Directly from my recent YouTube history as well as my playlists on iTunes, here are five songs to listen to when you’re stressed. Weeks of midterms have already begun, and if your anxiety is at an all-time high and you need to relax or calm down, music can be your savior. Whether you have exams, papers, or presentations, here are some songs that will help you feel at ease.
1. “Lights Down Low” by MAX.
My current favorite, this song is very soothing to the ear and it definitely puts you in a better mood. This new single from MAX, released on the 10th of this month, is a slow-paced ballad with a calming melody. Max Schneider, known professionally in music as MAX, provides heavenly vocals, with the simple strum of an acoustic guitar and claps in the background. It is indeed a pop song, but unlike his other tracks, this song is perfect for making me feel at peace. When you’re trying your best not to get overwhelmed these next few weeks, give this song a listen.
2. “River Flows In You” by Yiruma.
If you’re more into classical music, then this song is for you. A piano instrumental can put you to sleep if you have it on repeat for too long, but if you’re stressing out over exams or a paper you’ve been procrastinating on, take a breath and listen to this song.
I can almost guarantee that it will slow down your heart rate and help you calm down. I can’t guarantee that you will feel completely relaxed, but this song can definitely put you at ease. It is by far Yiruma’s most popular track and it is one of my favorite songs to listen to when I’m feeling stressed out.
3. “iT’s YoU” by ZAYN.
I was unsure of adding ZAYN’s new music to this list, but I do feel that this song is very calming. After premiering the song on “The Tonight Show” in mid-February, Zayn Malik’s new track immediately became a hit. The slow R&B track focuses on Zayn’s soft vocals, which include his impressive runs and high notes. This single as a follow-up to “Pillowtalk” proves Zayn is going into a new direction with his debut album (pun intended). This song may be slow and soft, unlike Zayn’s other tracks, but it is exactly what I am looking for when I desperately need to relax.
4. “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” (Studio Version) by Emily Keener.
This girl might be unfamiliar to you but that’s only because she is currently a contestant on Season 10 of “The Voice.” Keener sang a powerful cover of this well-known Elton John song for her audition and impressed all four judges. The studio version leaves out any possible nerves she had and really focuses on her strong vocals.
Her voice instantly reminds me of Florence from Florence and the Machine, and for a 16-year-old she has amazing control in her voice. Many have also noted, including myself that her voice also kind of reminds us of Amy Lee, lead singer of Evanescence. I hope that Keener will go far in the competition. Until then, I will have this studio version on repeat in my playlist.
5. “Human” (Acoustic Version) by Jon Bellion.
Since the end of February, the lovely Jon Bellion has released several acoustic versions of his songs from “The Definition” album. And to be honest, they are all worth listening to. The most relaxing, of the ones he has uploaded thus far, is the acoustic version of the track “Human.”
With Bellion on the piano and a focus on his spectacular gentle vocals, it has fans begging for more acoustic versions. Give it a listen and maybe you’ll find that Bellion has more to offer than just his handsome tattooed exterior. He truly is such an underrated artist.
I hope you enjoy if not one, then all five of these songs! Maybe I’ll do a part two to this.
Listening to music is one of the best ways to relieve yourself of stress and relax, even if it’s just for a few minutes. I hope you find the song that works for you! And best of luck to everyone with midterms!
