“17 Songs That Were Made for the Night” features music courtesy of Frank Ocean, Jessie J, Lord Huron, Panic! At the Disco, and SAINt JHN among others.

According to The Phantom of the Opera, “Nighttime sharpens, heightens each sensation.” True, some songs were just made for the night, much like “The Music of the Night” from that fantastic Broadway production.  The 17 songs on this playlist all have one common denominator – the night.  Every single songs states the word ‘night’ in their respective title.  In other words, there’s no gray area here folks – it’s all about what goes down after the evening.  Artists appearing on this playlist include Frank Ocean, Jessie J, Lord Huron, Panic! At the Disco, and SAINt JHN among others.  Bring on the night!

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1. Jessie J, “One Night Lover”

R.O.S.E. (Sex) • Republic • 2018

“You kiss my neck, then we f**k / Then you leave again / Who we fooling?” On “One Night Lover,” Jessie J depicts a ‘friends with benefits’ situation.  As evidenced by the aforementioned quote, things aren’t particularly serious in this relationship, as J and her friend hook up sometimes, but there’s no substance beyond the sex.  J, tired of this scenario, hence, asserts, “Just let me be / I can’t be your one-night lover.” Like “Queen,” there’s an element of empowerment that transcends just sex.  The production is slick, with electric piano leading the way, anchored by hard drums.

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2. Lord Huron, “When the Night is Over”

Vide Noir • Republic • 2018

“When the Night is Over” ranks among the best of Vide Noir, the conceptual, third studio album by indie-rock collective Lord Huron. Old-school vibes are alive in well, capped off by the lilting six-eight meter.  Overall, the production is simple, yet highly effective.  Ben Schneider has plenty of room for his voice to breathe, never impeded by too many instruments or effects.  Again, he shines without being incredibly flashy vocally. Lyrically, the record is thoughtful and beautifully-penned.  Thematically, the protagonist is distressed about potentially never finding his lost love.

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3. Lykke Li, “two nights”

Ft. Aminé

So sad so sexy • RCA • 2018

Lykke Li comes through on the fantastic “two nights.” With Jeff Bhasker and Malay still on the boards, Jonny Coffer joins them in stitching up another compelling backdrop, if relatively low-key. While Lykke Li does awesome all by herself depicting the effects of what’s seems to be a dead relationship thanks to her man cheating, Aminé plays the role of the unfaithful, providing scintillating contrast.  

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4. Panic! At the Disco, “Say Amen (Saturday Night)”

Pray for the Wicked • Fueled by Ramen • 2018

Panic! At the Disco – specifically Brendon Urie – seems to be experiencing some ‘inner-conflict’ on standout single “Say Amen (Saturday Night)”. “Say Amen (Saturday Night)” hails from the band’s 2018 album, Pray for the Wicked. The production work is a work of art throughout, including fantastic keyboard work, horns, and massive, pummeling drums. The choruses represent the most epic moments, as well as summing up the record’s message. The push-and-pull is what makes “Say Amen (Saturday Night)” so compelling. Urie is struggling with spirituality versus being free and living it up.  He uses his brilliant vocals to convey this, exhibiting tremendous grit, and packing a sizable punch.  His falsetto is simply marvelous.

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5. John Legend & BloodPop®, “A Good Night”

A Good Night – Single • Columbia • 2018

Award-winning R&B artist John Legend shines on his pop-soul single, “A Good Night”, produced by BloodPop®. From the start, the groove is easy-going and feel-good.  It’s soulful, but clearly, John Legend is joining ‘the times’ – rather a more contemporary sound.  In addition to joining ‘the times’ musically, he also gets a f-bomb out of his system (“I had no intention I would get f**ked up tonight.”) Following a confident, verse, the pre-chorus adds syncopated electric piano, further inciting head-nodding.  Throw in the infectious, fun nature of the lyrics, and “it’s all good.” The chorus is the centerpiece of the record.

“But everything’s gonna be alright / I think I just met my wife / I know it’s gonna be a good night / I think I just met my wife.”

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6. Dan + Shay, “What Keeps You Up at Night”

Dan + Shay • Warner Music Nashville • 2018 

Country music duo Dan + Shay (Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney) formed in 2012 and quietly released two top-10 albums: Where it All Began (2014) and Obsessed (2016).  Keeping their two-year gap between albums going, they returned with their self-titled third album, another top-10 project, in 2018.  Among the highlights from the album is “What Keeps You Up at Night,” a blue-eyed soul country record.  Dan + Shay stay within the parameters of the country, but add just that hint of R&B.  It fits considering that the duo is suggestive, yet not sexual. “Girl, I wanna be what keeps you up at night,” they sing on the chorus, continuing, “Tossing and turning, head spinning, like you’re dizzy off of red wine.”  There are no graphic details, but clearly there are “Kisses Down Low” occurring between those sheets.

