13 Ear-Catching Night Songs, Vol. 2

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13 Ear-Catching Night Songs, Vol. 2 features songs by Cooper Bloom, Dua Lipa, Future x Metro Boomin, The Kid LAROI, Marsha Ambrosius, and Morgan Wallen.

Ah, NIGHT, the perfect theme for a playlist! Specifically, 13 Ear-Catching Night Songs, Vol. 2 is a sequel to 13 Ear-Catching Night Songs (2022). The premise of the musical compendium is simple: every song must feature some form of the word night in their song title. 13 Ear-Catching Night Songs, Vol. 2 features songs by Cooper Bloom, Dua Lipa, Future x Metro Boomin, The Kid LAROI, Marsha Ambrosius, and Morgan Wallen. The list covers multiple music styles: Broadway, country, pop, rap, reggae, R&B, and soul. So, without further ado, let’s dive into 13 Ear-Catching Night Songs, Vol. 2!

~ Table of Contents ~

1. DeBarge, “Rhythm of the Night”

2. Dua Lipa, “Dance The Night”

3. Future & Metro Boomin, “Nights Like This”

4. Marsha Ambrosius, “One Night Stand”

5. Morgan Wallen, “Last Night”

6. Colm R. McGuinness, “Music of the Night”

7. Heatwave, “Boogie Nights”

8. The Jones Girls, “Nights Over Egypt”

9. The Kid LAROI, “NIGHTS LIKE THIS”

10. Keri Hilson, “One Night Stand”

11. Cooper Bloom, “Two Cowboys (Story of the Night)”

12. Roddy Ricch, “late at night”

13. Gregory Isaacs, “Night Nurse”

1. DeBarge, “Rhythm of the Night”

Rhythm of The Night // Motown // 1985

“When it feels like the world is on your shoulders / And all of the madness has got you going crazy,” El DeBarge sings in the first verse of the DeBarge classic, “Rhythm Of The Night”, written by Diane Warren. With his signature high tenor, he continues singing, “It’s time to get out, step out into the street / Where all of the action is right there at your feet.” El and the rest of the DeBarge siblings are telling us to hit the dance floor! Rather than let life sink us, have some fun – seize the night! It is a fitting closing track on their 1985 album, Rhythm of The Night.  With its epic, undeniably danceable groove, and easygoing, fun lyrics, it reached no. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.  “Rhythm” features terrific production work – refined, slick, and funky.  As often was the case in the 1980s, the sound is constructed with percussion, programming, and keys/synths. The record embraces the chill, quiet storm R&B vibe that dominated the era.  To reiterate, El sounds incredible singing lead with his instrument sounding clear, cool, and easy on the ears.  While the first and second verses are terrific, the catchy and feel-good chorus is the crowning achievement. 

“To the beat of the rhythm of the night  

Dance until the morning light 

Forget about the worries on your mind 

You can leave them all behind 

To the beat of the rhythm of the night 

Oh, the rhythm of the night.”     

The “la-la-la(s)” featured in the outro, accentuates the vibe.  “Rhythm Of The Night” is a must-hear 80s classic.

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2. Dua Lipa, “Dance The Night”

Barbie The Album // Atlantic / Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. // 2023 

“Baby, you can find me under the lights / Diamonds under my eyes.” Ooh-la-la, Dua Lipa! Those lyrics hail from the first verse of “Dance The Night”, the second track, single, and second consecutive highlight from Barbie The Album. “Dance The Night” features a danceable, picturesque production thanks to Mark Ronson, the Picard Brothers, and Andrew Wyatt. Perhaps it is those jubilant, flirty strings that make the backdrop so electrifying! “Turn the rhythm up, don’t you wanna just / Come along for the ride?” Dua Lipa continues singing in the first verse.  As always, the singing is solid – we expect no less from a vocalist as talented as her.  Furthermore, those vocals are playful and flirty, delivered with plenty of personality.  She’s not lying when she asserts, “I can take the heat, baby, best believe / That’s the moment I shine,” or “When the night’s here, I don’t do tears / Baby, no chance.” Ow! In addition to fun lyrics and a well-rounded vocal, the tunefulness of the melody further amplifies this surefire catalyst for a dance floor. Honestly, is there any way you can sit on your ass while Dua Lipa implores us to “Dance The Night” away? Hell nah – of course not! Dua Lipa says it best in the chorus: “My heart could be burnin’, but you won’t see it on my face / Watch me dance (dance), dance the night away.”   

