Now that the holidays are over and we’re well into January, I figured it’d be a good time to share my monthly song picks for the last two months. Here’s the latest post in my What I’ve Been Listening To series:

December

“Snow,” Sleeping At Last

This soft tempo, somber piano ballad from Sleeping At Last contrasts with the joyful, upbeat tone of most Christmas music, and in doing so, helps draw the listener into a moment of stillness and quiet reflection. It’s the perfect track to play while sitting by the tree and pausing from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

Standout Lyrics: So we sing carols softly, as sweet as we know/A prayer that our burdens will lift as we go/Like young love still waiting under mistletoe/We’ll welcome December with tireless hope

“All I Want For Christmas Is You,” Mariah Carey

It wouldn’t be Christmas without this signature track from Mariah Carey. (Fun fact: The song finally hit No. 1 twenty-five years after its release in 2019). Bright and catchy, this tune is sure to make you feel merry.

Standout Lyrics: Oh, all the lights are shining so brightly everywhere/And the sound of children’s laughter fills the air/And everyone is singing/I hear those sleigh bells ringing/Santa, won’t you bring me the one I really need?/Won’t you please bring my baby to me?

“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” Us The Duo

Husband and wife singer-songwriters, Michael and Carissa Alvarado (better known as Us The Duo) deliver a stunning rendition of this classic hit, complete with tight harmonies and gorgeous instrumentals.

Standout Lyrics: Here we are as in olden days/Happy golden days of yore/Faithful friends who are dear to us/Gather near to us once more

January

“New Year’s Day,” Taylor Swift

The final track on Taylor Swift‘s 2017 smash, reputation, “New Year’s Day” is a tender piano track that finds the songstress comparing love to a New Year’s party. The only thing more romantic than a kiss at midnight? The person who’ll stay by her side and help her clean up the glitter, candle wax, and empty bottles.

Standout Lyrics: Don’t read the last page/But I stay when you’re lost, and I’m scared/And you’re turning away/I want your midnights/But I’ll be cleaning up bottles with you on New Year’s Day

“More Hearts Than Mine,” Ingrid Andress

Country newcomer, Ingrid Andress captures the pain of a breakup on her single, “More Hearts Than Mine.” With great storytelling and great vocals, this song has the potential to blow up Andress’s career. She’s already off to a strong start; the song marks her first entry into the Billboard Hot 100.

Standout Lyrics: If I bring you home to momma/I guess I better warn ya/She falls in love a little faster than I do/And my dad will check your tires/Pour you whiskey over ice/And take you fishin’ but pretend that he don’t like you/If we break up, I’ll be fine/But you’ll be breakin’ more hearts than mine

“if we never met,” John K featuring Kelsea Ballerini

Canadian pop singer-songwriter, John K teams up with country darling, Kelsea Ballerini for this dance-worthy collaboration released on January 17. Fun and flirty, John K and Ballerini make for a nice pairing; their voices are strong together and apart.

Standout Lyrics: What if I never started singing?/What if you never told your family you were leaving?/When you felt the pressure/There’s a million different reasons/We shouldn’t be together/But when I put it all together/It all comes back to you, you, you

And those are my monthly song picks for December/January. Let me know what you think of them and what songs you’ve been listening to as well. Also, check back in next month to see what tracks I’ve featured in my list.