Late Night Vibe Playlist

1. Can You Hear the Rain- Unto Others

By the Goth Rock band Unto Others, previously known as Idle Hands, 'Can You Hear the Rain' is the third track on their self-titled EP Unto Others. A mix of European and American metal styles, this band brings a unique style to the mix.

Full of skilled guitar riffs, deep calming vocals, and bittersweet lyrics, I adore this song. 'Can You Hear the Rain' outlines the feeling of losing someone you care about. Mentioning how sunny days are gone and how the years are passing the narrator by after losing someone from their life. The rain is a metaphor for his depression that has since on set. Although on the more energetic side of this playlist, it helps to perfectly set the mood for this playlist while delivering an interesting listening experience. 

2. The Book of Love- The Magnetic Fields

The Magnetic Fields are an American band, known for their ironic, bitter, and somewhat humorous lyrics about love. They even have a three-volume collection of 69 love songs. The first volume of this 1999 collection The Book of Love takes the place of track twelve. 

It is a sarcastic, pessimistic, yet somehow romantic song. The lyrics discuss how dumb this book is, full of romantic tropes and stereotypes. Yet ironically enough mentioning how much the narrator enjoys these things. With a gentle upbeat guitar backing and uninterested, almost monotone vocals, this song creates an odd yet enjoyable listening experience.

3.Rain- Vlad Holiday

Vlad Holiday is a Romanian-born indie singer-songwriter and music producer. Currently based in New York City, he releases single by single embracing a Lo-Fi style. His 2020 single Rain was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, some of his lyrics were even taken from a peaceful protest he had recorded on his phone. All funds raised from this song are donated to the movement.

I absolutely love this artist and his music. Rain is no exception to this. His quiet, calm voice is paired with his soft electronic beats have never failed to help me relax from any stresses that may fill my day. If you’re ever in need of some chillwave or Lo-Fi music, I would highly recommend you check him out. 

4. Trip- Grand Pax

Grand Pax, also known as Annie Pax is a singer-songwriter from London. Trip is the third track on her 2020 EP Wavy. Her style is primarily indie pop and packed with a melancholic sound. Trip never fails to relax me. The mix of Lo-Fi vibes and a rich bass-heavy sound creates a full and hypnotic sound. Pax’s quiet, almost breathy voice floats perfectly over her down-tempo beats. I find this song is perfect for ambiance or to crank up when you’re trying to unwind. Regardless if you let it, this song will carry you away with it.

5.Bad Dreams- Joywave

From the American Indie band, Joywave, Bad Dreams is the closing track of their 2015 album How Do You Feel Now? With strong electronic beats and an overlaying choir, this song takes on a symphonic quality. Yet this never seems to overpower Daniel Armbruster’s strong vocals.  This song was inspired by Armbruster’s concern for how his hometown would respond if he became successful. He even recorded part of this song on his flight to meet with his new record label. Unique and musically intriguing, this song is definitely worth checking out.

6. Bela Lugosi’s Dead- Nouvelle Vague, Phoebe Tolmer

From Halloween playlists to my inevitable flirtations with Goth music, this song has long followed me on Spotify. Track 10 of Nouvelle Vague’s 2006 album Bande à Part Bela Lugosi’s Dead is a cover of a famous Bauhaus song from the ’80s. Featuring Phoebe Tolmer this song brings a new spin on a classic. Don’t get me wrong, the original is great, but the cover took this song to the next level, the new electronic adaption breaths such a new life into it. Dark yet full of life, this cover would do Bela proud.

7. Werewolf Heart- Dead Man’s Bones

Dead Man’s Bones is a rock duo consisting of actor Ryan Gosling and his friend Zac Shield. For their first and only album, they collaborated with the Silverlake Conservatory Children’s Choir. They combine dark wave, gothic rock, indie, and folk. Their songs mostly consist of love, ghosts, and monsters. Werewolf Heart is no exception to this placing track ten in the album as it embraces the romance of werewolf and human.

This is another song I just fell in love with upon first listen. It combines charming old school instrumentals with wilderness sound effects and traditional singing with spoken poetry creating a unique atmosphere. The lyrics are dark, poetic, and chillingly romantic. It is so unique and special; you’ll just have to listen to fully understand.

8.You’re So Cool-Jonathan Bree

You’re So Cool is the third track from Jonathan Bree’s 2018 album, Sleepwalking. Bree is a singer-songwriter from New Zealand, best known for his solo work. He was also the co-founder of the indie-pop band the brunettes. He is best known for his new wave and Indie pop style.

This song contains a strange pairing of upbeat music and seemingly uninterested if not sarcastic vocals make for an interesting mashup. And although emotions are subtle, there’s something impactful and beautiful about Bree’s vocals. Overall You’re So Cool packs a deep, curious meaning to decipher and makes for an enjoyable listening experience.

9. Breakdown- Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers

By the American band Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers; Breakdown was their first single from their 1976 self-titled debut album. It quickly rose to become a top 40 hit in both the United States and Canada. This tune never fails to help me relax. I love Petty’s voice mixed with the heartbeat-like bass. This song brings a perfect mix of jazzy feels with rock. 10/10 recommend.

10. Artificial Paradise- Vlad Holiday

Yet another beautiful song by Vlad Holiday Artificial Paradise is a 2018 single. Full of rich Lo-Fi beats, I find myself looping this song to no end. Holiday touches on human corruption and how we are willing to lose ourselves to live in this artificial paradise. Just another great song by a great artist.

11. Where have All the Cowboys Gone? -Paula Cole

Where have All the Cowboys Gone is the second track from American singer Paula Cole’s 1997 album This Fire. It was her first and only top 10 songs on the Billboard Hot 100. As well as won her three Grammy nominations.

