Knee-deep in finals, it can be difficult to remember to have fun once in a while. Neon Nights is a playlist of contemporary, alt-rock, 80s-style songs, for all of your spontaneous dance party needs! If you’re an eighties music fan looking for some modern music, this is the playlist for you. You can listen to Neon Nights on Spotify here!

“Fever” – Two Door Cinema Club
With disco-like elements, this song – true to its name – is highly reminiscent of the songs of Saturday Night Fever. If you’re a fan of songs like the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive,” you’ll love “Fever.”

“Uptight Downtown” – La Roux
Known for their synthpop sounds, La Roux’s “Uptight Downtown” was a major part of the British band’s 2013 comeback. If imitation 80s music is the genre for you, La Roux’s entire album Trouble in Paradise is definitely worth a listen.

“Love Me” – The 1975
A bit more synth-heavy that other songs by The 1975, “Love Me” sounds as though it came straight out of the 80s. With a catchy melody vaguely reminiscent of Styx’s “Mr. Roboto,” this song is certainly a stand-out amongst the rest of the band’s music.

“Do It All The Time” – I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME
Having released their first EP 1981 just last month, two-man band I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME (or iDKHOW) has very quickly been gaining attention in the alt-rock genre. With a steady beat and a catchy bass line, “Do It All The Time” will be stuck in your head for weeks to come.

“Maya the Psychic” – Gerard Way
Those who listened to early 2000s emo music will definitely remember My Chemical Romance’s lead singer Gerard Way. Off of his 2014 solo album Hesitant Alien, “Maya the Psychic” is the sort of upbeat song that will have you tapping your toe and bopping your head the entire time.

“Pressure” – Muse
Like everything off of their newest album Simulation Theory, Muses’ “Pressure” has a very distinct 80s feel to it, while also balancing Muse’s iconic rock sound. If you dig “Pressure,” other songs to take a listen to off of Simulation Theory include “The Dark Side (Alternate Reality Version)” and “Blockades.”

“Modern Day Cain” – I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME
The first song ever released by iDKHOW, “Modern Day Cain” is the very definition of a modern 80s song. With nothing but a vocals, bass, drums, and synth, iDKHOW makes the most of what they have in this bop.

“Natural” – Imagine Dragons
While the least 80s-esque song on this playlist, I would be remiss in not including a personal favourite off of Imagine Dragons’ new album Origins. “Natural” is head-banging, memorable, and undeniably one of the best alt-rock songs of the year.

“Days of Thunder” – The Midnight
Stylistic of this synthwave band, The Midnight’s “Days of Thunder” combines very contemporary-sounding vocals with a very 80s-sounding backing track. The perfect hybrid of past and present, this song would be perfect in a remake of Knight Rider.

“Ghost” – Mystery Skulls
Peaking at #15 on the U.S. charts in 2013, Mystery Skulls’ “Ghost” is an absolute earworm that you’ll be humming for days. Fans of songs like Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September” will definitely love this song for its memorable melody and danceable beat!

“Tech Noir” – Gunship
Self described as “a neon soaked, late night, sonic getaway drive,” every song by Gunship will make you feel as though you’re in your own personal episode of Miami Vice. Ideal for sunset drives, “Tech Noir” is about as chill as synthwave can get.

“Late Nights” – Y O U T H F O O L
In a similar tone as “Tech Noir,” Y O U T H F O O L’s “Late Nights” is the perfect song to listen to on your drive home. It may be cold and grey out, but this song will have you convinced you’re driving into a neon city under the light of a warm sunset.