Most teenagers stay up late at night. What’s not to like about staying up late some nights? Just like the mornings, there are many things to do at night. Only, it’s dark outside, and you’re probably at home. I personally enjoy working out, studying, watching TV, gaming, and cooking late at night. Maybe even going for a drive, or getting fast food somewhere. The point being, there are lots of fun things to do in the evening.
Having music on in the background is another nice thing. In addition to staying up late, most teenagers also enjoy listening to their favorite songs. I find myself listening to music while doing regular tasks, like homework, working out, and driving.
Part of what makes the vibe of whatever you’re doing is the music. Good songs can make mundane tasks more enjoyable, and even take your mind off things whenever you’re feeling stressed. If I were to list some of my most frequently done activities in the evening and my favorite songs to go with them, I’d be something like this:
- Driving
What makes going somewhere fun can sometimes be more rooted in the drive, rather than the destination. For example, the drive to and from a McDonald’s is more fun than ordering your food. You’re hungry on the drive there and excited to have your food on the drive back. If you see a movie with your friends, the movie itself is pretty fun. But what about the ride back, where you all discuss the movie?
All a good drive needs is good music and an open road. While I’m not saying you should be cutting up on I-190 blasting music, a chill night drive with good tunes is something to be enjoyed.
Some of my favorite songs to listen to while driving late are In the Night, The Color Violet, and 505. These songs are fitting for a drive to a friend’s house, a fast food restaurant, or just traveling around.
The Hills – Great balance of slow and fast-paced beats. If you listen closely, The Weeknd’s voice matches the tempo of the song. The best part of the song is, of course, the chorus. It encapsulates all the best of Beauty Behind the Madness – various melodies in the background of messy feelings, angst, and sadness.
The Color Violet – Tory Lanez is one of my favorite artists because of his unique voice. The Color Violet stands among his best tracks in Alone At Prom. While listening, I get serious vibes of ‘80s music (synth, voice filters, etc). The consistent tempo behind Tory’s lyrics makes it a great tune.
505 – If one song could be my anthem for a long drive in the evening, it’d be 505. What I like about the song is the slow start and reverb. Another thing is the meaning of the lyrics – if you know the meaning and have experienced something similar, it can get you on another level. It makes for a great song to have in the background while you talk to someone or drive by yourself.
- Studying, Homework, & Chores
Chores can be really boring. Most of the time, late-night cramming before tests isn’t the most ideal way to finish your evening. Studying by itself can feel boring, especially if it’s for that one class you couldn’t care less about. Homework too – staying up late trying to finish homework isn’t on my bucket list in the evening. At least you can take comfort in knowing that you put in the time and effort to be productive before you head off to your impending doom (school the next day).
When I have no other choice but to endure this drudgery at night, my top song choices are Eventually, Comfortable, and Escape From LA.
Eventually – Tame Impala has been growing in popularity recently. What makes this song stand out for studying is the constant pace changes. In some moments, the song flows slowly with Kevin Parker’s clean voice, or the guitar goes off. It blends to make a great song to have in the background. And best of all, it reminds you that you’ll be done studying, eventually.
Comfortable – Definitely on the melodic and slower side for Lil Wayne. The song holds a steady but slower beat, which can add great ambiance to whatever you’re doing, or studying, in our case. Most of his bars sound smooth and can get stuck in your head. For a relaxing song about moving on from someone, I like it.
Escape From LA – The longest song on this list. Despite this, the slower pace can slow you down, especially if you’re anxious about a test or quiz. Another thing I enjoyed was the song’s sound. The beat and vocal effects show just how great After Hours is. Another point worth noting is that the song is relatively quiet, making it the least distracting option for studying among the three mentioned.
- Exercise
Exercise can be lots of different things. Running, lifting, swimming, yoga, and much else. Sometimes a long day can be ended best with some physical activity. Personally, I’m too shy to go to the gym, so working out at home is what I’ll go with, for now. What makes an evening workout great is going to bed knowing you did something right. Your body and mind will be tired, giving you all the more reason to sleep.
My best choices for songs during my evening workouts are Black Skinhead, and Champion
Black Skinhead – one of my favorite “harder” Kanye songs, from Yeezus. A hard hitter from the start, it’s one of those songs that’ll make you push yourself through your rep or your run. More than average bass on this song, and it booms with Ye’s words. Best served with dumbbells and a hard workout.
Champion – I find this song to be the most upbeat of Graduation. Kanye’s lyrics celebrate his hard work towards success in the song. Whenever you need motivation for your workout or run, I always feel this song delivers.
If there’s anything to take away from this, it’s mostly this. Next time you’re staying up late in the evening and happen to find yourself doing something like what I’ve mentioned above, give one of those songs a listen. Hopefully, they can add some good vibes to whatever you’re up to. Don’t stay up too late!
