The days are shorter, the nights are colder…and these days, we’d like nothing more than to sit at home and unwind with a warm blanket and some great music.

Fortunately, the Israeli music scene is heating up once again – with some incredible tunes coming from Israel now that the holiday season is behind us.

Your favorite artists are hard at work, touring around the Jewish state while continuing to crank out new tunes. Those who listen to Israel Hour Radio on a regular basis generally have a good idea of what’s out there these days. For the rest of you (you’re missing out, BTW), here’s a round-up of 10 hot Israeli songs you should be listening to. Be sure to add them to your playlist ASAP, or enjoy our very own Spotify playlist below.

1. Idan Raichel – Katuv Milmala

An early morning burst of creative inspiration turns into the #1 song in Israel. How does he do it? This song, like pretty much every other song Idan‘s ever released, is the hottest tune on Israeli radio these days. As he travels around North America this month, there’s a good chance he’ll perform this new hit. Everyone else has heard it already, so why not you?

2. Static & Ben-El Tavori – Imaleh

I’ll admit I like this new song less than most of their previous entries, but apparently, I’m in the minority. Once again, Static & Ben-El have captured the ears of the Israeli public, with the most popular Hebrew expression of the moment. “Imaleh” means “wow” or “holy cow” or “OMG” – and an Instagram search for hashtag #אמאלה returns thousands of results. Now’s a good time to hear what all the fuss is about.

3. Doli & Penn feat. Noa Kirel & Liran Danino – Meusharim

My favorite new song of the moment. Both Noa Kirel and Liran Danino sound great, and the song is simply memorable, singable, and fun. If you like this song, you’ll probably also enjoy the new “acoustic” version, just released. From what I can understand, Doli & Penn are Israeli music producers who recruit big-name singers to perform their songs. Looks like they hit a home run with this one. But we’re not done with them…

4. Doli & Penn feat. Mosh Ben Ari – Ach Sheli Mitchaten

Anytime Mosh Ben Ari gets into a recording studio, you know you’re gonna have a good time. And this song, of course, is no exception. This song is a ton of fun, and will surely brighten your day. Seventeen weeks since the release of this catchy tune, it STILL sits high atop the Israeli music charts.

5. Eliad – Masa

In Israel (and around the world too, I guess), songs tend to stay popular for a few weeks and then fade into obscurity. So to see a song remain as hot as this one…TWENTY TWO WEEKS after its release…well, that song must be something special. Turns out this Eliad song was named Song of the Year by Galgalatz radio listeners, giving it a re-birth of sorts only about eight weeks ago. In case you’re one of the few who haven’t heard it, now would be a good time.

6. Amir Dadon & Shuli Rand – Ben Kodesh L’chol

During the period of the High Holidays, Israeli music tends to get into the holiday spirit. So each year, you’ll find a new crop of reflective, spiritual, slightly somber, borderline religious songs released in honor of the season. This one has certainly struck a chord throughout Israeli society, having spent many weeks at #1 on radio stations nationwide. The song is called “Between Holy and Secular”; perhaps that “conflict” captures the country’s identity perfectly.

7. Various Artists – Matchilim MeChadash

Released on the eve of Rosh Hashana 5780, this song is beautiful, soulful, and pretty unusual. Israel’s “secular” musicians are typically very happy to remain as secular as can be, and their music rarely crosses over into anything remotely resembling religious music. But perhaps that’s slowly changing, (thanks, in large part, to the huge popularity of Ishay Ribo). Apparently Israeli artists are connecting to their tradition a bit more than ever before, and this song is all the proof you need. Recorded by 24 of Israel’s most popular male artists – a “who’s who” in Israeli music for sure – “Matchilim MeChadash” summarizes the holiday season perfectly. The lyrics of the song express gratitude for the blessings in our lives, and pray for clarity as the year starts anew.

8. A-WA – V’David Yefeh Einayim

We’ve already written about how amazing this song is, as well as its historical significance. But if you haven’t yet heard it, now is the time. Originally recorded back in the 1970s by Yigal Bashan, this cover by the sisters of A-WA offers a fun, modern, harmonic, middle-eastern sound that’ll stay stuck in your head for days. In a good way.

9. Miri Mesika – Kama Kama

I’ve been a Miri Mesika fan for years, but finally seeing her in concert last year sealed it for me: Miri Mesika is insanely talented. Watching her belt out one song after another for two hours impressed me tremendously, and I’ve been a tad obsessed ever since. Her latest, an optimistic ballad with a memorable chorus, and lyrics written by Miri herself, is definitely worth a listen.

10. Omer Adam – Katavti Alayich Shir

The newest song in our list was released on November 15…and had already generated more than a million views on YouTube by November 19. Let’s face it, Omer Adam is the king of Israeli music this year. He’s created a winning formula, and his newest single is sure to blare throughout the streets of Israel for the foreseeable future. You’re going to hear it eventually if you’re a fan of Israeli music, so why not check it out now?

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So now it’s your turn. Which of these new songs is your favorite? And have you heard any great new Israeli songs we haven’t mentioned? Let us know in the comments!