The "Late Night Drive" Playlist: Songs for Empty Roads and City Lights
The Cinematic Solitude of the Night
There is something spiritual about driving alone at night. The traffic fades away, the city lights blur into streaks of neon, and the car becomes a private listening booth. It’s a time for thinking, for processing, and for just being.
But a night drive needs a specific kind of soundtrack. You don't want high-energy pop, and you don't want acoustic folk. You want atmosphere. You want songs with lush synthesizers, steady rhythms, and a mood that feels like a scene from a movie.
As a musician who spent the 80s in Los Angeles—the ultimate driving city—I know this vibe well. Here is my curated playlist for the perfect late-night drive.
1. "In the Air Tonight" - Phil Collins (1981)
The undisputed king of the night drive. The long, brooding atmospheric intro sets a mood of tension and anticipation that is unmatched. When those drums finally kick in, it’s the ultimate release. It’s a song that demands to be played with the windows down on an empty highway.
2. "Drive" - The Cars (1984)
It’s in the name, isn't it? Benjamin Orr’s vocal is haunting and cool, floating over a bed of lush, expansive synthesizers. It captures a feeling of melancholy and longing that feels right at home under the streetlights.
3. "Tinseltown in the Rain" - The Blue Nile (1984)
This is a sophisticated masterpiece. It captures the feeling of a city at night—the romance, the rain, the lights—better than almost any other song. The production is crisp, clean, and spacious. It’s the sound of urban solitude.
4. "Crockett's Theme" - Jan Hammer (1984)
An instrumental classic from Miami Vice. This track defines the "cool" 80s aesthetic. It’s smooth, rhythmic, and evokes images of neon signs and palm trees passing by in the dark. It helps you get into a flow state behind the wheel.
5. "Human Nature" - Michael Jackson (1982)
While "Thriller" got the attention, this track (written by members of Toto) is the sonic masterpiece of the album. The shimmering synths and soft, floating vocals create a dreamlike atmosphere that is perfect for a quiet drive through the city.
My Contribution to the Drive
When I was recording my album New Dimensions in 1984, we were heavily influenced by this emerging "L.A. Sound"—polished, synth-driven, and cinematic.
The track “Paradise” was built for this exact setting. Produced by Bob Wilson, it features that driving, steady bassline and those wide, atmospheric synthesizers that seem to open up the road in front of you. It’s a song about searching for a feeling, and the groove is designed to keep you moving forward.
The Destination Doesn't Matter
The beauty of the late-night drive isn't about where you're going. It's about the space between here and there. I hope these songs keep you company on the road.
For more mood-based collections, check out my Playlists page.
What is the one song that must be on your driving playlist? I'd love to hear your recommendations in the comments.