[Western Music] Recommended Songs and Popular Classics to Listen to When You're Tired

my futureBillie Eilish

Billie Eilish – my future (Official Music Video)

Billie Eilish is the world’s most famous singer-songwriter representing Generation Z.

Her talent and achievements are beyond what we can cover here, but her distinctive whispery voice fits perfectly with the theme of this article.

That said, her songs—often introspective and at times unflinchingly honest about despair—are by no means mere comfort, especially when you understand the lyrics.

That’s why I recommend “my future,” released in 2020, when the world was in the midst of the pandemic.

Though written during lockdown, it’s unusually positive for Billie, as the title suggests, singing about hope for the future.

The sound is poppy and soothing, so especially when anxiety or stress feels overwhelming, give Billie’s “my future” a listen.

DamageHer

H.E.R. – Damage (Official Video)

H.

E.

R.

is a multi-instrumentalist with a soulful, beautiful voice.

Mysterious yet commanding, she’s constantly in demand as a featured guest for many artists.

Following her two wins at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards, she went on to win Best Traditional R&B Performance at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards held in April 2022, firmly cementing her status as a top artist in both name and substance.

While rooted in contemporary R&B, her music carries the spirit of classic soul and boasts a level of quality that invites comparisons to Alicia Keys.

Her shaded, composed vocals and melodies have a charm that makes you want to listen alone at night.

Among her songs, Damage—released the previous year as a lead single for her 2021 debut album Back of My Mind—stands out as an especially urbane, night-evoking masterpiece, thanks in part to its sample of Herb Alpert’s Making Love in the Rain.

Step away from the noise of everyday life and try listening to this track while driving alone.

Make It Out Alive ft. SiRNAO

Nao – Make It Out Alive (Official Video) ft. SiR

In recent years, many highly individual and exceptionally talented young singer-songwriters in the R&B and neo-soul scenes have emerged, and Nao—featured in this article—is one of them.

Hailing from London, she grew up surrounded by music from an early age, studied jazz at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and then worked as a session musician.

She’s truly a powerhouse vocalist who has garnered attention from many listeners.

Her coquettish and charming singing style is one of a kind, and the melodies woven into her refined, modernized neo-soul sound make for a soothing listen—highly recommended even when you’re feeling tired.

The track introduced here is the popular 2018 song Make It Out Alive, featuring SiR from TDE, the label known for Kendrick Lamar and SZA.

It’s a masterpiece where their two voices and the superb melody deliver an exquisite experience!

Like A StarCorinne Bailey Rae

Corinne Bailey Rae – Like A Star (New Version)

For a theme like this, it might be fair to say this is one of the songs that would inevitably be chosen.

It’s “Like a Star,” a signature track by Corinne Bailey Rae, who has a diverse background—from church hymns and performing as part of a rock band to appearances at jazz clubs—and who has gained worldwide popularity with her gentle vocal tone and organic sound.

“Like a Star,” her memorable debut single and the opening track of her 2006 debut album Corinne Bailey Rae, which sold over 4 million copies worldwide, is a true classic whose calm vocals and her own softly resonant acoustic guitar create the most soothing atmosphere.

It’s the kind of song that could lull you into a peaceful sleep, and it’s also perfect for a long-awaited holiday morning.

HoneyRaveena

Raveena – Honey

If you want to soothe your weary body and soul with an exquisitely silky voice, you should definitely know about Raveena, a New York–based singer-songwriter with roots in India.

She’s already well known among modern R&B and soul listeners, but her slow-burn soul—showing a composure hard to believe from someone born in 1994—and the dreamy melodies delivered with that innate silky voice, as mentioned above, will surely lift the hearts of listeners of any age.

The song introduced here, Honey, is one of her signature tracks, released in 2018.

It’s a gem that seems to contain everything that makes her special: a sound and melody that soothe anyone who listens, and, wonderfully, a subtly sensual atmosphere as well.

Be sure to check out the music video, too—its daydream-like visual beauty has helped it surpass 3.

8 million views.

WhateverOasis

Oasis – Whatever (Official Video)

Released as a single in 1994.

It fully incorporated orchestral elements to embody their admiration for the Beatles.

At the time, information circulated via record stores that the band would break up after this song, but the actual breakup, triggered by Noel Gallagher’s departure, did not occur until 15 years later.

i’m so tired…Lauv & Troye Sivan

Lauv & Troye Sivan – i’m so tired… [Official Visualizer]

Healing songs are nice, but sometimes you want to listen to music that sings about the same feelings as your tired self, right? “i’m so tired.

.

.” is a 2019 hit that, as the title suggests, sets the bittersweet, delicate inner landscape of a worn-out protagonist to a poignant pop tune.

It’s a track by popular American singer-songwriter Lauv featuring Australian heartthrob singer-songwriter Troye Sivan.

Their official visualizer, where the two sing in a car, had surpassed 140 million views as of April 2022.

Even if you don’t understand the lyrics, the aching melody makes it clear this isn’t a happy song; the protagonist, stung by a painful breakup and unable to step into a new romance, sings lines like “I’m sick of love songs,” “I’m tired of love,” and “I just want to go home,” which leaves a distinctly bitter aftertaste.

If you’re exhausted from being in a similar situation, try belting this one out in the car!