Waking up on a morning in January is usually accompanied by a “please let today be a weekend” prayer, a sudden urge to procure a steaming cup of cha and to listen to some soul-warming tunes.
Here is a playlist of tracks selected to match exactly these feelings, some from close to home, while others from further afield. We hope the meaningful lyrics entwined in the passionate voices will transform your day.
Marz – The Yellow Diary: A new edition to the Indian indie band scene, The Yellow Diary has released a few songs so far of which all of them are worth listening to. Marz is definitely a special song, sung in Punjabi and accompanied by acoustic, rock and electronic notes. The video too, is a heartbreaking must-watch.
It may be winter outside (but in my heart it’s spring) – Love Unlimited: A romantic original by the female backup trio for R&B singer Barry White, this song is a jazzy one to lighten up your mood on a cold day.
California dreamin – The Mama’s and the Papa’s: This is a very 60’s sound, complete with the tambourine and back up singing. It encapsulates a cold, grey winter’s day in the Western world but soon you’ll realise that the artist is dreaming of spending winter in a place just like ours!
Sheeter haway laglo nachon – Rabindra Sangeet: A classic by Rabindranath Thakur, this song paints a playful and charming picture of winter in Bengal. Rezwana Choudhury Bannya has a nice rendition.
Laage re nain – Ayesha Omar (Coke Studio Pakistan): As is Coke Studio’s expertise, this song perfectly blends folk notes with modern beats. This song is in fact a very shared sub-continental production, with the opening instrumentals by Nepali band, Kutumba, lyrics in the Awadhi language and soulful vocals by Pakistani actor and singer, Ayesha Omar.