Western Music Winter Song Rankings [2025]

I Wanna Dance With SomebodyWhitney Houston22rank/position

Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Official 4K Video)

Whitney Houston is one of the greatest singers in music history and also one of the most commercially successful divas.

While many people may think of her historic ballad “I Will Always Love You,” the song we’re introducing here, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me),” is an absolute staple of 80s pop—pure positivity at 120%! Known in Japan by the title “Suteki na Somebody,” it was released in 1987 and became a massive hit.

It received high acclaim, including winning Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female at the 30th Annual Grammy Awards.

Although the lyrics—about wanting to dance with someone who loves you—aren’t specifically about celebrating the New Year, spending the first month of the year listening to such a upbeat, poppy track might be just the boost you need for a strong start.

The A teamEd Sheeran23rank/position

Ed Sheeran – The A Team [Official Music Video]

Since the 2010s, Ed Sheeran has been one of the most successful singer-songwriters, enjoying exceptional name recognition here in Japan as well.

With each album release, he has broadened his musical horizons and taken on various genres.

Still, many people likely feel nostalgic for the simple, heartfelt songwriting of his debut and for Ed as a troubadour who observes everyday people.

His memorable debut single, The A Team, is a gem distinguished by its folky sound, beautiful melody, and lyrics about a woman he reportedly met in real life.

Ed’s talent for vividly depicting the lives of people far removed from glamorous lifestyles—and expressing their stories lyrically—was already undeniable at this point.

On a winter afternoon, I can imagine driving through the cold air while quietly humming along to this song.

Santa Tell MeAriana Grande24rank/position

Ariana Grande – Santa Tell Me (Official Video)

Ariana Grande’s classic Christmas-themed song, “Santa Tell Me,” enjoys worldwide popularity.

It features a very poppy, catchy melody, and its vibe is somewhat reminiscent of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Since Ariana Grande debuted with the tagline of being a ‘second Mariah,’ she may well have been consciously inspired by her.

I’m With YouAvril Lavigne25rank/position

Avril Lavigne – I’m With You (Official Video)

The third single from her debut album Let Go, released in 2002.

Seamlessly blending pop-punk with a power ballad, this song doesn’t sing about romance, but rather the loneliness of being on your own.

It builds from a quiet verse into an emotional swell, bursting with heartache in the chorus.

The cello’s timbre and Avril Lavigne’s clear, translucent vocals evoke the chill of winter, sinking deep into your heart when you listen on a lonely night.

It’s a song that gently stays by your side on winter evenings, expressing the universal longing to be with someone.

I BetCiara26rank/position

Ciara – I Bet

A downtempo track released in 2015 by Ciara.

Harmony Samuels, who has worked on tracks for artists like Ariana Grande, Maroon 5, and Chris Brown, was involved in the production.

It was inspired by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s 1877 piece “Swan Lake, Op.

20 – Suite, I.

Scene (Swan Theme).”

yes, and?Ariana Grande27rank/position

Ariana Grande – yes, and? (official music video)

Released in January 2024, “Yes, and?” is a track that emerged after about three years as the lead single from the album Eternal Sunshine.

Heavily influenced by Madonna’s “Vogue,” its ‘80s-style house sound is pleasing to the ear, delivering a danceable groove that also carries a profound message.

Powerfully asserting the importance of living true to yourself without being swayed by others’ criticism or judgments, this song is one that gives you a push forward—especially when winter’s chill starts to get you down.

A remix version featuring Mariah Carey was also released and debuted at No.

1 on the Billboard Global 200.

It’s highly recommended when you want to boost your self-esteem or lift your spirits.

SaturnSZA28rank/position

SZA – Saturn

A track that combines a dreamlike resonance with deep introspection was suddenly released in February 2024.

Woven together with SZA’s stirring vocals and poetic lyrics, it expresses both an escape from reality and a powerful desire for self-realization.

First unveiled in a Mastercard commercial during the Grammy Awards period, it drew attention when four different versions were released afterward.

As the lead single from the reissue of the album SOS, titled Lana, this song vividly showcases SZA’s musical evolution.

It captures the souls of listeners with SZA’s signature cry from the heart—one that resonates with people seeking hope while facing life’s hardships.

For those looking for a fresh start or change, it will surely serve as a source of emotional support.