[2025] A roundup of recommended Western songs to listen to at a café

I CAN TELLNEW!GIVĒON

GIVĒON – I CAN TELL (Official Music Video)

A track from Giveon’s July 2025 album Beloved, by the soul singer known for his distinctive baritone.

Reviving the essence of ’70s R&B for today, the piece explores the theme of seeing the truth within romantic relationships.

Delicate piano and strings interweave with his resonant vocals, forming a quietly penetrating ballad.

Crafted over more than three years, the album exudes a mature, fully realized vision.

Its unhurried beat and introspective melodic lines elevate mealtime into a more refined experience.

A perfect listen for anyone who cherishes calm, late-night moments.

Pon PónNEW!Khruangbin

Khruangbin – Pon Pón (Official Video)

This track, included on Khruangbin’s album “A LA SALA,” released in April 2024, comes from the Houston, Texas trio whose sonic journey spans the globe.

It features a tropical dance groove influenced by Thai funk and highlife.

Over the rhythm woven by bass and drums, a psychedelic guitar floats and shimmers, while whispers in Spanish and other languages add an exotic touch.

There’s also a charming anecdote that bassist Laura Lee drew inspiration from a game she played as a child in Mexico, which may contribute to the warm, nostalgic feel.

Though primarily instrumental, the piece’s comfortable groove invites you to sink in, making it perfect as gentle BGM for an Asian-inspired dinner.

Why not let their uniquely global soundscape accompany your evening meal?

YougotmefeelingNEW!Parcels

Parcels – Yougotmefeeling (Live)

Parcels are an electropop band from Byron Bay, Australia, now based in Berlin.

They drew attention in 2017 for their collaboration with Daft Punk, and the track they released in May 2025 from their third album, “LOVED,” is a gem that masterfully fuses retro disco and funk elements.

A groovy piano loop, slightly shuffling drum beats, and harmonies woven by all five members resonate beautifully.

While the lyrics depict the end of a relationship and feelings of alienation, the sound is filled with a forward-looking sense of release—introspective yet irresistibly body-moving.

The fact that it was produced at their seaside home in Australia lends a cool, breezy impression.

Give it a spin at dinnertime when you want a calm atmosphere with a touch of vibrancy.

I Wish I Didn’t Waste Your TimeNEW!Thundercat

Thundercat – ‘I Wish I Didn’t Waste Your Time’

Stephen Bruner, a Los Angeles–based bassist better known as Thundercat, has captivated many listeners with his distinctive sound that fuses jazz fusion and R&B.

His new song, released in September 2025, is an introspective piece that reflects on regret over a past love.

Co-written with producer Greg Kurstin, it layers gentle synth tones with falsetto vocals to create a tranquil mood perfect for a nighttime dinner.

The flowing basslines and dreamy soundscape craft a comfortable atmosphere that won’t intrude on conversations with someone special.

His first solo release since the album “It Is What It Is,” the track showcases a refined sense of artistic maturity.

Come Away With MeNorah Jones

Norah Jones – Come Away With Me

A song characterized by its gentle, soothing melody and warm vocals.

It poetically expresses the wish to spend quiet moments with a loved one.

Released in February 2002, it is included on the album “Come Away with Me.” The album became a massive global hit, selling over 27 million copies, and won eight awards at the 2003 Grammys.

The track was also featured on the soundtrack of the film “Maid in Manhattan.” Packed with Norah Jones’s charm, this piece is perfect for relaxing in a café or for a quiet night with someone special.

Prototype (ft Norah Jones)NEW!Robert Glasper

Robert Glasper – Prototype ft Norah Jones (Audio)

Known for effortlessly traversing jazz, hip-hop, and R&B, Robert Glasper teams up with the one and only Norah Jones to cover a classic by the hip-hop duo Outkast in this track—one of the gems selected from five years’ worth of live recordings at New York’s legendary jazz club, the Blue Note.

Featured on the album “Keys To The City Volume One,” released in October 2024, the performance captivates with its spontaneity, with over 90% recorded in a single take.

The flowing touch of jazz piano, Norah’s gentle vocals, and a soulful groove intertwine exquisitely, creating an upscale ambiance that feels like dining at a high-end restaurant.

It’s the perfect song for a relaxed dinner, sipping wine and enjoying conversation with someone special.

Red MoonNEW!Tom Misch

Tom Misch – Red Moon (Official Lyric Video)

Raised in South London, Tom Misch is a singer-songwriter and producer known for his sophisticated sound that deftly blends soul, jazz, and funk.

His 2018 debut album Geography reached the UK Top 10, and in 2020 his collaborative album with jazz drummer Yussef Dayes, What Kinda Music, peaked at No.

2 on the Billboard Jazz chart.

Released in May 2025, this work is a ballad that portrays the pain of heartbreak and a heartfelt desire to rekindle love.

Its poetic worldview—an invocation to the cosmos entrusted to a red moon—is wrapped in soft guitar and a warm, analog texture.

A perfect pick for a relaxed dinner hour, it’s a track for those who want to savor a gentle, lingering afterglow.