I used to think the same, but then I left all those negative connotations and prejudices I had about it. I (an atheist) just appreciate the music and forget the rest, in the same way as I appreciate the architecture of a Gothic cathedral, for example.

EDIT: Some people prefer this "revival": :)

YouTube - Enigma- Mea Culpa
YouTube - Enigma- Sadeness

Artists/groups like Enya, Clannad, Loreena McKennitt and Adiemus relax me the most. Any type of Ambient, New Age, Folk or World music really. Something that sounds otherworldly.

That kind of music is awesome. Very relaxing and soothing.

Grizzly Bear is incredibly soothing, imo.
good example: YouTube - grizzly bear on a neck on a spit

Also, this song by Elis Regina: YouTube - Elis Regina, Águas de Março
Portuguese is so freaking beautiful.

I used to listen to Pure Moods a lot for road trips and such, it's very chill.

In the wee hours of the morning, this album is so very very beautiful. So focused and yet so free... (That sounded pretty flowery and whatnot, but you get the idea.)

some post-rock is very relaxing.

and much classical, particularly piano things. Ludovico Einaudi is my favourite.

also, alot of folk can be relaxing, mainly the acoustic guitar, like john martyn, martin simpson, or john renbourn.

Not so much a type of music, just certain songs by an eccletic group of artists.

Thrash metal.

You're not the only one:

Usually instrumental music. For example, Nine Inch Nails' Ghosts I-IV used to help me sleep for over a year. Still can. I had some of the best sleep listening to all four Ghosts.

Chillwave! :)

Chamber music mostly.

Windy & Carl do the job for me, Stars of the Lid, Dead Texan, Boards of Canada, Jessica Bailiff, stuff like that.

Arvo Part's music manages to relax while still provoking emotional response. "Spiegel Im Spiegel" especially.

Early Miles
like

and

cocteau twins
mogwai (yes! i am a long way from home, especially. amazing song. also christmas steps, but then it feels like i'm having an orgasm when it kicks in)
right away, great captain
massive attack
bon iver
my bloody valentine
volcano choir
slowdive
nightmares on wax

or

Conclusion: it all depends on the listener. There are many "unsuspected cases":

Whenever I've had a real bad day I just put on some Brian Eno and all my worries go away :thumb:

Basically operatic and classical is how I chill out. I throw in some piano-driven downtempo songs, electronic / chillout tracks, and things of that nature depending on my mood, but classical and opera is definitely what I listen to when I'm stressed and really need to relax.

ENYA

Air are one of the best bands to relax to




Also a bit of Slowdive

Just like drinking piña coladas at the beach.

Noiserock. There's a youtube playlist with a bunch of Big Black live videos that I watch a couple times a week, used to watch it 3 or 4 times a day. Always calms me down. I like exploring new albums and genres but nothing makes me feel as good as this.
Far cry from Enya. I'm weird I guess.

:thumb: same!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Slow-Coustic

J. Tillman
Iron & Wine
Bon Iver

etc...

To mention something not already mentioned, I don't think, granted I didn't look through this entire thread:

Latley since the new semester started its been on and off between these two artists.

Sarah Brightman, seriously. Her voice can get me into REM sleep in no time when I listen to her on my iPod in bed. I find it very soothing and lovely. Particularly this song:

All kinds of stuff!

These are the two songs that I've been listening to a lot lately to help me relax. Great stuff.

dub 'n reggae.

Smooth Jazz

I like Enya, chillwave, some acoustic (Elliot Smith), the sort of 60s pop music that they play on elevators.
Punk rock works best though, I was really surprised to read through the thread and see a couple people say the same thing. I guess I underestimate you, you arn't as lame as I thought. :)

As far as just typical relaxin goes, I'm going to have to echo he smooth jazz. Or any type of calm, slow jazz.

But personally? Relaxing for me means beating the crap out of my stress, so it's goon to be something fast, heavy, and/or headbangable. Some good Nuclear Assault, Megadeth, or Sex Pistols for instance.

Love Mogwai, 2:15 is friggin awesome.

I used to go to sleep to this track every night. Still do sometimes.

A lot of Sigur Ros' music is very relaxing and soothing. Also, the great classics. Think Ravel's Pavane for a Dead Princess, the second movement of Beethoven's 7th symphony, any Chopin, try out Arvo Part's music.

whenever I'm feeling ultra-stressed in the office and feel like hitting someone, I put on Steve Reich's Music for 18 Musicians