15 albums to break those winter blues – Health and Wellness Nashville

Winter can be a magical and fulfilling time of the year! But sometimes it can be downright depressing. Along with winter comes the tragic winter blues. Between the harsh weather outside and the feuding family atmosphere inside, it can be downright stressful. However, have no fear we’ve curated a playlist of 15 great albums to perk you up even with those winter blues! Veronica Williams lists her favorite albums.

Ti Amo by Phoenix
When it’s freezing cold outside sometimes all you can think of is summer. The concept behind this album was gelato, and combined with an Italian disco. Gelato, disco, and anything Italian instantly warms me up. The bright Italian pop sound that Phoenix brings to their album “Ti Amo” will have you dancing and singing away those winter blues.

Crack-Up by Fleet Foxes
You don’t always need something upbeat and poppy to bring you out of those winter blues, sometimes all it takes is something that gives you goosebumps and music that makes you feel alive. Fleet Foxes is a unique band that puts years into each album. Their long-awaited third album is one that will send chills down your spine from the first song. The bold sound is one that is complicated yet simple and can be appreciated by even the most serious musicians.

Lost In the Music by The Gypsy Queens
This french pop band combines the best of old-world French music with new world pop vibes. Much like “Ti Amo” you will be instantly transported somewhere far away. Troubled by the snow and ice outside then take yourself to the French Riviera for 30 minutes and forget about the family squabbles, work, and the aggravations 2018 may bring.

Pageant Material by Kacey Musgraves
This upbeat country album combines the best of new pop country and the sound of the old legends. Kacey breaks the barriers of a good country girl in Pageant Material. It’s a great reminder when your family keeps asking about your life that “Girl, you just gotta do you!”

House Party by The Temptations
This groovy album by “The Temptations” is one of their classics. The harmonies between the five members make for a classic 70’s style mix that is sure to banish those winter blues. Heavily influenced by their R&B roots but also the disco influence of the ’70s and is one that will have you snapping and grooving along in no time.

High and Tight by Republican Hair
This upbeat album combines pop, rock, and funk elements to create a mix of fun synthy sounds and absolutely hysterical lyrics. Frontman Luke Dick takes influences from artists such as Prince and David Bowie to create a fun but musically engaging album. So forget all your worries, and throw on those dancing shoes.

Greatest Hits by the Beach Boys
One of several ‘Greatest Hits’ albums from the prolific West Coast band of the 60s. In the middle of Winter these bright, breezy tunes can’t help but transport you to the surf, sand, sea and Sun of California. The perfect antidote to a depressing Winter’s day. 20 fantastic songs from Good Vibrations to Help me Rhonda, I can hear Music to Barbara Ann, will just bring a smile to your face.

The Cars by The Cars
Get in your car, drive away those winter blues, and just let “The Good Times Roll” with this true classic by The Cars. This groundbreaking rock album features the early hits of the band “The Cars”. This album is just rockin’ enough to keep your head nodding along with the whole album. So “Don’t Cha Stop” playing this album all winter long.

Plump by Twiddle
From the opening song “When it Rains it Pours” this album is all sunshine and rainbows. This jam band from Vermont really knows how to perk up your mood. Filled with upbeat, fun, jammin’ songs, each is lighthearted and fun. If you are really looking for a song to instantly turn your mood around instantly skip to “Lost in the Cold”, it can put a smile on your face even in the worst mood. As the weather turns cold and so does your mood this album can be the light that is missing outside.

Rainbow by Kesha
After a long standing hiatus from the music scene Kesha is back as the full-blown female powerhouse we love. This album features power ballads such as “Praying” and go-to anthems like “Woman”. So throw this album on for your strop female pick me up of the day.

Dive Deep by Andrew Belle
The common theme of love throughout the album dives deep into Belle’s own personal life but it also is relatable for many listeners. It’s part of the reason I added it to this list. There is no better feeling than the first few moments of falling in love with someone. Through his vibey beats and mystifying voice Belle brings you right back to meeting that special someone.

The Joshua Tree by U2
One of U2’s most famous albums; this is a true upbeat rock album through and through. It has stood the test of time and remains relevant even after coming out 30 years ago! This album was written after the band visited Joshua Tree. The album encompasses the same magic and take-your-breath-away moments that the landscape itself presents.

Exodus by Bob Marley & The Wailers
Who can really not be happy jamming along to some reggae preaching the power of acceptance and love? So when you need a moment to just remember what the holiday is all about a step away and nod along to some Bob Marley.

And a few extras…

Born in the USA by Bruce Springsteen
Born in the U.S.A. was the seventh studio album by Bruce Springsteen. It was released in 1984.
It was met with positive reviews and massive commercial success. It produced seven top-10 hit singles and sold 30 million copies by 2012. It’s full of toe-tapping beats, patriotic lyrics and sing-along tunes such as Born in the USA, Glory Days and Dancing in the Dark.

Let it be, by the Beatles
Let It Be was the twelfth and final studio album by the Beatles. It was released in 1970, almost a month after the group’s break-up. Many at the time were not impressed with the album, but the years have been kind, and with tracks like ‘The Long and Winding Road’ and the eponymous ‘Let it be’ it’s now recognized as a worthy requiem for the most original and successful pop group of all time. The songs are timeless, cross generations and to this day continue to strike a chord with listeners from all music genres.

Like this article? Read how to keep track of your child’s wellbeing this winter and our steps to digital wellness.