2025 Edition: Recommended Western songs for winter drives — the latest tracks and timeless hits

24K MagicBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – 24K Magic (Official Music Video)

It’s a fun track that makes you feel like you’re right at a party just by listening.

He’s a truly buzzworthy artist with a Japan tour confirmed for next year.

Among his songs, this one has an unusually upbeat tempo, and even those who don’t know the track will be able to get pumped up.

Smokin Out The WindowBruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic

Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic – Smokin Out The Window [Official Music Video]

Silk Sonic, the music duo of Bruno Mars and Anderson .

Paak, made a sensational debut on the music scene in 2021.

Their highly anticipated debut album, An Evening With Silk Sonic, released in November 2021, earned high praise as a masterpiece that lines up a collection of gem-like tracks: while it openly pays homage to the retro sweet soul of the ’70s, it’s been updated for modern ears.

Since we’re talking about winter drives, I recommend their third single, Smokin Out The Window.

Its beautiful harmonies and mellow grooves are irresistibly soothing, delivering a warm sound that’s perfect for a cold-weather ride.

With its bittersweet lyrics, it’s the ideal track to hum along to as you enjoy your drive with a touch of sentimentality.

Boys Will Be BoysCASISDEAD

CASISDEAD – Boys Will Be Boys [18+]

CASISDEAD, a UK-born grime rapper and music producer, is an artist whose original sound has earned praise from heavyweights like Dizzee Rascal, A$AP Rocky, and Tricky.

In 2018, his track “Pat Earrings,” noted for its nostalgically synthwave-tinged sound, drew significant attention, and its YouTube music video currently boasts over 4 million views.

Released in November 2021, “Boys Will Be Boys” follows that synthwave-to-synth-pop direction; the rap coolly conveys a sense of nostalgic melancholy, and its laid-back vibe makes it a great fit for winter drives.

As an aside, the music video was directed by Ed Skrein, known for works like Game of Thrones.

There are some slightly grotesque scenes, but if that doesn’t put you off, it’s a must-see!

MiracleCalvin Harris, Ellie Goulding

Calvin Harris, Ellie Goulding – Miracle (Official Video)

A delicate blend of wistfulness and exhilaration, this track is perfect for a winter drive.

The moment it shifts from stillness to an energetic beat, you’ll feel as if you’re breaking free from a confined space.

Released in March 2023, it has earned international acclaim, topping the UK Dance Chart and the Irish Singles Chart.

The section featuring a soothing hum invites anyone to join in with ease.

The lyrics, which portray a longing for love and forgiveness, resonate gently through long winter nights.

Give it a try on your cold-season drives—it’s a song that will warm both your heart and body.

A Sky Full Of StarsColdplay

Coldplay – A Sky Full Of Stars (Official Video)

It’s such a beautiful song that listening to it while gazing at the night sky makes you feel as if you might see shooting stars and a stunning starry sky.

It fills you with happiness as you think of someone precious to you in the vastness of the universe.

It’s not an upbeat, high-energy track, but it’s one you should listen to at least once.

Lonely DancersConan Gray

Conan Gray – Lonely Dancers (Official Music Video)

A track that perfectly sets the mood for winter-season drives has been released.

Seamlessly fusing beat-driven dance-pop with a melancholic atmosphere, it features a warm sound that feels as if it soothes lonely hearts.

The lyrics, depicting people finding comfort through dance while carrying the pain of heartbreak, create a sense of togetherness like huddling close in the winter cold.

Released in February 2024 as the lead single from Conan Gray’s third album, Found Heaven, the song has already garnered high praise, thanks in part to the polished production by Max Martin and others.

If you’re looking for an energetic soundtrack for your winter drives, be sure to check this track out.

Good FeelingFlo Rida

Flo Rida – Good Feeling [Official Video]

This is the first song I want you to play in the car on the day you’re heading into important work or a project.

It instantly puts you in battle mode.

The very bold lyrics give you confidence.

I also want you to listen to it on sluggish mornings when you want to flip your switch.