Don’t forget Olivia Newton-John’s, Have You Never Been Mellow. Newton-John captured the “mellow” scene of the 70s. From Come On Over, Something Better To Do and Don’t Stop Believin’.
Mercy’s Love Can Make You Happy
The Irish artist Chloe does a great version of To Where You Are. Groban does a good version but Chloe’s is better
Simon and Garfunkel’s 59th Street Bridge Song would fit the bill, maybe.
“The Christians and the Pagans” by Dar Williams.
I just came in to say anything by Phish, but the Dead works too.
Also, I would suggest Today or 1979 by The Smashing Pumpkins.
Jack Johnson and Ben Harper – My Own Two Hands
Iron and Wine’s cover of Such Great Heights
Dixie Chicks – Lullaby
Santo & Johnny’s ‘Sleep Walk’; put you to sleep with a smile on your face.
I listen to Travis when I’m a little down. Try “Sing”, “Flowers in the Window” and “Side”.
Crowded House is another good choice.
Beatles – I’m Only Sleeping, Because, Julia, Sun King, Flying
Caravan – Surprise Surprise
Van Morrison – Crazy Love, Tupelo Honey
I came in here to suggest nearly anything by Jack Johnson. He did the soundtrack to the “Curious George” movie, and although I have less than no tolerance for kiddie stuff, that soundtrack is terrific.
Probably the right mood for the OP.
We’ve got a goovy kind of love, the Phil Collins version, not the bouncy original.
Jane Siberry – “Everything Reminds Me of My Dog”
Jonathan Richman – “That Summer Feeling”
Bruce Cockburn – “Laughter”
Eric Clapton – “May You Never” (Original by John Martyn)
Tuck & Patti – “Takes My Breath Away”
XTC – “I’d Like That”
“Summertime Rolls” - Jane’s Addiction
My two happiness songs:
The Joker by Steve Miller Band (Others that might work: Dance, Dance, Dance and Rockin’ Me)
And “What I Got” by Sublime is one of my ultimate “put life in perspective” sorta songs.
The Lovin’ Spoonful - “Daydream”
I defy you to have an ounce of tension left in you after hearing that tune. Super mellow, and not too fast of a tempo.
Always makes me think of lazy summer days (I think that’s kinda the point). I can practically smell fresh-mown lawns just thinking about it…
I love happy songs! I collect them and make happy music CDs for friends and family.
Songs particularly suited for the OP - facing things you can’t control and relaxing.
Shimmy Low - The Clarks
*I’ve been down this road ten times
I would run, I would hide
From the fears that ruled my mind
And so I asked this guy
We’ll call him Oz, call him wise
He laughed and offered his advice
Get out of your black hole
Join life’s circus sideshow
Shimmy, shimmy low, Got to free my soul*
Roll If You Fall - Barefoot Truth
*Lately the sun is castin’ shadow over me
So come on and take me by the hand,
Lead me through the trouble waters of the sea
So maybe you got a halo over your head all the time
As for me, all I need is this rhythm for movin’
Cause you know, I keep kickin’ it live, yea
Can I get a witness?
To defend my case
No I won’t get caught up
In the corporate rat race
Well all I got’s this committment
And behind it I’ll stand tall
If flat shadows get me down
I’ma roll if I fall *
What’s So Bad About Feeling Good - Ben Lee
*Well it’s not all analysis or mathematic pression
oh all the simple things in life are not small
and all your daily drama and the politics of pleasure
well they really do not matter much at all
so let your words start spilling out against your will
and let your love minlge with mine
close your eyes, look at me, open up your heart you’ll see that we can share a moment, a moment in time
Tell me what’s so bad, about feeling good
Tell me what’s so bad, about feeling good *
Looking at the Sun - Gramercy Arms
Hey Key Hey - Uncle Kracker
*Lately I’ve been livin’
Feelin’ unforgiven
Feels like I’ve been gettin’
Anythin’ and everythin’ wrong
Well, I’ve always had my trouble
Lately, it’s been double
Somethin’ busts my bubble
Keeps me barely floatin’ along
But those days are behind me
You ain’t gonna find me
Sittin’ ‘round, countin’ raindrops
Hey, hey, hey
The sun is shining on my face
And everythin’ will be okay*
woops just saw your additional comment in the thread - a few of these might be too up tempo. Well, maybe you can make 2 CDs!
These are some great suggestions. I think I might make another CD with some of the more up-tempo ones. There are some great suggestions, both down-tempo and up-tempo. I’ve always been a person who feels connected to music, so I’m trying to surround myself with stuff that will calm me down, but lift me up.
i could put on their entire earlier albums and listen straight through
I was going to suggest that one. It might be faster than the OP wants, but so easy and charming.
Also “You Didn’t Have to be So Nice” by the same band. One of my favorite low-key love songs. Maybe only topped by “Something So Right” by Paul Simon.
“Dream Weaver” by Gary Wright.
“Year of the Cat” by Al Stewart.
“Sweet Baby James” by James Taylor.
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon and Garfunkle.
“Moondance”?