The best bath and shower songs

Do you love to sing a few upbeat tunes or power ballads in the shower? You’re not alone. It feels good, and it’s an excellent mood booster. Many people wonder what the best songs to sing in the shower are. In this article, we’ll explore why singing in the show is beneficial and suggest some song ideas. We’ll also touch on some more calming music to play whilst enjoying a soak in the bathtub. 

 

Why do we sing in the shower?

Aside from being incredibly fun, there are a few more scientifically backed reasons why so many people choose to sing in the shower. 

We all know that the sound of running water is supremely relaxing, but other factors, like the heat and steam from the water, also contribute. Any feelings of stuffiness seem to melt away when we take a long shower, because of the decongesting effect they can have on our airways. Aside from biological benefits, feeling relaxed in your own space means you are more likely to feel secure and confident, which is why so many people reach for the shampoo bottle/microphone. 

Science has also taught us that the acoustics of bathrooms and wet rooms may also give us the confidence to unleash our inner lead singer. When we’re singing shower songs, our voices are reverberated around the space due to smooth walls and compact design, making them sound more impressive. Now that you know a little about the science and physiology of shower singing, we’ve collected the seven best songs to enjoy next time you want a mood-boosting moment for yourself. Plus, we’ve also sourced some top relaxing tunes to unwind with in a lovely, hot bath.

The best shower songs 

Here are our top picks for songs to sing in the shower. The best shower songs are usually big ballads and uplifting songs that make you feel energised. Which one you choose is completely up to you! We’ve included a wide selection to suit different music tastes. 

 

Shivers – Ed Sheeran

In a recent poll conducted by Spotify, everyone’s favourite Halifax-born singer/songwriter came out on top as a genuine audience-backed favourite. It’s the love song’s upbeat tempo and passion-fuelled lyrics that scored the track a rating of 86/100 for energy, and an 8.87 for ‘shower singing’. Why not start your day with a high-energy ode to love?

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il0S8BoucSA[/embed]

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

This version was originally recorded in 1967, and we’ll forgive you for immediately thinking of the latter Diana Ross cover as the original. We’re including this track for the mood-boosting chemistry of the Gaye/Terrel duet, and for the heartfelt lyrics about overcoming any obstacle to be reunited with your soulmate.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABfQuZqq8wg[/embed]

 

I’m Still Standing – Elton John

Particularly apt for walk-in baths and showers alike, Elton John’s 1983 hit might be about walking away from an ex-lover, but it’s the sentiment of exciting new beginnings we’ll be channelling for our shower show and into the day/well/month/year ahead. Also, if you don’t know all the words, the impossibly catchy ‘Yeah, Yeah, Yeah’ section of the post-chorus will do just fine.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHwVBirqD2s[/embed]

 

Don’t Stop Believin’ - Journey

Something for you rock fans now as we delve into the world of long hair, faded denim, and arena-filling riffs. Don’t Stop Believin' wasn’t a huge hit for the San Francisco rockers at first, but went on to be one of the band’s most defining tracks. The title itself came from a letter written to band member Jonathan Cain by his father. His dad had included the titular advice offering solace at a time when Cain was doubting his future in music. The world of rock and roll and now, our showers, are grateful Cain listened to the advice.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k8craCGpgs[/embed]

 

Viva La Vida - Coldplay

Reviewed by psychologist David M Greenberg, Coldplay’s 2008 chart hit was found to adhere to three fundamental elements of an ‘energetic song’. It features a building, orchestral tone, positive lyrics and a BPM (beats per minute) of 100-130. It’s a technically perfect upbeat song, one that’s ideal for your next shower solo. Also, Similar to Elton’s I’m Still Standing, Viva La Vida’s sixth verse is an easy, crowd-pleasing favourite to participate in. 

