Recommended Western music when you want to be healed and relax
In the midst of our busy daily lives, everyone has moments when they want to seek comfort or relaxation in music.
This time, I’ve researched and gathered stylish, relaxing tracks and timeless Western hits with excellent healing effects to soothe everyday fatigue.
From rock and pop to R&B, bossa nova, and post-classical, we’ve selected a wide range of songs across eras—so you’re sure to find a new favorite!
Be sure to check them out.
Recommended Western songs for when you want to be healed and relax (1–10)
SlowRumer
Rumer, a British singer-songwriter and one of today’s most highly regarded “divas,” is often compared to legendary songstresses like Karen Carpenter and Carole King.
This song, released in 2010, was her debut single—arriving relatively late at the age of 31—and is included on the album Seasons of My Soul.
While she undoubtedly worked hard on her singing and songwriting, there is one thing that effort alone can hardly make up for: one’s natural vocal timbre.
Her innately soothing voice is likely Rumer’s greatest advantage, the quality that makes her truly shine.
Don’t Know WhyNorah Jones
Singer-songwriter Norah Jones is the very definition of soothing.
This track, included as the first song on her sensational debut album Come Away with Me—which has sold over 23 million copies worldwide—and also released as her first single, announced her name to the world.
Drawing on her broad background in jazz, soul, country, folk, and pop, Norah’s talent and vocals are beautifully distilled into what can only be called the Norah Jones sound.
Sunday MorningMaroon 5
Even just the intro drums already feel good, and the layered piano chords resound beautifully.
It’s a hit song by the American superband Maroon 5 that makes you want to shout “Yeah!” even if you’re not the vocalist, Adam Levine.
It was included on their debut album, Songs About Jane, released in 2002, and came out as a single in 2004.
Maroon 5 simply has great songs, and their albums are so high-quality there are practically no throwaway tracks.
Among them, this song in particular has a comfort that never wears you out.
Close To YouCarpenters
The sibling duo the Carpenters, who shine brilliantly in the history of American pop music.
Even if you don’t know what the word “carpenter” means, many people know the Carpenters.
Their version of “(They Long to Be) Close to You” was released as a single in 1970, and that same year it was also released as an album bearing the song’s title.
Composed by Burt Bacharach, this piece, with its beautiful melody, is a classic that is frequently covered not only as a vocal number but also as an instrumental.
The Carpenters have many other soothing masterpieces like “Yesterday Once More” and “Top of the World,” so if you’re interested, be sure to give them a listen.
I’m YoursJason Mraz
Its unpretentious, natural sound makes you want to stretch and reach for the sky.
The singer of this laid-back, feel-good track is American singer-songwriter Jason Mraz.
“I’m Yours” is one of his signature hit singles, but it wasn’t officially released in physical form until 2008.
He had been performing a version included on a demo he made in 2005 at live shows, where it grew popular with audiences and eventually led to an official release.
The music video, shot in Hawaii, has a sense of openness that fits the song perfectly.
Like A StarCorinne Bailey Rae
For example, when listening to the Japanese acoustic guitar duo Gontiti, hardly anyone would say, “I got a day’s worth of energy!” or “It made me feel sad.” Most people would likely feel “comfortable” or “soothed.” I think their organic sound evokes those feelings.
An artist who can imbue her singing voice with that sense of organic warmth might be Corinne Bailey Rae.
This song was her debut single and became her breakthrough.
It’s hard to imagine from her singing voice, but she reportedly used to be in a rock band.
This Woman’s WorkMaxwell
Even within relaxation music, this is recommended for those who want songs with full, powerful vocals.
Maxwell, an R&B and soul singer from the United States, is known for his high, beautiful tone.
His song “This Woman’s Work” is a ballad that layers his voice over a beautiful accompaniment.
It’s a track where you can hear one of his finest performances, reflecting his high standing as a soul singer.
With him delivering these prayerful lyrics, it’s a soul-stirring piece that all but compels tears.