Classic Western songs that soothe the soul
Why not, for once, stop thinking and just let yourself sink into some good music?
In our daily lives, stress tends to build up in ways we don’t even notice.
When that happens, relax your mind by listening to music that’s a little different from your usual.
It’s great in the bath, or before bed in your bedroom—but the top recommendation is to play it while you’re lazily spending a day off.
That’s the best.
When you find a song you like, try it out in all sorts of moments.
Timeless Western songs that soothe the soul (1–10)
After the RainBoney James
Saxophonist Boney James, active in fusion and jazz, made his debut in 1992 after working as a backing musician.
His first album became a major hit in the United States and remains popular to this day.
His signature track “After The Rain” is a song that enchants with a beautifully pure saxophone tone riding atop powerful drumming.
It also has a deeply passionate side—that’s part of its appeal.
The Look of LoveDiana Krall
This song was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David in 1967 as the theme for the film Casino Royale, and the cover by Sérgio Mendes & Brasil ’66 became a big hit the following year, in 1968.
Diana Krall’s version served as the title track of her 2001 album, and compared to Sérgio Mendes’s version, it has a more relaxed, languid feel.
Her lower-register vocals further enhance the laid-back mood.
Mystic VoyageRonny Jordan
Ronny Jordan is a British acid jazz guitarist.
This track, with its groovy chord cutting and mallet-driven solo sections, is a piece you’ll want to dive into with an empty mind.
Just listening makes you want to move your body.
Packed with triplets and syncopation yet never overly complex, it unfolds with exquisite balance.
The album that features this track, A Brighter Day, was also nominated for a Grammy in 2000.
ExoticaPaul Taylor
Paul Taylor is an American saxophonist who debuted in 1995.
He’s a popular sax player who has released 11 studio albums to date.
His track “Exotica” carries a title that, as in Japanese, evokes an exotic paradise.
True to its name, it blends bongos and triangles with his sultry saxophone melodies to create the feel of a night in paradise.
It’s a track that lets you sway to the rhythm and fully immerse yourself in its world.
Love SongRamsey Lewis
Ramsey Lewis, a jazz pianist from Chicago.
He’s a fairly famous player with many releases, and you may have heard his music somewhere—perhaps in a café or a waiting room.
His piece “Love Song” might make you think jazz piano is a bit mature and hard to approach, but that’s not the case at all—it’s very accessible, letting you savor the gentle, soothing melody.
The piano’s dynamics are wonderful, and the ebb-and-flow, story-like development makes it a delight to listen to.