I hate to admit it, but we are in the throes of winter. Chilly, dark mornings leading into chillier, darker evenings are a sight familiar to us all and still unwelcomed by most. During these colder months, music can transform your existence in this gloomy weather. If you want to relax, rave, or embrace the melancholy this month, I’m here to introduce you to the songs I keep returning to: a mix that reflects the tumultuous nature of November.  

‘Image’ – Magdalena Bay

Pop duo Magdelena Bay’s most recent concept album Imaginal Disk is by far, my favourite release of the year. The album’s lead single ‘Image’ is the perfect pathway into their music. ‘Image’ is a grunge-inspired, synthy dream of a song I have listened to an unhealthy amount in recent weeks. Its production is weird and experimental as it builds into a crescendo of gorgeous vocals and heavy synths. Magdelena Bay provide a completely unique perspective on music that is undoubtedly exciting. 

‘Paranoia’- The Marías 

The Marías sophomore album Submarine was released this summer, but from my first listen I knew this record would hit harder in winter. I have had the indie pop album on constant repeat since its release, so picking just one song was a challenge. ‘Paranoia’ encapsulates the gloomy romanticism I associate with these colder months, as singer María Zardoya’s airy vocals detail the insecurity that plagued her relationship with fellow bandmate Josh Conway. It is a classic, gorgeous indie-pop song that is fraught with emotion.

…a mix that reflects the tumultuous nature of November.

‘Billie Toppy’ – Men I Trust

‘Billie Toppy’ is a 2023 single released by the Canadian indie band Men I Trust and is a departure from their usual slower-tempo sound. The track’s standout feature is the groovy, powerful bass paired with a reverbed guitar sound. Lead singer Emmanuelle Proulx has an enchanting voice that floats atop the effortlessly cool instrumental as she sings about her toxic relationship with her lover ‘Billie’. The song feels reminiscent of bands like The Smashing Pumpkins and Joy Division but with a refreshing, modern twist. 

‘All Night’ – Beyoncé

If I did not include a Beyoncé song in this list, I would be doing a disservice to my adoration of her music. During a month of darkening evenings, cold weather, and academic stresses, I find comfort in a lovesick ballad. ‘All Night’ from Beyoncé’s sixth studio album Lemonade is a masterpiece, often overlooked in conversations about her music. With trumpets sampled from OutKast’s ‘SpottieOttieDopaliscious’ layered vocals that melt together and heartfelt lyrics, this is a song that ages like fine wine. 

During a month of darkening evenings, cold weather, and academic stresses, I find comfort in a lovesick ballad.

‘Balloon (feat. Doechii)’ – Tyler, The Creator, Doechii

I am yet to listen to Tyler, The Creator’s newest album CHROMAKOPIA, but this has been a standout year for rapper Doechii, whose feature drew me to ‘Balloon’. The playful beat reminds me of earlier Tyler projects but at a more elevated level. Doechii is one of the most exciting names in music right now. Her verse is campy and captures the song’s overall vibe perfectly. Tyler and Doechii bring a playfulness with their verses that feel at home on a beat that is sonically unusual and fun. 

‘flex fm (freddit)’ – Joy Orbison, Lil Yachty, Future, Playboi Carti

November can be a bit of a slog, so if you need something to get you out of a rut, ‘flex fm (freddit)’ might be for you. This is a Fred Again mashup of Joy Orbison’s ‘flight fm’ and Lil Yachty’s ‘Flex Up’ featuring Future and Playboi Carti. The original track ‘flight fm’ makes up the electronic beat, with Yachty, Future and Carti’s verses adding a depth of sound and variation to the track. This song is for people who need a heavy bassline to get them motivated. Whether at the gym, library or pres, this track fits any situation. 

…if you need something to get you out of a rut, ‘flex fm (freddit)’ might be for you.

‘Club classics featuring bb trickz’ – Charli xcx and Bb trickz

I have spent a concerning amount of time listening to Charli xcx this year, and ‘Club classics featuring bb trickz’ from theBrat remix album is the song I have on repeat this month. The original track is completely flipped and mixed with ‘365’, the standout track from Brat. Charli recognises ‘365’s’ status as a club classic. Although I don’t understand what the Spanish rapper Bb trickz is saying, her verse makes the song feel fresh and totally distinct from ‘Club Classics’ and ‘365’. I will continue living in the Brat bubble for the foreseeable future. 

‘encore’ – Shygirl, Danny L Harle, Club Shy

2024 has been a great year for the club-music queen Shygirl, most notably collaborating and accompanying Charli xcx and Troye Sivan on their ‘SWEAT’ tour over the summer. Released as a follow-up single to her EP Club Shy released in February, ‘encore’ is a bass-heavy club track complete with raunchy lyrics and electronic/rave production from Danny L Harle. When I need an extra boost of energy in these darker months, ‘encore’ is a go-to to escape the confines of the library by being transported to the midst of a Boiler Room set.

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