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

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.

WinterlongNeil Young

Winterlong (2017 Remaster)

This number by Neil Young is known as a song that makes the chill of winter feel comforting.

Although it was created in the 1970s, it remained unreleased and first saw the light of day when it was included in the 1977 collection Decade.

The song is marked by a gentle, warm melody characteristic of Neil Young and lyrics that resonate deeply.

It overlays lost love with the winter season, beautifully expressing longing and loneliness.

Young’s distinctive high tenor further enhances the song’s world.

It’s the kind of track you’ll want to listen to alone, quietly, in a warm room on a cold winter night.

JoyTracey Thorn

Tracey Thorn / ‘Joy’ (Official Video)

This is a Tracy Thorn ballad that seeps into the heart along with the winter chill.

Its acoustic sound and gentle, tender vocals seem to wrap the harshness of winter and life’s uncertainty in warmth.

Featured on the Christmas album “Tinsel and Lights,” this piece is more than just a seasonal song—it conveys a powerful sense of finding hope even in difficult times.

Released in December 2012 and also used in the film “All Is Bright,” its charm has not faded with time.

Perfect for those seeking heartwarming music in the cold season or standing at a crossroads in life.

If you lend your ear to Tracy’s voice, you might just find small moments of joy.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like ChristmasMichael Bublé

Michael Bublé – It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas (Official Music Video)

When December arrives, cities are adorned with illuminations and other decorations, and you really feel that winter has truly come, don’t you? A song that you can’t help but want to listen to at such times is Michael Bublé’s “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” It’s well known in Japan under the title meaning “It’s starting to feel like Christmas.” The song conveys the feeling of “I can’t wait for Christmas.” Remarkably, it was written back in 1951 by American composer Meredith Willson.

Since then, it has been covered by many artists, including Michael Bublé, Perry Como, and Bing Crosby.

White ChristmasKaty Perry

White Christmas Katy Perry

This is a masterpiece by Katy Perry, whose catchy vocals and pop-savvy sound create an overwhelmingly distinctive style.

She has an image that suits the winter season, and the theme fits snowy days as well, crafting a smooth atmosphere that lifts the mood with a pleasantly polished finish.

And Winter Came…NEW!Enya

And Winter Came…

This is a poetic ballad that overlays winter scenery with an inner landscape of the heart.

The protagonist’s bittersweet feelings as they remember a former lover under the moonlight are conveyed over a serene melody.

Included on Irish artist Enya’s 2008 album “And Winter Came…,” this piece stands out among the winter-themed works for its contemplative, introspective atmosphere.

The distinctive sense of weightless drift created by multi-layered vocals and long reverb is like snow floating in the winter night sky.

It’s a perfect song for spending a quiet evening alone or gently revisiting treasured memories.