Recommended Western music when you want to be healed and relax

If I Ever Feel BetterPhoenix

Phoenix – If I Ever Feel Better

As musical elements that create healing and relaxation effects, there are things like “beautiful melodies,” “laid-back tempos,” and “transparent vocals.” I also think “sophisticated, stylish compositions and arrangements” are one of those elements, and this song by the French band Phoenix is a track whose chic pop sensibility feels instantly familiar.

Especially in rock bands, there was a time when excessive mastering—known as the loudness war—was applied, and sheer volume tended to be valued.

However, this song reminds us that elements such as silence, space, and the minimum necessary number of sounds are also crucial components in constructing music.

HoneyRaveena

Raveena – Honey

American soul singer Ravyn Lenae.

Above all, the relaxed, soothing vibe of her music is irresistibly appealing.

Her signature track, “Honey,” is a perfect showcase of her charm.

Though released in 2018, the music video’s effects recreate a strikingly retro feel, and it’s best enjoyed together with the MV—the visual world and the song draw you in deeper and deeper.

It might even be nice to listen while taking a half-body bath.

Foolish GamesJewel

Jewel – Foolish Games (Official HD Music Video)

“Foolish Games,” a track from American singer-songwriter Jewel’s 1995 debut album, was a major hit in the United States and is especially memorable for its emotional vocals.

The piano arpeggios are beautiful, and her sorrowful delivery is outstanding.

The lyrics portray a heartrending love, fitting the mood of the song perfectly.

Although it’s somewhat dark, listening to it gradually brings a sense of calm.

BaGoldmund

Goldmund – Ba

“Ba,” a track created under the Goldmund moniker by American musician Keith Kenniff.

It might be the kind of recording that makes you exclaim, “What is this?!” on first listen, yet somehow it’s moving.

For the theme of music to relax to, I think it’s the perfect choice—how about you? Goldmund has many other tracks that are ideal for times when you want to focus as well, so I hope you’ll enjoy his work by the album.

Seven Days in Sunny JuneJamiroquai

Jamiroquai – Seven Days In Sunny June

When it comes to Jamiroquai, the image is of a band that releases lots of stylish, cool tracks, but this song, released in 2005, feels unusually natural for them—like something that evokes a sunny daytime vibe.

June is a tough rainy season in Japan, but in the UK it conjures the image of a wonderful early summer.

True to the title “Seven Days in June,” it’s also fun that the music video shows seven different outfits.

How sweet it isJames Taylor

James Taylor – How sweet it is (to be loved by you)

James Taylor is a musician who has made his mark in American music history and has been active since the 1960s.

One of his signature works is the 1975 song “How Sweet It Is.” It’s a wonderful number with a pastoral, pleasant tone.

It feels powerful yet comforting, as if vast American landscapes unfold before your eyes.

The lyrics are filled with happiness, and it seems to instantly brighten your mood.

It’s truly a reassuring classic that helps you relax and let your shoulders drop.

EVERYTHING’S GONNA BE ALRIGHTSweetbox

SWEETBOX “EVERYTHING’S GONNA BE ALRIGHT”, official music video (1997)

This is a song by the German unit Sweetbox, released in 1997, which samples the famous classical piece Air on the G String.

It was also a hit in Japan and is often used in bridal scenes.

Following the success of this song, Sweetbox released many tracks that sampled classical music.

The title, which means “Everything will be all right,” seems to encourage us to relax and let go of stress.