Chill music. While not really its own genre, it is one of the easiest to listen to types of music. There is chill rap, chill rock, chill pop and so on. It isn’t limited to genre which makes this topic so special. It is one of my most listened to vibes and some of my favorite songs and artists fall under this topic. There are too many good songs that are considered chill, and I’ll come back to this topic to highlight more songs under this category.
Listen to my entire “Chill and Slow Vibes” playlist HERE.
Surf – Mac Miller
Hip Hop, Chill Rap (2020)
Picking one Mac song for this article wasn’t easy. Most songs from this album are on my chill playlist and a lot more of his discography is as well. He has a soothing and soft voice, relatable lyrics and his beats are unique and catchy. Mac Miller is the best “chill” artist if you’re looking for easy listening but still wanting a song with a lot of depth, either lyrically or strictly musically.
I chose this song specifically because I think it captures the chill essence or vibe perfectly. It also is more than just background music. Like mentioned before, the lyrics are fun, deep, witty and relatable. For example, my favorite lyrics in this track are “Sometimes I get lonely, not when I’m alone. But it’s when I’m standin’ in crowds that I feel the most on my own.” What a beautiful and heartbreaking way to describe loneliness. A lot of people can relate to this as well. Overall, the way he writes is truly one of a kind.
He changes his flow while vocally staying soft and inviting. This song is perfect for cozy nights, rainy days, peaceful walks, you name it. There are so many different chill atmospheres this song can create. If you do like this song, this album is filled with songs that have the same feel, but sound different.
Tadow – Masego, FKJ
Alternative R&B, Improvisation, Soul (2018)
This is a popular song with over 500 million plays on Spotify and views on YouTube as well. The song is great, but the video accompanying the song is what makes it. Seeing how the two create different pieces of music and loop them while adding more and more layers is truly magnificent. To be able to play an instrument like they do is impressive, but to play multiple and sing as well. And to have the improvisational skills to create a song like they did is outstanding. The video is well worth the 8 minute watch, as it feels like it isn’t long at all when you watch it. It’s easy to get lost in their art and how they create it.
say it over (feat. Cautious Clay) – Ruel
Alternative Pop (2020)
This is what you get when you mix a talented upcoming artists with a gorgeous voice, great lyrics and sound, mixed with the perfect feature artist. Cautious Clay is the perfect counterpart and delivers a great verse. I love the lyric he delivers “we are looking for the same thing at different times.” A very relatable line and clever way to put the cliché of “right person but wrong time” into something fresh but still holding the same weight.
This has been one of my favorite songs since it came out. It’s a pretty but sad song with talent from start to finish. To make it even more impressive, this track came out before Ruel’s 18th birthday. He’s a great, young artist with a lot of promise and music already released to back up the hype.
OPEN A WINDOW (feat. Tyler, The Creator) – Rex Orange County
Pop (2022)
I wanted to have both of these artists on this list as they show up multiple time on this playlist and have plenty of good chill songs. So, why not combine them into one entry? This song is a bit more upbeat than the other’s on this list but it has a piano and strings that can be heard in the background. They aren’t front and center of the song, but they are the backbone of this song.
At the center is Rex Orange County’s voice and Tyler, The Creator’s unique sound. Tyler’s verse is fun, and he brings his personality into this track and is the cherry on top of an already good song. I can’t picture anyone else doing as good as he did as a featured artist. It’s an entertaining song with good energy, perfect for many playlists.
Epitaph – Hippocampus
Indie, Alternative (2017)
This next song starts by turning down the tempo compared to the previous song. Hippocampus is a band from Minneapolis Minnesota who has been relatively popular over the past decade. I believe they should have more of a following due to their versatile sound and overall quality music.
This album alone has many different sounds and themes, making the easy to enjoy no matter what music you like. They have upbeat summer tracks as well as sad and slow songs and a lot in between. If you’re a fan of The Backstreet Lovers, this song and band will be right up your alley.
Bed Peace – Jhené Aiko, Childish Gambino
R&B (2013)
This is my favorite song by Jhené Aiko and it comes from my favorite album by her as well. She has a beautiful voice and really cements herself as a longtime R&B and Rap queen. This easy going beat pairs well with her soothing voice and easy to listen to lyrics. Even a decade plus later, this song still is as good as it was back when it released.
Furthermore, Childish Gambino’s verse is similar to how Tyler, The Creator’s verse is as it has their personality really shine through, even as a feature. He is quick with his flow, clever and funny in the lyrics and overall, a great accompaniment in this song. This is a great track, but especially great for chill, weekend mornings.
CRUCIFY ME – BROCKHAMPTON
Rap, Slow Jazz (2022)
This is a perfect blend of chill rap, with hints of soul and slow jazz. The beat has great piano and drums that carry the rest of the track. Rap verses have clever lyrics and the singing in the choruses are catchy. The last third of the song has a piano solo that sounds like it should be in a jazz club. I was recently put on this song and BROCKHAMPTON as well, and I wish I knew about this band and song especially earlier because it’s been on repeat for me.
Pink Matter – Frank Ocean, Andre 3000
Hip-hop, Neo Soul (2012)
Similar to previous songs, this track has great soul and R&B vocals with chill rapping on verses. Frank Ocean has a lot of chill songs as well, but this might be my favorite. It probably is due to Andre 3000. He is one of the best and most fun rappers to listen to. Littered with talent lyrically and an impressive flow, he makes this song go from good to great. Funky and soulful guitars are heard throughout and are the main instrumental sound in this track.
Green Bottles – Six60
New Zealand Pop (2011)
While this doesn’t continue the genre theme, like the previous track, the guitar is carrying the instrumentation. It is the only instrument in this song. Mixed with the slow tempo, the simplicity isn’t a negative of this song, rather making it easy listening, perfect for a chill vibe. Six60 has been a comfort band for me since high school. While not all their songs are chill and slow, they all are pleasant and smooth. I rarely skip any of their songs when they come on.
Peach Dream – Sniffle Party
Indie, Dream Pop (2016)
There was a lot of chill rap on this list so far so I wanted to end on a different note. While chill, this song is more electronic and slower with dreamy vocals. This song is repetitive in the best possible way. It’s comforting and unique, and frankly should be way more popular. This song always puts me in a good mood, and I find it easy to get lost in this track and its many layers.
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