Ten Cozy Indie Albums to Keep You Warm in the Winter
Illustration by Sydney Hanson
The early winter announced to the world that we must bring back “All I Want for Christmas is You”, for whatever reason. But what happens when Christmas is over, and the decorations are taken down? By my completely scientific calculations, I have concluded that the Indie/Alternative scene of our generation is best fit for these times of chilly weather. Below I have compiled a list of ten albums from these genres that I believe are essential to the winter experience, and hope that I can introduce my Queen’s peers to more music that often goes unnoticed in the mainstream world.
Beatopia (2022) by Beabadoobee
Personal Favourite Track: Talk & 10:36 (I cannot choose)
What first began as an undying love for “Talk,” one of the standout tracks on this album, quickly became an adoration for the 90s rock sound of Beabadoobee. While many people may know her for the song “Coffee” which went viral on TikTok during lockdown, there is so much more to this artist than just her lo-fi hits. My favourite tracks on the album are “Talk” and “10:36”, both of which have an addictive melody. This album is perfect for those rainy day walks downtown as you eagerly search for a takeout option that won’t break your wallet.
Charm (2024) by Clairo
Personal Favourite Track: Add Up My Love
Famous is Clairo for her delicate sound, however, for this album she decides to embrace her sensual side with tracks such as “Sexy to Someone” and “Juna.” Filled with light percussion and vocals which seem to float above the instrumentals, this album is truly one of my all-time favourites. “Add Up My Love” especially holds a special place in my heart. Its use of flutes in the pre-chorus and violins in the chorus give the song some added intensity, which is quite unexpected from such a soft sounding record. I recommend playing this album on a chilly morning as you get ready for that nine am class, or even on the walk there as you tread through the white snow.
Sunset Season (2018) by Conan Gray
Personal Favourite Track: Generation Why
Before his growing success in the realm of mainstream music, Conan Gray started off as a humble teenager making YouTube videos in his bedroom. At only nineteen, he released Sunset Season which would skyrocket his career thanks to its shining track “Crush Culture.” As someone who has loved Conan Gray since the release of this record, its echoe-y stylizations and youthful subject matter are nothing less than nostalgic for me. If I had to recommend a track on this album it would be “Generation Why”, as it projects a golden hour vibe whilst maintaining Conan’s signature bluntness.
Visions of a Life (2017) by Wolf Alice
Personal Favourite Track: Don’t Delete The Kisses
For those who find comfort in the grey skies of January, Visions of a Life (2017) by Wolf Alice offers an experience steeped in the Indie Rock sub-genre. With ghost-like vocals, this album unlocks a part of my brain that I can only describe as “ethereal yet rough.” My personal favourite track on this record is “Don’t Delete The Kisses”, which gives me flashes of running in the winter rain, hand in hand with a charming lover.
Masterpiece (2016) by Big Thief
Personal Favourite Track: Velvet Ring
Similarly to Visions of the Life, this record by Big Thief offers an Indie Rock vibe that embraces the melancholic weather of this season. What sets Masterpiece apart, however, is its softer approach to the ears. “Velvet Ring” is an excellent track to demonstrate this aspect of the album, as it presents more serious themes in a delicate, emotional package. I often find myself listening to this album while I am home for the holidays, staring out the window at snowy roads.
Fuzzybrain (2019) by Dayglow
Personal Favourite Track: Fair Game
When the roads are filled with slush and everyone has their boots on, I dance around my room to this album, dreaming of the warmth of spring. What I love the most about this album is the unabashed silliness that Dayglow brings through his unique vocal choices. Take, for instance, “Run The World” which is a satirical response to criticism from an ex-lover, or my favourite track “Fair Game” which has one of my favourite choruses of all time. This album is perfect for anyone who wishes to escape the harsh winter and live in the playful world of Dayglow.
Summer’s Over (2021) by Jordana & TV Girl
Personal Favourite Track: Summer’s Over
As someone who has never taken part in the recreational activity of weed, this album represents how I imagine it would feel for me (or more likely constant anxiety attacks). On this record, TV Girl brilliantly combines their signature sound with more retro instrumentals, complimenting Jordana’s delicate vocals perfectly. With a fitting name, the track “Summer’s Over” can only be described as wobbly and warm, a perfect vibe for those late-night hangouts.
Taking My Time to Be (2019) by Strawberry Guy
Personal Favourite Track: What Would I Do?
Looking for a chill album to help you wind down after those stressful midterms? Taking My Time to Be by Strawberry Guy is perfectly suited to keep you cozy and relaxed in these exhausting times. In the best way possible, this record’s soft and dreamy style hits like melatonin for the ears. My favourite track on the album is “What Would I Do?”, which is subdued in its sound while maintaining a sweet lyrical romance.
Trick (2012) by Alex G
Personal Favourite Track: Sarah
As one of my favourite albums of all time, Trick has always carried immense comfort on those tortuous walks home from campus when the wind almost blows me onto the road. Delightfully moody and carried by an excellent use of base, this record by Alex G embraces a classic indie aesthetic that radiates teenage angst in a tasteful and poetic way. My personal favourite track, “Sarah”, will always be in my top ten songs because of its sweet melody and ability to make me dance every time it is playing.
the masquerade (2019) by mxmtoon
Personal Favourite Track: Suffice
As her most well-known release to date, this album by mxmtoon is a staple for all those coming-of-age movie dreams about making snow angels with your crush. The consistent ukulele and simplistic percussion take me back to the days of mid-2010 YouTube, while mxmtoon’s lyrics radiate the relatability of the adolescent experience. Her most famous hit from this record, as well as my favourite, is “Prom Dress” which deals with feelings of disappointment and anxiety.