Top 10 most relaxing songs


What are the the best relaxing songs ? Neuroscience research group "MindLab International" are in the business of finding out why we react the way we do to certain stimuli. A recent research project of theirs was the compilation of the world's top 10 most relaxing songs.

The study was commissioned by a British manufacturer of spa and relaxation products so there was a big commercial intent aiming at the viral video market behind all this.

Anyway, what is most pleasing about the findings is that topping the list is one of my favorite bands - Manchester's Marconi Union with the most relaxing song ever.

Carefully arranged harmonies, rhythms and bass lines help to slow the heart rate, reduce blood pressure and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Marconi Union worked with sound therapists to create the best of the relaxing song, which also slows breathing and reduces brain activity.


Mind relaxing music researchers played the song to 40 women and found it to be more effective at helping them relax than songs by Enya, Mozart and Coldplay . I never found those three that relaxing anyway. If anything, listening to Coldplay usually induced stress !

Studies found Marconi Union's tune "Weightless" was approximately 11% more relaxing than any other song and even made many of the women "drowsy" in the lab.

Dr David Lewis-Hodgson, from Mindlab International, said: "The results clearly show that the track induced the greatest relaxation - higher than any of the other music tested.

"Brain imaging studies have shown that music works at a very deep level within the brain, stimulating not only those regions responsible for processing sound but also ones associated with emotions.

"In fact, Weightless was so effective, many women became drowsy and I would advise against driving while listening to the song because it could be dangerous."

Richard Talbot, from Marconi Union, said: "It was fascinating working with a therapist to learn how and why certain sounds affect people's mood.

"I always knew the power of music but we have previously written using gut feeling."

Here are the top ten most relaxing songs that came about as a result of the research conducted by Mindlab. Click on the track to follow a YouTube link to each song. There are some decidedly pop flavored tunes here. 
It would be interesting to know what the team's exact listening pool was in the first place but I guess we'll never know. Now keep in mind this a list made by scientists, not necessarily lovers of modern electronic chill music ( they include the most relaxing classical music in the list ) so keep an open mind with the best relaxing songs here.


1. Marconi Union - Weightless




2. Airstream - Electra




3. DJ Shah - Mellomaniac (Chill Out Mix)




4. Enya - Watermark




5. Coldplay - Strawberry Swing




6. Barcelona - Please Don't Go




7. All Saints - Pure Shores 8




8. Adele - Someone Like You




9. Mozart - Canzonetta Sull'aria




10. Cafe Del Mar - We Can Fly



So there you go - Marconi Union - the most relaxing music in the world, at least according to one study ;>

> You might also like this best ambient music post


Posted on 19.10.11 by PsyAmb TAG : | 22 Comments ( ADD NEW COMMENT )

22 comments :

Sourcery said... @ 03 November, 2011

Brian Eno - Music for airports... It has been my goto song (1.1)/album for relaxation and to go to sleep to...

Kevin said... @ 23 December, 2011

I always look on the internet for new stuff like this. No one that I have seen has listed Black Sabbath "Planet Caravan" I recommend that. Many bands have created relax albums like that. the number one of course is Pink Floyd.

Anonymous said... @ 17 May, 2012

I completely second Brian Eno's Music for Airports. It's my go to as well. Those listed are good as well, but nothing touches Music for Airports in my opinion.

John said... @ 10 August, 2012

Love this list. Check out Blackmill music too, its kind of electronic/Ambient stuff. Pretty good. Here's a sweet video with two of this songs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3Suzdw4mZQ

Dale said... @ 01 November, 2012

Check out 0.T.T - Queen of All Everything :) Blows my mind every time without fail! Too soothing for words...

Sourcery said... @ 04 November, 2012

Your roght Dale, that song is AWESOME! :) I feel like crying and be happy at the same time and just spin with the music. Unexplainably great song :)

I actually use the Radox - Weightless song that he talks about in this blogpost both for when I want to chill, but also sometimes when I put my kids to bed :) Works wonders (as does music for airports ofcourse)

Also check out this soothing track made by me a few years ago. Soothes me every time Sourcery - Tranquility

Anonymous said... @ 10 December, 2012

I agree with Queen of All Everything by OTT. He is an ineffable magician capable of capturing much more than is capable to feel.

Anonymous said... @ 03 April, 2013

I always like listening to the song Islands by Young the Giant. The song isn't. As long as it should be but its very calming

Anonymous said... @ 04 April, 2013

i am looking for a song it's a relaxing song too with a guy saying eh many times and with a piano in it.

Anonymous said... @ 07 April, 2013

Arvo part - Spiegel im spiegel

Anonymous said... @ 16 June, 2013

Its surprising to see no one mentioned about Karunesh. For me he is the best in relaxation music. Awesome, creative and miles ahead from others!!

Anonymous said... @ 22 June, 2013

Anything from M83's album Digital Shades is definitely relaxing as well.

ba_tche said... @ 17 July, 2013

I Love this: Sigur Rós

Anonymous said... @ 08 September, 2013

I love mettalica. Very relaxing...

Anonymous said... @ 06 November, 2013

Anonymous April 4: That song with the 'eh' guy and piano sounds like Moby's "Porcelain" to me. Try it out.

Anonymous said... @ 19 November, 2013

Anything my Trading Yesterday, but Love Song Requiem is really good, as well as May I.

Anonymous said... @ 19 December, 2013

Steve Roach Dynamic Stillness

Anonymous said... @ 03 January, 2014

Au Revoir - OneRepublic

Anonymous said... @ 24 January, 2014

guys seriously, Robot Koch – Nitesky

Asyraf said... @ 04 February, 2014

Dear God - Avenged Sevenfold

Zach said... @ 30 September, 2014

I love "the first time ever I saw your face" by ‎Roberta Flack.
Check it out!

len said... @ 25 March, 2015

Thats What I looking for..
Thanks~

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