Capturing the tone or feel of a certain subject can be vexing in music. Nighttime in particular is one area where few bands can pull it off well enough to be convincing. Whether it’s intentional or unintentional, if it’s pulled off correctly, it can transport you to  a world never before imaginable. Sounds stupid I know, but that is one of musics’ hidden abilities, to take you away from the downers of life. With these tracks though, they may evoke paranoia,  or they may be your go to music at the end of the day. Whatever  it is consider these songs.

4. “Rainbow in the Dark” by Das Racist

If I could describe this song it would be like playing the Rainbow Road stage of Mario Kart 64, only you’re on a way bigger high and there is White Castle and Mr. Belding there. This track first appeared on the groups’ Shut Up Man mix tape and was later re-released on their major label debut, Relax. There is a paranoia to the track that is established with the melody; a combination of synths and drums, and sustained with just crazy ass rap lyrics. This is a fun song that I highly recommend. Mute the sound on your TV, Prep your 64 or Wii for Mario Kart 64, and press play on the track, it’s a bitchin’ ride.

3. “Drink on It” by Blake Shelton

The common theme to these songs is that I either first heard them at night or explored their nightly nature. I first heard “Drink on It” when I was covering a night shift for someone. I immediately fell in love with it; the melody, Shelton’s vocals, and the lyrics make for a great tune. The song is about a man trying to comfort a woman who just broke up with her boyfriend, and what unfolds is the most smooth and boss way of trying get with someone I’ve ever heard. It’s easily one of my top 50 tracks for the year and the song count on my iTunes keeps climbing with it.

2. “Coming Down” by Dum Dum Girls

In my mind, this song reminds me of an alien abduction for some reason; a scene of someone trying to outrun a light in the sky, done in slow motion with beautiful cinematography. Dum Dum Girls nailed it with this track, the best from their 2011 outing Only in Dreams. The tracks smokey vocals, provided by Dee Dee, are an eye opening expose, further feeding it’s dark nature by a slow played guitar. There is a lot to love about this track, and it makes for some interesting material to listen to when you walk down a dark street at night.

1. “Boobie Miles” by Big K.R.I.T.

While this track is inspired by James “Boobie” Miles, the inspiration for Friday Night Lights, it’s the track’s slow jazz melody that gives it an after work, winding down at the end of the day track. The song’s lyrics explore the nature of success and taking every opportunity given to you when presented. Every time I hear it, I picture myself, entering my apartment at the end of the day, throwing on this track, and sitting on the couch and loosening my tie. It’s smooth, it’s sexy, and the subtle  horn that appears every now and then throughout the song, may be the most genius placement of instrumentation I’ve ever heard in a song. It’s subtle nature has a big impact and the song’s beauty with forge a place in your head for a long time.