Hey guys! Are you looking to chill out and unwind with some seriously smooth tunes? Then you've come to the right place. There's just something special about dropping a vinyl record onto the turntable and letting those warm, mellow sounds fill the room. So, let's dive into some of the best easy listening vinyl albums that are guaranteed to bring those relaxing vibes right to your living room. Get ready to discover some timeless classics and maybe even a few hidden gems that will become your new go-to records for kicking back.

Why Vinyl for Easy Listening?

Before we jump into the album recommendations, let's talk about why vinyl is such a great format for easy listening. There's a certain warmth and richness to the sound of vinyl that digital formats just can't replicate. The subtle crackles and pops add a nostalgic charm, making the listening experience feel more intimate and personal. Plus, the act of physically putting on a record, sitting back, and giving it your full attention is a mindful practice in itself, perfect for unwinding after a long day. It encourages you to slow down, disconnect from distractions, and fully immerse yourself in the music. The larger artwork also enhances the experience. Holding a 12x12 album cover, reading the liner notes, and examining the artwork adds another layer of engagement that you simply don't get with streaming. Many easy listening albums also feature lush orchestral arrangements and intricate instrumentation that truly shine on vinyl, allowing you to appreciate the subtle nuances and details in the music.

Our Top Picks for Easy Listening Vinyl

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some of our top picks for easy listening vinyl albums that you absolutely need to have in your collection:

1. Astral Weeks - Van Morrison

Astral Weeks is a masterpiece of mystical, poetic songwriting and ethereal arrangements. Released in 1968, this album transcends genre, blending elements of folk, jazz, and soul into a seamless and deeply moving experience. Van Morrison's vocals are at their most evocative here, weaving tales of love, loss, and spiritual longing. The instrumentation is lush and atmospheric, featuring delicate acoustic guitars, shimmering strings, and subtle percussion. The overall effect is hypnotic and transportive, making it the perfect album to lose yourself in on a quiet evening. Astral Weeks is an album that reveals new layers with each listen, offering a profound and deeply personal journey for the listener. On vinyl, the album's warmth and intimacy are heightened, drawing you even further into its captivating world. From the opening notes of "Astral Weeks" to the closing strains of "Madame George," this is an album that will stay with you long after the needle lifts.

2. Tapestry - Carole King

Carole King's Tapestry is an essential addition to any easy listening vinyl collection. Released in 1971, this album is a timeless classic that defined a generation of singer-songwriters. King's songwriting is both deeply personal and universally relatable, exploring themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery with honesty and vulnerability. Her warm, soulful voice and simple yet elegant piano arrangements create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and reflecting. Tapestry is packed with iconic songs like "So Far Away," "It's Too Late," and "You've Got a Friend," all of which sound incredible on vinyl. The album's warm, intimate production is perfectly suited to the format, bringing out the nuances of King's voice and the subtle beauty of her piano playing. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to Carole King's music, Tapestry on vinyl is an experience you won't soon forget. It's an album that feels like a warm embrace, offering comfort and solace in a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming.

3. Getz/Gilberto - Stan Getz & João Gilberto

Getz/Gilberto is a landmark album that brought bossa nova to the world stage. This collaboration between American saxophonist Stan Getz and Brazilian guitarist João Gilberto is a masterpiece of understated elegance and rhythmic sophistication. The album features a collection of classic bossa nova tunes, including the iconic "The Girl from Ipanema," sung by Gilberto's wife, Astrud. The combination of Getz's smooth, lyrical saxophone and Gilberto's gentle, rhythmic guitar creates a sound that is both sophisticated and deeply relaxing. Getz/Gilberto is the perfect album for a lazy afternoon, a romantic dinner, or any time you want to create a chilled-out atmosphere. On vinyl, the album's warmth and intimacy are heightened, bringing out the subtle nuances of the music. The gentle sway of the bossa nova rhythm is even more hypnotic on vinyl, inviting you to lose yourself in its captivating groove. If you're looking for an album that will transport you to a sun-drenched beach in Rio de Janeiro, Getz/Gilberto is the perfect choice.

4. Blue - Joni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell's Blue is an album of raw emotion and unflinching honesty. Released in 1971, this album is a deeply personal exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery. Mitchell's lyrics are poetic and confessional, offering a glimpse into her innermost thoughts and feelings. Her voice is both powerful and vulnerable, conveying a range of emotions with stunning clarity. The album's arrangements are simple yet effective, featuring Mitchell's signature acoustic guitar and piano playing. Blue is an album that can be both heartbreaking and uplifting, offering solace and connection in its shared vulnerability. On vinyl, the album's intimacy is heightened, allowing you to fully appreciate the nuances of Mitchell's voice and the subtle beauty of her songwriting. From the opening notes of "All I Want" to the closing strains of "The Last Time I Saw Richard," this is an album that will stay with you long after the needle lifts.

5. Kind of Blue - Miles Davis

Miles Davis' Kind of Blue is not only one of the best easy listening vinyl albums but also one of the most influential jazz albums of all time. Released in 1959, this album is a masterpiece of modal jazz, a style that emphasizes melody and improvisation over complex chord changes. The album features a stellar lineup of musicians, including John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, and Bill Evans, all of whom are at the peak of their powers. The music is cool, sophisticated, and endlessly captivating, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Kind of Blue is the perfect album for a late-night listening session, a sophisticated dinner party, or any time you want to add a touch of class to your surroundings. On vinyl, the album's warmth and depth are heightened, bringing out the subtle nuances of the music. The interplay between the musicians is even more apparent on vinyl, allowing you to fully appreciate the genius of this iconic album. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or a casual listener, Kind of Blue is an album that everyone should have in their collection.

More Vinyl Gems to Explore

Of course, this is just a small sampling of the many great easy listening vinyl albums out there. Here are a few more recommendations to get you started:

• Norah Jones - Come Away With Me
• Cat Stevens - Tea for the Tillerman
• Simon & Garfunkel - Bridge Over Troubled Water
• Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong - Ella and Louis
• Bill Evans Trio - Waltz for Debby

Tips for the Ultimate Vinyl Listening Experience

To fully enjoy your easy listening vinyl albums, here are a few tips for creating the ultimate listening experience:

1. Invest in a good turntable: A quality turntable will ensure that you're getting the best possible sound from your records. Look for a turntable with a good cartridge and a stable platter.
2. Use quality speakers: Your speakers are just as important as your turntable. Choose speakers that are well-suited to your listening room and your personal taste.
3. Clean your records: Dust and dirt can degrade the sound quality of your records. Invest in a good record cleaning brush and use it regularly.
4. Find a quiet space: Choose a room that is free from distractions and background noise. This will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the music.
5. Relax and enjoy: Put on your favorite easy listening vinyl album, pour yourself a drink, and let the music transport you to a place of peace and relaxation.

So there you have it, guys! A curated list of some amazing easy listening vinyl albums to get you started on your journey to relaxation and sonic bliss. Happy listening!