13 Ear-Catching Songs About Midnight | Playlist

1. Bastille, “Quarter Past Midnight”

Doom Days • Virgin • 2019

““We keep on running / Running through a red light / Like we’re trying to burn the night away / Away-away, oh, away-away, oh…” Bastille released  “Quarter Past Midnight” as a single more than a year prior to the release of its third studio album, Doom Days.  On “Quarter Past Midnight,” the very British-sounding frontman (though top-notch vocal form) Dan Smith brilliantly paints a portrait of freedom for the night.  Both of the verses focus on 12:15 AM, using the time as a marker for being out ‘beyond curfew,’ potentially breaking every rule in the book, and making the night last as long as possible.

At the end of the first verse, Smith sings, “Still avoiding tomorrow / It’s a quarter past midnight / But we’re just getting going.”  On the second, he speaks of dreams as opposed to accepting the mundane: “We want the bodies on the billboards / Not the lives underneath them.” On the aforementioned, excerpted chorus, he sums things up. All in all, “Quarter Past Midnight” is signature Bastille.

2. Set It Off, “Midnight Thoughts”

Midnight • Fearless • 2019

“I know it’s too late as night turns to day / Now there’s no escaping the ghosts…” Well, that’s definitely pessimism at its finest.  Alternative rock collective Set It Off truly ‘set it off’ in 2019 with the release of their fourth studio album, Midnight.  What brings Midnight to this ear-catching, midnight-loving affair? Why, it is “Midnight Thoughts” of course! Obviously, the thoughts are dark…

Cody Carson exceptionally captures a dark place throughout the course of “Midnight Thoughts.” At the end of the first verse, he sings, “Close my eyes, but my mind got its own plan tonight / And it keeps rubbing salt in the wound.” Salt being placed in a wound definitely causes excruciating pain.  On the second line of the second verse, he asks himself, “Am I nervous  or am I insane,” later adding, “‘Cause I’m hearing the pulse in my veins.” Of course, the aforementioned excerpt from the pre-chorus magnificently sets up the chorus, which shows just how messed up Carson, or at least the character he portrays, is:

“‘Cause I can’t shake these midnight thoughts when I’m alone
Latching to my brain and never letting go, no (Never letting go)
So I start making friends with the noise in my head
And all these midnight thoughts when I’m alone.”

Fittingly, supporting the darkness, “Midnight Thoughts” is set in a minor key (A minor to be exact), and thrives off its symphonic elements (those strings).

3. Justin Timberlake, “Midnight Summer Jam”

Man of the Woods • RCA • 2018

“I think the album has a wide range of sonics to it, but, I guess I would describe it as modern Americana with 808s.” Justin Timberlake returned with his highly-anticipated fifth studio album, Man of the Woods in 2018.  As aforementioned, Timberlake describes Man of the Woods as a modern Americana album.  The question is, is Man of the Woods really Americana? At times, yes but more often than not, NO. Moving on though…

“It’s just a midnight summer’s jam / The air’s so thin, but we don’t give a damn / The starry sky across the land / Where we pretend it’s our last chance to dance.” “Midnight Summer Jam” reunites Timberlake with The Neptunes – Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo – for the first time since Justified in 2002.  The production thrives off of its funky groove and distinct, Neptunian sounds.  The rhythmic guitar coupled with that signature JT falsetto deserves some love.  Furthermore, the chorus is catchy, even if the song – rather record – is a bit odd.  “Midnight Summer Jam” previously appeared on the playlists Time: 19 Songs for Night & Morning Hours and 13 Captivating Summer Songs.

4. Logic, “Midnight”

Bobby Tarantino II • Def Jam • 2018

“Ayy, goddamn, these bitches is thirsty / They see a rapper but they ignore the band / I ain’t talkin’ ‘bout musicians, you stupid bitch / Talkin’ ‘bout whats on my hand.” Logic isn’t shy when it comes to releasing new music – understatement.  In 2018, he managed to release another mixtape, Bobby Tarantino II, as well as a new studio album, YSIV. Of course, fast forward to 2019 and the Grammy-nominated rapper released a novel, Supermarket, a sketchy soundtrack to that novel (Supermarket – Soundtrack), and another studio album, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind.  But, we’re not here to talk about how many damn projects that Logic has released in a short amount of time.  No, we’re here to talk about one song and one song only, “Midnight,” which hails from Bobby Tarantino II.

Yes, Logic is prolific, but profundity wasn’t his strong suit on Bobby Tarantino II as a whole.  “Midnight” is the prime example of a lack of transcendence on the part of Bobby Hall.  Check out that aforementioned lyrical excerpt from “Midnight” and there is nothing there that’s going to make the world a better place, period. Give Logic credit for being confident AF.  Also, give producers 6ix and Frank Dukes credit for a marvelous beat switch on this two-part flex-fest.  Logic is more compelling during the second half of the record, particularly his straight, un-pitched rhymes.

