Essential easy listening listening

The albums that define easy listening.

Our picks for where to start with easy listening — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The easy listening essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

Holiday Inn

Bing Crosby

Holiday Inn

A rich tapestry of orchestrated melodies and smooth vocal delivery that defines the golden age of American pop music.

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Carpenters

The Carpenters

Carpenters

Melodic harmonies and lush orchestrations create a warm, introspective soundscape that defines The Carpenters' signature style.

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New Standards

Kenny G

New Standards

Lush melodies weave through smooth jazz textures, creating an intimate atmosphere that invites reflection and relaxation.

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Innocence

Kenny G

Innocence

A serene blend of soothing melodies and gentle harmonies designed to evoke peace and comfort.

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Lovelines

The Carpenters

Lovelines

Smooth harmonies and soft orchestration create a comforting landscape of love and nostalgia.

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Kyss Mej

Helena Josefsson

Kyss Mej

A tender blend of indie pop and folk-infused melodies that resonate with introspective lyrics and soothing harmonies.

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L.A. Is My Lady

Frank Sinatra

L.A. Is My Lady

A smooth blend of jazz and pop, celebrating the allure of Los Angeles with Sinatra's signature croon.

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Moon River and Other Great Movie Themes

Andy Williams

Moon River and Other Great Movie Themes

A lush orchestral backdrop complements Williams' smooth vocals in timeless cinematic ballads.

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Merry Christmas

Bing Crosby

Merry Christmas

Warm, nostalgic arrangements of timeless carols delivered through Crosby's signature smooth vocals create a quintessential holiday atmosphere.

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Love Theme from "The Godfather"

Andy Williams

Love Theme from "The Godfather"

A lush orchestral tapestry woven with Williams' soothing vocals, evoking nostalgia and romance.

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License to Chill

Jimmy Buffett

License to Chill

A sun-soaked blend of country, folk, and soft rock that invites listeners to unwind and escape.

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Love Story

Andy Williams

Love Story

A lush blend of orchestral arrangements and heartfelt crooning that captures the essence of early '70s pop romance.

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A Winter Romance

Dean Martin

A Winter Romance

A cozy tapestry of holiday warmth woven through smooth melodies and nostalgic winter imagery.

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Gentle on My Mind

Dean Martin

Gentle on My Mind

A smooth blend of country and pop, anchored by lush orchestration and Dean Martin's velvety vocals.

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Close Enough for Love

Andy Williams

Close Enough for Love

A lush collection of standards that melds smooth jazz with sentimental pop, highlighting Williams' iconic vocal warmth.

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Sinatra–Basie – An Historic Musical First

Frank Sinatra

Sinatra–Basie – An Historic Musical First

A seamless blend of swing-infused jazz and lush orchestration, showcasing Sinatra's smooth vocals alongside Basie's vibrant big band.

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Sinatra at the Sands

Frank Sinatra

Sinatra at the Sands

A vibrant showcase of Sinatra's charismatic vocal prowess backed by a swinging big band at the Sands.

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Houston

Dean Martin

Houston

A smooth blend of traditional pop and country, highlighting Dean Martin's signature crooning style.

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America, I Hear You Singing

Frank Sinatra

America, I Hear You Singing

A patriotic collection blending traditional pop and jazz with heartfelt vocal delivery and orchestral backing.

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Come Fly with Me

Frank Sinatra

Come Fly with Me

A smooth journey through romantic landscapes with lush orchestrations and Sinatra's velvety vocals.

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Where Are You?

Frank Sinatra

Where Are You?

A lush, melancholic tapestry of orchestral arrangements and Sinatra's emotive vocal delivery captures the essence of heartache and longing.

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Riddles in the Sand

Jimmy Buffett

Riddles in the Sand

A sun-soaked blend of country rock and soft pop that captures the carefree essence of beach life.

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Johnny's Greatest Hits

Johnny Mathis

Johnny's Greatest Hits

A smooth blend of romantic ballads and lush orchestration that captures the essence of late '50s pop.

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Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim

Frank Sinatra

Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim

A smooth fusion of bossa nova rhythms and Sinatra's velvet vocals creates a languid, romantic atmosphere.

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