[2025 Edition] A roundup of Western love songs to listen to in winter

Forever Winter (Taylor’s Version)Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift – Forever Winter (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) (Lyric Video)

Let me introduce a classic winter song that really hits home, with its simple band ensemble, Taylor’s slightly wistful vocals, and an emotional melody.

Forever Winter was newly released in 2021 as part of Red (Taylor’s Version), the re-recorded edition of her fourth album Red, which originally came out in 2012 and was a huge hit.

The lyrics are heartbreakingly poignant, expressing the realization of a loved one’s struggles and hardships, and the vow to remain “the summer sun” for someone living through an eternal winter.

Since Taylor herself has said that Red is “an album about heartbreak,” there are various theories about who the “he” in this song might be.

But rather than focusing on the song’s backstory, it can be wonderful to listen while reflecting on your own life and love experiences.

Wintertime LoveThe Doors

Wintertime Love

This heartwarming song, with a gentle melody that evokes the winter season, is included on the album “Waiting for the Sun,” released in July 1968.

Co-created by the members of The Doors, the piece carries a message of getting through the winter chill with the warmth of someone you love, offering listeners a sense of hope.

The album “Waiting for the Sun” achieved great success, reaching No.

1 on the Billboard 200 and selling over seven million copies.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to while snuggling up with your partner during the cold season—perfect for winter dates or relaxing at home.

It’s also recommended for those who want to savor a romantic atmosphere.

With You This ChristmasWhy Don’t We

Why Don’t We – With You This Christmas [Official Audio]

A perfect song for the season when the magic of Christmas pours down has arrived from Why Don’t We.

Released in November 2019, this heartwarming love song celebrates the special moments of spending Christmas with someone you love.

Set to a poppy, catchy melody, it portrays classic holiday scenes like exchanging gifts and sharing kisses, singing about the importance of time spent with your partner.

Why Don’t We’s signature warm harmonies pair beautifully with an R&B-tinged arrangement, further elevating the holiday spirit.

It’s a track you’ll want to play on a Christmas night with someone special—why not add it to your playlist?

All I Want For Christmas Is YouMariah Carey

Mariah Carey – All I Want For Christmas Is You (Official Video)

Mariah Carey is an artist who has been active for many years, wielding whistle voice, whisper voice, and the “fake” technique as her strengths.

She enjoys extremely high name recognition in Japan as well.

Her song “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is the work that made her known worldwide, and it continues to be played in countries all over the world.

It was also a tremendous commercial success—reportedly, this single song alone has generated 6.

6 billion yen in sales.

Frightening, truly frightening.

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UnconditionallyKaty Perry

Katy Perry – Unconditionally (Official)

Katy Perry is a pop artist who is highly acclaimed in the English-speaking world and is also popular in Japan.

Unconditionally, characterized by its pop sound and winter-themed background music, was released as a single ahead of Katy Perry’s 2013 album Prism.

With its grand melody, it might be well-suited for driving music.

Chilly WinterMaroon 5

Chilly Winter (Demo)

Maroon 5 is a globally renowned band with total sales exceeding 110 million records.

They’re also popular in Japan, with long-running hits like “Sugar” and “Moves Like Jagger ft.

Christina Aguilera.” While their sound blends various genres—including alternative rock, pop rock, and R&B—their early work was primarily alternative rock.

The song “Chilly Winter,” released in 2002, is performed in the neo-soul style, a genre that was at its peak at the time.

Back to DecemberTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – Back To December

Taylor Swift is an artist who’s hugely popular in Japan as well.

Even people who don’t listen to much Western music generally know who she is.

She originally started out as a straight-up country musician, but as her popularity grew, she gradually began incorporating more hit-friendly pop elements and trending sounds.

“Back to December” is a song created during her transition from country to pop.

While it’s themed around winter, it’s crafted as a bright, not gloomy, track.