Nothing elevates the mood better than listening to acoustic guitar music with good lyrics and tunes. Whether you're looking to relax after a long day, need background music for studying, or want to set the mood for a cozy evening, the soothing strums of an acoustic guitar provide the perfect soundtrack.
Below, we’ve compiled the best acoustic guitar songs to add to your Spotify playlists, ensuring you have the ideal playlist for every moment. From heartfelt ballads to energetic folk tunes, these playlists are curated to provide the ultimate acoustic music experience. So, dive into acoustic guitar music and discover your next favorite track among these top playlists.
Our Top 10 Pick on the Best Acoustic Songs for your Spotify Playlists
1. "Expectation" by Logan Ransley
Released on November 13, 2023, “Expectation” by Logan Ransley is one of the best acoustic songs to add to your Spotify playlist. This acoustic guitar music tackles the pressure of conforming to societal expectations. It's a relatable tune for anyone who has felt constrained by external judgment.
If you're a fan of this song, consider exploring more acoustic tracks by Logan Ransley. Songs like "Gwendoline", "Son", "Crossroads", and "All I Want" by Logan Ransley will add a touch of magic to your best Spotify playlists.
Listen to “Expectation" by Logan Ransley on YouTube.
2. “Yesterday” by The Beatles
"Yesterday" is a timeless classic originally recorded by the Beatles for their 1965 album titled “Help!”. This melancholic acoustic guitar ballad, written solely by Paul McCartney, remains incredibly popular with over 2,200 cover versions, making it one of the most covered songs in recorded music history. This classic received countless accolades and recognition, including being voted the best song of the 20th century in a 1999 BBC Radio 2 poll of music experts and listeners. Notably, MTV and Rolling Stone magazine also crowned it the Number 1 Pop song of all time. The song's impact was further solidified when it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1997.
This song delves into the emotional turmoil of a relationship's end. McCartney's soulful performance, accompanied by a string quartet, truly captures the essence of the song. Interestingly, the song also marks the first official recording by the Beatles that relied solely on a single band member's performance. For fans of acoustic guitar music and those seeking the best Spotify playlists filled with timeless acoustic songs, "Yesterday" is a must-have addition to your music collection.
Listen to “Yesterday” by The Beatles on YouTube.
3. “Hotel California” by Eagles
"Hotel California" by the American rock band Eagles holds a special place in the world of acoustic guitar music. Released as the second single from their album of the same name on February 22, 1977, the song has left an indelible mark on music history. Its epic guitar chords were even voted the best guitar solo of all time by the readers of Guitarist in 1998. Furthermore, the song clinched the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1978, solidifying its place as an all-time classic.
The meaning behind the song's lyrics has sparked discussions among both fans and critics, with the Eagles themselves describing it as their "interpretation of the high life in Los Angeles." Since its release, "Hotel California" has been widely regarded as one of the best acoustic songs of all time and has been covered by numerous artists. Commercially, "Hotel California" soared to the number one position on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved top-ten rankings on several international charts.
Listen to “Hotel California” by Eagles on YouTube.
4. “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd
“Wish You Were Here" is an acoustic song by English rock band Pink Floyd, released as the title track of their 1975 album of the same name. The song is a collaborative creation by guitarist/vocalist David Gilmour and bassist/vocalist Roger Waters, with Gilmour taking the lead on vocals. This classic has cemented its place as a staple in Pink Floyd's iconic discography and continues to captivate listeners on classic rock radio stations. Its enduring appeal has been acknowledged by numerous accolades, including being voted the 18th best rock song of all time by listeners of New York City’s Q104.3.
Rolling Stone also recognized its greatness by ranking it at Number 302 on their "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list in 2021. Moreover, Billboard and Louder Sound have paid tribute to the song, ranking it at number one and number three, respectively, on their lists of the 50 greatest Pink Floyd songs. For those seeking the best Spotify playlists featuring the best acoustic songs, "Wish You Were Here" is an essential addition that beautifully captures the lasting allure of acoustic guitar music.
Listen to “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd on YouTube.
5. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
"Landslide" is a classic acoustic song by the British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac, written and performed by Stevie Nicks. Originally released on the band's self-titled album "Fleetwood Mac" in 1975, this mesmerizing acoustic gem has stood the test of time. "Landslide" reached admirable positions on the music charts, peaking at Number 51 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and an impressive No. 10 on the Adult Contemporary chart. The song's enduring popularity led to its gold certification in October 2009, signifying over 500,000 copies sold in the United States.
