Today’s category is…
A Relaxing Song.
Here are the staff picks:
Dan Milliken: “Can’t Go Back Now” – The Weepies
This husband-wife duo’s sound is mega-soothing, the perfect match for a song which gently nudges the listener to persevere through reality’s burdens and chores. When I need relaxation, it’s usually because I’ve stopped feeling like I can. This one helps me realign.
Tara Seetharam: – Alan Jackson
As melodramatic as it sounds, no song is truly “relaxing” for me because I have a hard time separating my emotion from music. The best I can come up with is a song that’s “comforting” – and what’s more comforting than signature Alan Jackson?
Kevin Coyne: “Coming Around Again” – Carly Simon
The hook is great, but there’s something so soothing about the instrumentation and her vocal delivery. It’s actually a pretty sad song, but somehow sounds calming and even a little uplifting.
Leeann Ward: “If I Didn’t Know Any Better” – Alison Krauss & Union Station
There’s just something so soothing about the mix of this song’s melody, Krauss’s angelic voice and Jerry Douglas’ haunting dobro that always relaxes me.
“Second Wind” – Darryl Worley
Normally I listen to Mary Chapin Carpenter’s later works for relaxation, but I want to strive for a different artist for each day, so:
“Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days),” The Judds
….What I love about this is it’s smooth melody and soft-spoken vocal makes it such a relaxing song, but at the same time, it makes me really think.
“Thank You” – Dido.
It’s a very sweet, sparsely produced pop song about having the best day ever. It relaxes me at least.
“Bubbly” by Colbie Callait
I agree with Tara and say that “Go On” by George Strait is one of the most comforting songs I’ve heard. “…what’s more comforting than signature Alan Jackson” and George Strait? :)
“Nice ‘N’ Easy” – either Charlie Rich or Frank Sinatra will do quite nicely, thank you
Emmylou Harris “Prayer in The Open D”
“It Ain’t Gonna Worry My Mind” by Cleve Francis, the singing cardiologist, from his 1994 album “You’ve Got Me Now”.
My choices here:
DREAM WEAVER–Gary Wright: A 1976 classic rock staple, it has the most haunting and eerie synthesizer intro and outro in pop music history (IMHO), and very futuristic lyrics to go along with it.
DON’T TALK (PUT YOUR HEAD ON MY SHOULDER)–Linda Ronstadt: Linda’s 1993 take (from her album Winter Light) on this track from the Beach Boys’ 1966 album Pet Sounds finds her in a relaxed, quiet mode underneath a bed of piano and synths.
“World Spins Madly On” – The Weepies. It’s relaxing, comforting, and if you are feeling down I would suggest you listen in it.
This is a difficult category, but I guess I’ll go with David Archuleta’s “You Can”.
Here There and Everywhere
Riviera Paradise by Stevie Ray Vaughn!
Plain White T’s – “Rhythm of Love”
…alan jackson’s “song for live”
‘Baby Blue” George Strait
“Ocean” – Hanna-McEuan
I know I already used this song for one of the other days, but this is one that always relaxes me: “This Time” by Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood “So Small.”
“Nearest Distant Shore” by Trisha Yearwood.
I know it’s about getting away from a bad relationship, and therefore pretty said. But the melody and the lyrics to chorus calm my soul. Reba’s “For My Broken Heart” has much the same effect on me.
“Don’t Fall In Love With A Dreamer” -Kenny Rogers
There is something about Kenny’s music that is just relaxing to me. This song is very simple, but has a powerful image & message.
Long As I Can See the Light, Creedence Clearwater Revival. I don’t know why, but it’s soothing to me.