10 Cozy Albums for the Winter

Shelbi Baker
4 days ago
6 min read

As the seasons change, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year, on memories,

both good and bad. Reflection often leads to some of the most impactful songwriting

imaginable. Artists write about their loves, losses, struggles, and wins. And sometimes,

when we’re at home with a warm drink, we just need one of those chill albums and a

good book or a craft. So, in no particular order, here are 10 of those cozy, reflective

albums to remind us to take a breath amidst our busy schedules.

10. Taylor Swift - Folklore (2020)

“Folklore” is more or less the poster child of folksy, winter vibes. It’s arguably one of

Taylor’s most narrative albums, telling the story of a fictional love triangle. While the

perspective isn’t that of the artist, it still makes us look back on the events in our own

lives. Each song portrays a touch of regret, as each character divulges more information

to the listener. It’s the type of story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to

unravel more of the mystery.

9. Lizzy McAlpine - Give Me a Minute (2020)

Lizzy McAlpine’s 2020 album, “Give Me a Minute” brings a moodier energy to the table.

It reflects on tiny details and self-discovery. It’s about finding yourself when you thought

for so long that you needed someone else. Lizzy describes the ups and downs of

finding and ultimately leaving love behind, and then her hesitation moving forward. The

entire album is so vulnerable, leaving our artist’s mind open like the most important

page of a book. “Give Me a Minute” is a precious reminder that we all have rough times

sometimes, but we always figure it out in the end.

8. Cat Burns - How to be Human (2025)

The next entry is a very personal one. Cat Burns’ “How to be Human” describes Cat’s

personal journey of self-acceptance. It tackles her struggles with grief, anxiety, and

recent diagnoses of autism and ADHD. This album really speaks to us directly, as it

pushes the very important concept that we don’t need to be perfect all the time. It’s okay

to not be perfect. Take the time to grieve, but you will get through this. This message

resonates so heavily in the music, a beautiful motivator for a dreary, winter day.

7. Jensen McRae - I Don't Know How but They Found Me! (2025)

Jensen McRae’s “I Don’t Know How But They Found Me!” is another deeply

introspective album, telling captivating stories of life’s most emotional moments. Jensen

dives into those truly niche thoughts and feelings that we bury in our minds. It talks

about the divide between our head and our heart in those relationships that we know

are a bad idea but try to justify regardless. Of course, the album isn’t naïve. Jensen

spares none of her fiery opinions on the places she’s been. The songwriting is

exquisitely intentional. It calls out the negative subjects in riveting detail. You truly do

feel alongside the artist, and that’s a sure sign of exceptional lyricism.

6. Isabel Pless - Workhorse (2025)

This somewhat sad-in-a-good-way album describes emotional maturity from beginning

to end. Isabel Pless’s “Workhorse” is a testament to finding your own independence and

stopping the cycles of abuse from others. It mentions those moments where you feel

like you can’t change a bad situation, but you can. It describes the lonely feeling of

stepping out on your own and taking charge of your own life. Everyone loves to praise

independence, but they don’t always see how hard it is. This is an album that builds

courage while acknowledging struggle, and we’re so here for that.

5. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes (2008)

Now for something a little older. It wouldn’t be winter without a Fleet Foxes mention.

Specifically for their very popular and frequently covered track, “White Winter Hymnal”.

The eerie but cheery tune has turned many ears to the band’s discography, their

namesake debut album being no exception. “Fleet Foxes” features unconventional,

folksy song structures and addictive rhythms that keep you zen and fixated on the

sound. The songwriting within focuses largely on nature, nostalgia, and growing up. It’s

a bittersweet album that takes you back to your childhood while also helping you

appreciate the little things around you. It’s definitely worth a listen.

4. The Postal Serve - Give Up (2003)

The Postal Service’s “Give Up” became popular due to the notable single, “Such Great

Heights” in 2003. However, you’d be surprised how many people haven’t listened to the

entire album, and it’s a great album! The mellow, synthetic sound was uniquely

groundbreaking at the time of release. It’s captivating in a way, or as some would say, it

makes your brain happy. The lyrical theme across the album is love. More specifically,

it’s about feeling safe to speak openly about love. Despite the groovy beat of “Give Up”,

it holds a lot of emotion. While the album went platinum, it’s still the only album released

by the band, which is a side project conjured by Death Cab for Cutie singer, Ben

Gibbard. Regardless, the album’s staying power is strong, with its unique instrumental

choices now delighting listeners for over 20 years.

3. Michael Clifford - SIDEQUEST (2025)

Here’s a great one for the alternative fans in the room. 5SoS singer, Michael Clifford

released a new solo project this year, titled “SIDEQUEST”. And we are pleased to report

that this is very different from most of the music 5SoS has released. It’s a personal

project, with many sections shedding light on the difficult social situations that come with

being a well-known musician. It talks about relationships and how some people will just

pretend to us for selfish reasons. The pressure of performing and making public

appearances doesn’t help when you’re juggling your personal life at the same time. This

album is a great eye opener to parents as well, describing Michael’s maturing and

growth as a person after having a child. It’s a great reminder that even those we idolize

are just people with the same struggles as all of us.

2. Leanna Firestone - Forward / Slash (2022)

Leanna Firestone’s “Forward/Slash” is a thoughtful journey of the ups and downs of life.

Leanna’s songwriting style feels as though you’re just having a cozy conversation with

her. The stories in the music grab us as listeners and keep us there by being just so

relatable. If there is any one word to describe this album it is “honest”, and I think that’s

what makes it so charming. There’s no image here that Leanna is trying to project.

She’s just telling the true stories of her life in song, and that just feels so cozy and

beautiful. From falling in love to losing it, to thinking about the regrets of unrequited love,

but still recognizing its inescapable draw. It touches on family struggles, mental health,

and uncertainty. This is an album that tugs so tightly on your heartstrings that you can’t

help but insert yourself into the narrative somehow. For an even deeper look into the

mind of Leanna Firestone, her new EP, “An Evening With Leanna Firestone” is a soft,

acoustic session of some of her most thoughtful songs. Definitely give both a listen!

1. Jonas Conner - Chattanooga Tapes (2025)

Finally, we’ve reached our final album. This one’s for the country fans out there. While

it’s technically an EP, I felt it needed to be mentioned. Jonas Conner’s “Chattanooga

Tapes”, is a storytelling EP deeply rooted in Appalachian culture. It touches on the

struggles of growing up, loss, addiction, and nostalgia. Despite the dark theming, the

music is hauntingly beautiful. It’s the perfect thing to play on a chilly winter day when

you’re stuck inside. The lyrics in each song feel healing, like a warm drink when you

come in from the cold. It’s refreshingly personal and deeply reminiscent of traditional

Appalachian artists. Bravo to Jonas on his debut EP! Go check it out!

Sadly, we’ve reached the end, but hopefully we’ve given you a little inspiration for your

next album. Remember that despite the dreary weather now, the sun always returns. In

the mean time, we can always put on a record and reflect. Did any of these albums

resonate with you? Feel free to tell us on any of our socials below.

Written By Shelbi Baker