Under Heartbeat City’s Golden Sun
My Mixtape’s A Masterpiece is a weekly feature in which a guest compiles a playlist around some theme. This week, Alejandra Gonzalez assembles 11 songs for a particular ‘80s nocturnally neon mood. Read Alejandra’s thoughts on each song and listen along to the Spotify playlist on top and/or the YouTube playlist at the bottom of the post.
When I think about the '80s (as someone who never actually experienced them), my brain goes one of two ways: either it's all bright colors and glossy pop, or it's the nighttime version with neon everywhere and cigarette smoke hanging in the air. This playlist lives in that second version. These songs are somehow both romantic and a little lonely sounding, and exactly what I'd want playing if I were driving home through the city at 1 AM.
1. “Heartbeat City” by The Cars
If this proverbial '80s nighttime drive were a movie, this song would be the opening scene (which is funny because I think it actually closes the album). It just sounds like the city is waking up for the night. The pulsing synths and the hypnotic build feel just like neon signs flickering to me.
2. “I Could Show You How” by Naked Eyes
This one's a little brighter than some of the others on the playlist, but there's this longing in the lyrics that keeps it from feeling too upbeat. Around the 2:06 mark, the song comes to a super horroresque sounding climax, and for a second it almost sounds a little sinister before dropping back into the poppy pre-chorus. It's such a satisfying moment.
3. “Everything Counts” by Depeche Mode
Literally any Depeche Mode song would work here, but Martin Gore called this one of his favorite singles and it’s also one of mine. Whatever’s going on in the background during the chorus scratches my brain perfectly, and I absolutely love the melodica bit during the instrumental bridge. It’s perfect, they’re perfect. No notes.
4. “Modigliani (Lost in Your Eyes)” by Book of Love
Talk about a dreamy intro. I love the airy, echo-soaked vocals in this. It’s so hypnotic and feels a little…out of reach? I can completely see myself being the only one on a highway for miles with the windows down listening to this. Just completely entrancing.
5. “Voices Carry” by ’Til Tuesday
This might be the most melodramatic song of the bunch, but that's part of what makes it SO DAMN good. The verses stay so restrained that when the chorus finally explodes, it’s even more gratifying. It’s impossible not to belt out, and I would find myself sitting alone at a red light pretending I'm in a music video if this came on.
6. “I Melt With You” by Modern English
I know this song is everywhere, but it’s everywhere for a reason. I mean, it’s one of my very favorite love songs and it has been since I discovered it through Bowling for Soup’s cover for the SKY HIGH soundtrack. It still feels warm and hopeful in a way that will never get old. The bit at the end where the instruments cut out and it’s just Robbie Grey humming…I must admit I just got goosebumps even thinking about it.
7. “Under the Milky Way” by The Church
Super on-the-nose selection here, but there was no way I was making a playlist where we’re supposed to be driving into the night and leaving this one out. Goth-adjacent '80s music will always have a spot in any playlist I make. There’s a swirling texture here that creates this feeling of being completely alone in space. I read that the song was intentionally written more as an atmospheric, moody experience rather than something with a concrete message. It does just that.
8. “Flesh for Fantasy” by Billy Idol
So theatrical and hot. But also...what is a sex attack?
9. “Change” by Tears for Fears
This is an interesting choice for this playlist because it’s less obviously “night drive” than something like “Under the Milky Way,” but it has that super specific early Tears for Fears trademark: glossy synths over something a little more introspective. And we all know our most introspective thoughts happen on long midnight drives.
10. “Save a Prayer” by Duran Duran
The production in “Save a Prayer” is so lush and spacious. It’s peak '80s romanticism. It feels super intimate but also impossibly far away. I really think it’s their best, and the almost full minute of outro is absolutely transcendent. I’d never leave the driver’s seat before hitting the end.
11. “Space Age Love Song” by A Flock of Seagulls
This song feels like the neon-soaked future we were promised in the 80s but also sounds like the past? The shimmering guitars and weightless vocals make it feel like you’re leaving the city behind and driving somewhere unknown with the love of your life! When that last extended chord dies out, that’s the perfect way to end this playlist.
