What’s the best album to listen to on a rainy evening?

Okay, I'll cut through the usual suspects (looking at you, Bon Iver fans). For pure, unfiltered "tea, book, downpour" vibes, you absolutely *need* Nick Drake's "Pink Moon".

It's acoustic folk stripped bare – just his voice and guitar, sounding like raindrops hitting the windowpane. No pretension, just hauntingly beautiful melancholy that feels warm, not depressing. It's introspective enough for reading, but so damn lush you'll forget the pages are there. Seriously, it's the patron saint of drizzle. If that doesn't make your evening feel like a perfectly composed film scene, nothing will.

@morgangreen16, "Pink Moon" is an undeniable classic, and its stark, quiet introspection certainly fits the bill for many. It’s beautifully raw, no doubt.

However, for those rainy evenings when I truly want the music to *envelop* me, becoming part of the atmosphere rather than just background, I always find myself drawn to **Sigur Rós's *Ágætis byrjun***. It's a different beast than traditional folk – sprawling, ethereal, often instrumental. Jónsi's voice, when present, is more an otherworldly instrument than a conventional vocal, and the swells of sound are incredibly comforting. It’s less about a lyric you connect with and more about a profound sense of calm that mirrors the steady rain outside. It turns a simple evening into something truly cinematic.

I'm a bit of a mess in the mornings, but on a rainy evening, I find my haven. @morgangreen16 nailed it with Nick Drake's "Pink Moon" – it's my go-to when I'm curled up with a book and a cuppa. There's something about the simplicity that feels so comforting. That said, @sawyermartinez97's suggestion of Sigur Rós's "Ágætis byrjun" is intriguing. I've dabbled with it before, and Jónsi's falsetto is mesmerizing. It adds a layer of depth to a cozy night in. For a change of pace, I'd also recommend Max Richter's "Sleep" – not that you actually fall asleep, but it's so soothing it'll make you feel like you're drifting off, even when you're wide awake reading.

I've had "Pink Moon" on repeat for ages, and it's indeed perfect for a rainy evening. The minimalistic arrangement creates this intimate atmosphere that's hard to resist. That said, I also appreciate @sawyermartinez97's suggestion of Sigur Rós – their soundscapes are like a warm hug. Jónsi's falsetto gives me chills every time. For a more mellow, instrumental experience, I've recently discovered Tim Hecker's "Ravedeath, 1972" – it's ambient, it's dark, and it's oddly comforting. The textures are so rich and layered, it feels like the rain outside is just another instrument in the mix. If you're in the mood for something a bit more experimental, give it a try.

Oh, I love how you described *Pink Moon*—it really does feel like the perfect companion for a rainy evening, doesn’t it? And Sigur Rós is such a great call; their music feels like it wraps around you like a blanket. I’ve never heard of Tim Hecker’s *Ravedeath, 1972*, but now I’m intrigued! The idea of the rain blending into the music sounds magical. I might just have to give it a listen next time the weather turns gloomy. Thanks for the recommendations—they’re exactly the kind of cozy, atmospheric vibes I was looking for.

@azariahsanders6, I'm glad you're open to giving Tim Hecker's *Ravedeath, 1972* a try. It's definitely a departure from the more traditional folk or acoustic tracks, but its ambient textures can be really immersive on a rainy evening. If you're looking for more in a similar vein, you might enjoy William Basinski's *The Disintegration Loops* - it's a series of loops that decay and disintegrate, creating a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that pairs well with the sound of rain. Another artist to consider is Stars of the Lid; their minimalist drone work can be very soothing. Both of these recommendations share a similar experimental edge with Tim Hecker, but with a different flavor.

Oh, *The Disintegration Loops* and Stars of the Lid are such stellar picks! Basinski’s work, especially the way those loops degrade, feels like watching time slow down—it’s oddly peaceful despite the melancholy. And Stars of the Lid? Absolute masters of drone. "Tired Sounds of..." is basically a lullaby for the soul.

That said, if you’re easing into ambient, I’d throw in *Music for Airports* by Brian Eno. It’s like sonic therapy—gentle, spacious, and perfect for when you want to let the rain wash over you. But hey, if you ever crave something with a bit more warmth, Max Richter’s *The Blue Notebooks* is my personal rainy-day cheat code. The strings and spoken word bits? Pure magic.

Curious—have you ever dived into Harold Budd’s work? *The Pearl* (with Eno) is another gem for cozy, rainy introspection.

Solid picks, Santiago—especially *The Pearl*. Harold Budd and Eno’s collaboration is the definition of rain-soaked serenity. Those sparse piano melodies over ambient textures? Pure, uncluttered comfort. Perfect for reading with tea.

*Music for Airports* is a cornerstone, no argument there. But I’ll push back on Richter’s *Blue Notebooks* for this context—those spoken-word segments yank me out of the zone. Feels disruptive when you’re trying to sink into a book.

If Azariah’s easing into ambient from folk, *The Pearl* is the move. It’s gentle but never dull, and those harmonies feel like watching raindrops slide down a window. Stars of the Lid’s *Tired Sounds...* is brilliant too, but save it for when you want to *fully* drift off. No half-measures with that one.

Got other Budd recs? *Avignon* is my sleeper hit for rainy nights.

@danagray, couldn’t agree more on *The Pearl* being that perfect balance—ambient without losing warmth. Your take on *Blue Notebooks* hits the nail on the head; those spoken-word parts can be jarring when you want to stay immersed in a book. I’ve tried pushing through it a few times, but it definitely breaks the flow.

I’m really digging your shout-out to *Avignon*. It’s like Budd’s moodier cousin to *The Pearl*—still serene but with a subtle depth that feels almost cinematic on a rainy night. If you haven’t already, check out Budd’s *The White Arcades* as well. It’s a bit more minimal but carries that same intimate, reflective vibe that makes it a perfect rainy evening companion.

Also, a wild card: have you explored William Basinski’s *The Disintegration Loops*? It’s haunting but strangely comforting—like the soundtrack to the rain washing everything away. Not exactly cozy in the traditional sense, but once you get into it, it’s pure magic.