10 Most Soothing Songs In Rock Music

Feature Photo: Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Our 10 Most Soothing Songs In Rock Music list presents a collection of songs that simply make you feel better when you need it most. We all can feel the pressure of life’s most significant challenges every day. From work to family to the annoying person who won’t stop tailgating you to the one in line in front of you at the drive-in that just can’t decide what they want to order. (That just happened to me while I was taking a break from writing this article.) Yes, we all have those moments when we feel like our heads are going to explode. We at classicrockhistory.com are here to help. We are not going to offer advice, just songs. These ten should provide an excellent soothing solution to your troubles. There are many out there, but these are special. Geez, I sound like a commercial.

# 10 – Peaceful Easy Feeling

We open our 10 Most Soothing Songs In Rock Music list with the cheery Eagles song “Peaceful Easy Feeling.” This is the first one we thought of when putting together this list. There is just something about this one that makes you feel good instantly. “Peaceful Easy Feeling” was written by Jack Tempchin. It was released as the third single from the band’s debut 1972 album, Eagles. Glenn Frey sang lead vocals, and Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner sang harmony.

# 9 – I’m Gonna Soothe You – Maria McKee

Continuing with our 10 Most Soothing Songs In Rock Music list, we guarantee you’re going to love this one. If you’re not familiar with the phenomenal Maria McKee, we hope this song inspires you to check out her catalog. Take a listen to the great song entitled “I’m Gonna Soothe You.” The song was released on the You Gotta Sin to Get Saved album. The album was released in 1993. It was the first single released from the album and stood as the record’s opening track. The song did not do well on the charts in the US. However, in the United Kingdom, the song hit number thirty-five on the UK charts. I love Maria McKee.

# 8 – Harbor Lights – Boz Scaggs

Boz Scaggs will always be one of our favorite artists here at classicrockhistory.com. I became a big fan of Boz starting in 1977 when I purchased the Silk Degrees album. Do you remember how huge that album was? Side one was just an explosive parade of hits ending with this soothing jazz-infused ballad, “Harbor Lights.” The man and the song just set the scene so perfectly. You know you wanted to be there too.

# 7 – Blue Bayou – Linda Ronstadt

Everything about this one whispers soothingly. From the lyrics, the melody, the arrangement, and of course, the irresistible vocal delivery of Linda Ronstadt, you are going to want to drop yourself into a hammock for this one. The song was written in 1961 by Roy Orbison and Joe Melson and first released by Orbison in 1963. However, it was Linda Ronstadt who hit a home run with the song as it broke into the Billboard Top 10, peaking at number three in 1977.

# 6 – Writing – Elton John

This Elton John deep track has always made me feel good. Of course, for Elton John fans there is no such thing as deep tracks as we listened to all those Elton John seventies albums hundreds of times each. Nonetheless, this one just felt right for this list. The song was released on our favorite Elton John album, Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy.

# 5 – Nether Lands – Dan Fogelberg

It does not get more beautiful than this in rock music. The opening instrumental section is stunning. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Dan Fogelberg’s voice breathes even more beauty into the song as it builds into a piece of music that is as breathtaking as it gets.

# 4 – Mr. Blue – Laura Nyro

If you are unfamiliar with the work of Laura Nyro, we hope this one turns you on to one of the most fabulous writers of all time. Maybe you don’t know her name, but I guarantee you have heard her songs. Groups like Blood, Sweat & Tears, Three Dog Night, The 5th Dimension, and many more have had big-time hits with Laura Nyro songs like “Eli’s Comin’,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” and “And When I Die” and more. For Laura Nyro fans, “Mr. Blue” has always been a favorite as she loved telling musicians to think of colors when she was trying to get a certain sound out of a player.

# 3 – A Case Of You – Joni Mitchell

It’s so great to see Joni Mitchell back in the spotlight once again after her return to live performance. She is a living legend who inspired so many artists. One of her most loved albums has always been her iconic album Blue. The album was released in 1971. The song “A Case of You” has always been one of the album’s highlights. With James Taylor on guitar and Russ Kunkel on drums, it doesn’t get much smoother than that.

# 2 – Dog & Butterfly – Heart

Admit it, you’re not just becoming more relaxed, but you’re also getting a bit teary-eyed going through this list if you’re listening to these songs. If not, this one should get you. Ann Wilson, who is known for having maybe the best set of pipes in rock and roll history, can at times also lay it out in a way that will just make you want to snuggle up to her and lay your head down.

# 1 – Songbird – Christine McVie & Fleetwood Mac

We close out our 10 Most Soothing Songs In Rock Music list with the intoxicating song “Songbird.” Christine McVie wrote the song. For a long time, the band would close their concerts with Christine McVie performing this song. It may be the most beautiful song the band Fleetwood Mac ever recorded. The song was released on the album entitled Rumours. The album was released in 1977. Many fans first heard this song before even buying the album because it was placed as the B-side to the hit single “Dreams.” Do you remember when you used to buy 45s? Those were the days, my friend.