Now that November is here (I know, I’m devastated too), it’s time to gear up for those winter months. In the winter, I have an attitude similar to an expressionist painting: pretty from afar, but confusing up close. I love looking at the snow and watching it fall, but I would like to watch it indoors.
I have always reflected my moods in music as well. So, with this combination of the wintertime blues and music, I have curated my favourite 10 sad girl winter albums! (These are in no particular order.)
#1 – Midnights (3am Edition) by Taylor Swift (2022)
Obviously, this needed to be on the list. This album is an instant hit for Swifties everywhere and will definitely keep climbing in streaming numbers. With songs like “Anti-Hero,” “You’re On You’re Own Kid,” and especially “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve,” this album is a definite sad girl album.
#2 – Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers (2020)
A classic for sad, indie girlies. Punisher is an absolute masterpiece of an album and solidified the broad range of Phoebe Bridgers. With “Moon Song,” “Pushier,” “Savior Complex,” and the fantastic album closer, “I Know The End,” this album is an immediate download for everyone who listens to it.
#3 – Pure Heroine by Lorde (2013)
A Tumblr grunge staple! “Royals” is such an era-defining song, but if you listen to the album, there are some amazing hidden gems. “400 Lux,” “A World Alone,” and “Buzzcut Season” are perfect for those sad, melancholy winter vibes.
#4 – Boygenius EP by Boygenius (2018)
This album is a somewhat hidden diamond by boygenius—a band formed by Julien Baker, Lucy Dacus, and Phoebe Bridgers—which put out an EP under their band name. “Me & My Dog” is my absolute number one on the EP, with lyrics like, “I wanna be emaciated / I wanna hear one song without thinking of you / I wish I was on a spaceship / Just me and my dog and an impossible view.” This short EP will definitely be a sad girl staple.
#5 – Bury Me At Makeout Creek by Mitski (2014)
Another somewhat Tumblr classic. Mitski’s third album is super popular amongst the sad girl community. Especially with “First Love / Late Spring” and “Last Words of a Shooting Star.” Lyrics like, “So please hurry leave me / I can’t breathe / Please don’t say you love me / 胸がはち切れそうで (I feel like my chest will burst).” This whole album will definitely make you feel at peace with your winter blues.
#6 – how I’m feeling now by Charli XCX (2020)
A bit of a different album from the rest on this list, this is Charli XCX’s most vulnerable album. Songs like “detonate” and “enemy” will undoubtedly hit you right in the feels. Even if the album is hyper-pop and a little bit of electro, the lyrics are truly meaningful, and you can see where Charli XCX is coming from and relate to her experiences.
#7 – Atlanta Millionaires Club by Faye Webster (2019)
The album cover is soft and pretty, but when you really listen to the lyrics of the songs and Faye Webster’s voice, you can hear the depth. “Jonny” is my personal favourite—it sounds gentle, but the lyrics are broken down and relatable. “Jonny, did you ever love me? / Jonny, help me figure it out / Not that I’ve paid attention / But you haven’t said it out loud” is such a good example of an excerpt that gives the vibe to this album.
#8 – Tidal by Fiona Apple (1996)
This absolute classic changed sad girl music forever. Hits like “Criminal” and “Shadowboxer” really encompass the vibe of what the whole album is. Fiona Apple is an iconic figure and her music is nothing shy of amazing. Her strong piano tracks and amazing lyrical skills really take charge in this album. “Sullen Girl” and “The Child Is Gone” are both really great examples to help sum up that winter feeling.
#9 – MAGDALENE by FKA twigs (2018)
This art-pop album is a little different from the other indie-style albums, but still absolutely amazing. FKA twigs is a mastermind and the music in MAGDALENE can really be relatable. Songs like “home with you” and “mirrored heart” talk about being lost and trying to find the one that completes you. She touches on things that every sad girl can relate to.
#10 – Chemtrails over the Country Club by Lana Del Rey (2021)
Of course, there had to be LDR on this list. Chemtrails Over the Country Club might not be the obvious choice out of her discography, but I can argue my case. Songs like “Yosemite,” “Dark But Just A Game,” and “Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost” all prove my point. Their soft guitar and classic LDR voice overlays wash you over with a feeling of melancholy.
Of course, take everything with a grain of salt. Not glorifying your sadness and taking mental illnesses seriously are both very important. Music is an incredible way to help you translate your emotions and relate to the artists. This list includes songs that personally help me understand and interpret my feelings and make me feel less alone when I have the winter blues.