As winter approaches, the weather begins to shift. The days become cloudier, colder, and filled with early rain. With that change in atmosphere, many people notice their music taste switching too. Upbeat, sunny songs often take a backseat, making room for slower, softer, or more nostalgic tracks. Weather can strongly influence emotion, so it’s no surprise that rainy days often inspire a different kind of playlist.
Rain naturally creates a softer tone in the environment, and music tends to follow that same calm energy. CdM junior Matea Ginsberg shares, “My go-to rainy day songs would be any sort of Christmas music. I love ‘All I Want For Christmas is You’ and ‘Please Come Home For Christmas.’” She adds, “I love those songs because they’re so nostalgic and they give such a comforting feeling.” Another junior, Victoria Vengina, agrees that rain influences what she listens to. “My favorite rainy day song is ‘Wildflower’ by Billie Eilish,” she says. “I like this song because it feels calm and it matches the rainy mood.” Newport’s rainy days tend to feel aesthetic and cozy, especially since the weather here isn’t usually cold or gloomy. Both students describe rainy-day music similarly: Ginsberg says, “I would say rainy-day music is cozy and comforting. Sometimes sad songs are good, but overall it’s more cozy.” Vengina adds, “Rainy day music feels cozy and a little sad, but still relaxing in general.”
Countless genres and songs fit a rainy mood depending on the vibe you’re going for. For something warm and comforting, songs like “Linger” by The Cranberries or “Willow” by Taylor Swift are perfect. For productivity and focus, tracks like “If You Could See Me Now” by Lorde set a calm but motivated tone. If you want to lean into the emotional side of the weather, songs like “Exile” by Taylor Swift or “O Children” by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds create a softer, more somber mood. And for a nostalgic, cinematic rainy-day moment, classics like “Iris” by The Goo Goo Dolls or “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac never disappoint.
Rainy days inspire something unique, whether it’s reflection, studying, slowing down, or embracing coziness. With so many songs and moods to choose from, rainy-day playlists become personal soundtracks. Sometimes, the best way to enjoy a gloomy afternoon is with a warm drink, friends, and the perfect song playing in the background.
