Ryan Hiemenz
Music has immense power over each and every one of us and while it may not seem like it, it links us to each other and to the world we live in. Sometimes it’s the deep and meaningful lyrics that have us diving into our thoughts and trying desperately to relate to the message of the song. Other times an artist may employ beautiful sounds and rhythm to force emotions out of their audience without a single word. Whatever the type of music, there is no secret that it has the power to infiltrate our minds and evoke feelings we keep inside. Oftentimes I find myself listening to certain types of music that are so calming or wacky that I feel like I’m existing within a dream. This transient state of euphoria is unparalleled by any other type of media or entertainment. It is simply astounding.
Yes, this article could be very short and I could say “yeah go listen to Tame Impala and trip out,” but I want to dig a little deeper than that. Tame Impala is indeed on this list but I did my best to limit them as best I could to give other songs their deserved time in the spotlight.
Without further ado: 20 Songs That Will Make You Feel Like You’re Dreaming!
- Borderline – Tame Impala
Alright, I know I JUST said that this was not going to be a Tame Impala list and here we are with one of their songs. The thing is, the song perfectly encapsulates all of the characteristics of one of these “dreamlike” melodies. From the echoed voices to the very synth-heavy beat, this song has listeners in a musical haze. This is also the first song by Tame Impala that uses a timpani drum, this brings their dreamy appeal even further!
2. 恢复 – 2 8 1 4
This six-minute masterpiece by indie artist, 2 8 1 4, will take you on a trip deep into your mind. The song starts off very slow and eases you into an almost hallucinogenic state without a single word. The extremely strong use of synth paired with soft beats and piano sounds creates an incredible world for listeners to immerse themselves in. Close your eyes and relax while listening to this one, I guarantee you’ll have some crazy fun dreams!2.
3. Somebody Else – The 1975
The 1975 is an extremely popular alternative band that seems to have at least one song that everybody likes. This massively popular song that was released in 2016 throws me into a dream that feels like it’s right out of a classic 80’s movie. The nostalgic feeling beat mixed with echoed lyrics about a lost relationship will have listeners reminiscing about loved ones and their past relationships.
4. Vanilla Twilight – Owl City
Owl City includes this euphoric dream-like vibe in every one of their songs so narrowing it down to this one was tough. Ultimately, this one had the greatest effect on me because of the soft and uplifting melodies present in the song. The almost robotic sounding voice singing warm and romantic lyrics is the cherry on top of this musical adventure.
5. Lemon Haze – Apollo James
Lemon Haze has my favorite beat on this list hands down. It is very relaxing but something about the sounds have me thinking about being a kid again. This lo-fi hip hop beat is used as background for Apollo James’ somewhat sad and questioning lyrics. The product of those is this amazing song that is sure to have you feeling light and dreamy.
6. Star Shopping – Lil Peep
The soft, almost eerie guitar riff that is present in Lil Peep’s posthumous single “Star Shopping”, is what initially has listeners in their minds. Then the beat comes in and boom, you’re daydreaming. The lyrics to follow discuss falling apart, finding your “reason to shine”, and much more. Definitely a much more solemn approach to daydreaming but important nonetheless!
7. Magnolia – keshi
This song creates a very relaxing and sweet ambiance for listeners to enjoy as they drift off to sleep or into a daydream. The repetition of the lyrics “You’re so beautiful” over and over keep the audience from getting too far into their feelings while also warming their hearts. Keshi creates a safe space for our dreams to bloom in this musical wonder!
8. Sanctuary – Joji
The former YouTube star, Joji, sings about love and the beginnings of something beautiful in his single “Sanctuary”. This song beautifully employs heartfelt lyrics and vocals, along with a soothing beat that never fails to relax me. No matter what mood you may be in, this song is sure to calm you down and put you in the mood for a romantic daydream.
9. Blinding Lights – The Weeknd
The recent single from The Weeknd, “Blinding Lights” is a nostalgic masterpiece in every way, shape, andform. The lyrics have listeners wanting a loved one near and ready to do anything to get them. These vocals on top of a very synth-heavy beat brings the perfect 80’s esque vibe for any upbeat adventure for a lover.
10. Midnight City – M83
It’s truly impossible to describe the feeling that this song can evoke in us, you’re going to have to listen to it for yourself and find out. Maybe you daydream about playing video games until late hours of the night in middle school. Or maybe youre so immersed in the sounds that you feel bigger than the world. Either way, you’ll be floating through dreams with this one.
11. Sweet Insomnia – Gallant & 6lack
The excellent collaboration between R&B artists, Gallant and 6lack, gave us much more than we could have ever asked for. Right off the bat, the beat draws us in and keeps us hooked before the beautiful vocals by Gallant. Ever miss the feeling of sleeping next to your significant other? This song will have you dreaming of their presence and ready for their triumphant return to your arms.
12. Vertigo – Khalid
Have you ever laid down and felt as though you were floating and whirling? Sounds like a time I know, but it’s actually one of the coolest feelings in the world. If you want to experience it, listen to Khalid’s song “Vertigo” and be ready to fly! His perfect voice paired with unusual background music create an incredibly relaxing and lofty ambiance for us to dream peacefully within.
13. Eternal Youth – RUDE
This song is yet another lo-fi instrumental for us to relax to. However this one is much different than the last. “Eternal Youth” repeats a simple beat over and over and alters how it sounds just a bit every passing minute. This gives us both a sense of comfort because we know what is coming and also a sense of wonder as we wait to see how it is going to change.
14. Throwaway – SG Lewis & Clairo
This duo creates one of my favorite songs on this list. We are dropped right into a soft and uplifting beat that has us daydreaming before the vocals even come in. Then when they do, we hear Clairo’s beautiful voice singing about taking that leap into trusting a loved one. Absolutely brilliant and a guaranteed romantic haze. If you like this one, go check out more Clairo music, she owns this “dreamy” genre of music!
15. Shooting Stars – Bag Raiders
Okay. Yes. This song is a meme. But hear me out! In every one of the memes using this song, what is happening? People are flying through space and time to this fantastic beat. Well, guess what? You’ll feel like those people just by listening to this song! The meme creators picked this song for a reason, they know what they’re doing.
16. Feels Like Summer – Childish Gambino
Is there anything that Donald Glover can’t do? No, no there isn’t. Here he is on the list of dreamy vibes for his song “Feels Like Summer”. As the title suggests, this song will have you imagining your toes in sand on a tropical island. The calming beat has subtle tones that remind me of maracas or just beach noises in general. A great choice for a daydream in the middle of February.
17. Gooey – Glass Animals
THIS IS A MUST LISTEN! This song perfectly encapsulates everything that a song needs to have us daydreaming for hours. A relaxed beat with soft vocals, echoes, and background sounds. Let the music speak for itself, give it a listen.
18. Space Song – Beach House
ANOTHER MUST LISTEN! This one is my favorite song on the list, no other gets me feeling as light and happy as this one does. It’s extremely catchy and I promise you that once it’s over you will be rushing to the replay button.
19. Yes I’m Changing – Tame Impala
Yes, Tame Impala again. I’m sorry! I’ll spare you the details, you know the drill with this music.
20. Myth – Beach House
Last, but certainly not least, we have another song from Beach House. Much like “Space Song”, “Myth” is very catchy and relaxing and has never failed to help me visualize beautiful worlds inside my dreams. Give it a go!
Listen to a playlist of all of the songs listed above on Spotify (linked below). Sweet Dreams!
