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.
134 artists in the catalog.
Guides for easy listening artists
Top easy listening albums
See essentials
All easy listening artists
Franco Califano
pop music
Franck Pourcel
The Carpenters
adult contemporary music, pop music
Adriano Celentano
Italo disco, light music
James Last
jazz
Giuni Russo
electropop, jazz
Bert Kaempfert
big band music, instrumental music
Burt Bacharach
lounge music, orchestral pop
Chris Botti
jazz
Percy Faith
Frankie Laine
country music, folk music
Susan Wong
Juan Pardo
pop music, rock music
Piero Piccioni
bossa nova, jazz
Captain & Tennille
pop music, soft rock
P.J. Proby
About easy listening
What is easy listening?
popular music genre
Where should I start with easy listening?
Start with "Blooming Hits" by Paul Mauriat. It captures what makes easy listening worth exploring.
What are the best easy listening albums?
The easy listening albums worth hearing first: "Blooming Hits" by Paul Mauriat, "Duets II" by Frank Sinatra, "Sinatra & Company" by Frank Sinatra, "Look to Your Heart" by Frank Sinatra and "Dedicated to You" by Frank Sinatra.
How many easy listening artists are there?
northsound.fm covers 134 easy listening artists, each with a recommended starting album and listening path.