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Lovely Western music

Recommendation of calm Western music: music that envelops you in a peaceful time

Among the many Western songs out there, what type do you like?

In this article, I’ll introduce some calm Western tracks that help you relax and make you want to sit back and listen slowly.

We’ve picked songs that are primarily acoustic, with a relatively even, understated feel, and tracks featuring soothing whispery vocals.

These gentle, laid-back tunes will help cool down a tired mind.

Give them a try when you want to be soothed, or play them as background music before going to sleep.

Recommendations for Quiet Western Music: Songs That Wrap You in a Peaceful Moment (1–10)

NocturneBilly Joel

Billy Joel – Nocturne (Audio)
NocturneBilly Joel

If you’re looking to relax at night, why not try listening to a nocturne? A nocturne is a piano piece that evokes the tranquil mood of the night.

I especially recommend “Nocturne,” included on one of Billy Joel’s albums.

It serves as a kind of cooling-off interlude between tracks on the album.

Its piano melody is soothing and will melt away your fatigue.

If possible, listen to it together with the surrounding tracks on the album.

River ManNick Drake

Nick Drake – River Man (Video)
River ManNick Drake

A beloved folk classic is “River Man.” It’s a song released by the British singer-songwriter Nick Drake.

Its gentle sound centers on acoustic guitar, with environmental sounds sampled, such as flowing water and the fluttering of birds’ wings.

As a result, listening to it can make you feel as if you’re by a riverside on a sunny day.

I should also add that many world-renowned artists have arranged or covered the song.

1 step forward, 3 steps backOlivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo – 1 step forward, 3 steps back (Lyric Video)
1 step forward, 3 steps backOlivia Rodrigo

Don’t you think songs that gently embrace our failures are wonderful? With that in mind, I’d like to introduce “1 Step Forward, 3 Steps Back.” This track is by Olivia Rodrigo.

The title, taken literally, means “one step forward, three steps back.” It sings of a woman’s bittersweet feelings in a romance where her partner keeps pulling away, as well as the regret of “I wish I’d done this or that.” If you’ve been through something similar, I think it will resonate with you especially deeply.

Recommendation of calm Western music: Songs that wrap you in a peaceful time (11–20)

[They Long To Be] Close To YouCarpenters

The Carpenters are a musical duo formed by the Carpenter siblings, Karen and Richard.

One of their signature songs is “[They Long to Be] Close to You.” Sung from the perspective of a woman in love, it celebrates the charm of the man she adores.

The whisper-soft, gentle vocals and romantic lyrics make it perfect for a soothing listen at night.

Incidentally, many Japanese artists, including Anri and Fujii Kaze, have covered the song, so comparing different versions can be enjoyable.

Whenever Wherever WhateverMaxwell

Maxwell – Whenever Wherever Whatever (Official 4K Video)
Whenever Wherever WhateverMaxwell

Maxwell, who leads the neo-soul scene with his high-tone voice.

The song with which he won a Grammy is “Whenever Wherever Whatever.” It’s a Black contemporary track, and the harp’s timbre creates a unique, dreamlike atmosphere.

The highlight is how beautifully Maxwell’s soaring vocals blend with the overall sound.

Also, I’d like you to pay attention to the meaning of the title as you listen—you’ll be able to grasp the song’s message more deeply.

Don’t Know WhyNorah Jones

Norah Jones is a singer who represents the jazz world.

The song with which she won two Grammys is “Don’t Know Why.” It’s a breakup song portraying a woman who says goodbye to the partner she loves.

The tender piano sound gently wraps around the achingly bittersweet lyrics and vocals.

Whether you’ve experienced heartbreak or not, it leaves you with a cleansing, uplifted feeling.

Also, the way it quietly fades out at the end gives it that classic jazz touch, which is lovely.

StickwituThe Pussycat Dolls

The Pussycat Dolls – Stickwitu (Official Music Video) ft. Avant
StickwituThe Pussycat Dolls

Known for its lyrics overflowing with happiness, “Stickwitu” is also beloved as a classic wedding song.

It’s a track by the girl group The Pussycat Dolls, featuring singer Avant.

Set to a gentle R&B sound, it expresses love in sweet vocals.

While the tempo is calm, listening to it somehow lifts your spirits.

Give it a listen when you want to refresh your mood!