While meditation, yoga, a hot bath, or a nice nap are sources of stress relief, listening to music is one of the simplest ways to calm your soul. When feeling stressed (and we all have been, and will be again at some point), what’s better than a relaxing playlist to overcome this feeling of stress?
Here is a list of relaxation songs, both new and old, instrumental and otherwise, that can help you unwind and get into a peaceful and relaxed state of mind.
Enya – Watermark
Everyone knows Enya from his classic, Only Timewhich is an equally relaxing song. Watermarks it has a simple but lovely piano arrangement, with a subtle chorus of human voices. Layered with the chorus, there is a white noise-creating synthesizer accompaniment, which has been shown to induce tranquility.
Coldplay – Strawberry Swing
When you think of songs to relax you immediately imagine songs without words, but Strawberry Swing by Coldplay (and other songs on this list) proves that music doesn’t have to be instrumental to be relaxing. Has a slightly accelerated pace and it actually promotes not so much relaxation as a feeling of contentment. The text itself helps create a light-hearted and fun atmosphere.
Adele – Someone Like You
This iconic song has garnered several accolades, including a Grammys. Almost everything that makes up this song seems to be made for far mourn the audience. When the chorus stops, the voice of Adele jump an octave and sing notes with increasing volume. At the same time, the harmony changes and the text becomes more dramatic. You may not understand at first why this song is relaxing, but sometimes someone who is very stressed out just needs to release all the stress with a good cry.
Mozart – Canzonetta sull’aria
When considering the genre of relaxation songs, classical music often comes to mind. This song by Mozart it is an example of this. Mozart’s characteristic mathematical precision, coupled with angelic female voices, is acoustically pleasing. It is lightis not complicated and does not ask much of the listener beyond simply enjoying the music.
Billie Eilish – Ocean Eyes
Ocean Eyes is Billie Eilish’s debut single, released when she was only 13 years old. The maturity in Eilish’s voice, however, makes it impossible to tell from the first listen, as she elegantly delivers the piece in an utterly enchanting style. One of her most soothing songs in her growing body of work was written by her brother, Finneas. As the name suggests, Ocean Eyes has a similar effect to watching the tide go back and forth.
Mac Miller – 2009
Before his untimely death in 2018, MacMiller created some of the most heartfelt rap songs of his generation. Following a cinematic orchestral introduction, 2009 sees Miller embarking on a journey of reflection and revealing his newfound wisdom. Hearing someone sing about the growth and self-acceptance we all hope to discover is an emotional experience, and the melancholic, peaceful energy of 2009.
Alicia Keys – If I Ain’t Got You
Inspired by two tragedies Keys experienced in 2001: the 9/11 attack and the death of R&B singer Aaliyah. Alicia Keys he wrote If I Ain’t Got You as an ode to realizing what is truly important in life. Denouncing materialism, she sings of being happy as long as her loved ones are near, a sentiment that can be universally appreciated. One of the most popular neo-soul songs of all time. The combination of the silky voice of Alicia Keys with simple lyrics and understated production it makes for incredibly relaxing listening.
If you are not looking for relaxation and calm, but the sprint for your training, this article is for you.
Cover image: Pexels
