Introduction
Soft acoustic music is a gentle, stripped-down style that primarily features acoustic guitars, pianos, and vocals, with minimal other instrumentation. This creates an intimate, raw sound that allows the melody and lyrics to shine.
Listening to soft acoustic music provides many benefits:
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Promotes relaxation
- Enhances focus and concentration
- Aids sleep
Acoustic versions of popular songs often give them a whole new vibe. Removing the layers of production brings out subtle nuances and creates a more emotional experience. Hearing a song unplugged can feel like you’re listening to it for the first time.
In this article, we’ve curated the ultimate relaxing playlist of the best soft acoustic tracks. From chilling out to acoustic covers of chart-topping hits, to soothing indie folk tunes, there’s something for everyone looking to unwind. Press play on these gentle melodies and let the music wash over you.
1. Wonderwall – Ryan Adams (Oasis) – 2000
Ryan Adams’ acoustic cover of Oasis’ 1995 hit "Wonderwall" transforms the Britpop anthem into a lovelorn ballad. Stripped of the crashing electric guitars and Liam Gallagher’s nasal sneer, Adams’ version spotlights the yearning lyrics and melancholic melody. His hushed, cracked vocals convey a vulnerability perfect for this tale of unrequited love. Where the Oasis original swaggers, Adams’ take is intimate and heartbreaking. The simple acoustic guitar picking gives "Wonderwall" a newfound fragility. This song cemented Adams as a master interpreter able to wring new emotion out of familiar tracks.
2. Fix You – Boyce Avenue (Coldplay) – 2011
Boyce Avenue’s 2011 acoustic cover of Coldplay’s hit "Fix You" transforms the song into a more intimate, stripped-down ballad. Removing the big, anthemic instrumentation really allows the emotional lyrics and vocals to shine through. Boyce Avenue’s lead singer has a smooth, soulful voice that adds new depths of feeling to the melancholic track. The acoustic guitar and piano accompaniment is subtle but powerful, building gradually in the chorus before fading away again. This acoustic remake takes the original song and makes it feel more personal and vulnerable. Boyce Avenue’s version strips away the grandeur and focuses on the raw emotion at the heart of "Fix You."
3. Song Name – Artist (Year)
- Originally performed by Original Artist
- This acoustic version stands out for XYZ reason. The stripped back arrangement really highlights ABC.
Some key things that make this acoustic cover special:
- Showcases the raw vocal talent of Cover Artist
- New emotional interpretation compared to the original version
- Unique acoustic instrumentation like a melancholy piano line
Cover Artist slows down the tempo and transforms the vibe of this pop hit into something much more haunting and intimate. Fans of the original will be impressed by the way this acoustic rearrangement brings out nuances they may have never noticed before. It’s a gorgeous reimagining that gives the classic song a fresh new energy.
4. Song Name – Artist (Year)
- Originally performed by Original Artist
- Released in Year
- This acoustic version stands out for XYZ reason. The stripped down arrangement really allows Artist’s vocals to shine and brings out subtle emotions in the lyrics.
5. Song Name – Artist (Original Artist) – Year
The acoustic version of Song Name by Artist stands out for its stripped-down arrangement that highlights the emotional vocals. Originally performed by Original Artist in Year, Artist’s cover from Year removes the heavy production and instrumentation, allowing their haunting vocals to shine through. The simpler guitar-and-voice approach gives the melancholic lyrics a new rawness and intimacy. Fans of the original will appreciate hearing Song Name in this new light, with Artist’s unique spin showcasing their vocal control and range. By paring a pop hit down to its core elements, Artist has crafted an acoustic rendition that makes you feel the bittersweet lyrics right in your heart.
Soft Pop Hits Gone Acoustic
Pop music is known for its catchy melodies, dance beats, and radio-friendly production. But many of today’s biggest pop hits actually sound amazing when stripped down to just vocals and a simple acoustic guitar. Removing all the layers of synths, percussion, and effects brings out the raw emotion and lyrical depth in these songs.
