It’s no secret that the holiday season this year will be different than any we’ve celebrated in the past. This year, people will be traveling less, family members will be keeping their distance, and most shopping will be online. For this stay-at-home holiday season, we’ve put together a cozy playlist featuring artists like BENEE, Sharon Van Etten, and more.
A lot of people are feeling off-balance right now. There is some good news, though. Music has the power to brighten our days. Sometimes we want to feel at peace wherever we are—even alone.
For instance, Phoebe Bridgers’ voice is so smooth and intimate, there’s no way it won’t calm you down. Similarly, James Blake’s latest hauntingly beautiful track, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” is bound to lift the spirits. These songs and others will have you feeling right at home, no matter where you’re listening from this winter.
“Winter” by BENEE feat. Mallrat
“The winter suits me better,” viral sensation BENEE sings on a cut from her debut album, Hey u x. We’re not sure everyone loves this cold, snowy season. Maybe if we keep singing these lyrics to ourselves, we’ll start to believe it.
“Isabella” by Hamilton Leithauser feat. Lucy Dacus
“Isabella” is an uplifting cut off of Hamilton Leithauser’s album, The Loves of Your Life, released earlier this year. More recently, he released a new version of the song with singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus. They prove to be a fool-proof pair, with goosebump-worthy harmonies.
“Blue Christmas” by Sharon Van Etten
Sharon Van Etten could sing any song in the entire world and it would sound like a masterpiece. Her “Blue Christmas” surpasses most holiday covers, thanks to stunning harmonies and guitar. It almost feels like she’s a friend, sitting by our side, consoling us while performing this classic tune.
“Sundowner” Kevin Morby
An acoustic guitar and Morby’s voice can go a long way if you’re in the market for something in the chill department. Every song on his latest album, Sundowner, will help transport you to a new—and warmer—world.
“Chinatown” by Bleachers feat. Bruce Springsteen
There’s nothing like Chinatown in the winter. Still, if you can’t be in the city physically, listening to these two New Jersey stars, Bruce Springsteen and Jack Antonoff, is the next best option. The acoustic guitars and distant synths are enchanting. In fact, this song has the power to make you feel like you’re in a whimsical, alternate universe.
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” by James Blake
“I knew our joy would fill the earth and last ‘til the end of time,” James Blake sings. Indeed, Blake does Roberta Flack’s 1972 Grammy Award-winning song nothing but justice. He uses a simple piano hook, keeping the romantic lyrics front-and-center, right where they belong.
“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” by Phoebe Bridgers
2020 hasn’t been an easy year. So obviously, what we all need the most right now is a Christmas song from Phoebe Bridgers. As she sings the classic, one can’t help but think her sentimental voice is perfect for this unique winter.
“Pick Up Your Feelings” by Jazmine Sullivan
Sometimes, all we need is a confident track to trick ourselves into feeling great. Jazmine Sullivan serves up confident attitude and smooth vocals on “Pick Up Your Feelings.” Listen to this one while you’re strutting down the street on your afternoon walk. You’ll definitely feel better by the end of the stroll.
“A Long Way Past The Past” by Fleet Foxes
Fleet Foxes’ latest album, Shore, is nothing but comfort. It sounds as if it was exclusively made for the cooler months. Close your eyes and you’ll start to envision leaves changing color and snow falling from the sky — images so beautiful they could turn any day around.
“Christmas Blues” by Sabrina Claudio feat. The Weeknd
Sabrina Claudio may be singing about the “Christmas Blues.” Still, we can’t help but feel joy when we hear her sweet falsetto seamlessly melt together with The Weeknd’s vocals. Hit play on this track when the sun sets and you begin to wind down for the night this winter—you’ll feel more relaxed than ever.
This year hasn’t been easy. Luckily, we’ll always have good music to turn to. This handful of songs is a good start to easing our minds and offering some much-needed comfort. Enjoy your new favorite soundtrack this winter.
