Unwind in Style: Five great overlooked songs to relax with

Music genres can be confusing, and sometimes how we categorize them depends on when we grew up. I personally love classic rock because I was a teenager when it was most popular in the 1970s, and that era definitely shaped my taste – and how people see me, too!

I enjoy energetic rock music, but I also appreciate calmer tunes for relaxing. I’m wondering if that calmer music is what people call ‘chill-out,’ or if I’m using the term wrong. I usually associate ‘chill-out’ with more modern, upbeat sounds geared towards younger listeners.

Relaxed, atmospheric music – often with electronic elements – is really popular with millennials and Gen Z. But honestly, discussing ‘chill vibes’ feels a bit awkward for me, like trying to recapture a younger feeling. I just can’t bring myself to do it.

Five great relaxing tunes to unwind with

I didn’t specifically categorize these songs as ‘chill’ for a particular reason, but they’re generally very relaxing and suitable for either background listening or focused enjoyment. Many of these tracks are hidden gems – you might not have heard of them before! Regardless of your age or musical preferences, I encourage you to give them a listen.

David Gray and Ben De Vries – “Skellig Calm Mix”

David Gray’s album, Skellig, released in 2021, marked a change in his style. It’s a really peaceful and relaxing record, and I’d happily suggest listening to any song – or the entire album – when you’re looking to unwind.

I collaborated with Ben De Vries again, and this time he produced the album Skellig. Following that, we released three extended “Calm Mixes” of songs from the album. I’ve chosen the extended mix of the title track for this collection.

These three tracks combine to create a wonderfully relaxing and atmospheric 30-minute listening experience. You can’t go wrong with choosing any of them, or enjoying all three together.

Marcin Waselewski Trio – “Diamonds and Pearls”

Okay, so I wanted to add something with a bit more of a cool jazz vibe, and I discovered this amazing Polish trio! It’s Marcin Wasilewski on piano, Slawomir Kurkiewicz on bass, and Michal Miskiewicz on drums. Their album, January, from 2008, is seriously good. It’s really approachable jazz – super easy to listen to – but it’s definitely not that bland, background music you hear in hotels. It’s not too out there or experimental either, just really solid playing.

“Diamonds And Pearls” is a great introduction to the album and perfect for easy listening or background music. I’ll admit, I initially didn’t realize it was a cover of a Prince song – it sounded familiar, but with a different style. It might seem unusual to suggest a jazz version of a Prince title track, but this cover really works.

Cardinal Black – “Push/Pull”

Here’s a different side of Cardinal Black – a slower, more thoughtful song that’s a bit of a departure from their usual, richer sound. I’ve shared a lot about this band, their recent tour, and their album, so feel free to check that out if you enjoy this video.

The song’s style is deeply connected to its origins. Guitarist Chris Buck shared on tour that it was written following his father’s passing. The gentle guitar playing and Tom Hollister’s vocals beautifully suit the song’s emotional weight, making it ideal for a peaceful listening experience.

Colin Steele Quarter – “Downtown Lights”

I noticed while putting this together that many of the songs have a surprising connection to jazz. This next track is definitely a jazz piece, and it’s actually a cover of a well-known rock song. However, that fits with the Blue Nile’s style, as they often incorporated jazz elements into their music.

This song is from the Colin Steele Quartet’s album of Blue Nile Interpretations. If you enjoy it, you might also like their albums featuring covers of Diving For Pearls and songs by Joni Mitchell. “Downtown Lights” captures the delicate beauty of the original while adding a relaxed, late-night atmosphere.

David Gilmour – “Luck and Strange Original Barn Jam”

It might seem strange to call a song by David Gilmour ‘overlooked,’ particularly since it’s on his recent chart-topping album and even shares the album’s title. However, there are a few reasons why it hasn’t gotten as much attention, and even better reasons why you should give it a listen. Considering the other songs mentioned, we’ve still got at least five solid recommendations for you here.

The title track from David Gilmour’s ‘Luck And Strange’ album is about seven minutes long, and it’s fantastic that way. However, there’s also a different mix and an extended version worth checking out. You can find “Luck and Strange Original Barn Jam” only on the digital release of the album, hidden at the very end of the tracklist.

Since many listeners now choose individual songs for playlists instead of listening to full albums, and vinyl records are making a comeback, this release might not have gotten much attention.

The Barn Mix originates from recording sessions held in January 2007. David Gilmour, Guy Pratt, Richard Wright (who sadly passed away the following year), and Steve DiStanislao played together and recorded several instrumental tracks during these sessions.

This unique 14-minute piece served as the foundation for a song on the new album and was included with the digital releases. It’s rich, jazzy, calm, and very relaxing – a perfect fit for this collection, even if it’s a bit of a hidden gem.

2025-11-11 14:01