I’ve always used music as an escape, whether I let it carry me to sleep or let it dissolve my anxiety. I’ve recently bought a great pair of headphones and I can truly hear the vocals, along with all the background instruments and the light underlying beats. I’d never experienced these songs in this way, and now that I can hear every detail, I’ve made the perfect playlist. Whenever I turn it on, I refer to it as a “Soundbath”, where I turn up the music, close my eyes, and drown out the world. Here are some of the best songs on my Soundbath Playlist.
1. Death of a Bachelor by Panic! At The Disco
Despite your musical preference, Brendon Urie’s vocals in this song never fail to give me goosebumps. It gives off a Sinatra vibe with a beautiful underlying horn ensemble.
2. At Last by Etta James
The microphone quality in this song shows its age, but it also shows James’ fantastic voice. Not to mention that the lyrics are amazingly uplifting and makes you want to smile.
3. fOoL fOr YoU by Zayn
This former One Direction member was made for R&B music. I am reminded of this every time a song from his album Mind of Mine comes on, but this particular song makes me lean back and breathe. His vocal range never fails to impress me.
4. Once Upon A Dream (from Maleficent) by Lana Del Rey
I never understood the hype about Lana Del Rey until I heard this song. She took a classic song from my childhood and turned it into a bone chilling, yet somehow calming, melody that carries you far, far away.
5. Can’t Help Falling in Love by Haley Reinhart
This song is undeniably beautiful despite the vocalist, but Reinhart’s unique, raspy, melodic voice transforms the song into something much more than the classic that everyone knows and loves.
6. Close To You by Rihanna
Rihanna is known for her wild and upbeat party songs, but she is beyond talented. This song perfectly displays her vocal control and range. You may have never liked a Rihanna song, but I promise, you will like this one. The background piano compliments her velvet voice. You need it in your life.
7. Give Me Love by Ed Sheeran
Really, you could take a Soundbath to any Sheeran song. This man’s songwriting skills along with his British toned voice create an unbelieveable harmony that can take you away from any problem you may be having. I love him so much, I plan to name one of my future children after him, and that’s an incredibly high praise.
8. Long Way Down by One Direction
I know, I know. A poppy teenage boy band isn’t what comes to mind when you think of deep, calming songs. Their latest album is filled with slower, more vocal based songs. One of the best is Long Way Down. The background instruments make you feel like you’re flying and their voices show fantastic range. It also helps if you picture their cute, dimpled faces; but maybe that’ll only work for me.
9. I’ll Be Good by Jaymes Young
This musician is new to me and I remember the second I heard his voice for the first time. I won’t forget how I instantly felt like I was floating in waves. The simplicity of the lyrics and guitar strumming can easily help you away from your worries.
I have loads of more songs that I love to drown in, but this is a compilation of the best. Feel free to share your own Soundbath songs in the comments below! I strongly recommend adding these songs to your playlist and taking a few minutes from each day to relax and unwind with music.
