Foreign music BGM to listen to at night: recommended classics and popular songs

On & OnErykah Badu

Erykah Badu – On & On (Remix Edit)

This is a classic by Erykah Badu, a pioneering figure in neo-soul whose vocal work—skillfully incorporating reggae and hip-hop flows—creates a sophisticated impression.

It sets a luxurious atmosphere that pairs perfectly with the sultry hours of the night.

Strangers in The NightFrank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra – Strangers In The Night

The original version of the song known in Japan as “Yoru no Strangers” (Strangers in the Night) was composed by German composer Bert Kaempfert under a different title.

In 1966, the legendary singer Frank Sinatra covered it and scored a massive hit, making it his most commercially successful work.

The lush orchestral arrangement exudes a sense of grandeur, while Sinatra’s seasoned vocals brilliantly capture the song’s world and mood.

Defeat The Night (feat. Ashley Apollodor)JPB

JPB – Defeat The Night (feat. Ashley Apollodor) | Trap | NCS – Copyright Free Music

German producer JPB, who has been active on NCS since 2015, is known for works that blend future bass and dubstep.

His track “Defeat The Night (feat.

Ashley Apollodor)” became one of his signature pieces and gained worldwide popularity.

The standout appeal of this song is undoubtedly the impact of its drop.

The heavy drop, which unfolds with a noticeably reduced BPM, has a kinship with the hip-hop-influenced dance music seen in today’s K-pop scene.

Les NuitsNightmares on Wax

Nightmares on Wax – Les Nuits

A solo project by George Evelyn—also known by his stage name DJ E.

A.

S.

E.

—a UK native now based in Ibiza.

As one of Warp Records’ longest-standing artists, he’s an indispensable figure in the history of electronic music since the ’90s.

This track showcases the full appeal of Nightmares on Wax, characterized by a smoky downtempo/trip-hop sound.

It’s included on the third album Carboot Soul, released in 1999, so be sure to check it out.

Nights In White SatinThe Moody Blues

The Moody Blues – Nights In White Satin (1968)

The Japanese title is “Nights in White Satin.” The band that performs this song, The Moody Blues, is a progressive rock group from the United Kingdom.

They were pioneers in the genre and produced many rock works that convey a sense of classical grandeur.

Although “Nights in White Satin” was released in 1967, it didn’t become a major hit until several years later, in 1972.

It is a dreamlike piece that exemplifies the early Moody Blues.

Orange MugWONK

WONK – Orange Mug (Official Audio)

When we say BGM, it’s not just about rhythmic instrumental tracks—you also want mellow tunes with a relaxed mood that make you move gently, right? If you’re looking for music like that, I recommend WONK’s “Orange Mug.” It uses a boom-bap-style beat reminiscent of overseas R&B and ’90s hip-hop, and just listening to it makes you want to move your body.

It’s dance music you’ll want to play at night.

I think the intentionally low-budget feel of the music video actually creates a stylish vibe.

Best & New RnB / Soul Musicafterhours.

Khalid, Justin Bieber, SZA, Ella Mai | After Hours R&B Playlist – 2025 Mix By Sarah

As the name suggests, Best & New RnB / Soul Music is a channel that streams classic or the latest R&B and soul music, and it gives the impression of offering slightly more mature-sounding tracks.

How about using it as background music when you want to relax or during yoga?