easy listening
popular music genre
Easy listening floats through the air like a gentle breeze on a warm afternoon. With lush arrangements, soothing melodies, and a focus on orchestral instrumentation, it cultivates an atmosphere of calm and nostalgia. You’ll find soft strings, smooth horns, and velvety vocals intertwining seamlessly, creating a soundscape that invites you to relax and reflect. It’s the kind of music that wraps around you, perfect for unwinding after a long day or setting a tranquil mood during intimate gatherings.
Emerging in the late 1950s and flourishing through the 1970s, easy listening was a response to the more frenetic sounds of rock 'n' roll and the counterculture movement. Artists like Frank Sinatra brought sophistication to the genre with his impeccable phrasing and emotive delivery, while the lush production of Mantovani’s orchestras invited listeners into a dreamy world. The genre found its peak with hits from performers like Bert Kaempfert and his instrumental classics, as well as the smooth crooning of singers like James Last who blended pop elements with orchestral backing.
For newcomers venturing into easy listening, start with Frank Sinatra's "Come Fly With Me" for its romantic escapism. Bert Kaempfert's "Wonderland by Night" showcases the lush instrumentals that define the genre. For a taste of soft rock's influence, look to Carpenters’ "Close to You," where Karen Carpenter’s soothing voice shines through sweet harmonies. Lastly, check out Percy Faith's "Theme from A Summer Place" for its iconic orchestral melody. Once you’re hooked, don’t miss exploring related sounds from soft rock or vocal jazz for even more laid-back vibes.
133 artists in the catalog.
Guides for easy listening artists
Top easy listening albums
See essentials
All easy listening artists
Frank Sinatra
big band music, blues
Bing Crosby
Western swing, country music
Gianni Morandi
electronic dance music, pop music
Dean Martin
country music, jazz
Johnny Mathis
pop music
Andy Williams
country music, jazz
Jimmy Buffett
country music, country rock
Ornella Vanoni
pop music
Kenny G
adult contemporary music, smooth jazz
Carole King
Brill Building, adult contemporary music
Sammy Davis Jr.
big band music, blues
Engelbert Humperdinck
Adriano Celentano
Italo disco, light music
The Carpenters
adult contemporary music, pop music
Franco Califano
pop music
Henry Mancini
lounge music, orchestral pop
About easy listening
What is easy listening?
popular music genre
Where should I start with easy listening?
Start with "Selections from the Paramount Production Going My Way" by Bing Crosby. It captures what makes easy listening worth exploring.
What are the best easy listening albums?
The easy listening albums worth hearing first: "Selections from the Paramount Production Going My Way" by Bing Crosby, "Holiday Inn" by Bing Crosby, "Carpenters" by The Carpenters, "Esco di rado e parlo ancora meno" by Adriano Celentano and "At This Time" by Burt Bacharach.
How many easy listening artists are there?
northsound.fm covers 133 easy listening artists, each with a recommended starting album and listening path.