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

THREE STRIKES (Feat. Khalid)HONNE

HONNE – THREE STRIKES (Feat. Khalid) (Official Video)

True to their unit name borrowed from the Japanese word “honne” (one’s true feelings), HONNE are a British synth-pop duo known as ardent Japanophiles.

Praised by many pop fans for their assured songwriting and their high-class production that feels both nostalgically tinged and contemporarily polished, their track “THREE STRIKES” appears on their third album, “Let’s Just Say the World Ended a Week from Now, What Would You Do?”, released in November 2021, and is a gem featuring the hugely popular young R&B singer-songwriter Khalid.

Its tender, confiding melody and the mellow synth-pop sound, enhanced by the gentle resonance of an acoustic guitar used to great effect, soothe both mind and body.

Highly recommended as chill background music for a drive!

A Bar Song (Tipsy)Shaboozey

Shaboozey – A Bar Song (Tipsy) [Official Visualizer]

The song, which masterfully fuses country and rap, is characterized by a warm sound that makes you forget the winter chill.

With Shaboozey’s distinctive vocal timbre and a catchy melody, the track captivated many listeners, hitting No.

1 on the U.

S.

iTunes chart immediately after its release in May 2024.

The lyrics depict the stresses of modern society and the complexities of human relationships, making it relatable to everyone.

Listen to it on a cold-season drive, and it’s sure to fill your car with a cozy atmosphere.

It’s a perfect pick for a road trip with friends or a date with your partner.

MILLION DOLLAR BABYTommy Richman

Tommy Richman – MILLION DOLLAR BABY (Official Music Video)

This track is perfect for a winter drive, with its refreshing sound making a strong impression.

Its unique world blends melodic, pop elements with Southern trap beats.

Showcasing Tommy Richman’s versatile vocal style, the song explores themes of self-affirmation, ambition, and complex human relationships.

Released in April 2024 as the lead single from the debut album “Coyote,” it spread rapidly on TikTok and sparked a worldwide reaction, reaching No.

2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Incorporating elements of R&B, pop, and hip-hop, this song is sure to warm the heart even in the cold season.

It’s perfect for a nighttime drive while taking in the winter cityscape.

DriftingNight Tapes

NIGHT TAPES – DRIFTING [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

A dream-pop track steeped in the atmosphere of nighttime London is perfect for winter drives, isn’t it? This song by Night Tapes questions the idea of romantic love while portraying the way people drift through modern society.

With a rich, funky bass groove, a danceable feel reminiscent of the late 1990s, and melodies gently wrapped in analog-style synths and electric piano.

Released in December 2023, it also carries the curious anecdote of having been written during the summer.

It’s an ideal piece for those who want to enjoy a leisurely drive on a winter night, watching snowy streets illuminated by lamplight.

Why not immerse yourself in Night Tapes’ musical world and set out on an inner journey of your own?

TimelessThe Weeknd & Playboi Carti

The Weeknd, Playboi Carti – Timeless

A track has arrived with the pulse of speeding through a city at night and the heat to make you forget the winter cold.

This collaboration between The Weeknd and Playboi Carti features a sound with a timeless, universal appeal.

Released in September 2024, the song is reportedly set to be included in the final installment of The Weeknd’s album trilogy.

After a surprise live performance in Brazil and racking up over 17 million views, it’s already causing a major stir.

The lyrics weave in themes like self-identity, fame, and the emptiness of celebrity culture, offering a depth that makes you want to sit with it on long winter nights.

Listen to it in the car and you might just feel like the protagonist of a movie.

3D FeelingsAlfie Templeman

Alfie Templeman – 3D Feelings

Among the many Gen Z artists who are producing one talented singer-songwriter after another, Alfie Templeman—born in 2003 and hailing from Carlton, England—stands out as a major figure to watch.

While his early work had the feel of contemporary, homespun indie pop, the music he’s released since 2021 has unmistakably broadened in scope.

His May 2021 mini-album, “Forever Isn’t Long Enough,” showcases a sound influenced by Japanese funk, pop, and city pop, earning high praise as a work that displays his innate talent.

The track featured here, “3D Feelings,” released in November 2021, is a funky disco-pop tune that follows the direction set by that mini-album.

If you’re in the mood for a feel-good drive, be sure to add the prodigious Alfie Templeman to your playlist.

The GospelAlicia Keys

Alicia Keys – The Gospel (Short Film)

The lyrics are a little heavy, but listening to the song reminds you that the happiness you have now is never something to be taken for granted.

It’s a track that links the harsh cold of winter with an environment called poverty.

It’s a work that only Alicia Keys—who has lived through an extraordinary life—could create.