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3. Future & Metro Boomin, “Nights Like This”

WE STILL DON’T TRUST YOU // Wilburn Holding Co. / Boominati Worldwide / Epic / Republic // 2024

“Nights like this, I need all of you.” “Noted, Future. “Nights Like This” is the ninth track from WE STILL DON’T TRUST YOU, the second album released by Future and Metro Boomin in 2024. These dudes ‘put in work!’ The song features unique production from Metro Boomin and Chris Townsend. Notably, there are two samples utilized: “Dancin’ on a Pole” by Three 6 Mafia, and “Hercules” by Young Thug. “Nights Like This” features interesting instrumental cues and ideas. The groove is solid, and the synths are colorful. Future is ultra-melodic for the majority of the record. “I been down, you need to stay / Missin’ when you not around and you away,” he ‘sings’ in the first verse. In the second, he spits, “You my lil’ thot, I just need to see / You just wanna fuck, I know what you need.” The form and structure are traditional (verses, choruses, etc.) but don’t necessarily feel traditional. Two-and-a-half minutes in, the Grammy-winning rapper sounds the clearest he has in the entirety of the song in the third and final verse. Just so she knows: “These bitches hot, but they still can’t hold a candle to you.” Charming… I think…

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4. Marsha Ambrosius, “One Night Stand”

CASABLANCO // Aftermath // 2024

Sex positivity. That is the name of the game. Marsha Ambrosius enjoyed their rendezvous on “One Night Stand”, the third track from her fourth studio album, CASABLANCO. “Mm, thought we’d only go a couple rounds (rounds) / Couple naps in between / And we back at it for a couple hours.” Ooh-wee! “One Night Stand” features a sole verse where Ambrosius shares the sexual experience. The song features multiple songwriters including producers Ambrosius, Dr. Dre, and Erik “Bluetooth” Griggs. It samples two ‘80s songs: “Remind Me” by Patrice Rushen and “All Night Long” by Mary Jane Girls. “One Night Stand” also features vast instrumentation – winds and strings. The musicianship is undeniable. This is apparent in the artsy intro. Ambrosius remains a distinct, instantly recognizable, and soulful vocalist (the ‘yodel’ is fully intact). She sounds expressive as she conveys the pleasure of the one-night stand. For the most part, Ambrosius keeps it classy… as classy as it can be. “You got that touch, your taste, your kissin’ on me / I lose control (I lose control) / I want your soul,” she sings passionately. She loses her cool in the following lyrics: “Ooh, baby, just one night (One night, yeah) / Swingin’ off the chandelier / Almost broke my fuckin’ wrist.” Wow… not so classy there ! With her ad-libs, which include scatting, and emphasis on “one night,” Marsha has thoroughly enjoyed herself. One-night stands aren’t for everybody, and you shouldn’t rely on them solely, but, as Marsha conveys, it can be a cool, shameless experience. “One Night Stand” the song = SWEET!

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5. Morgan Wallen, “Last Night”

One Thing at A Time // Big Loud / Mercury / Republic // 2023

“I know that last night, we let the liquor talk / I can’t remember everything we said, but we said it all.” “Last Night” by country singer Morgan Wallen was a dominant no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The pop-infused country single spent a jaw-dropping 16 weeks at no. 1, matching the iconic run of Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men’s “One Sweet Day”. “Last Night” is respectable, and relatively tuneful, but I was shocked at how big it was on pop radio (aka overplayed and overrated). Still, give Mr. East Tennessee credit for the degree of success he’s earned. Also, credit him for the lyric, “I know you packed your shit and slammed the door right before you / But, baby, baby, something’s tellin’ me this ain’t over yet.” Word.

