of timeless Christmas carols, it gets redundant after a second or third listen-through. Unlike Christmas carol playlists, this setlist offers a take on winter’s gentle mood.

Six albums to set the mood this winter

Sufjan Steven’s depressing narrative ultimately earned a positive ending. The “Carrie & Lowell” saga is packed with lovelessness following a departure with his mom when he was 7. However, Steven’s step-father Lowell had stayed close; eventually running Asthmatic Kitty, a thriving indie label. (Kelly Park)

Carrie & Lowell - Sufjan Stevens (2015)

Sufjan Stevens whispers into your ear, his warm breath in contrast with the freezing weather. His seventh studio album features an acoustic guitar, minimalistic electronic notes, and most prominently, his voice. The gentle murmurs resemble a dim light through a heavy curtain.

The compilation provides an intimate glimpse into Stevens’ personal life. Named after his mother and stepfather –– Carrie Stevens and Lowell Brams –– the anthology explores his grief after his mother’s death due to stomach cancer in 2012. Stevens reflects on his relationship with Carrie hindered by her alcoholism, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

“Fourth of July,” the most renowned track, covers final conversations with Carrie in the hospital. Stevens delves into the frosty concept of death, explaining how minor life seems compared to it. The grim melancholy of his stories makes an essential addition to your winter playlist.

“Superache” is reflective of Gray’s bumpy childhood; traveling around and ultimately settling in a small town in Texas. In his home in Texas, where he filmed covers after watching Adele do the same, he rose to fame. The anecdotes from his down-to-earth upbringing adds a sense of intimacy to this album. (Kelly Park)

Superache - Conan Gray (2022)

The twelve-cut album by Conan Gray embodies the depressing side of winter. The strokes of a gentle guitar allude to a soft winter day spent inside your bed. Unlike his well-known song “Maniac,” characterized by an upbeat production composition, this set offers a take on introspection and growth from trauma –– anecdotes from frequent fights among his family with the departure of his dad.

Cherry-picking my favorites proves virtually impossible. Each track reveals a unique story — especially “Family Line,” with candid lyrics about Gray’s troubled childhood and relationships with his parents. Juxtaposed to the words, the wistful vocals mimic the delicate sensation of opening an old book page.

“23” by HyukOh was the first indie rock song in nine years to win the MCountDown, a Korean music program. It was also nominated as the Album of The Year in the Korean Music Awards, with “TOMBOY” the title track, winning Song of The Year. (Olivia Park)

23 - HYUKOH 혁오 (2017)

Despite my typical affinity for foreign artists, HYUKOH, a four-member Korean rock band, makes the cut for this playlist. The band boasts a mix of upbeat songs and gentle track records perfect for the chilly season. It offers a contemplative take on the uncertainties of life to ponder upon, especially fitting for the downcast season.

A calm sea before the storm, “TOMBOY” perfectly captures the album's essence within a single song. Oh-Hyuk’s husky tones soothe the soul at the chorus while the bridge, my favorite, delivers a quiet sensation of harmonies and faint piano chords as the ending fades out.

Daniel Caesar sought a desire for self-respect and validation, seeking a sense of recognition from others that feel genuine. He explains in an interview with GRAMMY, “I was looking for a feeling like, I respect myself and I know I did something and I can feel that the respect from my peers and the people who enjoy it is real.” The authenticity is well preserved throughout, exhibiting a raw and private feeling. (Kelly Park)

NEVER ENOUGH - Daniel Caesar (2023)

This essential conveys a vintage, psychedelic mood. The album may seem bland considering the tracklist’s somewhat imperceptible variations. Nevertheless, the intricacy builds the general ambiance. The primarily blue album cover conjures up a soft rain falling on a quiet evening or water washing over stones — all while the smooth melodies reveal emotional depth.

“Ocho Rios” showcases Caesar’s ethereal falsetto with a serene synthesizer and groovy bass drum. Then, with the beat drop, the song reaches its culmination: vocals looping a repetitive chorus into the listener’s head. The track smoothly transitions into “Valentina,” maintaining a sense of uniformity throughout the album.

While watching the TV series Northern Exposure from the 1990s, Vernon, the main singer, transcribed the greeting “Bon Hiver,” to “Bon Iver,” coincidentally meaning “good winter” in French.

For Emma, Forever Ago - Bon Iver (2007)

This classic indie folk staple of the late 2000s takes you on a scenery train ride through a rainy winter landscape. The warm acoustic guitar strums in perfect balance with the cadence of the tracks beneath. The track reflects an unpolished, homey quality that builds intimacy with the vocalist Justin Vernon. He recorded the album amidst months of isolation in a cabin in Wisconsin when he sought seclusion after tough battles with illnesses. Vernon abandoned his former songwriting methods that leaned toward traditional studio techniques and instead worked a wordless melody with added layers of love and mediocrity.

The first track begins with the strums of an acoustic guitar that sets the tone for the rest of the album. If you’re in the mood for a dreamy escape, “Flume” is worth a save.

TV Girl, contradictory to its name, is a band comprised of all men. Based in Los Angeles, this four member band released their second studio album, “Who Really Cares.” (Olivia Park)

Who Really Cares - TV Girl (2016)

A Tik-Tok viral track, “Who Really Cares” by TV Girl resonates with the nihilistic doom of winter, addressing common teenage themes of unrequited love, heartbreak and nostalgia. The composition highlights TV Girl’s dreamy and lo-fi aesthetic, which complements the bittersweet lyrics. With heavy sampling, snippets from movies and old music, the patchwork of textures feels like memories. The vocals add to the ethereal mood with reverb and instrumentals.

While the viral songs “Not Allowed,” “Cigarettes out the Window” and “Taking What’s Not Yours” make an easy introduction, songs like “Till You Tell Me to Leave” remain criminally underrated.

BONUS: Endless - Frank Ocean (2016)

A visual album by Frank Ocean, “Endless” flaunts its ethereal production, a perfect match for your winter playlist. My favorite, “Rushes” shares a similar mood to his other masterpieces. Sadly, “Endless” is only available as a music video on Apple Music.

This winter, take a look at this setlist to elevate your chilly season. Or, if seeking for Christmas carols, I recommend Sia’s “Everyday is Christmas” or Tyler, the Creator’s EP of “The Grinch” movie.

About the Contributor

Kelly Park, Writer

Eighth-grader Kelly Park ventures into the newsroom as a writer with various passions – new music, Formula 1 racing, and winter sports. As a fan of many genres that range from R&B to alternative, she favors artists like Frank Ocean, Billie Eilish, and Conan Gray. After five-plus years of F1 fandom alongside the guidance of her father, Kelly claims the top spot as a rabid McLaren Team supporter. She’s keen to deliver her takes on the hottest tracks in the music industry and dish out the juiciest Formula 1 gossip.

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Six albums to set the mood this winter

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