Western songs you’ll want to listen to leisurely on your days off. World classics and popular hits.

Just the Two of Us (feat. Bill Withers)Grover Washington Jr.

Just the Two of Us (feat. Bill Withers)

GROVER WASHINGTON, JR.

, a saxophonist revered by many artists to this day as the father of smooth jazz.

He left behind numerous classics, but “Just the Two of Us (feat.

Bill Withers)” is especially famous.

While it features Bill Withers, the saxophone parts hold their own against the vocals.

Even so, the melody remains smooth and never overbearing.

If you want to spend your day off in style, be sure to give it a listen.

Let’s Get It OnMarvin Gaye

Let’s Get It On

It’s said that the prototype of today’s R&B is the New Soul of the 1970s.

Marvin Gaye was one of the artists who supported that New Soul boom alongside Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, and Curtis Mayfield, and he had a huge influence on today’s Black music.

One of Marvin Gaye’s masterpieces is “Let’s Get It On.” With a languid vibe woven into its intensity, it’s a perfect track for a leisurely day off.

Feel Like Makin’ LoveRoberta Flack

Feel Like Makin’ Love

Roberta Flack is one of the most prominent female singers from the 1970s neo-soul boom.

Her languid vocals remain popular and are beloved by many black music enthusiasts.

Among her works, the track I especially recommend is Feel Like Makin’ Love.

It’s one of her signature songs, crafted with a consistently languid and mellow feel throughout.

Be sure to check it out.

Fly As MeSilk Sonic

Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak as Silk Sonic – Fly As Me (LIVE BET Soul Train Awards 2021)

Silk Sonic is a unit that has gained popularity for a musical style reminiscent of artists who supported 1970s neo-soul, such as Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, and Curtis Mayfield.

Many of you may know them as the duo of Bruno Mars and Anderson .

Paak.

Their style, neo-soul, differs from typical soul music—often smoother, more stylish, and sometimes tinged with ennui.

Their track Fly As Me is an uptempo piece, yet its relaxed neo-soul vibe makes it perfect for a leisurely day off.

AsStevie Wonder

As

Singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder, who has garnered worldwide popularity with his wide-ranging musicality and distinctive vocals.

He has continued to produce timeless classics over many years, and his song “As” is a work I’d highly recommend as perfect music for a day off.

It starts with a languid, slightly ennui mood, then shifts at the chorus into a soulful, minor-key melody.

That contrast is immensely appealing, making it a great pick for those who want to relax while still lifting their spirits.

Be sure to give it a listen.

Let’s Stay TogetherAl Green

Al Green – Let’s Stay Together

In the 1970s, new soul and funk music were at the center of the scene.

Al Green is a soul singer, but his musical style is clearly unique, and he had already created the blueprint for what we now call neo-soul.

One of his masterpieces is “Let’s Stay Together.” The relaxed vocals and groovy drums are incredibly stylish.

If you like neo-soul, definitely give it a listen.

Don’t Know WhyNorah Jones

Norah Jones – Don’t Know Why

A singing voice that gently cradles the heart, and delicate piano spinning broken chords.

Hailing from the United States, Norah Jones captivated the world with her 2002 debut album, “Come Away With Me.” Among its tracks, this piece—an exquisite cover of a song by Jesse Harris—sets a bittersweet yet tender feeling to a beautiful melody that inexplicably draws you in.

Rooted in jazz yet warmed by shades of pop and country, its sound leaves listeners with a gentle calm.

Winning three of the major Grammy Awards in 2003, this work is one that quietly keeps you company on long, peaceful nights, or in moments when you’re thinking of someone dear.