The Top 10 Greatest Albums to Relax With

If you’re like any other typical American, you constantly find yourself overwhelmed with too much work- it continues running in your brain after you leave the office, you have a hard time sleeping, and you might snap at your loved ones because of it too.

How about unwinding with The-Top-Ten.Co’s Best CD’s to Relax With:

The Top Ten Greatest Albums to Relax With

 

10. Chet Baker– Chet Baker Sings
Yes, Chet Baker’s smooth tenor voice and accompanying instruments will unwind you steadily. Despite his own choatic life with heroin, Baker produced a multitude of jazz albums which focus on his trumpet, flugelhorn and singing. Seek out Chet Baker Sings for the most wooing vocals.

 

9. Beethoven– Beethoven for Relaxation
Brush up on your classic music and relax at the same time with Beethoven for Relaxation. The London Symphony Orchestra and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (among others) perfectly articulate some of Beethoven’s best know works, such as sleep-inducing Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor (‘Moonlight’) and String Quartet No. 13 in B flat major. The same RCA also offers other classical composers For Relaxation” as well.

 

8. Enya – And Winter Came
Enya’s And Winter Came is a great match for blustery winter days, pressing it’ warm and dreamy vocals into your not-quite warm enough home. What began as a Christmas album quickly grew to a concept of winter itself.  Try out her The Very Best of Enya for those looking to avoid Christmas instrumentals.

 

7. Pink Martini – Sympathique
Ready for your first glass of wine for the evening? Pink Martini’s character pairs perfectly with reds, whites, and even your comfy chair.  This 14-piece band, (yes that’s right, 14!) blends the jazz-tango-classic genres under China Forbes amazing leading vocals.  This is also our top artist choice to suggest to a friend, and did we mention they are trilingual?

 

6. Yo La Tengo– I Can Hear The Heart Beating as One
This is the perfect album to play on a cooling summer night full of friends and emptying wine glasses. Simply put, Yo La Tengo perfectly combines it’s male and female vocals with melodic guitar riffs. Think a lovechild between classic Simon and Garfunkel with Beatle-inspired Oasis.

 

5. Bon Iver– For Emma, With Love
So relaxing, you’ll want to avoid this while driving heavy machinery. Lead creator Justin Vernon began recording as Bon Iver (French for good winter) after moving to a remote cabin in the woods of Northwestern Wisconsin, and living alone for three months over winter. This solitude brought on heart-rending songs such as “Re: Stacks” and “Skinny Love”. Definitely an album you’ll play on repeat.

 

4. Penguin Cafe Orchestra– Penguin Cafe Orchestra
After hearing this band, most people wonder “where has this band been my whole life?” A sure crowd-pleaser, for those looking for fun but calm music that stimulates. Funny-band name Penguin Orchestra Cafe plays instrumental masterpieces (frequently using the cello), including smart covers of greats songs. Best for cooking and other low-energy focused activities.

 

3. The Shins– Oh, Inverted World
Equal parts head-bopping and soundtrack to your life on a good day, The Shins’ first big-time record, Oh, Inverted World, combines mysterious narratives with golden song structures, resulting in lavish and opulent indie pop. This band has a great way of fading into the background once it has set your mood straight, complete with barely definable lyrics to hum along with.

 

2. Your Favorite Album from 5 Years Ago
Remember me? Your favorite album from 4 years ago, the one abandoned in the back of the car? Bring back your old favorite album for warm fuzzy nostalgia, and sing along to your favorite tracks- which regulates your heartbeat and blood pressure.

 

1.  Ocean Waves: Calming Sounds of the Sea
Whether you live near the sea or far away from it, the ocean has a way of capturing attention and bring your worries out of you. When you can’t be laying on the beach, there’s this album ready for you. Great for meditation or a 5-minute aural get-away from work, this cd mesmerizes in its waves of ocean sounds.

 

Now to find a great facial mask, soft blanket, and hot cup of tea….

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