Top 10 One-Night Stand Songs
For those fleeting moments of nocturnal passion, these are the songs that perfectly capture the experience. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we'll be counting down our picks for the Top 10 One-Night Stand Songs. For this list, we're focusing specifically on musical compositions with a one-night stand as the central narrative.
Special thanks to our users Rob Lucchesi for submitting the idea using our interactive suggestion tool at http://www.WatchMojo.comsuggest
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#10: “All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You” (1990)
Heart
Evocative of spontaneous decision-making and love at first sight, this early '90s song blurs the line between fantasy and specific sexual intent. Written by AC/DC and Def Leppard producer Mutt Lange, the track’s overt message was reportedly a cause of concern for Heart. Even so, the inherent romance brilliantly glides over the subtext for most of the production, with the narrator expressing a declarative statement about her plans for the evening. In the end, however, the truth comes to light, as the unknown hitchhiker learns the disturbing truth behind the hotel room tryst. Incidentally, the seemingly romantic story actually highlights a disturbing pre-meditated act.
#9: “Goodbye Stranger” (1979)
Supertramp
Tinged with a carefree set of self-reflexive lyrics, this song demonstrates the effectiveness of an open dialogue. For the first part of “Goodbye Stranger”, the subject’s troubadour ways are established, as one-night stands make him feel young… plus he most definitely enjoys the act of sexual intercourse. And once Rick Davies hits a falsetto for the send-off chorus, the narrator reveals himself to be a compromising lover, willing to communicate about the after effects of one-night stands. In essence, Supertramp’s “Goodbye Stranger” represents the antithesis of contrived pillow talk.
#8: “Blame” (2014)
Calvin Harris feat. John Newman
While this electro collaboration topped dance charts in the UK and United States, the powerhouse chorus doesn’t necessarily reflect good life advice. With John Newman serving up the razor-sharp vocals co-written by his brother James, the narrator takes a lackadaisical approach to his one-night stand. Like so many doomed couples, responsibility to a committed relationship takes a back seat to sexual healing. And in the style of “YOLO”, this apologetic track relies heavily on living in the moment and conveying a youthful ignorance to lasting consequences.
#7: “Tonight (I’m Lovin’ You)” (2010)
Enrique Iglesias feat. Ludacris and DJ Frank E
Depending on which version one listens to, dirty or clean, the message might be a little different but the core idea remains the same. Enrique Iglesias, or at least the narrator, fully expects a one-night stand. Detailing the confusion that can easily derail such an experience, the lyrics behold a blunt message, yet it’s one that could easily be interpreted as offensive in real-life situations. But for club-banger purposes, the song perfectly executes a sexual ideal that many can relate to. And with Ludacris providing assistance with a pronounced verse, the track exudes a bit more edge than most Enrique love songs.
#6: “One Night Stand” (2011)
Keri Hilson feat. Chris Brown
As a musical example of the feelings that arise after a positive late-night escapade, this track figuratively takes the listener inside the bedroom. With a sexually charged conversation unfolding by way of Keri Hilson and Chris Brown, the subjects bring to light the excitement involved with the act itself. And with the R&B aesthetic adding to the sensuality, the impassioned vocals provide even more intensity to the declarative chorus. Whereas many songs address the morning after, “One Night Stand” is all about the act of hooking up.
#5: “Last Name” (2008)
Carrie Underwood
Performed by an “American Idol”, here’s a song which reminds that even well mannered individuals make poor decisions. In this case, however, the female subject makes a big one. Even so, the sprawling vocals of Carrie Underwood offer a fresh take on a familiar concept in country music. In 2008, ”Last Name” appealed to a millennial demographic, helping the singer crossover from the country genre into the realm of pop music. Lyrically, the song references the usual Vegas topics of drinking and late night love, yet it’s still an effective track given the dynamics of Underwood’s performance.
#4: “Take Me Home Tonight” (1986)
Eddie Money
Undeniably a timeless '80s production, a proper understanding of its context adds an extra layer of depth. While the titular chorus representing a feeling that both men and women can identify with, it’s Ronnie Spector’s vocal hook- lifted from her 1963 classic “Be My Baby”- that pulls us in. And given the emotive essence of the lyrics that contrast the clichéd norms of male masculinity, “Take Me Home Tonight” remains pertinent decades after its release. All in all, it’s a beloved retro hit from a more innocent time.
#3: “Get Lucky” (2013)
Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams
Perhaps the ultimate one-night stand song of the YouTube era, this catchy number is both organic and addictive. Complementing the pervading retro funk, the lyrics, as sung by Pharrell Williams, touch on universal themes, but it’s the repetitive chorus that reinforces the central idea. By staying away from explicitly detailing a one-night stand and conveying more of a playful vibe, “Get Lucky” is one of those timeless productions that transcends the lyrical message. But when you get right down to it, this song IS about the act of hooking up, making no complaints about those who stay up late to have a little fun.
#2: “Angel of the Morning” (1981)
Juice Newton
Although one-night stands are typically associated with immaturity or loneliness, this enduring cover of Evie Sands’ 1968 original beholds a certain sense of individuality and self-awareness. Connecting the sacred and the profane, the subject of “Angel in the Morning” refuses to get caught up in mind games, even if the heartbreaking chorus reflects a major emotional void. As a poignant example of brilliant songwriting, the song beautifully covers the essentials of a one-night stand and the inevitable feelings of having unanswered questions. In theory, one may understand why the hookup transpired, but no one can predict the mindset of the other. In that regard, “Angel of the Morning” highlights a selfish, but understandable, point of view.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Stay with Me” (2014)
Sam Smith
“Save a Prayer” (1982)
Duran Duran
“One Evening” (2004)
Feist
“Beautiful Stranger” (1999)
Madonna
“Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” (1978)
Rod Stewart
#1: “You Shook Me All Night Long” (1980)
AC/DC
Despite the repeated references to gender in the opening lyrics, this song has long inspired both men and women to shout out the iconic chorus. Fueled by metaphor after metaphor and Brian Johnson’s unmistakable voice, “You Shook Me All Night Long” is so devilish and fun that one can easily lose sight of the narrator’s sexual exploits. It’s a one-night stand song that connects with the average listener through energy alone, and just like a modern hit such as “Get Lucky,” the AC/DC classic exudes positive vibes and a most polarizing topic of discussion.
So, do you agree with our selections? What is your favorite one-night stand song? For more musical Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
