00:03Welcome to WatchMojo. And today, we're counting down our picks for the most relaxing, soothing and or nostalgic 1980s songs.
00:13We're choosing them based on overall vibe and how much they help us unwind, rather than simple popularity.
00:26Number 10. Human Nature. Michael Jackson. If they ask, why, why, we love this song, just tell them it's human
00:34nature.
00:40Michael Jackson may be known for his infectious beats and killer dance moves, but he's also put out some incredible
00:46slow jams in the 80s, too.
00:48As befitting the king of pop at the height of his power.
00:55This chill ballad has lyrics that touch on nightlife and forming connections without words with new people.
01:08The ethereal harmonies and Jackson soft vocals are perfect to listen to on a quiet night, out or in, no
01:16matter which way you're living.
01:20Number 9. With or Without You. U2.
01:24This is considered one of U2's most famous and popular songs for good reason.
01:33Bono's plaintive voice, persistent drumbeat, bassline, and sustained electric guitar all meld together to create an incredibly powerful yet peaceful
01:43mood throughout.
01:49The rock ballad may tell the tale of a rocky relationship and the contradictions of wanting to be, yet not
01:56be, with someone, but it still takes us back to a time or a place that makes us feel like
02:02our troubles have melted away.
02:08Basically, With or Without You is a song we can't afford to do without.
02:21Number 8. In Your Eyes. Peter Gabriel.
02:24While perhaps best remembered for being the music coming out of a boombox held by John Cusack, In Your Eyes
02:31is much more than the Say Anything song.
02:34I get so lost sometimes.
02:39Peter Gabriel's yearning vocals and the persistent African-influenced beat lend this song a flavor that feels attuned to both
02:47religion and the world at large.
02:49All my instincts, they return.
02:53Additionally, the lyrics in English and in Senegalese touch on all things found in the eyes of the one you
03:00love.
03:01In your eyes, the light, the heat.
03:03In your eyes, I am complete.
03:06Whether you see spirituality, nostalgia, or a relationship in In Your Eyes, it's sure to make you feel serene.
03:15In your eyes.
03:17Number 7. Take My Breath Away. Berlin.
03:21One of several successful songs written for the movie Top Gun, Take My Breath Away is an incredibly stunning synth
03:27-pop love theme.
03:29Watching every motion in my foolish love is gay.
03:35Vocalist Terry Nunn's airy voice combined with the slow synth-key progression brings to mind the lapping waves of the
03:43ocean or being rocked gently to fall deeper and deeper into sleep.
03:47Watching, I keep waiting.
03:50Still anticipating, though.
03:53Whether you find Take My Breath Away breathtaking or it simply slows your breathing.
03:59Hold it by an ocean.
04:01Somewhere there's a loving place.
04:06It's an excellent song to relax to or simply evoke nostalgia for the 80s.
04:12Whether you live through them or not.
04:14Take My Breath Away.
04:18Number 6. Waiting for a Girl Like You.
04:22Foreigner.
04:23Often noted for its record-setting time on the Billboard charts at number 2 without reaching number 1,
04:29Waiting for a Girl Like You is far from being second best.
04:32So long, I've been looking too hard at me.
04:39Lou Graham's arresting voice draws you in immediately with its soft aura,
04:44backed up by the smooth harmonies of the backing vocals.
04:47I only know it's a matter of time when you love someone.
04:54Meanwhile, the enchanting synth keyboard helps create a dream-like, relaxing atmosphere.
04:59I've been waiting for a girl like you.
05:04The quiet rock power ballad's beauty is as captivating as the woman it's about.
05:09If you've been waiting for songs like this to come into your life,
05:14there's no time like the present to give it a listen.
05:17I'm gonna make it to my life.
05:21Number 5. Drive the Cars.
05:25Who's gonna pay attention to this song?
05:27Who's gonna tell you when?
05:31It's too late.
05:35Anybody looking for a mellow 80s hit, that's who.
05:38The Cars. Drive has ambiguous lyrics,
05:41with the words essentially expressing concern for someone the singer knows
05:45who is going through emotional turmoil.
05:48Who's gonna pick you up?
05:51When you fall.
05:54If the appeal of its lyrics weren't enough to take all your cares away,
05:59Benjamin Orr's soothing voice,
06:01the ethereal backup singers,
06:03and the dreamy, twinkling synths sweep us away
06:06and drive us to relaxation every time.
