Cloying, but in a good way

The words that come to my mind are mesmerizing, emotive, poignant, melodic, inspirational, sublime, and ethereal. There's something almost angelic about the way the song sounds, at least the flute version.

Wistful comes to my mind when listening to various arrangements of Rose Cottage:

full of yearning or desire tinged with melancholy;
also : inspiring such yearning

_{merriam-webster.com}

The yearning and desire would capture the sweet denotation in cloying, and the tinge of melancholy would capture the sense of maudlin, while avoiding the derogatory disgusting or excessive connotations.

The comparison to Danny Boy, or more precisely the instrumental Londonderry Air, seems quite appropriate. Both tunes have a similar gaelic musical structure, which employs specific melodic phrasings with harmonic interaction to evoke the pensive melancholy of forlorn mourning in balance with the idyllic affection of fond musings. Experiencing these diametric sentiments in musical tandem connects us to the full emotional spectrum of our real-life passion and compassion.

The word dulcet might work. It has one meaning that is:

Sweet, especially when describing voice or tones; melodious

Musical terms used in English.

• dolce
• espressivo
• teneramente
• affettuoso (with feeling)
• grazioso

I might call a slightly sentimental and romantic song, charming or delightful. And if a song is described as being heart-warming, I doubt anyone would associate it with being overly-sweet or cutesy.

It's just come to me, the perfect word.

mellifluous (adjective)
1. sweetly or smoothly flowing; sweet-sounding:
a mellifluous voice; mellifluous tones.

Some examples

• Mellifluous tunes capture Philemon and Baucis' good-heartedness.

• Speaking from her Paris flat, 54 years on, Riva's voice is still as mellifluous and as gently mesmerising.

• As the first rain came down, Midlake brought a more sombre mood with a folk-rock set heavy on songs from The Courage of Others, rich in mellifluous fluting and intricate guitars

Finally, a list of the most appropriate suggestions.

• dolce
• affettuoso
• heartwarming
• mellifluous
• mesmerising