21 Best Easy Listening Songs Ever

13. One More Night by Phil Collins

1985

Released in 1985, “One More Night” has become a timeless classic that thousands worldwide still appreciate.

The lyrics of “One More Night” tell a story of someone struggling to let go of a lingering love that won’t go away. The narrator is begging for one more night with their beloved so that they can make things right between them. The song speaks to the desperate longing we feel when trying to hold onto something we can’t entirely release.

14. We’ve Only Just Begun by The Carpenters

1970

We can’t help but think about what could have been if Karen Carpenter was still alive. Her death weighed against the hope and optimism of “We’ve Only Just Begun” is a lesson in dichotomy.

It was first released in 1970, but its message resonates just as strongly today as it did then. The lyrics tell of a couple just starting out in life and of the optimism they have for their future together. Its lyrics are sweet and uplifting, speaking of a future filled with hope, possibility, and the promise that the best is yet to come.

15. Escape (The Pina Colada Song) by Rupert Holmes

1979

Okay, so hear us out on this one. So you’re telling me that a song about infidelity finds its way onto this list?

“Escape” is an iconic tune, telling us the story of a man bored with everyday life and wanting something new and exciting. Forget that this song seems somewhat dated by today’s tech standards in relationships, but enjoy the breezy sounds of waves spliced throughout the song.

16. If You Leave Me Now by Chicago

1976

Chicago is back on this list, and with good reason. Written by bassist Peter Cetera and released as a single, “If You Leave Me Now” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that speaks of the pain of a love lost.

The lyrics are simple yet powerful, as Cetera sings of the regret and sorrow that would come if his beloved were to leave him. He begs her not to go, pleading for her to stay and promising that things could improve. Finally, he acknowledges that he is wrong and needs her, and he implores her to “please don’t go.”

17. Can’t Fight This Feeling by REO Speedwagon

1985

Another power ballad on this list, “Can’t Fight This Feeling” by REO Speedwagon, is about the realization that love can be concrete if you embrace it.

The song lyrics are about a man completely in love with a woman and trying to express his feelings despite fear and insecurity. He can’t fight the intense emotions he feels for her and is overwhelmed by love. He knows he can’t deny his feelings and is powerless against them.

18. The Girl From Ipanema by Astrud Gilberto and João Gilberto

1962

A breezy classic that immediately makes you feel like you need a Pina Colada in hand, The Girl from Ipanema is an easy-listening standard.

Written by Antônio Carlos Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes, it was first performed in 1962 by Astrud Gilberto and João Gilberto. It tells the tale of a young girl from Ipanema, a beachside neighborhood in Brazil. The narrator is enamored with her beauty and grace as she walks by and wishes he could be with her.

19. Gravity by John Mayer

2005

Finally! Something contemporary! John Mayer’s 2005 hit, “Gravity,” would make even Albert Einstein a fan.

Mayer describes feeling as if he is “falling into something he can’t control.” First, he’s singing about how love can make us feel so helpless, as if we were getting pulled in a thousand directions. He then talks about how he’s trying to find a way to make sense of it all but knows that he can’t.

The chorus of the song is powerful. Mayer sings, “gravity is working against me, and gravity wants to bring me down.”

20. Thank You for Being a Friend by Andrew Gold

1978

Before this song became every millennial’s favorite TV theme song on The Golden Girls, Andrew Gold released this hit in 1978.

A simple yet powerful anthem paying tribute to the importance of friendship, the song has become a classic among all generations.

The lyrics of this catchy tune speak to the value of having a support system of caring friends to turn to during life’s challenging moments. The chorus reminds us that no matter how much time or distance separates us from our friends, their support will always be there when we need it.

21. All Out of Love by Air Supply

1980

Air Supply should have been on this list sooner. Anyways, the 1980s tune “All Out of Love” is an example of Air Supply’s power as a band to write meaningful songs – especially about relationships.

The song starts with a man admitting that he’s out of love and doesn’t know what he’s going to do. He’s desperately trying to get his lover to understand that he still loves her and is trying to make things better. He pleads with her to “open up the door” and let him in, so they can talk and figure out what went wrong.

Top Easy Listening Songs, Final Thoughts

Easy listening is more than just the radio station dialed in at the waiting room of your dentist’s office. It’s an influential genre of music that can be calming, assuring, and engaging to all your emotions.

I hope you enjoyed this list of easy listening songs.