Moods: Introspective

The tunes to turn to when you're in a contemplative mood, from introspective singer/songwriter ballads to spare, moody, acoustic instrumentals. These thoughtful tracks offer you the right sonic space for some contemplation of your own.

Introspective folk-based songs to help you reflect during the fleeting moments of magic hour when the sun has dipped below the horizon but hasn't yet set.

Wind down after a long night out with these boozy nocturnal ballads from the classic singer-songwriters of the '60s, '70s and '80s.

An intimate experience with some of rap's most compelling introspective and philosophical songs.

Everyone with a soft spot for singer/songwriters knows their Troubadour History 101, filled with songsmiths from previous generations, but here's where you'll find the best of the current crop of artists committed to the crafting of thoughtful tunes.

Self-help and life lessons from the pop-rock charts.

Let the mistakes of last night melt away to the beautiful melodies of these soul-searching songs, from today and years past.

This playlist of mostly acoustic guitar-centric songs is perfect for long, relaxing nights in your bedroom. By yourself, or with someone special, listen to this until the sun rises.

These are the women who wander freely through the worlds of folk, country, bluegrass, and other Americana styles, stirring up a sound that evokes an evening spent watching the sun go down on a rural back porch.

One of rock journalism's favorite buzzwords comes to life in songs that echo Dylan's various phases lyrically and/or vocally. Explore Bob's influence on his generations of disciples, from the folk-rock era to today's modern troubadours.

Nothing helps a blue mood like hearing from someone who knows just how you feel. From the sensitive singer-songwriters of the early '70s to the gloomy indie rockers of today, this is the perfect playlist when you're in the mood to mope.

In the '50s and '60s, NYC's Greenwich Village was home to America's folk music revival. With Odetta and Pete Seeger guiding newcomers like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez, the Village proved fertile ground (once again) for seminal bohemian developments.

Many of the solo artists that emerged in the 1970s became widely referred to as "singer-songwriters." These artists wrote and performed songs that were personal, sincere, introspective, and, most importantly, timeless.

Elliott Smith is one of indie rock's most celebrated singer-songwriters. Listen to songs by Smith as well as his greatest influences, closest contemporaries, and indebted followers.

Hazy, soothing pop songs that'll make you feel like you're having the best dream ever.

Acoustic folk-pop by male singer-songwriters with breathy vocals.

Put on your slippers, wrap yourself in a blanket, and get cozy by the fire.

Modern female songwriters inspired by the off-kilter vocal and sonic sensibilities of music maverick Kate Bush.

Folk and folk-like tunes from both sides of the pond that evoke a forest setting.

A collection of warm acoustic songs, handpicked for enjoying the crisp autumn air, fall foliage, and hot apple cider.

As the Grunge Age petered out, many expected Sub Pop acts began to disappear as well. But the label has thrived with a less noisy aesthetic incorporating dream pop, alt-folk, electronic and even country influences into its indie rock.

These quiet, pensive tunes are perfect for an overcast day, either curled up at home or settled in at a cozy cafe.

Emerging as an antidote to the glitzy-jiggy rap scene of the late '90s, underground artists started putting out uncompromising hip-hop on small independent labels. Look back on a sometimes underappreciated scene.

Get intimate with these lushly arranged records (idiosyncratic alt-pop, moody soul, classy balladry) full of artful elegance.

From World War II through the early '60s, The Golden Age of Big Band Jazz brought us some of the greatest interpreters of song, arguably ever. This velvet sound is the stuff of legend.

Classic sounding, and sometimes sentimental, these nocturnal rock ballads are the perfect nightcap after a long day of sex, drugs, and rock & roll.

A collection of ethereal, melodic, and ambient songs to help you unwind after work. From current indie to forgotten gems from the past, everything reverberates with the same dreamy aesthetics. Brought to you from KnowPhase.com

A Julliard-trained pianist, Nina Simone was as comfortable with Broadway standards as she was with African polyrhythmic rave-ups. Here are the best songs from her influences and contemporaries and the songs she covered with her unmistakable voice. http://ninasimone.com

Soul music re-emerged and took on many forms throughout the 90's and 00's, often referred to as "Neo Soul" or "Soul Revival." Listen to the greatest songs from the women that captured that spirit.

Recently popularized by the movie "The Descendants," Hawaiian folk is a soothing style of acoustic folk music featuring slack-key guitar, ukulele, and warm vocal harmonies. Say aloha to traditional Hawaiian folk's best artists, both past and present.

The term "indie" may conjure up thoughts of a scrappy aesthetic, but as these exceptional acts prove, there's plenty of room for a more refined sound as well.

It wasn't all about grunge at the birth of The Alternative Era. Some artists took from the rich history of elegantly-constructed pop and made their own indie-minded version of sophistication.

As garish as the decade could often be, the 1980s were also a time of musical sophistication. Especially in the post-punk UK, a suave persona and musical creativity were admirable traits even among DIY indie types.

The 1970s saw the once-homogenous rock audience split into factions like soft singer-songwriters, bluesy hard rock, and artsy progressives. Yet a fondness for complex arrangements and thoughtful lyrics united listeners like never before.

As rock & roll entered its second decade, these artists brought new vocal, lyrical and musical complexity while retaining a youthful spark. The result was rock even the Mad Men generation enjoyed.

John Mayer has been one of the most enduring and versatile singer-songwriters of his generation. Listen to this playlist which features John and his closest contemporaries.

Formed by Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons, Communion Records has played a leading role in defining the rootsy and melancholy sound of today's British folk music scene. Listen to the best tracks from artists signed to the label.

The hit TV show Grey's Anatomy is known for featuring great songs and breaking new artists. These are songs from all seven seasons.

This smoothed-out, laid back hip-hop goes deep on the jazz-sampling tip and showcases MCs dropping deep and introspective lyrics. One to bliss out to.

A soundtrack for the barely-morning hours or the overcast day. There's no need to rush; embrace a slow state of mind with these diverse, but similarly moody, selections.

A diverse collection of songs that are perfect for a night of wallowing in post-breakup sadness.