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7. Jason, Mraz, “Let’s See What the Night Can Do”

Know. • Atlantic • 2018

“I wanna get lost with you / And hideout under the light of the moon / I wanna get lost with you / And see what it’s like to spend the whole night / With you, just you / You, just you.” “Let’s See What the Night Can Do” kicks off Know. thoughtfully, with a folk-pop sensibility, accompanied initially by acoustic guitars.  Grammy-nominated pop singer/songwriter Jason Mraz doesn’t need much production to fuel his fire – he sounds terrific. Later, he adds electric guitar, acoustic piano, and drums, sweetening an already sweet performance.

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 8. SAINt JHN, “I Heard You Got Too Litt Last Night”

Collection One • Godd ComplexX • 2018

“I heard you got too litt last night / Didn’t make it home / Mixin’ purple with your purple sprite / Things you should’ve known / I heard you flexin’ on em’ yeah / You wanna mix it up / But f**k it baby no regret / And never switch it up.” Brooklyn-bred rapper SAINt JHN dropped a promising, uniquely-titled single, “I Heard You Got Too Litt Last Night”, in advance of his debut album, Collection One. “I Heard You Got Too Litt Last Night” sounds easy on the ears.  The production work is smooth, yet energetic and rhythmic.  The choice of synths, anchored by punchy drums, is impressive. SAINt JHN kicks things off with a melodic chorus, matching the ‘chill’ musical backdrop. In addition to the melodic nature of the chorus (excerpted above), it’s also catchy.

The melody continues to be the selling point of “I Heard You Got Too Litt Last Night.”  Even as smooth as it is, SAINt JHN still ‘lives on the edge.’  On the chorus, he references purple drank.  On the first verse, the rapper pop-raps, “Too turnt / Last night you showed me all that ratchet shit that you learned.” On the second verse, he references pills, and maybe more outlandishly, “Me and three bad b*tches call it foreplay.” And on the third verse, it’s “Panties on my dash, pictures with no flash.”  Even with all the excess and shallowness, the colorful record allures.

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9. The Chainsmokers, “Break Up Every Night”

Memories…Do Not Open • Columbia • 2017

“Change your mind, every night, like the seasons / You’re insatiable.” Apparently, Andrew Taggart feels that his ‘boo’ is “incapable of being satisfied”.  “Break Up Every Night” is something like The Chainsmokers’ version of Katy Perry hit, “Hot N Cold”.  This up-tempo, enthusiastic gem finds Taggart detailing a love-hate relationship. “And I know you say you want it now / Give me the runaround / Which one am I with now? / She’s got seven personalities, every one’s a tragedy.” Apparently, the girlfriend can’t decide what she wants – it changes “every night.”  Sometimes she wants to break up, while other times, she wants to give it up. It’s oversimplified mind you, but give Drew credit for exhibiting a smidge of personality.

“She wants to break up every night...
Don’t wanna wait until she finally decides to feel it
She wants to break up every night
Then tries to fuck me back to life
How can I help it if I like the way she makes me feel it?”

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10. Beck, “Up All Night”

Colors • Capitol • 2017

“When you get the rhythm and the words all make you cold / When they break it down and this world is all you know / Hands up, you’re waving it ‘round.” “Up All Night” is all about the rhythm.  On both verses, Beck sings about the rhythm. On the chorus, he keeps it simple, sans deep, arduous-to-decipher lyrics. Moving beyond the lyrics, the music is chocked-full of energy.  The highlight from Colors is a clear break from the quiet, acoustic nature of Morning Phase.  Beck is overt, rhythmic, and dynamic. The groove cooks – funky to the nth degree – conveying an alt-danceable sentiment.  Still, it possesses the quirkiness that makes Beck, Beck.

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11. The War on Drugs, “Up All Night”

A Deeper Understanding • Atlantic • 2017

In 2017, alt-rock six-piece band The War on Drugs released their fourth studio album, the Grammy-winning, A Deeper Understanding. Among the highlights from the LP is “Up All Night”, a superb opener, yielding lovely music, fantastic production work, poetic lyrics, and top-notch vocals from Adam Granduciel.  This serves as the tone setter. The sounds are delicious ear candy – the keyboards, guitars, and drums.  The groove and driving nature of “Up All Night” is undeniable. Given the exceptionalness of the sound, it’s great that The War on Drugs spend time showcasing their instrumental gifts. Adding to that glory of Granduciel’s performance is stellar vocal production, accentuating the beauty of his instrument.

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12. The Vamps & Matoma, “All Night”

Night & Day • Virgin • 2017

British boy band The Vamps dropped a catchy hit, “All Night”, alongside Matoma in 2017.  “All Night” opens energetically, offering listeners the main attraction early on.  While the record ‘shows its hand,’ this also enhances its impact, amplifying the catchiness and infectiousness.

“I been up all night, no sleep
‘Cause I feel like I’m always dreaming...
Wide awake, that’s okay, as long as I’m with you
I’ll be up all night, no sleep
Cause I feel like I’m always dreaming...”