Appears in :

11 Worst Songs of 2023

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6. Colm R. McGuinness, “Music of the Night

“The Music Of The Night” // Colm R. McGuinness // 2023

“Nighttime sharpens, heightens each sensation / Darkness stirs and wakes imagination.” Those lyrics hail from “The Music Of the Night”, one of the preeminent songs from the Andrew Lloyd Webber Broadway musical, The Phantom of the Opera.  Originally, Michael Crawford performed this mesmerizing ballad, playing the iconic role of The Phantom.  In the 2004 movie, it was Gerard Butler who took the reins. Now, in 2023, simply covering “The Music of the Night,” is the talented, Irish musician, Colm R. McGuinness.  He doesn’t disappoint. McGuinness, who is also a violinist and composer, has a magnificent voice – an understatement. He delivers an expressive, nuanced performance of “The Music of the Night” that makes the listener believe he could’ve originally performed it.  His technique is flawless – a professional through and through.  He never over-sings or over-dramatizes, providing balance and poise. He pulls back and ups the ante when it feels natural. Colm is also supported by a lushly orchestrated backdrop, which retains the warmth, spirit, and most importantly, the sanctity of the original.  Sure, the Michael Crawford take earns definitive honors, but McGuinness shines on “The Music Of the Night”, PERIOD .  

Appears in :

13 Ill Songs with MUSIC in the Title (2024)

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7. Heatwave, “Boogie Nights”

Too Hot to Handle // Sony Music Entertainment UK // 1977

“Got to keep on dancing, keep on dancing.” For sure, Heatwave! The international disco/funk/soul collective formed in London is comprised of Johnnie Wilder, Jr. and Keith Wilder (vocals), Eric Johns (guitar), Rod Temperton (composer/keys), Mario Mantese (bass), and Ernest (Bilbo) Berger (drums/percussion). The musicianship exhibited is utterly superb specifically on their disco classic, “Boogie Nights”, the second track off their platinum-certified, 1977 LP, Too Hot to Handle. “Boogie Nights” peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Heatwave one of three platinum-certified singles.

“Boogie Nights” commences with a jazz introduction that is #EVERYTHING. In addition to the jazzy intro, the backing vocals are sweet as well, idiomatic of the style. Also, worth noting, is the harp playing at the beginning, courtesy of the renowned, late Shelia Bromberg. Post-intro, “Boogie Nights” transforms into an epic disco/funk joint. The groove is electrifying thanks to top-notch drumming, a bass line that is funky as albeit, superb rhythm guitar, and colorful keyboard work. The riffs utilized throughout are on point. There are tuneful melodies and well-rounded lyrics in all sections of the song.

“(Boogie nights) Get that groove, let it take you higher

(Boogie nights) Make it move, set this place on fire

Dance with the boogie, get down

(Dance with the boogie, get down)

‘Cause boogie nights are always the best in town.”

The vocals are soulful from all parties (primarily Johnnie Wilder). By the end of the record, “Boogie Nights” returns to that dreamy harp playing + jazzy groove, adding the lushness of the string orchestra. All told, “Boogie Nights” is one of the cleverest disco songs of all time.

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8. The Jones Girls, “Nights Over Egypt”

Get As Much Love as You Can // Sony Music Entertainment // 1981

“There’s a sky in the east / Over pyramids at Giza / There once lived a girl / She ruled the world,” The Jones Girls assert in the R&B classic, “Nights Over Egypt”. They add, in the first verse, “Then down the Nile / He came with a smile / He was the king / She was the queen / Under the moonlight.” Ah! Egypt, love, and a four-decade-old R&B song. What more could you ask for? “Nights Over Egypt” appears as the third track on the trio’s (Brenda, Shirley, and Valorie Jones) 1981 album, Get As Much Love as You Can. “Nights Over Egypt” charted on the R&B Songs chart but failed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Nonetheless, this record has been a popular sampling source. Why? The electrifying production by talented musician, Dexter Wansel. Philadelphia soul remains alive and well, with picturesque keys, strings, and a robust bass line. Throw in an Egyptian sound, and you can’t beat this gem! Lyrically, The Jones Girls paints a picture of the country, and Africa, in all its glory. The second verse in particular captures Africa superbly: “Saharan façade / Is just a mirage / Oasis in the sand.” Beyond the verses, the pre-chorus emphasizes an almost unbelievable portrait of those “Nights over Egypt” that the chorus touts. Listening to “Nights Over Egypt” more than 40 years after it arrived, it is shocking this surefire, rhythmic vibe didn’t perform better well on the pop charts. This is a classic that remains as fresh as it did the year it first arrived. The Jones Girls struck gold with this one.

