Western Music Winter Song Rankings [2025]

drivers licenseOlivia Rodrigo85rank/position

Olivia Rodrigo – drivers license (Official Video)

If you’re someone who wants to go for a drive deliberately leaning into a sense of solitude under a bleak winter sky, lyrical, piano-centered tracks make excellent background music.

Among the artists who debuted in 2021, Olivia Rodrigo—a 2003-born actress and singer-songwriter drawing attention as a next-generation star—released “drivers license,” a debut single that became a massive hit representing 2021, with over 300 million views on YouTube.

There’s no need to rehash how brilliant this song is, but what’s interesting is that it seems to convey a sense of speed more in the piano-led first half than in the latter half, where it unfolds with a gospel-like feel—almost as if expressing the breadth of shifting emotions.

That’s why it feels perfectly suited for those who want to enjoy a drive in the kind of situation mentioned at the beginning.

Hey BrotherAvicii86rank/position

Avicii – Hey Brother (Lyric)

This is a song I want to play in an SUV.

With this track, it feels like I could power up mountain roads and bumpy trails in one go.

The strong lyrics give me an extra push, making me feel like I can become a stronger version of myself.

It’s a song that leaves a lasting impression with just the melody or just the lyrics alone.

Right By My SideNicki Minaj ft. Chris Brown87rank/position

Nicki Minaj – Right By My Side (Official Music Video) ft. Chris Brown

A collaboration between American rapper-singer Nicki Minaj and R&B artist Chris Brown.

It’s an up-tempo R&B ballad that became a hit in countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Brazil.

The music video features Nas.

BIRDS OF A FEATHERBillie Eilish88rank/position

Billie Eilish – BIRDS OF A FEATHER (Official Music Video)

This song comes from Grammy-winning Billie Eilish’s new album, “Hit Me Hard and Soft.” It’s a warm ballad that portrays the bond with a loved one, expressing deep emotions over a gentle melody.

Released in May 2024, the track drew attention after being featured in the trailer for Season 3 of the Netflix series “Heartstopper.” It became a global hit, reaching No.

2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and many people use it on Instagram as well.

It’s a perfect pick for reflecting on memories with someone special or when you want to be soothed by a voice that touches the heart.

Beautiful ft. Colby O’Donis, Kardinal OffishallAkon89rank/position

Akon – Beautiful (Official Music Video) ft. Colby O’Donis, Kardinal Offishall

It’s been nearly ten years since its release, yet the song feels anything but dated.

It portrays a man’s feelings as he tries to win over a woman he fell in love with at first sight.

Whether you’re a man or a woman, you’re bound to fall for Akon’s one-of-a-kind vocals.

Lose You to Love MeSelena Gomez90rank/position

Selena Gomez – Lose You To Love Me (Official Music Video)

Selena Gomez, who is highly praised by women in their teens and twenties.

Her lyrics are catchy and relatable to everyone, yet they express the genuine feelings of women.

In “Lose You to Love Me,” she also conveys a realistic view of love.

The melody is crafted with a healing-music vibe.

Die For You (Remix)The Weeknd & Ariana Grande91rank/position

The Weeknd, Ariana Grande – Die For You (Remix / Lyric Video)

In recent years, revival hits sparked by going viral on social media have become quite common.

“Die For You,” a track from The Weeknd’s third album Starboy released in 2016, didn’t make much of a splash when it was released as a single in 2017.

However, five years later in 2022, its popularity surged again on TikTok.

A remix with Ariana Grande dropped in February 2023 and became a major hit, climbing to No.

6 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song was also featured in Season 2 of HBO’s Insecure, and its lyrics—expressing deep feelings for a loved one—resonated with many listeners.

The piece showcases a sublime harmony between The Weeknd’s sensual vocals and Ariana’s sweet yet powerful voice, and it also carries a refreshing quality that evokes the arrival of spring.