[2026] A Collection of Western Songs to Play at Dinner [Stylish BGM]

Summer WindFrank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra – Summer Wind (Audio)

Originally included on the 1966 album Strangers in the Night, this piece began as a German song, for which Johnny Mercer rewrote the lyrics in English.

Its poetic lines—evoking memories of a love that fades like the wind at summer’s end—are striking, and the blend of Sinatra’s smooth vocals with Nelson Riddle’s sophisticated orchestral arrangement creates a perfect balance.

Topping Billboard’s Easy Listening chart, the song has been featured in films like Blade Runner 2049 and TV series such as Ozark, and has been covered by many artists, including Michael Bublé.

It’s a wonderful listen when you want to sink into a nostalgic mood as the seasons change.

Breezin’George Benson

Breezin’

This is an instrumental track with an appealing sense of freshness, like a pleasant breeze blowing through.

It was created by George Benson, an artist who transcends the boundaries of jazz and R&B with his exceptional guitar technique and smooth vocals.

The piece is the title track from his 1976 masterpiece Breezin’, a pivotal turning point in his career, and it’s also known as a defining song of the smooth jazz genre.

Its sophisticated guitar tone relaxes the listener, like an afternoon spent at a resort.

In July 1976, it achieved major commercial success, topping the Billboard Pop chart for two consecutive weeks.

It’s the perfect choice for restaurant background music—elegant and refined, enhancing a meal without intruding on conversation.

MaputoBob James & David Sanborn

Bob James, David Sanborn – Maputo (audio)

Hearing that sophisticated sound that sparkles like a city nightscape, many of you will probably feel you’ve heard it somewhere before.

It’s a masterpiece by keyboardist Bob James, known as the godfather of smooth jazz, and saxophonist David Sanborn, whose singing tone transcends genres! The piece was composed by the virtuoso Marcus Miller, and it’s a luxurious track where an Afro-Cuban–inspired, buoyant rhythm melds with a sultry saxophone.

It opens their collaborative album Double Vision, released in May 1986, and this classic won the 29th Annual Grammy Award.

As BGM to grace an elegant dinner, you couldn’t ask for a more perfect tune.

Bali RunFourplay

Fourplay – Bali Run (audio)

Fourplay is a supergroup featuring star players from the jazz world.

The sound they weave is brimming with an urban, highly sophisticated allure.

The piece I’m introducing is the celebrated track that opens their 1991 debut album, Fourplay.

The exhilarating melody crafted by Lee Ritenour’s guitar and Bob James’s keyboards evokes a liberating feeling, as if you were driving through a resort destination.

This classic album, which includes the track, held the No.

1 spot on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart for 33 weeks.

Its comfortable groove enhances a meal without intruding on conversation, making it ideal background music for a refined restaurant dinner.

Don’t Know WhyNorah Jones

Norah Jones – Don’t Know Why

Norah Jones, a jazz singer who is hugely popular in Japan as well.

Even if you don’t usually listen to jazz, you’ve probably heard her voice at least once.

In one of her signature works, she sings about the bittersweet emotions at the end of a romance, not knowing why hearts drifted apart.

The gentle tone of the piano combined with her warm vocals seems to softly envelop the listener.

This song is included on her debut album, Come Away with Me, released in 2002, which achieved an astonishing worldwide sales figure of over 27 million copies.

It also swept the three major Grammy categories, making it truly a historic masterpiece.

Its calm atmosphere won’t interfere with meals or conversation, so having it play during dinner with someone special might just set the mood.

Better Than I Imagined (ft. H.E.R., Meshell Ndegeocello)Robert Glasper

Robert Glasper – Better Than I Imagined ft. H.E.R., Meshell Ndegeocello

Pianist Robert Glasper effortlessly leaps beyond the bounds of jazz, leading the scene with a sound that fuses hip-hop and R&B.

His Grammy-winning album Black Radio III is packed with exquisite tracks perfect for restaurant background music.

Featuring H.E.R.

and Meshell Ndegeocello, this song—described by Glasper himself as a passionate offering to the value and virtues of Black love—sings of deep, warm affection.

Released early in August 2020, its mellow, soulful groove drew widespread attention and went on to win the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song.

It’s sure to elevate the atmosphere of a dinner with someone special or a dimly lit bar time, making it more refined and sophisticated.

Nostalgia (The Day I Knew)Samara Joy

Samara Joy – Nostalgia (The Day I Knew) (Audio)

The bright, elegant sound of the horn section is gentle and beautiful.

This is a song by Samara Joy, the songstress who won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist.

It’s included on her classic album Linger Awhile, released in September 2022.

For this piece, she wrote lyrics to an improvised performance by a legendary trumpeter.

She also performed it on a popular talk show.

In a voice as smooth as silk, she tells the story of the fateful day she knew, “This is the one.” How about this song for an anniversary dinner with someone special? Its sweet, nostalgic mood will touch the heart and make your time together even more wonderful.