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9. The Kid LAROI, “NIGHTS LIKE THIS”

THE FIRST TIME // Columbia // 2023

“And it’s nights like this when I need your love / When I need someone that’ll heal my soul.” The Kid LAROI (Charlton Howard) has love on his mind a lot, doesn’t he? “NIGHTS LIKE THIS,” the eighth track on his 2023 debut album, THE FIRST TIME, is no exception. In the chorus, he continues, “It’s nights like this / Nights like this, nights like this, ooh, ooh.” You get the picture. “NIGHTS LIKE THIS” features only one verse, and it’s steeped in love! “Hold my hand until we turn to ashes / Love me ‘til they put me in my casket,” he sings sweetly, adding, “I think about you and nothin’ else / So, if you would just come over, I could show you for myself.” Ultimately, “NIGHTS LIKE THIS” keeps things short and sweet, to the tune – rather, the duration – of a minute-and-a-half. The Kid LAROI is supported soundly by the enigmatic, vibe-laden production by New Jersey producer extraordinaire, Clams Casino (Michael Volpe).

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10. Keri Hilson, “One Night Stand”

No Boys Allowed // Moseley Music / Interscope // 2010

“You should stay another night with me / A one-night stand is all I need, just you and me.” Ooh-la-la, Keri Hilson! “One Night Stand” was the sixth track from her sophomore album, No Boys Allowed. Hilson’s sophomore LP wasn’t a hit… “One Night Stand,” featuring Chris Brown (following his horrid Graffiti album), was released as the set’s third single. It achieved success on the R&B charts but failed to chart on the pop charts. Regardless, Hilson and Brown gave us another song about hooking up! “Tell me how you like it, baby,” Hilson sings in the first verse, continuing, “Do you want it fast or slow?” She adds, “Boy, I know you’re feelin’ lonely / So if you want it, boy, just come over, boy / And I promise you won’t ever wanna leave.” Word. As for Brown, he sings, “And tell me how it feels (Yeah) after I take you on this ride.” A ride, huh ? On brand, he tells her how he’s going to ‘do her’ and asserts, “Girl, I didn’t come to tease you, I just wanna please ya.” “One Night Stand” checks off all the sex song boxes. It was written by Charlie Bereal, Kevin McCall, and Brown. McCall, Charlie Bereal, and Lonny Bereal produced. Looking back on this sleekly produced sex duet, did it deserve more notoriety? If nothing else, it was one of the better, more memorable moments from No Boys Allowed not named “Pretty Girl Rock” (the album’s only pop hit).

Appears in :

15 Spicy Songs One-Night Stand Songs (2024)

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11. Cooper Bloom, “Two Cowboys (Story of the Night)”

“Two Cowboys (Story of the Night)” // Cooper Bloom Music // 2023

“In the deep heart of the south / There were lovers on the run / Searching for a place to stay / Where they could set their love ablaze.” Why would lovers need to be on the run? Well, given the location (the South is a conservative place ) and the fact that these lovers are the same sex , the discrimination, judgment, and, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation means their love is in jeopardy. On “Two Cowboys (Story of the Night)”, Toronto, western-flavored pop artist Cooper Bloom highlights the fact that love is love. It’s worth fighting for, even amid tremendous adversity and intolerance from others. “The story of the night two cowboys light their love on fire / And watched the darkness of the world turn to light.” Indeed, Cooper.  He continues singing in the thoughtfully penned, tuneful chorus, “They prayed to a god to keep them safe / While they took on the open waters / They knew the man upstairs didn’t give a care / Who they love, love, love.” Marvelous! Bloom, who penned this gem, delivers a compelling tale that isn’t merely applicable to cowboys.  The cowboys could be anyone who fell in love and simply wanted to live their lives sans persecution.  Set in a minor key, with some epic country-flavored, western cues fit for cowboys, “Two Cowboys” is superbly produced (Jesse Shirts).  Besides his sensational pen, Bloom delivers a strong vocal performance. I his tone and the robustness of his instrument.  He executes the tuneful melodies flawlessly.  Furthermore, just listening, you can tell that Bloom, a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, is passionate about what he sings; incredibly authentic. “Two Cowboys (Story of the Night)” is fantastic.  

