Songs That Put You In The Mood To Relax – Top Ten

Sometimes you need a good song to help you wind down after a long day. The smooth tones and slow tempos of these songs can help you relax. As with all of my lists, these are all based on my personal preferences. Please feel free to leave your own suggestions in the comments.

10. “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd have a reputation for surrealism in their music. “Wish You Were Here” has a soothing tempo that you don’t necessarily have to listen to the lyrics to relax. But, if you do listen to the lyrics, you will find that the imagery of the lyrics are evocative of a dreamlike state.

9. “More Than This” by Roxy Music

Roxy Music are best known as a pioneering group in synth rock in the late 70s and early 80s. But Bryan Ferry had a voice out of its time. He is one of a few revered classic alternative rock crooners. “More Than This” showcased his songwriting and singing skills, with both his soothing voice and a soft melody.

8. “Just The Way You Are” by Billy Joel

I was torn at first on if I would go with “She’s Always A Woman” or “Just The Way You Are”, but ultimately I made this choice based on the cadence of the lyrics. In a way, it reminds me a bit of a lullaby, particularly, “Rockabye Baby”.

7. “Change The World” by Eric Clapton

I first heard “Change The World” when I saw the movie Phenomenon, and it always reminds me of the scene in the movie where Lace gives George a shave and a haircut, an act that I’ve always found relaxing as a recipient.

6. “Your Song” by Elton John

One of Sir Elton John’s first hits, “Your Song” shows off not only his vocal talent, but also his ability to craft a simple melody. It’s simplicity makes it not only a touching love song, but also a great song to relax into.

5. “So Far Away” by Carole King

Carole King is one of the greatest folk/rock singers of the 60s and 70s. In this song of longing and wishing that things didn’t change and people didn’t drift apart, she shows a vulnerability with her soulful voice and the song’s soft melody.

4. “Brilliant Disguise” by Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen is one of those rare singer/songwriters that can pump out both classic rock anthems and stirring ballads. We all go through periods of self-doubt in our lives. The intimacy in “Brilliant Disguise” lyrically in admitting doubts in oneself and in a relationship as well as the intimacy in the softer tone when compared to a lot of his earlier work makes this a great song to unwind with.

3. “Dreams” (Unplugged) by The Corrs

At first, I didn’t really know which version of “Dreams” to go with. The original by Fleetwood Mac is legendary, but to me the drums pulled me out of the relaxing mood. I’ve loved The Corrs since I discovered them in the early 2000s, but I felt their studio cut of this song was overproduced. However, then I remembered their earlier Unplugged version, which is just perfect for relaxing to. For a long time, I actually would go to sleep nearly every night listening to that whole album from beginning to end. (Note: Searching for a link to this version specifically, there are actually only two places that it is available; as a bonus track on a limited release version of The Corrs Unplugged and on the DVD release of that concert. No official digital release has ever been made available, though several unofficial videos ripped from the DVD are available on YouTube.)

2. “Easy” by The Commodores

“Easy” is a signature soft rock classic by The Commodores. The tenderness of Lionel Richie’s vocals take centerstage in this smooth track that can take you from tense to relaxed. You’ll be feeling “easy like Sunday morning” after listening to this song.

1. “I Will Follow You Into The Dark” by Death Cab For Cutie

Lyrically, this song can be viewed as both dark and loving simultaneously. It shows tenderness with a love so strong that you’d follow the one you love even in death. It has a tone and melody that can put you to sleep in someone’s arms. Lyrically, I see this song comforting in the same way that people find comfort in The Smiths song “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out” (a song that barely missed the cut on this list, but I wanted to save for a future list.)

Relax To Recover Your Soul

Give these songs a listen when you need to relax at the end of a long day. Then come back here to check out my other top ten lists of Songs That Put You In The Mood.