Non-Christmas songs made to listen to in winter

When the weather is cold back east, it's the right time to long for that warm California sun. That's what The Mamas & the Papas told us more than a half-century ago — Barry McGuire actually recorded the song first, in 1963. — and they made Los Angeles and Southern California seem like the next best thing to heaven. And, really, this tune is an anthem for those living in any cold climate during winter, and feel the need to get away to a warm, perhaps tropical, paradise, where a coat and shoes are optional.

Though it came from Paul Simon's own The Paul Simon Songbook, this is one of Simon & Garfunkel's most recognizable songs. However, it tends to be overshadowed by some of their more popular tunes. It's somewhat of a complex tune, almost one of survival, while trying to escape emotional isolation. 'A winter's day. In a deep and dark December.' The track might not be cheery, but "I Am a Rock" can stand toe-to-toe with anything else in the duo's legendary catalog, even if it's one of the act's darker songs.

Sticking with the Simon & Garfunkel portion of this list. "A Hazy Shade of Winter" was released as a single. It was a top-15 hit for the duo and one of their more "fast-paced" tunes, though its folk sensibility, in detailing the change of seasons, still catered to all fans regardless of musical preference. Fast forward more than 20 years, and Gen-X listeners massively embraced an even more up-tempo and somewhat edgier version from all-girl rockers The Bangles — with the "A" dropped from the title. That version, from the Less Than Zero soundtrack, reached No. 2 on Billboard's Hot 100.

Just listening to the words of this Zeppelin classic makes us cold, or at least conjures up images of a frigid environment that immigrants left to find new opportunities. 'We come from the land of the ice and snow.' The opener to Led Zeppelin III is hard rock at its best. Jimmy Page's famous opening riff, combined with John Bonham's steady underlay on the drums, continues through most of a song that doesn't really quite fit in on what is actually a rather folksy Led Zeppelin record. Not to mention Robert Plant's renowned "Aahhhh!" shriek.

A No. 1 hit for the legendary group in both the United Kingdom and United States upon its release in 1975, the tune was written by keyboardist Bob Gaudio and his future wife Judy Parker. According to Four Seasons lore, it was about Gaudio's initial attraction to Parker, presumably back in the early 1960s and during the winter season. Good enough to be on this list. The song is also noted for Four Seasons drummer Gerry Polci singing lead, and regular, more famous, vocalist Frankie Valli mostly singing backup.

This highlight of U2's legacy really has nothing to do with the elements or general mood of winter, but it's a somewhat inspiring track that, according to the band, was based on the Polish Solidarity movement of the time. One of U2 bassist Adam Clayton's best performances comes on this lead single from War, a bassline that plays a major part of the song's foundation and isn't entirely overshadowed by The Edge's stellar guitar playing. It's still surprising that "New Year's Day" failed to crack the top 50 on Billboard's Hot 100 upon its release. 

In addition to simply being a great song, "Cold" is the type of tune that is perfect to play when the air outside is frigid and you just want to stay in a warm house, alone or with someone special. Pour a glass of wine, hit the couch and perhaps unwind following a long winter week with this splendidly soulful Annie Lennox gem playing in the background. The track can be found on Lennox's Grammy Award-winning album Diva, where it can certainly hold its own among many stellar songs.

"December" was a top-20 hit in the mid-1990s for Collective Soul on Billboard's Hot 100. It's one of those songs that was seriously overplayed on the radio back in the day, but still, we probably don't even remember the title. Collective Soul singer Ed Roland noted that the track, from the group's eponymously-titled second album, was about reflection and not being satisfied with any certain lot in life — no matter how successful. That, apparently, was the state of the band at the time. The holidays, end of another year — the perfect time to reflect.

One of the Counting Crows' most popular songs, and from its second album Recovering the Satellites, "A Long December," was a top-10 hit on various music charts throughout the United States. It has a melancholy vibe but actually offers a hint of hopefulness amid some dark times, like the holidays can be for some. As we know, winter months tend to linger. The music video for the song featured Friends  star Courteney Cox, who would go on to date Crows frontman Adam Duritz for a time.

A lighter moment from the Foo Fighters' second studio album The Colour and the Shape (1997), "February Stars" is the proper definition of a deep cut, and one that should be celebrated more by casual fans of the band. Or at the very least, casual fans should take the time to absorb one of Foo Fighters' best melodic numbers. There's definitely a 1990s alternative feel to the track , and a maturity that allowed the band to thrive in a post-grunge musical world. As for the meaning, Dave Grohl has noted the song talks about hanging on, and hanging in there. The winter months can be rough, but the associated clear skies often provide some clarity.

