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When you think of music in the winter, there’s a high chance your mind immediately goes to Christmas music. But, what about the beginning of November when the skies are a dim gray all day? Or, what about after Christmas when the grounds are covered with a thick blanket of snow? Christmas music can’t always suffice, so where can we turn to fill our ears with tunes to get us through the winter? Phoebe Bridgers.
Phoebe hasn’t released an album since 2020; however, her two records, Stranger in the Alps and Punisher, provide the comfort and monochromatic mood most feel during the winter season. Some of her more popular releases include “Motion Sickness”, “Scott Street”, “I Know The End”, and “Moon Song”. The upbeat rap and pop music people listen to in the summer doesn’t fit the tone of winter; the dullness of this season compliments well with slower and more melodic songs.
“I feel like Phoebe Bridgers fits the winter season because of the dark and moody songs she sings. They’re calm and slower,” Myla Pawielski, 12, said.
Along with her individual releases, Phoebe also has a song with Taylor Swift and a Grammy nominated album with her band boygenius. “Nothing New (feat. Phoebe Bridgers) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)” was released in 2021 on Taylor Swift’s re-recorded Red album. This song was also temporarily added to The Eras Tour setlist, while Phoebe accompanied Taylor as an opener for the concert. Released on March 31, 2023 by boygenius, the record resembles Phoebe's style of music. While more unknown, her band’s album is up for six Grammy nominations this year including: Album of the Year, Best Alternative Music album, and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical. Their song, “Not Strong Enough” is nominated for Best Rock Performance, and Best Rock Song, and their song “Cool About It” for Best Alternative Music Performance.
Phoebe’s songs illustrate just what winter is: snowy grounds and gray skies. Whether her band, her features, or her covers, they all give off the same aura of calmness. Yes, the lyrics may be a little somber and pessimistic, but that just might be what some people need to hear. Besides, it’s not always about the words– the instruments and her calming voice can justify.
So, next time you’re driving home after a long and drowsy day of school and the usual beats of Drake just aren't your mood, try putting on some Phoebe Bridgers. And, if you really are in the mood for Christmas music, she has a couple covers of Christmas classics on her music profile– don’t worry.