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvgZkm1xWPE[/embed]

 

Here Comes The Sun - The Beatles

Considering the whole day is laid out before us when we’re taking a shower, a song that pulses with positive lyrics is a great place to start. That’s why we’ve included the iconic band’s 1969 track. Although the lyrics are clearly about dealing with strife and the feeling of relation once through to the other side, it’s the cheerful melody and charming backing vocals that place this track firmly in the happy camp.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKdl-GCsNJ0[/embed]

 

Kate Bush - Running Up That Hill

Do you have a task to do that’s weighing on your mind while you're trying to enjoy your shower? Let Kate Bush and her 1985 mega hit pull you through. One of the reasons singing in the shower is so popular is that a bathroom’s structure can offer an acoustic-damping effect. In this case, the muted sounds are perfect for mimicking Bush’s hauntingly beautiful vocals. 

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp43OdtAAkM[/embed]

 

The most relaxing bath songs

 

So, you’ve got your energising shower playlist sorted, but what about when you want to unwind and let all the thoughts and worries of the day melt away in a moment of pure, self-indulgent relaxation? You’ll want a change of pace, a different playlist, one that instantly enhances the tranquil environment you’ve created in your bathroom or wet room.

 

Marconi Union – Weightless 

Part of the reason that baths are so relaxing is that slight feeling of weightlessness you feel as you sink into its bubbly depths. Apt then, that this offering from Manchester-based Marconi Union has made the top of our list. It’s also scientifically proven to reduce anxiety in listeners after it was used in a study at MindLab International, with a reported 65% reduction in participants’ overall anxiety.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfcAVejslrU[/embed]

 

Heartbeats – Jose Gonzalez

Now, you probably recognise this track from an Sony advert that aired in the early 2000s. Even though it featured an incredible one-shot take of 250,000 coloured balls bouncing down a San Francisco street, it was Gonzalez’s beautifully lo-fi riffs and delicate vocals that saw the song shoot to popularity. Even now, Heartbeats is still considered one of the most relaxing acoustic tracks of all time. 

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOsRkcV8pCk[/embed]

 

Sigur Rós - Varúð

Sigur Rós make exactly the kind of triumphant, dreamy, ethereal post-rock that you would expect hailing from Reykjavik, a land of dynamic, contrasting beauty. Varúð begins quietly enough before transporting you through an almost seven-minute build, before cresting into one of the best outros of the early 2000s. Relaxing, tranquil and riveting, all in one song. 

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gf1h2PMPCAo[/embed]

 

Chopin - Nocturne 

Classical music is capable of inspiring the full range of human emotion, but some famous pieces have been scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety. Chopin is one such maestro, with Nocturne activating the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing heart rate and reducing blood pressure. Exactly the results you want from a long soak in the bath.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9E6b3swbnWg[/embed]

 

Adele - Someone Like You 

Adele is known for her beautiful songwriting and powerful ballads, but there is one song in her discography that’s particularly effective at soundtracking your next bath. It has recently been discovered that ‘Someone Like You’ uses notes similar to appoggiaturas – a musical technique proven to promote feelings of relaxation.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLQl3WQQoQ0[/embed]

 

Enya - Only Time

‘Orinoco Flow’ was a huge hit for Enya in the 80s, but 12 years later, the Irish singer and composer hit the spotlight with the achingly beautiful ‘Only Time’. Harmonious, drifting vocals, soft string arrangements and a dreamlike synth combine to create one of her most cherished songs to date. It’s giving us images of candlelight flickering in a gentle breeze, so be sure to include some candles next time you hit play on this song in your bath.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wfYIMyS_dI[/embed]

 

Max Richter - On The Nature Of Daylight 

Beloved by directors and filmmakers for its ability to convey the extremes of human emotion, Max Richter’s On The Nature Of Daylight has been used in a whopping 24 films and TV shows. Take away any kind of visual stimulus, and you’re left with an orchestral masterpiece that features a soothing, melancholy beginning and builds to a truly joyful ending – one for the film fans. 

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InyT9Gyoz_o[/embed]