With temperatures that hit as low as 1 degree last week, it’s safe to say winter is upon us. If you’re in the mood to snuggle up to a cup of warm tea or hot cocoa, give these songs a listen.

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1. “White Winter Hymnal” by Fleet Foxes – These Seattle-based music makers create a poetic winter scene in just under two minutes and eight short lines of lyrics. Their voices harmonize like a flight of angels and, paired with the comforting beat of a tambourine, create an unavoidable feeling of tranquility. If you like Iron and Wine or Beirut, this might be your winter anthem.

2. “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz – This popular track off his fourth studio album begins slowly, then builds up to something of a testimony of unrelenting love. Mraz balances his strong vocals with the charming and melodious sound of his guitar in such a way that might spark memories of his older songs like “I’m Yours”. Recommended for fans of Jack Johnson or Colbie Caillat.

3. “We Found Each Other In The Dark” by City and Colour -Almost all of this Canadian band’s songs are able to combine sorrow with optimism, and this one hits the nail on the head. It is reminiscent of another of their tracks called “The Girl” in that both call on slower, melancholy sounds that are contrasted with cheerful lyrics that sing of a passionate love. If you’re in the mood for something between Bon Iver and The Avett Brothers, City and Colour is the group.

4. “Down in the Valley” by The Head And The Heart – At the intersection where indie, folk, Americana and country meet sits The Head And The Heart. The mix of instruments that even includes a violin creates a beautifully endearing tune, as vocalist Josiah Johnson tenderly begs, “Lord, have mercy on my rough and rowdy ways.”

5. “White” by Frank Ocean and John Mayer – There is something to be said about a song that can stir up emotions in its listener without the use of any lyrics. This short and sweet song performed a cappella invites listeners to kick back, close their eyes and take in the playfully cool sounds of John Mayer’s guitar.

6. “Sleep” by Phish – Phish is a band known for their groovy improvisational tunes, but this song marks an exception. Occasionally the legendary group will fall into this melodic tune in their live performances to change things up. This song is something of a lullaby that echoes the difficulty in remembering one’s dreams. If you’ve ever come across Grateful Dead or Umphrey’s McGee, you will enjoy the relaxing sounds of Phish.

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To listen on Spotify follow this link:  http://open.spotify.com/user/thedepaulia/playlist/35p49iRbZI1NwEeM27EdMP