Western songs to listen to in winter: heart-touching winter songs

Christmas TimeNEW!Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams – Christmas Time (Lyrics)

Bryan Adams is a singer-songwriter who has also made a name for himself as a photographer.

He’s known for his distinctly husky voice, and his music is primarily rooted in pop rock.

“Christmas Time” is one of his holiday numbers.

Although he boasts a four-octave vocal range, this song also spans a fairly wide range, from mid2G to hihiA.

That said, the vocal line itself is very simple, with frequent repetitions.

Plus, since the key can be lowered, anyone with a decent range should be able to sing it well.

Merry Christmas DarlingNEW!Carpenters

Merry Christmas Darling

It’s a song that was released as a single in 1970.

The lyrics were written in 1946 by Frank Pooler when he was 20, and he said they were about someone he had feelings for at the time.

The song itself is a Christmas ballad with a gentle melody line, making it something you can sing in a calm manner rather than with intensity.

Since it gradually builds toward the chorus, the structure makes you naturally think, “This is the chorus.” It’s better sung with a composed, steady tone rather than by belting.

You could accent the beginning of the melody, but don’t overdo it—using a deeper, softer voice will suit the mood.

Try singing with the sensation of resonating inside your mouth!

Early Christmas MorningNEW!Cyndi Lauper

Early Christmas Morning

Cyndi Lauper is an artist’s artist, admired by many fellow musicians.

Because she’s a singer with a distinctive vocal quality, plenty of people may hesitate to try singing her songs, thinking they must be difficult.

That’s why I recommend Early Christmas Morning.

Crafted with a nursery rhyme–like feel reminiscent of a German folk song, this track does include a few high phrases that verge on a shout, but every other line is organized in a way that’s very easy to sing.

Christmas EveNEW!Idina Menzel

Christmas Eve

This song is included on a Christmas holiday album released in 2014.

In Japan, the same album was also released under the title “Snow Wishes,” and the song appears there as well.

Since it shares the same melody as Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Christmas Eve,” it’s very easy to listen to.

If you want a stylish English version, Idina Menzel’s rendition might be a good choice.

That said, the song builds steadily toward the latter half, so there are several spots where you’ll need to hit higher notes.

The ending phrases have very cool melodic lines, so men can lower the key and still deliver it well.

Overall, rather than enunciating crisply throughout, it’s better to sing with awareness of accents at the beginning and in certain parts.

Every Year, Every ChristmasNEW!Luther Vandross

Luther Vandross – Every Year, Every Christmas

Luther Vandross has a soft, rich singing voice.

“Every Year, Every Christmas” is a Christmas song that suits his voice perfectly.

Because it’s a relaxed tempo, even those who aren’t confident in English pronunciation can sing it calmly.

There are plenty of parts to really sing out, and it feels good just to listen—so if you can master it, it’ll feel even better! Vocal power is important, but more than that, focus on resonance when you sing.

In the parts where the chorus swells, use your breath well to project your voice farther, and let it resonate in your chest and head.

Simply placing a hand on your chest helps you feel the resonance and makes it easier to sing.

For high notes, don’t force chest voice; aim for head resonance so you can use a strong falsetto—be especially mindful of your breath here too!

The First NoelNEW!Pentatonix

Pentatonix – The First Noel (Official Video)

Many of you may already know the original song, which comes from the traditional English Christmas carol “The First Nowell / The First Noel.” Pentatonix focuses on a cappella harmonies, making both the lead melody and the harmony parts easy to hear, and their singing seems to flow straight into the heart.

Some of you might be practicing a cappella for the Christmas season, right? Since a cappella relies on singing in perfect sync, I think it’s best to memorize the lyrics completely.

Of course, singing it solo at karaoke also creates a great atmosphere! Rather than singing it in a flowing manner, if you deliver each phrase carefully and with feeling, it becomes a very compelling piece—so sing it with confidence!

Night Before ChristmasNEW!Sam Smith

Sam Smith – Night Before Christmas (Lyric Video)

Singer-songwriter Sam Smith, known for his distinctive high-tone voice, originally focused mainly on ballads, but his musical style has evolved since around “Unholy,” and he’s now exploring a variety of genres.

His Christmas number “Night Before Christmas” is a piece imbued with a soulful vibe.

Because it’s in 3/4 time, the rhythm can be hard for Japanese listeners to feel, but the tempo is very slow and the melodic leaps aren’t extreme, so if you’re comfortable with Black music, definitely give it a try.