5. Chris Stapleton, “Midnight Train to Memphis”

From a Room: Vol. 2 • Mercury • 2017

“Forty days of shotguns and barbed wire fences / Forty nights to sit and listen / To the midnight train to Memphis.” Grammy-winning country musician Chris Stapleton cranks up the energy and intensity level on the rocking “Midnight Train to Memphis,” the seventh track from his second album of 2017, From a Room: Vol. 2.  Stapleton is truly ‘turned all the way up’ and it’s nothing short of awesome.

“Midnight Train to Memphis” is about a stint in prison, which isn’t pleasant in itself, but Chris makes it an alluring listening experience for all.

“Well now, ten for the jury, ten for the judge
Twenty more to forget my grudge
When I get to thirty-nine
That’s the longest day in a prisoner’s mind.”

“Midnight Train to Memphis” previously appeared on the playlist 19 Songs About Various Cities Around the World.

6. Sam Smith, “Midnight Train”

The Thrill of it All • Capitol • 2017 

“So I pick up the pieces, I get on the midnight train / I got my reasons, but darlin’ I can’t explain / I’ll always love you/ But tonight’s the night I choose to walk away.” Following a three-year hiatus (In the Lonely Hour, 2014), Grammy-winning British pop-soul artist Sam Smith made a sensational return with his 2017 sophomore LP, The Thrill of it All.  Smith is definitely blessed with the voice of an angel.  That said, on “Midnight Train” he’s trying to get himself together after a breakup.

Within the context of The Thrill of it All, “Midnight Train” increases the tempo, balancing out pop and soul soundly.  As always, Smith exhibits exceptional command and control, pulling back and pushing at the right moments.  The aforementioned, excerpted chorus is the centerpiece, but the verses are well-rounded portions of the narrative conveyed as well.  He admits to being selfish on the first verse, but justifies it by asserting, “But I give another piece of me away / Every wakin’ day that I’m with you.”  On the second, he still professes his love but makes it clear he just can’t stay.

7. Sia, “Midnight Decisions”

This is Acting [Deluxe] • RCA • 2016

“Now I’m crying alone / Hotel, never much fun / Not when there’s nobody to catch your tears / Out here.” After  releasing This Is Acting, an album comprised of rejected songs by big-named artists in January 2016,  Sia would issue a deluxe edition of the LP. While ‘rejected songs’ sounds like a questionable idea for a new album, This is Acting earned Sia both a top-five album, and a no. 1 hit with “Cheap Thrills.” See, that release of a deluxe edition sounds reasonable now doesn’t it?

The only song from This is Acting that matches the parameter of this particular list is “Midnight Decisions.” The dramatic, soundly performed record is all about questionable, sketchy decisions. In his context, they take place at night, which clearly associates such decisions with nightlife and the bedroom.  “I know / Last night we made some midnight decisions / Did I mess up? Oh God, I hope I didn’t,” Sia sings on the chorus, continuing, “It’s all a blur when we talk through the liquor / I always regret midnight decisions.” “Midnight Decisions” doesn’t supersede her most powerful solo ballads, but it’s a welcome addition to the collection nonetheless.

8. Tyler Glenn, “Midnight”

Excommunication • Island • 2016

“God, where the hell are you hiding? / My hands are in the air and I’m excited / I’ve been on the run, so I’m not coming Sunday / it’s alright, I’ll probably talk to you at midnight…” Neon Trees frontman Tyler Glenn introduced himself to the world as a solo artist with his 2016 debut album, Excommunication. Excommunication ranked among the most intriguing efforts of 2016, depicting Glenn’s exit from the LDS church (he identifies it as a “faith crisis”). He wasn’t excommunicated, but being openly gay, the Mormon church isn’t known for openness regarding the LGBTQIA community. Over its course, Glenn takes aim at the judgmental and how his perception of religion has shifted because of it.  The song at hand, “Midnight”, contributes to the album narrative.

“God, I could never be like you / I can’t change, I can’t change, and I don’t want to / I have been on the run, so I’m not coming Sunday / It’s alright, I’ll probably talk to you at midnight.” “Midnight” yields a powerful, authentic message.  Glenn discusses his break with the church, but still retains a relationship with God.  Essentially, he states that the break was necessary to be true to himself, but despite the fact that he’s “not coming Sunday,” he can’t turn away from God.  Some Christians will take offense to “Midnight”, with its touch of blasphemy and Glenn’s ‘reclamation of life’ sans church and being true to himself. Much like singles “Trash” or “G.D.M.M.L. Grls”, the lyrics are the centerpiece – feisty, giving “Midnight” an edge. Furthermore, Glenn sings with great sincerity.

