Elevator music—just hearing the phrase conjures up an immediate sense of gentle melodies and soft rhythms, guiding you up 12 floors or through a supermarket aisle. But to those who lived through its golden era, this wasn’t just background noise. These syrupy renditions of pop hits and jazzy instrumentals became a defining soundscape of midcentury life. They serenaded us in waiting rooms, livened up department store shopping trips, and, yes, soothed frayed nerves during endless office elevator rides. Let’s reminisce about 25 unforgettable tracks that helped define the genre we’ve come to know as Muzak.
1. “A Summer Place” – Percy Faith
Nothing embodies smooth serenity quite like Percy Faith’s rendition of this classic. It feels like sunshine bottled up in strings, evoking breezy afternoons by the pool. You’d hear this gem everywhere from doctors’ offices to airport lounges, its gentle sway almost asking you to exhale a little deeper.
2. “The Girl from Ipanema” – Stan Getz & Astrud Gilberto
With its whispering saxophone and dreamy vocals, this tune took Brazilian bossa nova to global fame. Muzak adaptations of it turned any elevator ride into a suave, tropical escape—at least in your mind.
3. “Strangers in the Night” – Frank Sinatra (Instrumental Versions)
Sinatra’s romantic ballad, reimagined in softer tones, seemed tailor-made for Muzak. Whether in a lobby or on hold, this one offered just the right mix of nostalgia and sophistication.
4. “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” – B.J. Thomas
Once Muzak stripped away the lyrics, the piano-led melody of this Burt Bacharach hit became irresistibly soothing. You’d find yourself humming along without even realizing it.
5. “Close to You” – The Carpenters (Softened Arrangements)
Karen Carpenter’s voice was iconic, but the Muzak version leaned into its lush orchestration. Hearing this while wandering through Sears felt like a warm, musical hug.
6. “Love is Blue” – Paul Mauriat
Arguably one of Muzak’s crown jewels, this instrumental classic was practically the genre’s anthem. It’s easy to see why—it’s light, airy, and eternally catchy.
7. “Moon River” – Henry Mancini
This iconic melody drifted from Audrey Hepburn’s lips to the strings of Muzak orchestras, becoming a timeless staple for any tranquil playlist.
8. “Yesterday” – The Beatles (Orchestral Covers)
It was almost sacrilegious to rework The Beatles’ hits into Muzak, but “Yesterday” lent itself perfectly to the genre’s tender touch. Suddenly, even the humblest of spaces felt classy.
9. “Fly Me to the Moon” – Tony Bennett (Soft Instrumental)
Even jazzier standards like this one got the Muzak treatment, proving that swing could become smooth. Who didn’t feel a little more sophisticated listening to it?
10. “Theme from a Dream” – Floyd Cramer
Cramer’s piano magic transformed even mundane Muzak arrangements into something unforgettable. This tune played like a soundtrack to reflective moments.
11. “Misty” – Erroll Garner
Romantic and slightly mysterious, “Misty” found a second life in Muzak’s catalog. It’s the kind of song that made you linger a little longer in the elevator.
12. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” – Simon & Garfunkel (Orchestral)
This was Muzak at its most emotional. The sweeping strings and soft piano made the tune even more tender.
13. “We’ve Only Just Begun” – The Carpenters (Muzak Remix)
This wedding classic brought a touch of sentimentality to waiting rooms everywhere. Somehow, Muzak made it even softer.
14. “Cherish” – The Association (Soft Strings Version)
Even the emotional pop of The Association wasn’t immune to the Muzak treatment. This version was like sipping a sweet tea on a lazy afternoon.
15. “Somewhere My Love (Lara’s Theme)” – Ray Conniff Singers
Known from Doctor Zhivago, this melody transcended the movie. Its Muzak renditions turned any department store into a winter wonderland, no matter the season.
Muzak was more than just a genre—it was a feeling, a shared soundtrack to moments we rarely gave much thought to but always carried with us. These songs transformed mundane environments into peaceful oases, and in their simplicity, they became unforgettable. Do you have a favorite Muzak memory?
