10 Best Rock Songs With The Word “Night” In The Title

Feature Photo: Tim Foster

Night has always been a central theme in rock ‘n’ roll, just as much as words like love, heart, and you. It’s no surprise—rock and roll is a celebration of nightlife: concerts, parties, dancing, and everything that happens once the sun goes down. When you think of rock music, it’s almost impossible not to associate it with the energy and allure of the night. So, putting together a list of the best rock songs with the word “night” in the title makes perfect sense.

With millions of songs written about the night, narrowing it down to just ten is, of course, subjective. However, the ten songs we’ve chosen are not only classics but represent some of the most iconic and memorable uses of “night” in rock history. From anthems of youthful adventure to deep reflections on love and life, these tracks span decades and styles, offering a rich look into how different artists have captured the magic and mystery of the nighttime. So, while everyone has their personal favorites, we think these ten songs stand out as some of the best ever, and we’ve provided in-depth details about each one to make this list an engaging read.

# 10 – Wild Night – Van Morrison

Opening this list of the 10 Best Rock Songs With The Word “Night” In The Title is Van Morrison’s energetic and soulful track “Wild Night.” Released in 1971 on his album Tupelo Honey, this song became an instant classic and one of Morrison’s most well-loved hits. It captures the essence of spontaneity and freedom, making it the perfect track to kick off a list centered on the magic that comes with the night.

Read More: Our 10 Favorite Van Morrison Songs

# 9 –  Night Shift – Foghat

There is no way we were leaving off one of our favorite band of all time on this list, especially this one.  As the title track of their sixth studio album, released in 1976, this song reflects the band’s boogie rock roots while introducing a harder edge to their sound. With its infectious groove, powerful guitar riffs, and steady rhythm, “Night Shift” stands out as an essential track, and it opens up this list of the 10 Best Rock Songs With The Word “Night” In The Title by setting the tone with its pulsating, nocturnal vibe.

Read More: Roger Earl of Foghat: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview

# 8 – The Night Time Is The Right Time – Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival’s version of “The Night Time Is the Right Time” stands out as one of the most powerful interpretations of this blues classic. Originally written by bluesman Nappy Brown in 1957 and made famous by Ray Charles in 1958, the song has been covered by countless artists, each bringing their own unique twist to the track. However, CCR’s rendition, featured on their 1969 Green River album, brings a raw, swampy rock feel that captures the essence of the band’s signature sound. For this list of the 10 Best Rock Songs With The Word “Night” In The Title, CCR’s version takes a deserved spot, with John Fogerty’s gritty vocals and the band’s tight instrumentation elevating the song to a new level.

Read More: Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Best Song On Each Studio Album

# 7 – The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down – The Band 

As the second word in its title suggests, “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” is deeply connected to the notion of “night,” but not merely in a literal sense. Written by Robbie Robertson and performed by Levon Helm, this song captures the emotional and symbolic darkness of the South during the final days of the American Civil War. Released in 1969 on The Band’s critically acclaimed second album, The Band, the song tells the story of Virgil Caine, a poor Southerner, who witnesses the collapse of his way of life as Union forces tear through the South, with specific reference to George Stoneman’s raids in southwest Virginia.

Read More: Complete List Of The Band Albums And Songs

# 6 – Night Flight – Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti, released in 1975, includes “Night Flight,” a song that represents a unique fusion of hard rock energy and lyrical depth. “Night Flight” was actually recorded during the Led Zeppelin IV sessions in 1971, but it found its place on Physical Graffiti when the band decided to use unreleased tracks to round out their ambitious double album. The song was recorded at Headley Grange, a remote country house in Hampshire, England, where the band was known for its creative process of improvisation and experimentation. Produced by Jimmy Page, Physical Graffiti stands as one of Zeppelin’s most eclectic and celebrated albums, incorporating a range of genres. The core lineup for “Night Flight” features Robert Plant’s powerful vocals, Page’s deft guitar work, John Paul Jones on bass and keyboards, and John Bonham’s signature drumming.

Read More: Complete List Of Led Zeppelin Studio Albums And Songs

# 5 – Nights In White Satin – The Moody Blues

At the halfway point of our list, we arrive at Nights in White Satin, one of the most haunting and iconic songs by The Moody Blues. Written by lead guitarist and vocalist Justin Hayward, the track was released as part of the band’s landmark 1967 album Days of Future Passed. The song showcases the symphonic fusion of rock and orchestral music, marking a pivotal moment in the development of progressive rock. With its dreamlike atmosphere, poignant lyrics, and lush instrumentation, it became the band’s signature song, reaching number 2 in the US charts when re-released in 1972.

Read More: An Interview With John Lodge Of The Moody Blues

# 4 – You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC

Opening with its iconic guitar riff, “You Shook Me All Night Long” by AC/DC bursts onto our list of the 10 Best Rock Songs With the Word “Night” in the Title with unapologetic energy and attitude. First released in 1980 on the Back in Black album, this track marked a new chapter for the Australian hard rock band as it was their first single featuring Brian Johnson on lead vocals after the untimely death of Bon Scott. With its infectious rhythm and unforgettable lyrics, the song became a cornerstone of AC/DC’s legacy, blending the raw power of rock with Johnson’s gritty voice. The song reached number 35 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Read More: Chris Slade: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview

# 3 –  Night – Bruce Springsteen

“Night” is a gripping, fast-paced rock song by Bruce Springsteen, originally released on his Born to Run album in 1975. The song is a poignant tale of the blue-collar struggle, where long workdays give way to the brief, intoxicating thrill of nighttime escape. Springsteen and the E Street Band bring raw energy to the track, which has made it a favorite in his live shows over the years, especially as an opener during the Born to Run and Magic tours.

Read More: Complete List Of Bruce Springsteen Albums And Songs

# 2 – Let’s Spend The Night Together – The Rolling Stones

“Let’s Spend the Night Together” is a bold and sensual track by The Rolling Stones, written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Originally released as a double A-sided single with “Ruby Tuesday” in January 1967, it quickly became one of the band’s most provocative songs due to its suggestive lyrics. The song’s sexual energy is undeniable, and its straightforward call for intimacy marked the band’s rebellious edge during the 1960s. While Ruby Tuesday climbed the charts in both the UK and US, “Let’s Spend the Night Together” stirred controversy, especially in the United States, where its overt lyrics caused hesitation in radio play, limiting its chart success.

Read More: Top 10 Rolling Stones Songs of the 1960’s

# 1 – Night Moves – Bob Seger

“Night Moves” is one of Bob Seger’s most iconic tracks, released as the lead single from his 1976 album of the same name. The song is a nostalgic reflection on youthful love, self-discovery, and the passage of time, establishing Seger as a storyteller capable of capturing the bittersweetness of growing up. While it’s a personal coming-of-age tale, it resonates universally with its themes of adolescent yearning and the inevitable nostalgia that comes with adulthood.

Read More: Top 20 Bob Seger Songs

Updated September 27, 2025

10 Best Rock Songs With The Word “Night” In The Title article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2025