The Best Country Instrumental Music to Relax to
Contents
- Country Music History
- The Best Country Instrumental Music to Relax to
- “Aloha Oe” by Ledward Kaapana
- “Beaumont Rag” by Merle Travis
- “Big Rock Candy Mountain” by Harry McClintock
- “Bouree” by J.S. Bach
- “Cripple Creek” by Earl Scruggs
- “Danny Boy” by Irish Traditional
- “Deep in the Heart of Texas” by Don Swander
- “Dixie” by Daniel Decatur Emmett
- “The Entertainer” by Scott Joplin
Find the best country instrumental music to relax to. We have gathered the top country songs to provide the perfect soundtrack for your next road trip.
Country Music History
Country music is a genre of American popular music that originated in the Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from the folk music of the Appalachian region and has influences from blues and rock music. Country music often consists of ballads and dance tunes with generally simple forms and harmonies accompanied by mostly string instruments such as banjos, electric and acoustic guitars, fiddles, and harmonicas.
The Origins of Country Music
The origins of country music can be traced back to the early 1920s, when the first commercial country music recordings were made. Country music is a blend of traditional folk music, blues, and Appalachian mountain music. It is characterized by its simple, down-to-earth lyrics and its roots in the working class.
Country music began to gain mainstream popularity in the 1930s, thanks in part to the rise of radio and the popularity of country superstars like Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family. During this time, many of country music’s biggest hits were instrumentals, such as “Rolling Stone from Texas” and “Faded Love.”
In the 1940s and 1950s, country music became even more popular, as stars like Hank Williams and Patsy Cline captivated audiences with their heart-wrenching ballads. The 1950s also saw the rise of rockabilly, a rootsy combination of country and rock ‘n’ roll that became hugely popular thanks to artists like Elvis Presley.
The 1960s saw a major shift in country music, as artists like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard began incorporating elements of rock and roll into their sound. This “Bakersfield sound” would go on to have a major influence on country music in the decades that followed.
Today, country music is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It has retained its down-to-earth sound while evolving into a truly American art form.
The Development of Country Music
The origin of country music can be traced back to the 1920s, when it emerged from a combination of folk, blues, and gospel music. Its popularity grew throughout the 1930s and 1940s, and by the 1950s, it had become one of the most popular genres in the United States.
During the 1960s and 1970s, country music underwent a major transformation, as artists began to experiment with new sounds and styles. This led to the development of subgenres such as honky-tonk and Southern rock, which helped to broaden the genre’s appeal.
In the 1980s and 1990s, country music experienced another resurgence in popularity, with artists like Garth Brooks and Shania Twain achieving massive mainstream success. Today, country music is enjoyed by fans all over the world, and its popularity shows no signs of waning.
The Best Country Instrumental Music to Relax to
There are many different types of music that people can enjoy for relaxation. Some prefer classical music, others jazz, and still, others country. While there are many sub-genres of country music, not all of them are particularly relaxing. The best country instrumental music to relax to is typically slower paced with a focus on the instruments rather than the vocals.
“Aloha Oe” by Ledward Kaapana
Aloha Oe, or “Farewell to thee,” is one of Hawaii’s most popular songs. Composed by queen Liliuokalani in 1878, the song has been performed by many artists over the years, but Ledward Kaapana’s version is truly special.
Kaapana is a world-renowned slack key guitarist and singer from Hawaii. His version of “Aloha Oe” is a beautiful acoustic guitar instrumental that will transport you to the islands. The song starts with a simple guitar melody that is soon joined by the sound of birds singing in the background. As the song progresses, Kaapana’s guitar playing becomes more complex and showcases his masterful technique.
If you’re looking for a relaxing country instrumental to help you wind down, “Aloha Oe” by Ledward Kaapana is the perfect choice.
“Beaumont Rag” by Merle Travis
“Beaumont Rag” by Merle Travis is a classic country instrumental that has been performed by many artists over the years. The song was originally released in 1947 and has been a staple of country music ever since. The song is known for its simple, yet catchy, melody and its upbeat tempo. “Beaumont Rag” is the perfect song to relax to, whether you’re on a long road trip or just want to unwind after a long day.
“Big Rock Candy Mountain” by Harry McClintock
This song was originally released in 1928 by Harry McClintock, but it was popularized in the 1940’s by Burl Ives. It tells the story of a hobo’s utopia, where there’s “banjos strumming and Hobos singing” and “you never change your socks and the tobacco spit is all over the ground.” This fun, upbeat song is sure to put a smile on your face and get your toes tapping.
“Bouree” by J.S. Bach
This track, “Bouree” by J.S. Bach, is the perfect choice for anyone looking to relax to some beautiful country instrumental music. The piece is calm and serene, with a lovely melody that will stay with you long after the track has ended.
“Cripple Creek” by Earl Scruggs
Earl Scruggs introduced the banjo to a wider audience with his unique 3-finger style of playing. This tune, which is commonly played at a breakneck pace, is taken at a more leisurely tempo here, making it the perfect choice for a relaxing country music playlist.
“Danny Boy” by Irish Traditional
This touching ballad is one of the most well-known Irish songs in the world. It is often played at funerals, due to its heartbreaking lyrics which tell the story of a young man who is leaving his family and homeland forever. The gorgeous melody will stay with you long after the song has ended.
“Deep in the Heart of Texas” by Don Swander
Deep in the heart of Texas,
There’s a fire in the hills,
And a voice that cries in the night,
As the darkness fills the sky.
And the people of the land,
Are united in their fight,
To keep their homes and families safe,
From the tyranny of might.
“Dixie” by Daniel Decatur Emmett
One of the most popular and well-known country instrumentals is “Dixie” by Daniel Decatur Emmett. The song was first popularized by the minstrel shows of the mid-19th century and has been associated with the American South ever since. The tune is upbeat and optimistic, making it perfect for relaxation.
“The Entertainer” by Scott Joplin
“The Entertainer” by Scott Joplin is a famous American Ragtime composition. It was first published in 1902 and has been featured in a number of films since then, most notably “The Sting” for which it won an Academy Award. The piece is highly syncopated and has an overall light-hearted feel, making it perfect for Relaxing to.