9. Coldplay, “Midnight”

Ghost Stories • Parlophone • 2014

Prior to the release of Ghost Stories (2014), Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and his wife, actress Gwyneth Paltrow, separated. The connection between Ghost Stories and the breakup is that the album centers around that four-letter word, love. Merely coincidental? Could be, of course but naturally, one wonders what the impact of marriage issues was on this particular album, the subtlest album of the collective’s career.  Coldplay are much more minimal as opposed to maximal.  Enough about the album itself, what about the song at hand, “Midnight.”

“Midnight” is arguably the most experimental track of Ghost Stories.  In the context of the album, “Midnight” offers a change of pace that perhaps isn’t perfect but is a necessity to break up any sense of monotony.  The use of pitch correction and vocal effects was shocking for old-school Coldplay fans, but definitely matches the sentiment of this record, offering a different sound.  The lyrics are limited in quantity, giving the music itself more of a forum.  Worth noting, the groove is danceable – is alt-rock supposed to be danceable?

10. One Direction, “Midnight Memories”

Midnight Memories • Columbia • 2013

In 2013, then preeminent boy band, One Direction, returned with their third album in two years.  Midnight Memories found the Brit-Irish band taking one step closer to adulthood. Furthermore, they eschewed a teen-pop sound in favor of rock. Embracing rock certainly toughened up their image to some extent.  One of the best examples of the effectiveness of rock exhibited by the groups comes by way of title track, “Midnight Memories.”  That said, the boys seem to get a lift from a Def Leppard classic, “Pour Some Sugar on Me”.

Does “Midnight Memories” feel natural or legitimately authentic on One Direction? It’s debatable, but 1D does get some lyrical punches and exhibit more personality compared to the past.  Keeping it classy, there are two instances that find 1D referencing shit – wow! “People talk shh we don’t listen” and “Same old shh but different day.” Okay, okay – obviously, censorship rears its head and maintains the band’s cleanliness to its youngest fan base.  Still, we all know what the boys are thinking with lines like “5 foot something with the skinny jeans / Don’t look back, baby, follow me.” “Midnight Memories” alright, hehe!

11. M83, “Midnight City”

Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming • M83 • 2011

“Waiting in the car / Waiting for the ride in the dark / At night the city grows / Look and see her eyes, they glow.” French electronic collective M83 is best known for one hit record in particular: “Midnight City.” The epic “Midnight City” hails from their 2011 double album, Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming.  Just how big was this particular song? Well, on Spotify alone the amount of plays compared to the next most played song (“Wait”) is many times greater.  Beyond Spotify, “Midnight City” managed to crack the Hot 100, peaking at no. 72 back in 2012.

What makes “Midnight City” such a delight? First and foremost is the production, period.  The sound is bright, set in a major key.  Contributing to the brightness are the assortment of synths, namely the sharper synths during the drop/solo section.  Also adding to the glory are the rhythmic guitars, a sick saxophone solo, and the infectious groove that establishes the vibe. As you can see (and hear when listener), there is a vocal performance, which is nice, but not the centerpiece of the record.  Still, there are some marvelous lyrical moments such as the assertion, “The city is my church / It wraps me in its blinding twilight.  If “Midnight City” is synonymous with church, then, HALLELUJAH!

12. Iron Maiden, “2 Minutes to Midnight”

Powerslave • Sanctuary • 1984

So, we move rewind back from 2011 to 1984 – 27 years! It’s worth it though. Iron Maiden kick some serious ass – who in their right mind would deny that, metal-head or not? The chorus on “2 Minutes to Midnight” (Powerslave, 1984) is epic AF, but definitely unsettling.  “Two minutes to midnight / The hands that threaten doom / Two minutes to midnight / To kill the unborn in the womb.” Kill the unborn in the womb? Is this about hot button issue abortion? No – it’s about the “end of the world.”

There are also references to war (“We oil the jaws of the war machine and feed it with our babies”), and the neglect of society (“As the madmen play on words and make us all dance to their song / to the tune of starving millions to make a better kind of gun.” Yep, “2 Minutes to Midnight” is politically and socially charged. Rock on!  “2 Minutes to Midnight” previously appeared on the playlist, 13 Songs Where Time Is Clearly a Factor.

13. The Rolling Stones, “Midnight Rambler”

Let it Bleed • ABKCO Music & Records Inc. • 1969

“Did you hear about the midnight rambler? / Well, honey, it’s no rock ‘n roll show.” So, we rewind back 15 years from 1984 (Iron Maiden’s “2 Minutes to Midnight”) to 1969.  Somehow, legendary blues-rock band The Rolling Stones manage to make a song about The Boston Strangler a blast…musically that is.  Sure, the acts of Albert DeSalvo (1931 – 1973) are heinous – despicable to the nth degree – but “Midnight Rambler” is classic Stones at its best.  The second half of the song is particularly creepy, instigated by a rambunctious, repetitive section where Mick Jagger sings, “Don’t you do that, don’t you do that.”

 The final lyrics are fitting:

“I’ll go easy with your cold-fanged anger
I’ll stick my knife right down your throat, baby
And it hurts!”