THE BEST MUSIC TO INCLUDE ON MEDITATION SOUNDTRACKS

Can't meditate without music? Check out some of our recommended albums to create the perfect meditation soundtracks.

If you can meditate without music, good for you, Zen Master. Meditating is easier if you don't have to find a streaming service, choose the perfect tune, and remember to grab your headphones before leaving the house.

For the rest of us, music is a necessity and something that helps turn chaotic thoughts into a moment of peace and clarity. If you've ever tried to meditate in a crowded park, for example, you know that music is a great way to relax the mind; there's little silence to be found.

Here's the rub: we can't use our favorite music as meditation soundtracks.

Why?

Because we can't stop singing along, dancing to the beat, or losing ourselves in the melody. Meditation is about concentration. And if we're listening to the latest jam by Bruno Mars or a classic Prince tune, we're not focusing on our breathing. We're thinking about how much the song kicks ass.

So what's the solution?

Creating dedicated meditation soundtracks, of course!

You might not find the music stimulating, and you likely won't have heard of the artists. But these pieces will make it easier to focus while meditating.

Meditation soundtracks explained

What exactly makes meditation music?

There isn't a precise definition. But generally, you'll want to listen to something that calms your mind and allows you to escape everything around you while focusing on your breathing.

It isn't exciting. It isn't stimulating. It's just kind of there but helps drown out any commotion around you to keep on task.

Here are some albums to check out when creating the perfect meditation playlist.

Music For Yoga Meditation And Other Joys — Tony Scott

Officially, Tony Scott's 1968 release entitled Music For Yoga Meditation And Other Joys falls into the free jazz genre. Still, with track listings like “Prahna,” “Hare Krishna,” and “Samadhi,” it's probably unlike any jazz you've ever heard.

The duet album features Scott on the clarinet and Collin Walcott on the sitar. And, as the song names suggest, there's a heavy Indian influence on the music.

Simply put, this isn't an album to play in the car when cruising with your friends—at least, if you want to keep them in your life. But its long tones and flowing melodies are the perfect fit for meditation ambiance music.

Thursday Afternoon — Brian Eno

If there's such thing as a big name in the meditation music industry, it's Brian Eno. Although Eno describes himself as a non-musician, he's enjoyed a 50-year career and must be doing something right, as people keep buying his albums.

Thursday Afternoon is probably the pinnacle of Eno's career, and it's made up of a single song that lasts for 60 minutes and 50 seconds. That's it; that's the entire album.

The song is beatless and flowing, featuring an acoustic piano and a series of synthesizers. The music doesn't draw any jarring or excited emotions out of the listener—and that's perfect for meditation.

Trilogie De La Mort — Éliane Radigue

Do you have a minute?

How about three hours?

Well, that's the runtime for Trilogie De La Mort by Éliane Radigue, so you'll need a bit of time if you plan to listen to the entire thing.

Of course, you could settle for listening to the first track, “Kyema,” or the other two: “Kailasha” and “Koume.” Each song is about an hour long, so if you find you're into it, you're set for weeks’ worth of meditation.

As for the music, it's mostly a bunch of sounds. It may leave you wondering how the hell it took Radigue eight years to complete it.

At the same time, the music fills a purpose for meditation because there isn't a beat or anything else to focus on. Give it a try.

Pop — Gas

First thing’s first: this album isn't pop music. However, Resident Advisor magazine named Pop the sixth-best album of the 2000s, and Pitchfork magazine calls it the 11th-best ambient album ever.

The performer, Gas, is actually Wolfgang Voigt. That name likely doesn't mean anything to you, but he's a relatively famous German techno DJ who is one of minimal techno's originators.

The music on this album is electronic, but it uses these sounds to put you in a forest or other deserted location. Close your eyes and give it a listen to see what we mean. It's one of the most perfect meditation soundtracks.

The album has seven songs, all of which are untitled and vary in length between five and 14 minutes. No matter how long you have to chill out and meditate, Pop has the song for you.

Take your Zen to the next level with meditation soundtracks and a little CBD

If the music alone isn't enough to quiet your mind while meditating, CBD can help you get out of your own head and mellow out.

Whether you're interested in CBD oil or some CBD gummies, these products let you focus. And when they’re combined with your new meditation playlist, they help you create the optimal atmosphere for decompressing and chillin' out.

Try a CBD product before your next meditation session, and don't forget that our wellness subscriptions can save you some cash—20% off, to be exact.