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.
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Timeless Western songs that soothe the soul (1–10)
So AmazingGerald Albright
Gerald Albright is an American saxophonist.
He has played sessions with numerous musicians and is known in the U.S.
as a very famous jazz sax player.
Besides saxophone, he’s a multi-instrumentalist who also handles keyboards and backing vocals.
The track “So Amazing,” released in 1987, lets you enjoy his emotional and dramatic saxophone performance.
Sit back, relax, and let yourself sink into the mood!
Street LifeThe Crusaders
The Crusaders were a fusion band active in the 1970s.
The origins of fusion are generally traced to the mid-1970s, and they were a long-running band active right around the time the “fusion” genre solidified.
Their track Street Life was released in 1979, right at the height of the fusion boom.
They’re a band known for the beautiful interplay between the instruments grooving in step with the dynamic female vocals.
Rather than a laid-back, relaxing feel, it’s an upbeat, energizing song with great drive.
Lovin’ Cup94 East
94 East is a funk band from Minnesota, USA.
Formed in 1975, the group is famous for once having Prince as a member.
The band’s leader is Pepe Willie, Prince’s cousin.
Their track “Lovin’ Cup” is a moody number featuring a laid-back beat, high-pitched backing vocals, and layers of saxophone.
If you want to sink into a relaxed mood and just listen to the music, you can’t go wrong with this song.
Classic Western songs that calm the heart (11–20)
A Shade of BlueIncognito
Incognito is a band that represents “acid jazz,” a jazz genre that began in the UK club scene in the 1980s.
Although they formed in 1979, their major breakthrough came with the 1991 single “Always There.” As one of the flagship bands of acid jazz, their track “A Shade of Blue” was released in 1995, four years after their big hit.
Its laid-back beat, striking percussion, and calmly smooth vocal delivery create a gently swaying, blissful feel.
Even within acid jazz, it’s a particularly moody work.
Yearning For Your LoveThe Gap Band
Here’s a track from The Gap Band, who were active in the U.S.
during the 1970s and ’80s.
It’s a love song sung with a refreshing touch over a funky beat.
While it feels like the same guitar cutting phrase runs throughout, a cleverly crafted combination with the other sounds keeps it from getting repetitive.
There’s also a guitar solo toward the end, letting you enjoy the wide-ranging appeal of the electric guitar all within this one song.
The very calm, low-toned male vocals are perfect for when you want to relax.
We’re In This Love TogetherAl Jarreau
Of course the song itself matters, but the vocalist’s tone is also a key element of a “soothing song.” For a male vocalist with a soft voice, I recommend the American singer Al Jarreau.
He also has a jazz vocalist side; he might be a bit less known in Japan, but he was one of the singers who took part in “We Are the World.” This song, released in 1981, was also popular in Japan under the title “Kanaderu Ai.”
LisaChris Botti
Within jazz, there’s a style known as smooth jazz.
It features a soft, pleasant sound and grew popular through radio.
Among its artists, one who is especially popular in Japan—even more than in his home country, the United States—is the trumpet player Chris Botti.
His gentle, soothing tone and melodies that seem to speak to you are perfect for moments when you want to calm your mind.
This track, included as the first song on his 2001 album Night Sessions, is packed with the charm of his performance.