Appears in :

Awesome Songs: November 2023

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12. Roddy Ricch, “late at night”

LIVE LIFE FAST // Atlantic // 2021

“She know that I been all in her walls like I paint / Told her at times I wanna give you trust, but I can’t” ️. Hmm, that is interesting , Roddy Ricch. Also, the walls reference seems, um, sexual . It wouldn’t be far-fetched given the title of the song, “late at night”, which sounds steamy. “Late at night” appears as the penultimate track from Ricch’s 2021 LP, LIVE LIFE FAST. “Fifty racks, I’m ‘bout to break her off like a KitKat.” Woo – GIMME A BREAK!!! This melodic rap record commences with a sweet, pitch-shifted intro. It features slick production work courtesy of GYLTTRYP and Mustard. The production entails rhythmic drum programming and warm keys and synths. Even though Ricch opts for a melodic rap performance, he still has plenty of bite particularly in the first verse (“Every time that we fuck, I gotta run it back”). He’s quite confident in the second verse, asserting, “I told shorty never get too comfortable / I like to feel like the pussy untouchable.” Day-um! Furthermore, he raps, “I like to see your body drippin’ Eliantte / I say I like the way I took ya on a wave / I had you screamin’ my name out.” #ORGASM. The chorus is the crowning achievement. Ricch remains honest about the sex (“I’ma make you cum over and over”) and the fact he’s the only one she should be with (“You better never make not time for these niggas”). When he rides, baby, Roddy gon’ ride, ride, ride with you! “late at night” = RAP BANGER!

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13. Gregory Isaacs, “Night Nurse”

Night Nurse // UMG Recordings Inc. // 1982

“Tell her ‘try your best’ just to make it quick / Come attend to the sick / ‘Cause there must be something she can do / This heart is broken in two.” Early on, in “Night Nurse”, the late, Jamaican reggae musician, Gregory Isaacs (1951 – 2010), addresses his broken heart. “Night Nurse” is his best-known song, the opener from his 1982 LP of the same name. He penned “Night Nurse” and produced it alongside Flabba Holt. Per Isaacs, “Night nurse / Only you alone can quench this thirst.” Woo! “Night Nurse” is a vibe, PERIOD. It all begins with the lazy, potent reggae groove. Beyond the groove, the instrumental is sickening with its robust bass, keys, and synths. The sound is great but of course, Isaacs is even greater. He delivers expressive, well-rounded vocals. He never over-sings, delivering “Night Nurse” with impressive poise and control. The pacing is a selling point. The spacing between lyrics, allowing the instrumental to breathe is thoughtful. Also, it is cleanly produced and never sounds overcrowded or too busy. Riding the wave of the lyrics, in the second verse, Isaacs asserts, “I don’t wanna see no doc / I need attendance from my nurse around the clock.” Ooh-la-la! He continues: “‘Cause there’s no prescription for me / She’s the one, the only remedy.” “Night Nurse” is a must-have for any reggae playlist. Gregory Isaacs did that!

Appears in :

Gregory Isaacs, Night Nurse: Throwback Vibez 77 (2024)

~ Table of Contents ~ // ~ intro ~

13 Ear-Catching Night Songs, Vol. 2 (2024) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Aftermath, Atlantic, Big Loud, Boominati Worldwide, Colm R. McGuinness, Columbia, Cooper Bloom Music, Epic, Interscope, Mercury, Moseley Music, Motown, Republic, Sony Music Entertainment, UMG Recordings Inc., Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc., Wilburn Holding Co.; Alex Fu from Pexels]

13 Ear-Catching Night Songs, Vol. 2 | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on August 23, 2024August 23, 2024