[Night Drive] Songs recommended for nighttime drives
There are all kinds of driving situations—wanting to be alone with your thoughts, spending a relaxing time with someone special, or having fun with friends! For any of these drives, I think music is essential.
In this article, I’ll introduce songs that are perfect for nighttime drives.
I’ve gathered mellow R&B and slightly laid-back rock and pop tracks.
These are classics that can create a great vibe whether you’re solo or with a group, so be sure to make them your companion for your night drive.
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[Night Drive] Recommended Songs for a Night Drive (21–30)
808Suchmos
A digital-only single by Suchmos.
It was used so extensively as the CM song for Honda’s “VEZEL” that the moment you hear it, car imagery immediately comes to mind.
It’s incredibly stylish and moody.
It feels comfortable to listen to—like you could slip through the night and head somewhere—there’s that kind of excitement.
I highly recommend it for a drive date!
road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)Utada Hikaru
Since making a sensational debut in her teens and taking the J-pop scene by storm, singer-songwriter Hikaru Utada has gained even more artistic depth after resuming activity following her hiatus from the public eye.
This track, released as a pre-release single from her sixth album “Fantôme,” was featured in Suntory Tennensui’s commercial “Mizu no Yama Ittekita: Southern Alps.” With a brisk beat yet a subtly wistful melody, it’s the perfect soundtrack for a nighttime drive that reveals a landscape different from the daytime.
An emotional pop tune you’ll find yourself humming along to behind the wheel.
Make it through a lonely nightLucky Kilimanjaro
A track by Lucky Kilimanjaro, a band known for their city pop-flavored style.
It’s included on their 2018 EP, HUG.
While the floating synth sound is striking, the drum’s intricate, groovy beat provides a compelling contrast—one of the reasons this song is so enjoyable.
As suggested by the title and lyrics, and as shown in the music video, it’s a perfect fit for scenes of driving at night, lost in thought.
Wonderlandiri
A song that was featured in a Sony Walkman commercial.
The bouncy keyboards and gentle melody blend into a perfectly comforting harmony.
We may not know what’s right, but it carries a message of getting through each day even as we struggle.
It’s the kind of track you’ll want as a driving companion to recharge your energy for tomorrow!
waitsaidāgāru
“Matsu” is a cool track with a slightly languid yet subtly seductive vibe.
Released digitally by Cidergirl in 2021, it’s set in a room, but its underground mood and danceable band sound make it perfect for a night drive.
It lifts your spirits when you just want to drive without thinking and clear your head.
While showcasing a new side of this so-called “carbonated” rock band, the ensemble’s pleasant cohesion is still very much there.
You’ll be wrapped in a stylish, fluffy sense of weightless drift.
54321Cream
A skilled music duo consisting of Staxx T from Osaka and Minami, who was born in Hong Kong and raised in Kobe.
This track, themed around love at first sight, is featured on their 2016 album “CHANGE.” With its flowing, beautiful melody, it’s the perfect song to play on a nighttime drive.
On nights when you find yourself deep in thought or lost in memories, it will gently keep you company.
Tokyo Night Dreaming feat. No RomeBMSG POSSE
An urban beat reminiscent of Tokyo’s neon-lit nights makes a striking impression.
The lyrics resonate, as if wiping away loneliness and anxiety.
Released by BMSG POSSE in November 2024, this track is the lead single from the album TYOISM Vol.1, dropping in December.
A collaboration with No Rome from the Philippines, it’s a cross-cultural piece that bridges Japan and Manila.
The humor-packed 3DCG music video is also a must-see.
It’s brimming with an emotional vibe that makes you want to listen while walking through Tokyo at night.
Recommended for those who want to immerse themselves in the city’s hustle and bustle while tuning in to their inner voice.