06:09Can't go on.
06:12Thinking.
06:15Nothing's wrong.
06:16Drive is a breezy cruise of a tune that's easy to enjoy tonight
06:22and any other night.
06:24Who's gonna drive you home tonight?
06:30Number 4. Smooth Operator.
06:33Sade.
06:34Much like this song,
06:36Sade is an understated yet incredible band.
06:39Diamond line.
06:43Love a boy.
06:46Smooth Operator describes a con artist who is unfaithful yet devastatingly charming.
06:52No place for beginners,
06:54no sense of divine.
06:58Sade, the singer,
07:00not the band,
07:01delivers soft,
07:02compelling vocals
07:03backed up by a suave jazz accompaniment
07:06that just oozes style and sophistication
07:08from every note,
07:10particularly once that saxophone gets going.
07:13No need to ask,
07:14it's a smooth operator.
07:18Listening to it instantly makes you feel like the coolest cat in town,
07:22no matter what activity you're doing.
07:24Stressed about a job interview?
07:26You don't have to sweat it
07:27cause you're a smooth operator.
07:30The cross don't know that's how to feel,
07:34I don't understand.
07:37Number 3.
07:39Careless Whisper.
07:40George Michael.
07:41Perfect for an evening of dancing
07:43or just relaxing after a hard day,
07:45Careless Whisper has become synonymous with,
07:48let's say,
07:49canoodling.
07:50Feel so much your heart
07:54While this is largely due
07:56to one of the most famous
07:57and sexiest saxophone riffs of all time,
08:00the rest of the song is exceptional as well.
08:03To the heart and mind
08:07Ignorance is kind
08:08The mix of pop, R&B, and soul music
08:11along with George Michael's passionate voice
08:14and the guilt-laden lyrics
08:15all create a moody yet pleasant atmosphere.
08:18I'm never gonna dance again
08:20Guilty feet have gotten old rhythm
08:24Whether you're canoodling with your lover
08:26or regretting a careless whisper of your own,
08:30this 80s song is one fans have never stopped caring about.
08:34The way I dance with you
08:39Number two
08:40Don't worry, be happy
08:42Bobby McFerrin
08:44Sometimes, simplicity is all it takes to make you relax.
08:48Bobby McFerrin's timeless acapella tune with a reggae twist
08:51is all vocals and no frills.
08:55Here's a little song I wrote
08:57You might want to sing it note for note
09:01It's easy-going comedic tone
09:03and central message of letting go of stress
09:05will forever be relevant.
09:07The landlord say your rent is late
09:09He may have to litigate
09:13Don't worry, be happy
09:14isn't just a song
09:16It's a feel-good mantra in musical form
09:18and
09:19Wait, is that Robin Williams in the music video?
09:22Are you seeing this?
09:24So don't worry
09:27Be happy
09:28Anyway, the song is the perfect easy-going anthem
09:32to brighten any day you're feeling overwhelmed,
09:35need to unwind,
09:37and or find your happy place.
09:44I'm not worried
09:58Notifications
10:01Number 1
10:02Time After Time
10:04Cyndi Lauper
10:05If Nostalgia had a theme song,
10:07it'd probably be
10:08Time After Time
10:09Night in my bed
10:12Hear the clock tick
10:14And think of you
10:16Cyndi Lauper's world-famous ballad
10:18strikes a chord
10:19with generation after generation
10:21for good reason
10:22Then you say
10:23Ghost Road
10:25I fall behind
10:28Lauper's wistful vocals
10:30backed up by Rob Hyman's
10:31along with some beautiful synths and guitar
10:34paint a melancholy yet hopeful tone.
10:36While technically a love song,
10:38Time After Time
10:39is really about something or someone
10:41being there for you when you need them.
10:43If you're lost, you can look
10:45and you will find me
10:48Time After Time
10:50And its sentimental bars
10:52have been there for us,
10:54taking us back to simpler or better days,
10:56decade after decade
10:58and time after time.
11:00If you fall,
11:01I will catch you
11:02I will be waiting
11:03Time After Time
11:06Is there a soothing 80s song we forgot?
11:09Relax!
11:10When you want to,
11:12comment your favorites.
11:14Time After Time
11:14I will find you
11:14I am sure
11:15you,
11:15we are
11:15off the party
11:15You
11:16are
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