From her second solo studio release The Sweet Escape, "Early Winter" is one of Stefani's most emotional, and likely personal, tracks — whether on her own or with No Doubt. It's a relationship ballad, though maybe not technically a breakup song, since it deals with a coupling that appears to be heading toward an eventual end. As Stefani told The A.V. Club, it's the leaves changing from fall into winter, signalling an end — that eventually becomes the beginning of something new — which is not always easy to handle.

We're going all the way back to Fleet Foxes' first single from its self-titled debut. Now, the band has long claimed the title and lyrics have no true meaning or backstory. Essentially, an easy intro to the album. But, when it comes to one's own perception, this "story" tune has a kind of vibe that can be imagined while out for a walk on a brisk winter day. It's also the perfect starting point for those fans of indie/folk rock who are late to the Fleet Foxes party.

It's OK to feel contentment and a little down during those cold, dark winter months. This Mumford & Sons favorite tends to hit on those types of feelings, when winter can conjure up various emotions at any time. The song, from the band's debut Sigh No More. never enjoyed much mainstream success. However, it's another good background song when lounging around home when its's cold outside and staying in seems like a good option. One can also argue that this is a fine drinking tune. 

Road songs are always popular with fans — regardless of the musical genre. The sappier the better, but this number, from the Zac Brown Band's album You Get What You Give, has teeth that allows it to stand out. A trucker on the road, away from his loved ones and hindered by some harsh weather, makes the perfect recipe for a popular country song. The track topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart in the United States, and managed to crack the top 30 on Billboard's Hot 100.

Now, the Neighbourhood is a band that hails from Southern California, so sweater weather can mean anything below 60 to those from the region. However, there is actually something comforting about throwing on a sweater when the air outside gets chillier. Sure, maybe it begins in fall, but in certain colder climates, sweaters are a winter staple. And, obviously, a perfect cover if we've packed on a few extra pounds while spending most of the season indoors. This is a fun song, that's been revived, somewhat, thanks to the popularity of TikTok.

We know, we know. Who isn't tired of hearing this Frozen favorite? And even more than a decade later that still might be the case. However, if there is one song worth listening to in winter, it's Menzel's signature tune, which has become a piece of pop culture iconography. In fact, if we only have to listen to it once a year, in the dead of winter, then we might earn a new appreciation for the track. On the other hand, maybe it's actually a guilty pleasure that we really can't get enough of hearing. Either way, it's another example of Menzel's exceptional vocal talent.

The song title is Cole's birthday, has an intense autobiographical, us-against-the-world vibe, and samples the tune "Sky Restaurant" by Japanese recording artist Yumi Matsutoya. Winter takes in different meaning if a personal milestone falls within its timeframe. The track can be found on the rapper's third studio album, 2014 Forest Hills Drive (2014). The album was a winner at the BET Hip Hop Awards and Billboard Music Awards, and it was also nominated for a Grammy. "January 28th" was not a single, but it was a reason the album was a massive success. 

This is a pretty powerful song and not at all cheery. Khalid is lost and alone after being dumped on a cold night in the city of El Paso. Now, it doesn't get brutally cold in the West Texas town, but considering how much Khalid's heart is hurting, he might as well be alone and stranded in the North Pole. We'll also forgive him for referring to winter and November as one in the same. Let's not get too technical, because for anyone looking to wallow in heartache when the air is cold, this is the song for you.

Getting through a harsh winter, mentally or physically, can be tough for some. The winter can be long, and sometimes challenging, due to the short days and ample hours of darkness. However, when we are able to make it through and still be standing once spring rolls around, it feels like victory. The same can be said for Cordae's song about perseverance and resilience about dealing with hard times, and then handling fame when that can be even trickier. It's not easy, but nothing ever seems to be in wintertime.

Of course, this list wouldn't be complete without a Taylor Swift song. When you are currently the biggest pop star on the planet, any list is fair game for Ms. Swift. However, this was when Swift was still showing off her country roots (originally released in 2010), and a tune where she offers an apology to an ex-love (Taylor Lautner, perhaps?) — something she wasn't really known for at the time. In terms of emotion, though, winter breakups aren't easy and can make one feel even more depressed. In siding with Swift, we chose to highlight her version of the popular track, released in 2023.