Many agree that sunset is the most beautiful part of the day.
There is something very mysterious about sunsets, but they are also very calming. In fact, research shows that watching sunsets relieves stress.
Besides being beneficial, watching the warm colors of the sun slowly going down is also very romantic.
And is there a better way to complete the moment than listening to suitable music?
To inspire you to go out and enjoy the next sunset, we’ve picked the 15 best songs about sunsets.
15 Songs About Sunsets
1. The Kinks – “Waterloo Sunset”
We’re starting out with one of the most popular songs about sunsets.
It’s ranked number 14 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
And it’s one of The Kinks’ iconic hits, inspired by the lead singer Ray Davies’ personal connection to Waterloo in London.
With its laid-back, dreamy harmonies and the sweet sound of the 60’s classic rock, “Waterloo Sunset” is an ideal soundtrack for a sunset drive.
“But I don’t need no friends
As long as I gaze on
Waterloo sunset
I am in paradise.”
2. Xavier Rudd – “Follow the Sun”
Another suggestion for a relaxed sunset drive is “Follow the Sun” by Xavier Rudd.
The song is also perfect for sitting by the sea and waiting for the sun to disappear behind the waves.
The lyrics perfectly fit the gentle and calming atmosphere of the song:
“Follow, follow the sun
And which way the wind blows
When this day is done
Breathe, breathe in the air
Set your intentions
Dream with care.”
3. The XX – “Sunset”
This is one of the songs about sunset offering a touch of melancholy. After all, sunsets can represent an end of the cycle; a completion.
“Sunset” by The XX talks about two people who were in love but slowly drifted apart. In essence, it’s about that strange feeling of acting as you’ve never met someone you used to be very closed to.
“I saw you again
It felt like we had never met
It’s like the sun set in your eyes
I never want it to rise.”
4. Bahamas – “Sunshine Blues”
This is hands down one of the most calming sunset songs.
“Sunshine Blues” is a romantic tune ideal for listening to with your special someone while admiring the sunset.
However, the lyrics are somewhat melancholic, since they tell the story of a love between the sun and the moon; the impossible love.
“Sunset sings the sweetest tune
Just the song he wrote for his true love in bloom
I held you dear since the dawn of time
You know it’s true that for you I shine.”
5. Petit Biscuit – “Sunset Lover”
When it comes to chill sunset songs, we definitely have to mention “Sunset Lover”.
It’s an atmospheric tune with tropical house vibes by the French DJ and producer Petit Biscuit.
It’s an ideal soundtrack to unwind and take it easy after a long day.
6. Kings of Leon – “Radioactive”
Although it’s lyrically not a song about sunsets, “Radioactive” offers an uplifting atmosphere ideal for driving or going for a run during sunset.
It will fill you up with positive energy and help you appreciate the moment you’re in.
After all, the song is from Kings of Leon’s album called “Come Around Sundown.”
“When road is carved up yonder
I hope you see me there
It’s in the water, it’s where you came from.”
7. Jack Johnson – “Sunsets for Somebody Else”
Jack Johnson undoubtedly knows how to enjoy life. His music is calming and laid-back, but also soulful and profound.
He released “Sunsets for Somebody Else” on his 2017 album “All the Light Above It Too.”
And although at first seems like a relaxed song about sunsets, “Sunsets for Somebody Else” also tackles relevant social and political topics that the singer is engaged in.
“I know I’ve seen your face somewhere
Selling something, some big idea
I know I’ve seen that vacant stare
Selling sunsets for somebody else.”
8. Hollow Coves – “These Memories”
Watching the sunset can be a perfect chance to slow down, think about your life, and evoke some memories.
And “These Memories” by Hollow Coves is a perfect musical background for these moments.
It’s a calming yet captivating indie song about remembering the good times.
“We made our way
To a hill beside the sea
With salt in the air
And sand on our feet
We felt the sun
As it burnt upon our skin.”
9. Angus & Julia Stone – “Big Jet Plane”
Another group that always manages to create a captivating, dreamy atmosphere in their music is Angus & Julia Stone.
As the name suggests, the group is formed by a brother and sister, and one of their most memorable tracks is “Big Jet Plane.”
The song was released on their album “Down the Way” in 2010, and it still remains one of the indie favorites.
10. Nat King Cole – “Red Sails in the Sunset”
“Red sails in the sunset
Way out on the sea
Oh, carry my loved one
Home safely to me.“
This charming, jazz song was revived by Nat King Cole in 1951.
“Red Sails in the Sunset” is one of those smooth, romantic sunset songs to end your day.
11. Phoenix – “Love Like a Sunset, Pt. II”
If you’re making a playlist of songs with sunsets in the lyrics, you should definitely include this indie rock track by Phoenix.
“Love Like a Sunset, Pt. II” is a rather short but very sweet and uplifting song.
“Acres
A visible illusion
Oh, where it starts, it ends
Love like a sunset.”
12. Alexi Murdoch – “Orange Sky”
British musician and songwriter Alexi Murdoch is known for writing tender and emotional music. And the song “Orange Sky” must have been inspired by some mesmerizing sunsets.
The song was also featured in episodes of various TV shows including “House”, “Prison Break”, and “The O.C.”
“But when I am alone
When I’ve thrown off the weight of this crazy stone
When I’ve lost all care for the things I own
That’s when I miss you.”
13. Lorde – “Solar Power”
“Forget all of the tears that you’ve cried
It’s over (over, over, over)
It’s a new state of mind.“
“Solar Power” by Lorde marked the summer of 2021 for many.
In essence, this easy-going song is an ode to the sun, nature, and simple living, and it’s, therefore, an ideal so-called into the sunset song.
14. Norah Jones – “Come Away With Me”
Norah Jones’ signature song is called “Sunrise”, but her track “Come Away With Me” fits this list perfectly.
Norah Jones released this calm, romantic tune on her debut album of the same name when she was just 22.
“Come away with me and we’ll kiss
On a mountaintop
Come away with me
And I’ll never stop loving you.“
15. Parov Stelar – “The Sun”
Let’s complete this list with a catchy, upbeat tune by Parov Stelar.
Although it was released in 2015, regularly hearing “The Sun” on the radio feels like yesterday.
Either way, it’s a great track to listen to when you’re driving into the sunset.
“Now I’m gonna tell my momma
That I’m a traveler
I’m gonna follow the sun.”
Songs about Sunsets – Final Thoughts
There really isn’t anything more relaxing than enjoying a beautiful sunset and some good music.
In a world where everyone seems to be in a rush and where being super busy is glorified, it’s important to appreciate simple moments in life.
Even 15 minutes per day when you can simply sit down, breathe, and admire the sunset can do wonders.
And we hope this playlist will keep you good company next time you decide to do that.
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