Who doesn’t want to come home, relax and kick off your shoes, and crank up the tunes? The only problem is that some people aren’t really sure where to start with good chill music. So, my goal with this article is to help you put together a great chill list. There are quite a few bands from the late 80’s, 90’s, and even recently that are really great to listen to when you need some classic good music to play. I have picked out my top 10 groups from my play list ‘Chillin’ that I listen to almost every day.
10. Matchbox Twenty
Yes, I know it’s a weird choice, but Matchbox has some really great soft rock music that is good to put on when it’s time to slow down. With a handful of different slow and relaxing tunes like Mad Season, If You’re Gone, and 3AM, Matchbox Twenty just becomes one of those bands that tend to grow on you.
9. Beck
Ah, Beck, with loads of very chill and funky songs, is a fantastic song writer. For the most part, Beck is pretty low key and his fun bluesy guitar riffs and wacky tunes make for a great way to end the day. Adding a few of his top songs to your new play list is a must. Of course, Beck’s smash single Loser is one that is needed but there are quite a few others that are also great such as: E-Pro and Where Its At.
8. Oasis
Oasis was huge in the 90’s and were known for their very strange, unique style. Oasis’ interesting and great beats and strange lyrics make them such a great listen for anyone looking to relax or have some great background music. Their smash hit Champagne Supernova is a near perfect song to relax too with some of the craziest lyrics. Another great tune to add to your chill list is Wonderwall. Wonderwall was Oasis’ other hit that is also very weird, but the slow, catchy rhythm is great to slow down and relax to. Oasis is a should have for anyone’s list!
7. Galactic
Not too many people know about Galactic, but they are a funky jazz group from New Orleans. In their newer stuff, they have added a little hip-hop, but Galactic’s older tunes from the 90’s are ultimate chill. All of their funky jams are instrumental and they are very great to play in the background while you’re doing some things or just chilling out on the couch. I have tons of Galactic’s music on my list but if I had to just suggest a few I definitely recommend anything off their first album (Coolin’ Off) or Crazyhorse Mongoose for some classic chill and a lot of funk.
6. John Mayer
Mayer is an excellent singer and overall musician who has managed to create some of the most relaxing songs there are. Although he wasn’t there for long, Mayer attended the great Berklee College of Music. His brilliant use of melodic chords and guitar riffs really makes him fun to listen to. Mayer is also a great song writer. Many of his songs have great, meaningful lyrics like Waiting on the World to Change or Say. Mayer’s older music is also a plus. Singles such as No Such Thing or Your Body is a Wonderland are fantastic. John Mayer is just one of those guys who has to be on your late night list.
5. 311
The Nebraska natives made it big in the 1990’s with some of their first big singles being Down and All Mixed Up. Many people tend to think that 311 isn’t one of those bands to chill out to, but I disagree. Their funky chords and great lyrics make 311 a must. 311’s songs like Come Original or Amber just put you in that relaxed good mood. Other songs like Eons or Running (also Amber) are slower and are much more relaxed and great to lay down to. 311 is a great band and there is music is naturally chill. I would definitely put Amber, Eons, Come Original, and All Mixed up on your list.
4. Rebelution
The reggae band Rebelution isn’t huge but there music is positive and very mellow. Rebelution’s music is generally very positive, optimistic, and very slow and relaxed. They also add lots of brass and different things into their music which is very cool. Rebelution is a band that not relaxes you but tends to put you in a good mood. With favorites like Bright Side of Life or Lazy Afternoon, they tend to just be meant for chill and relaxation with a side of positive outlook. Rebelution is bound to make you smile, so add some of their best such as: Bright Side of Life, Courage to Grow, Ordinary Girl, Green to Black, and Lazy Afternoon.
3. Sublime
Due to the death of a band member, Sublime’s life as a group was short. Their third and final self- titled CD put them on the map. With all kinds of singles and favorites Sublime became huge but the band was over. The CD Sublime had huge single’s including Santeria, Wrong Way, and What I Got. With very catchy lyrics and their soft rock/ relaxed tone, Sublime makes the top 3. Everything by Sublime is very chill and fun to listen to. If you don’t dig explicit lyrics then Sublime isn’t the band for you but the truth is that if you look up ‘chill’ in the dictionary, don’t be surprised if they mention these guys. I don’t recommend, you need to have: Santeria, Jailhouse (Marley Cover), What I Got, Wrong Way, Garden Grove, and Badfish.
2. Red Hot Chili Peppers
RHCP is one of those bands that has been around forever. Producing their unique style of funky punk since the late 80’s, The Peppers have created so many singles that you probably can’t count them on two hands. Although they do have many songs that are very upbeat and lively, it’s evident that the Chili Peppers can make some very chilled out music. With singles like Under the Bridge or Scar Tissue RHCP has become an outstanding band to prop your feet up and take in. The lyrics are extremely poetic and they’re melody lines flow like the Mississippi. If the Red Hot Chili Peppers aren’t on your chill list, I don’t know if it’s considered chill. Get the tunes Under the Bridge, Californication, Scar Tissue, Can’t Stop, By the Way, Otherside.
1. Bob Marley
I don’t care if you hate the guy or love him, if you look laid back, chill, or relaxed in the dictionary his name WILL be in it. Marley is as chill as it gets and his slow and sweet reggae proves it. Relaxing to this guys music is literally one of the best feelings. His music seems to be so basic but the classic voice of Bob and the relaxing music of the Wailers just creates the perfect chill. Bob Marley has impacted all kinds of different genres especially the reggae scene. I shouldn’t have to do this but you must at least get: Is this Love, Three Little Birds, Get Up Stand Up, Concrete Jungle, One Love, Buffalo Soldier… Don’t leave me a comment saying I missed one because I would be here all day listing them.
Well, I hope you enjoyed this read and have a little better understanding on some late night relaxing music. Of course this is all my opinion but I hope that you got something out of it. Maybe you added a few new songs or maybe you found a new band to get into. Anyway you look at it, once again thanks for reading and I hope it gave you some help!
