By Lucy Houston-Jardim
With lockdown and the cold winter weather outside, it can be pretty hard to leave the house! Believe it or not, walking around in the snow can actually be really nice. I know it looks gross and gloomy and cold, but Toronto turns into a beautiful snowy wonderland with the right playlist. Making your own walking playlist is always best, but in case you need some inspiration, here’s a 40 minute, 10 song playlist perfect for winter.
Link to the playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2SXmnc8A8qBPgKZL5egiq9?si=4dXrXZ8wQX67_aFzMxbDMA
1. Halah - Mazzy Star
First off, we have one of my all-time favourite bands, Mazzy Star. This album was released in 1990, and the whole thing has such a warm and comforting sound, perfect for easing into the harsh winter weather.
If you love this song, check out Be My Angel, Give You My Lovin, and Ride It On, off of this album!
2. Warm In The Winter - Glass Candy
Second, we have this song by Glass Candy that has the same general feeling as the previous song, but with more of an electronic sound. As promised by the title, this song will make you feel warm no matter how cold it is outside.
I love walking to this song because it has the ability to really make you lose yourself in the moment and feel like the only person in the world.
3. Lights Out - Santigold
The third song is one off Santigold’s first album. Santigold is one of my all-time favourite artists to walk to because of her music's fast-paced, upbeat feeling. Her songs are perfect for lifting yourself out of a rough winter day.
If you're into this song, check out L.E.S. Artistes, I’m A Lady, and You’ll Find A Way, off of this album.
4. The Absence of Birds - The Radio Dept.
The Radio Dept. is a band from Sweden with a dreamy sound, perfect for wintertime. This song was released very recently, in 2020, but honestly could belong to any decade. The timeless feeling of this song makes the perfect walking song to zone out to, or tune in to, depending on your mood.
5. Gypsy - Fleetwood Mac
Fifth, we have, of course, some Fleetwood Mac, because what would a playlist be without them? Fleetwood Mac is a band loved by everyone, with music for every occasion. I chose this song for this particular playlist because of the gentle, yet whimsical feeling it has, while still maintaining an upbeat pace, perfect for walking.
6. Everyday Is Like Sunday - Morrissey
Everyday Is Like Sunday comes off of Morrissey’s 1988 album Viva Hate. It’s always okay to accept that wintertime does bring along sadness and boredom, especially with a global pandemic happening. This song really captures the feeling of bitterness that winter can bring.
7. Unknown Legend - Neil Young
Next up, we have some Neil Young with another acoustic, uplifting song. This song definitely has a nostalgic, bittersweet feeling, matching that of the first winter snowfall.
8. Past In Present - Feist
Next up, with the second Canadian artist in a row, we have this song by Feist to pick you up and cheer you up. This song has a very particular mix of nostalgia, euphoria, and joy, giving the song a different meaning to everyone who listens to it.
9. Your Number Or Your Name - The Knack
The ninth song we have is The Knack’s Your Number Or Your Name. This whole album is one of my all-time favourite no-skips, pick me up albums. As we near the end of our playlist, we want to end on a good and happy note!
If you’re into this song, listen to the whole album! It’s an instant energizer on a sombre winter day.
10. Manhattan - Cat Power
Finally, we have a song that is up there as one of my favourite songs of all time. Manhattan by Cat Power is perfect for a sentimental walk at night or during the day, whether you're feeling up or down, happy or sad. This song has gotten me through so much, so I'm glad I can share it with more people.
If you enjoy this song, check out I Love You Always Forever by Donna Lewis, Star Witness by Neko Case, and Don’t Get Your Back Up by Sarah Harmer.