Ok, let’s focus on the weather for a second. It’s gross outside. It’s freezing. It’s the slushy, dreary weather type of the year. And, also, it’s January, arguably one of the worst months of the year (although February is also in the running for that title). I, for one, am incredibly hyped for the weather to be above 50 degrees again, and I know I’m not alone. But it may still be a while, so here I have listed five incredibly random albums to help you get through January (and then also February). Each album is pretty different, so I hope you discover one that you really like, or you’re able to discover a new genre of music that you’ve never gotten into before. I’m not picky about what I listen to, and I love to branch out into every possible genre, as you’re about to see.

Anyway, now that I’ve prepared you for what’s to come, let’s get into it: five completely unrelated albums that I 100% recommend to escape this weather.

Starting off basic, Taylor Swift’s album, Speak Now( Taylor’s Version). Now, I’m not a mega-fan of Taylor. She has a lot of really great songs, and a lot of incredibly mid songs. I only recently became more interested in her music, and discovered this album. Of course it’s a mainly pop, feel good, sing at the top of your lungs album, but it also packs elements of country, and has some slower, more emotional songs (warning: do not listen to Dear John unless you’re ready to get into your feels). Overall, this album has a fairytale, dreamy vibe to it, and is perfect for daydreaming about summer or attempting to romanticize this ugly weather.

Now, in complete contrast, The Rolling Stones’ album, Goats Head Soup. When thinking of The Rolling Stones, you may immediately think “rock n’ roll,” and although this is pretty accurate most of the time, this album actually has large elements of blues and folk. It is perfect for getting up and dancing (I mean the first song of the album is called “Dancing with Mr. D”), or fingering along to the guitar solos are you ignore the slush on your shoes and the ice on your windshield.

These next two albums definitely will take you on more of an emotional journey. I mean, Lord Huron’s Strange Trails has themes of death, love, and ghosts. This album is phenomenal, all the way through. Although I must admit there are some songs on Speak Now and Goats Head Soup that I skip most times they pop up, Strange Trails is a complete masterpiece. Every song packs a punch, although it can be argued that many of them sound pretty similar. Which, in my case, isn’t a problem, so I guess it depends on your preference. The album is considered alternative/indie and rock, and is perfect for sitting back, relaxing, and admiring how pretty the snow can be.

Additionally, Joe Kaplow’s The Time Spent in Between has similar emotions. Some themes include isolation, loneliness, and mortality. Yikes, I know that sounds really depressing, so be warned, only listen to this music when you feel like being melancholy or downright sad. This album has elements of indie and folk, and similar to Strange Trails, once again, it is a masterpiece all the way through. It’s perfect for a late night drive, or just relaxing in the heat of your home with a hot chocolate in hand.

The final album recommendation I have is Mac Miller’s I Love Life, Thank You. This album includes themes that have to do with gratitude and perspective. Although you may not be feeling very grateful for this weather outside, the sweet elements of jazz and flowing lyricism really put you in a good mood. As a calmer hip/hop and rap album, while listening to it, you are sure to cruise through these hard times.

All in all, these albums each carry their own unique themes, emotions, and are part of vastly different genres. If anything, I hope you feel awakened to branch out of your normal music genre, and give something new a go. Anyways, I hope January and February aren’t too harsh to you!