The Five: Best Songs To Ease You Into Your Day

Gently ease into your day with our five favorite songs.

Morning is a precious time in all of our daily lives. The way we treat the early hours of the day sets the tone and has a lasting affect on our mood. You know what I am talking about, right? There are some mornings when the alarm buzzes, you snooze an hour too long, and then frantically rush to get ready before tripping over your dog on the way out the door. Or, some mornings we rise with the sun, set our intentions for the day, put on a record and stretch it out before gracefully gliding into the shower. We’ve all been there, on both sides of the spectrum.

This week, we’re all about easing into the morning, and we have five songs that will help you do just that. Let me know what you think and if there are any albums or songs that you would add to this list! Also, don’t forget to follow The Five’s entire playlist on Spotify here!

paul
Photo courtesy Rolling Stone Magazine

“Diamonds On the Soles of Her Shoes” by Paul Simon. Paul Simon’s 1986 album, Graceland, could honestly be the best record to put on in the morning as you wake (so do that if you have it!). This song, in particular, is a feel-good jam that hits all the perfect folk and worldbeat spots. Simon wrote the song while in South Africa, where he learned various music techniques and sounds, and bonded with locals.

tammi

“Hold Me Oh My Darling” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.  I love me some Marvin Gaye, especially in the morning. He gets help from soul great, Tammi Terrell, on this track from their first of two collaborative records. United was released in 1967, and though “Hold Me Oh My Darling” didn’t reach award status, the album yielded four other top hits. This song however, will get you up (and singing) in no time.

rickie

“Chuck E’s In Love” by Rickie Lee Jones. Jones was inspired by a friend for this 1979 soft rock hit. It is said that she and lover and fellow musician, Tom Waits, spent a lot of time with friend, Chuck E. Weiss, at the Tropicana Hotel in Los Angeles during the 1970s. Chuck E. eventually disappeared without a word and, much time later, called Waits and Jones at their apartment. He told them he had moved to Denver to be with the woman he had fallen in love with. Rickie felt inspired and ended up writing this hit, which eventually reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Put this song on as you pour yourself a cup of coffee. Trust me.

leon
Photo courtesy www.leonbridges.com

“Coming Home” by Leon Bridges. One of my favorite records released this year is Bridges’ debut album, Coming Home. His soulful, gospel, and rhythm and blues sound is inspired by 1960s R&B music but remains authentic, passionate and fresh. “Coming Home” was one of Spotify’s Top Ten Most Viral Tracks this year.

ofege
Photo courtesy last.fm

“It’s Not Easy” by Ofege. There’s not much written about the 1970s psychedelic-soul-rock band Ofege. Like, at all. But the little that I could find said that this school boy musical band from St. Gregory’s College was Nigeria’s best performing boy musical band of all time. And it’s no surprise. The sound is groovy and mellow, and wakes you up just a bit — perfect for your commute into work.

+Now it’s your turn! What are your favorite albums to start the day? I would love to hear! 

Follow Joanna on Instagram.

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co
8 years ago

the only living boy in new york- simon & garfunkel
never going back again- fleetwood mac
mexico- cake
…are all my top picks right now for fall!!
love paul simon and ofege great picks!