In addition to an ‘early chorus reveal,’ we also get a taste of the production palette.  Clearly, “All Night” is firmly planted in the modern vein, incorporating elements of urban-pop and electronic music.  The slickness bodes well in The Vamps’ favor, offering more for casual listeners and non-fans to coalesce to.  It’s not a deep record, but it is a song about love.

“Ever since you came around, can’t nobody hold me down
You show me how to find myself when I needed it the most.”

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13. Frank Ocean, “Nights”

Blonde • Boys Don’t Cry • 2016

More often than not, the name Frank Ocean should be synonymous with genius – at least musical genius.  On his sophomore album Blonde, released independently, Ocean wowed once more. Among the album’s most brilliant moments is two-part song “Nights.” “Nights” is undoubtedly one of the slickest produced joints on the album.  Ocean sings, “Can’t keep up a conversation / Can’t nobody reach you / Why your eyes well up? / Did you call me from a séance? / You are from my past life / Hope you’re doing well, bruh.” The past is the past in Ocean’s eyes…until the second part of the song, which recalls an Acura Legend, eating at Shoney’s, marijuana, and of course, sex.  All over the period of a series of nights, right?

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14. The Weeknd, “A Lonely Night”

Starboy • Republic • 2016

“A Lonely Night,” a mid-tempo joint, finds The Weeknd portraying ‘her’ as the culprit of shallowness. In the context of the 2016 Grammy-winning album Starboy, she’s as shallow as the female protagonist who loves money on “Six Feet Under.” “A Lonely Night” – a song about a one-night stand – finds Abel Tesfaye reclaiming his swagger after previously being the victim of unrequited love (“Baby girl I loved you on a lonely night / It was the only time / And if I led you on then I apologize”). The production is top-notch, with The Weeknd being on fire.

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15. Charlie Puth, “Up All Night”

Nine Track Mind • Artist Partner Group • 2016 

On “Up All Night,” pop musician Charlie Puth sings about relatable, familiar feelings.  He’s infatuated with a girl: “You know just one touch can keep me high / And I think I’ll never come down / ‘Til a couple days go by / And you’re nowhere to be found.” The problem with the picture is that he likes her, but she doesn’t feel the same.  In other words, she’s playing him and he can’t get any sleep.

The simple but memorable refrain sums up the restlessness:

“Up all night
Up all night
All the things that you said to me yesterday
Playing over in my mind
It’s a crime
It’s a crime
How you’re reeling me in with the games you play
Then you hang me out to dry.”

“Up All Night” suits the sensitive persona that Puth constructed early-on in his career.  It’s ‘soft’ and definitely ‘schmaltzy,’ but one of the better songs from Nine Track Mind.  Perhaps that’s not saying much… no shade.

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16. Lord Huron, “The Night We Met”

Strange Trails • IAMSOUND • 2015

Indie-rock band Lord Huron makes a second appearance on this list with a truly delightful song, “The Night We Met”.  “The Night We Met” first appeared at the end on the band’s sophomore album, Strange Trails, which was released in 2015. Notably, it gained popularity thanks to being featured on the first season of the Netflix original series, 13 Reasons Why. No, Lord Huron didn’t tailor-make “The Night We Met” for the Netflix original series, yet it fits perfectly. In the context of 13 Reasons Why, the lyrics perfectly capture the ‘relationship’ between Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette) and Hannah Baker (Katherine Langford).  Ultimately, the relationship fell through – actually, it never quite was. Hannah commits suicide, precipitated by the events captured in the series, based upon the novel by Jay Asher.

The chorus from “The Night We Met” speaks on a ghost perfectly fitting to the series. Clay is clearly haunted by Hannah’s ghost, precipitated by listening to the tapes she records explaining the reason for her suicide.

“I had all and then most of you
Some and now none of you
Take me back to the night we met
I don’t know what I’m supposed to do
Haunted by the ghost of you
Take me back to the night we met.”

There are more parallels despite the fact the Lord Huron record pre-dates the series.  This is a sensational song aside from the buzz it received in the mainstream.  The lyrics are poetic, while the sound and vibe of the record are mysterious.

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17. Charles Mingus, “Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting”

Blues & Roots • Atlantic • 1960

Instrumental music definitely doesn’t get enough love.  Much of jazz, a style I love and grew up listening to, doesn’t always get the nod for playlists or features on The Musical Hype as much as it should.  Thankfully, the late, great Charles Mingus (1922 – 1979), delivered a gem in 1960, perfect for the nighttime, or any time for that matter! That classic is “Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting,” which musically sounds like the tone poem of a black Pentecostal church service.  In regards to jazz substyles, “Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting” falls at the end of the hard-bop period and the beginnings of the avant-garde/free jazz of the 1960s.

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Photo Credits: Artist Partner Group, Atlantic, Boys Don’t Cry, Capitol, Columbia, Fueled by Ramen, Godd ComplexX, IAMSOUND, RCA, Republic, Virgin, Warner Music Nashville

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