Spotify is a beautiful place, there’s no use in denying it. Their New Music Friday sometimes holds beautiful gems and I enjoy My Favorite Coffee House more then I care to admit. But when’s the last time you sat through an album? You know – the collection of twelve or thirteen tracks by the same artist or band, released on a compact disk, vinyl, or in iTunes. Chances are it has been a while. I’m not going to chastise you for it, since I’m guilty of it just the same, but it is kind of like reading only one chapter of a book. And unless it’s a work of collected essays, why would you read only one chapter? An album tells a story just like a book does; often the tracks are carefully organized to create the best experience.

Right now, we’re in the midst of the cosiest month of the year and with that, there are countless playlists to match the December mood. Type in Christmas Morning or Cozy Winter and a beautifully composed list is at your service. But there are tons of albums that fit the occasion just as well. That’s why we at Rockstone Sessions picked a few bound-to-happen December scenarios and sought out an album to match.

Roadtripping through the Snow

There is really only one winter album that can be your partner in crime while driving. If you close your eyes (right now, not when you’re on the road) and you picture an open road at sundown, snow covering the trees and houses, there’s only one album that really makes you want to mix the next exit, just so you can finish the album.

Bon Iver – Bon Iver

Fireplace Date Night

Whether you have a significant other or a bottle of wine (or both, lucky you) you should try to make such a night happen. There are great applications that can simulate a fire on your television or computer, in case a real fire is not an option (there’s also digital options in case a real significant other is out of the question). No matter your situation, we made sure there’s a great soundtrack available to you.

Claran Lavery – Not Nearly Dark

Wrapping Christmas Presents

The entire process of getting Christmas presents is one of many emotions. First there’s nonchalance, when everything is still fine, but usually after a while realization hits you, Christmas is only a week away. This is always followed by a moment of blind panic as what to get for people. Usually there’s some rage because people are impossible and the stores only have presents that you would love to get. Then you start to desperately wonder if you could give dad socks for the fifth year in a row. Hopefully, eventually, euphoria kicks in (dad just called, he really needs new socks). Wrapping these gifts come with a revision of the intense process. So you need an album that’s all over the place, to ensure all your emotions are sonically represented.

Florence and the Machine – How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful

Blanket & Chill

Next to the responsibilities of Christmas, it is a given that there will be at least one (I for one believe there’s no such thing as too many) afternoon in which you end curled up on the couch. Dressed in comfy clothes, accompanied by a cup of tea, chocolate milk, or something stronger, maybe with a book, or a good conversation. Such a tranquil setting needs a very specific soundtrack, and we believe we found just that.

Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes

Winter Stroll

Have you ever taken a stroll outside when the world is covered in fresh snow and everything is quiet? It is arguably the best thing in the world. It’s therapeutic and can come in handy when you need some self-reflection to determine your goals for 2016. But even when there’s no snow, or stillness, a good walk through the winter cold can be such a good idea and it makes that hot chocolate waiting at home so much tastier. The album we picked as your date is actually an EP and with only four songs makes for the perfect walk around the block.

Axel Flovent – Forest Fires

Running Christmas Errands

There are two kinds of people. People that leave the Christmas shopping until the last minute, and those that realize they forgot some essential half an hour before the store closes. Actually, there are three, if you’re like me, you leave it until the last minute and forget essentials. But no matter what kind of person you are, these errands in times of overcrowded streets can be such a pain. But with the album we picked as your errand-companion, you might find yourself wanting to go back to the city center a few times, just so you can play the album again.

Johnnyswim – Diamonds

Doesn’t the cold seem a little warmer after listening to all these beautiful tracks? We’d love to hear about your favourite winter jams, let us know!