Acknowledging its brilliance, Rolling Stone placed "Landslide" at an honorable Number 163 on their prestigious "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list in 2021. For those in search of the best Spotify playlists displaying the finest acoustic songs, "Landslide" is worth listening to. Its delicate melodies and heartfelt lyrics perfectly exemplify the enduring allure of acoustic guitar music.
Listen to “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac on YouTube.
6. “Angie” by The Rolling Stones
"Angie" is a timeless acoustic ballad by the English rock band The Rolling Stones, featured on their 1973 album titled “Goats Head Soup.” It also served as the lead single on the album. The remarkable lyrics in "Angie" paint a heartfelt portrayal of a troubled love story as the narrator navigates the emotional turmoil of a relationship with a woman named "Angie." The song delicately expresses the conflicting emotions surrounding the possibility of bidding farewell to a love that once burned so brightly.
As the years have passed, "Angie" has solidified its position as one of The Rolling Stones’ most cherished tracks. So, for those seeking the best acoustic songs to add to their best Spotify playlists, "Angie" is a gem that perfectly captures the emotional depth and timeless appeal of acoustic ballads.
Listen to “Angie” by The Rolling Stones on YouTube.
7. “Heart of Gold” by Neil Young
"Heart of Gold" is a much-loved acoustic masterpiece by the talented Canadian singer-songwriter Neil Young. Originally featured on his fourth album, "Harvest," this soothing track remains special to music enthusiasts to this day. This song is Young's only United States Number 1 single. In Canada, it reached Number 1 on the RPM national singles chart for the first time on April 8, 1972. It was also ranked Number 17 on Billboard's yearly Top 100 and has since been acclaimed in several of Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" lists, with the latest rank at Number 259 in 2021.
The song's delightful sound is complemented by stunning backup vocals by James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt. It is part of a series of beautiful acoustic pieces that Young wrote while recovering from a back injury, which made it difficult for him to stand and play his electric guitar. He instead turned to his acoustic guitar, which he could play comfortably sitting down, and the captivating melody of "Heart of Gold" was born. Additionally, the song's instrumental portions feature Young’s playing of the harmonica, including the introduction.
Listen to “Heart of Gold” by Neil Young on YouTube.
8. “More Than Words” by Extreme
"More Than Words" is a fascinating acoustic song by the American rock band Extreme. This heartfelt song showcases the brilliant acoustic guitar work of Nuno Bettencourt and the soulful vocals of Gary Cherone, with harmonious backing vocals by Bettencourt. It was released as the third single from their second album, "Pornograffitti," on March 12, 1991.
The song was a number one hit in the United States, where it was certified gold, as well as in Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. The song's powerful message resonated with listeners, urging lovers to express their affection through actions beyond mere words.
Listen to “More Than Words” by Extreme on YouTube.
9. “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton
"Tears in Heaven" is a song by English guitarist, singer, and songwriter Eric Clapton and Will Jennings written about the passing of Clapton's young son, Conor. It was even featured on the Rush film soundtrack in 1991.
Clapton's emotional performance of the song on MTV Unplugged became iconic. "Tears in Heaven" became Clapton's best-selling single in the United States, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song also found success internationally, charting in the top 10 in over 20 countries. Furthermore, the song won three Grammy Awards and was ranked 353rd on Rolling Stone's list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time".
Listen to “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton on YouTube.
10. “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor
"Fire and Rain" is an acoustic song that was composed and performed by American singer-songwriter James Taylor, released in August 1970 by Warner Bros. It was the second single from Taylor's second studio album titled “Sweet Baby James”.
The song explores Taylor’s reaction to his friend Suzanne Schnerr’s suicide and his life with fame and drugs. After its release, "Fire and Rain" reached number two on RPM's Canada Top Singles chart and number three on Billboard Hot 100. No wonder it holds a special place as one of the best acoustic songs to add to your Spotify playlist.
Listen to "Fire and Rain" by James Taylor on YouTube.
Bonus: “Something About Her” by Logan Ransley
Looking for some soothing acoustic guitar music? Well, this classic by Logan Ransley is just what you need. "Something About Her" is a heartfelt song that captures the enchanting experience of falling for someone under the moonlight. The lyrics describe the joy of watching a captivating girl sing and dance and the indescribable connection felt when she looks his way.
Save the playlist on Spotify!
Why Add These Acoustic Guitar Songs to Your Spotify Playlists? Adding these acoustic guitar songs to your Spotify playlists will enhance your music listening experience. From calming ballads to upbeat folk tunes, these songs can uplift your mood and transport you to a place of musical bliss. So, don't hesitate to start creating your ultimate acoustic playlist on Spotify today. Happy listening!