Artists like Ed Sheeran and Adele have found major success with acoustic versions of their hits. Sheeran’s sensitive live acoustic take on "Thinking Out Loud" highlights his songwriting craft. Adele’s powerful voice soars over a lone piano on her acoustic rendition of "Hello." Even upbeat party anthems like Rihanna’s "Stay" become melancholy ballads when given the unplugged treatment.
Other acoustic pop arrangements worth checking out are Lady Gaga’s dramatic version of "Shallow," John Legend’s soulful "All of Me," and Jason Mraz putting his signature rasp into "I’m Yours." For more soft acoustic pop, explore these user playlists on Spotify and YouTube:
- "Acoustic Vibes" – Laidback acoustic covers of 2000s and 2010s pop hits
- "Campfire Pop" – If pop anthems happened around a campfire
- "Coffee Shop Pop" – Popular acoustic pop covers perfect for cozy cafes
The acoustic treatment gives these beloved pop songs a whole new dimension, allowing listeners to connect with the lyrics and vocals on a deeper level.
The Best Indie Folk for Relaxing
The soft, soothing sounds of indie folk music are perfect for relaxation. This introspective genre features stripped-down arrangements, thoughtful lyrics, and melancholy melodies that evoke a sense of calm. Some rising indie folk artists worth exploring include Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, and The Lumineers.
Bon Iver’s album "For Emma, Forever Ago" is essential listening, with Justin Vernon’s falsetto vocals and simple acoustic guitar beautifully capturing feelings of longing and heartache. Songs like "Skinny Love" and "Re: Stacks" are melancholic folk ballads that wash over you.
Fleet Foxes have mastered lush vocal harmonies and subtle acoustic accompaniments. "White Winter Hymnal" and "Your Protector" showcase their knack for crafting tranquil, melodic indie folk.
The Lumineers have a raw, earnest quality to their folk songs. "Ho Hey" and "Stubborn Love" are highlights – stripped-back acoustic tunes with passion and intimacy.
Other calming indie folk tracks perfect for unwinding include "I Will Wait" by Mumford & Sons, "Big Parade" by The Lumineers, and "No Hard Feelings" by The Avett Brothers. The gentle rhythms, reflective lyrics, and earnest delivery make indie folk an ideal genre for relaxation.
Chill Instrumental Acoustic Tracks
Sometimes lyrics can be distracting when you’re trying to focus or unwind. That’s where chill instrumental acoustic music comes in. The soothing melodies and textures of nylon string guitars, classical guitars, and piano create the perfect backdrop for relaxation or concentration.
There are so many talented instrumental guitarists and composers creating beautiful, soft acoustic compositions. A great place to start is with artists like Andy McKee, Don Ross, and Antoine Dufour. Their intricate fingerstyle techniques result in warm, calming pieces.
For piano, Ludovico Einaudi composes minimalist melodies that evoke emotions of peace and serenity. Other artists like Johannes Bornlöf and Yiruma create relaxing piano instrumentals as well.
Listening to acoustic ensemble groups like Canadian Brass playing classical arrangements on guitar, flute, violin and more is another excellent option.
To experience the full range of blissful, soft acoustic instrumentals, check out this curated playlist:
Let the beautiful compositions wash over you and transport you to a state of complete calm.
Conclusion
Throughout this post we’ve explored various genres of soft acoustic music like stripped down pop hits, calming indie folk tunes, and peaceful instrumental guitar compositions. Each provides their own unique benefits for relaxation, unwinding, and drifting off to sleep.
The acoustic versions of popular songs often showcase lyrical depth and raw emotion like never before. Indie folk artists use their introspective songwriting and melodic instrumentation to craft tranquil soundscapes perfect for quiet reflection. And instrumental acoustic guitar pieces serve as ideal peaceful background music with their lack of lyrics.
I highly recommend taking some time to dive into the specific songs, artists, and curated playlists I’ve mentioned. Creating your own soft acoustic playlist can do wonders for your mental health and ability to relax and recharge. Let this music wash over you during times of stress or when you need help falling asleep.
Now I’d love to hear from you – what are some of your favorite soft acoustic tracks to help you unwind? Share your top relaxation tunes in the comments!