This song addresses the narrator’s desire for a romance with an old-school western man and her inability to find it. Which, to a certain degree, I can relate to. (Though Cole can keep her Cowboys and I’ll stick to my elusive love interests…). The music compliments Cole’s vocals perfectly, as well as the other songs on this playlist. 

12. Another Day In Paradise- Phil Collins

The soft rock song Another Day in Paradise is by the English Drummer and Singer-songwriter Phil Collins. It was the first single from his 1989 album …But Seriously. It was his seventh and final single to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and was the last number one hit of the eighties.

This is yet another deep, relaxing hit by Phil Collins. Reminiscent to the style of In the Air Tonight, I had instantly fallen in love when this came into my Spotify mix. Acting as a narrative piece, Collins addresses the topic of the homeless. He tells the story of a man walking by a woman living on the streets urging to stop and help her because while she’s suffering we are living “another day in paradise”. 

13.Cold Wind Blowin’-The Barrows

Cold Wind Blowin’ is the fourth track on The Barrows 2020 EP On Judgement Day. They call their music outlaw country with some funk. They pride themselves on keeping their music traditional. All I know is that with these catchy lyrics, a soulful voice, and deep hypnotic music, this song perfectly fits the tones of this playlist. If you haven’t yet heard of them, I’d recommend you check this rising band out.

14. I Know It’s Over- The Smiths

The Smiths are an English rock band that formed in Manchester, England in 1982. They fuse 1960 rock with post-punk. All four of their studio albums ended up on the Rolling Stones’ 500 Greatest Albums of All Time List. I Know It’s Over is the third track on their 1986 album The Queen is Dead.

The strong, clear vocals of Morrissey never fail to get me. This song is packed full of emotion and soul. The instrumentals work well to complement rather than overpower the vocals while helping to progress the story. It captures the feeling of depression in a deep, artful way. Yet has a strange peaceful quality to it. I highly recommend it.

15.Dark Child- Marlon Williams

Marlon Williams is an indie-folk singer-songwriter from New Zealand. Dark Child is the third track on his 2016 debut album called Marlon Williams. His music is often narrative-driven and contains many deep and often dark themes.

I have a lot of personal connections with song. Memories of me blasting it on quiet summer evenings and jamming out through lonely nights. Dark Child is just such a peaceful song, discussing such a sad subject. Williams has such a soulful voice, and it’s just such a powerfully emotional song. The lyrics touch on the death of loved ones and dealing with the grief of losing a child. The instrumentals are simple yet beautiful and fit so well with Williams’s voice, and overall it’s just a really excellent song.

16.Imagine- John Lennon

From the album of the same name, Imagine is one of Lennon’s most famous singles, if not songs. As well as one of the most performed songs in history.

I’ve always loved this song and its message. The idea of living in a world without material possession, a world where everything is peaceful and people are equal. It’s a really beautiful message and just such a perfect song. Slow, soulful, and deep it fits perfectly into this list.

Something-The Beatles

From the 1969 album Abbey Road by The Beatles (I expect this great band needs no introduction) Something was set up for success. Featured as # 14 in Mojo Magazines “The 100 Greatest Songs of All Time” as well as #279 in Rolling Stones “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” there is no doubt this song is something special. Perhaps I’m just a sucker for some oldies or my inner hopeless romantic is showing through but The Beatles never fail to deliver. Do I need to say more? Something is just such a sweet romantic song, with beautifully laid-back instrumentals and a stunning guitar part. What can I say, I just couldn’t help myself.

18. Crazy- Willie Nelson

Crazy by Willie Nelson was written in 1961 for the singer Billy Walker who had turned it down for being a “girl’s song”. Its success was what had launched Nelson’s career as a singer/songwriter. Though it was most famously covered by Patsy Cline I’m partial to Nelson’s version. This song has a soothing old-school charm to it. Its quiet instrumentals allow Nelson’s voice to shine through. Its subject is sweet, depicting his helpless love for its recipient. Although redone by several artists the original jazz-pop ballad always will have a special place in my heart. It’s a soulful song that will only grow better with time.

19. Let Me Follow- Son Lux

This song is the 5th track on the 2013 album “Original Music from and Inspired By: Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby” by the experimental band Son Lux. This brand has a unique post-rock electronic vibe. Let Me Follow was a late addition to this playlist. Right as I was completing this write up, I had come across this beautiful song and knew I had to make room for it. On the slower, quieter side it brings the perfect building Lo-Fi beats paired with beautiful vocals. The opening is simple yet haunting, leading into the chillingly sweet voice of Ryan Lott and his female accompanist. Altogether this song is a masterpiece leaving me spellbound every time it plays.

20. Dead of Night- Orville Peck

Dead of Night is the opening track on the 2019 album “Pony”. Orville Peck creates the perfect blend of classic American outlaw country and gothic tones. Reminding me of a wanted cowboy meets soulful heartbroken country singer meets Chris Isaak. This song is full of love in the countryside it is bound to transport you to the deep west.

Dead of Night is just one of those songs that will stick in your head and keep playing on a loop. Its simple instrumentals act like a heartbeat through the song, never distracting from Peck’s smooth, calming voice. The lyrics are like a good story; it transports you. The imagery takes you along for a late-night ride through the Nevada countryside. Not only is the subject fitting for this playlist, but its ending brings a satisfying close to any night.

Spotify playlist link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6deoF8NedxCcQz7L5fWqtj?si=d23ab7fd31c64ce2

Thank you for reading and hope you enjoyed!