7 Songs Like Midnight City: A Synth Odyssey

Hey, music lovers! TBone on the decks here! I know we’re all nuts for that iconic synth vibe of M83’s “Midnight City.” It’s got a dreamy essence that sends us on a cosmic journey every time it hits the speakers.

That’s why I decided to put together a list of seven stellar tracks that echo its ethereal spirit.

They may not be identical, but they capture that similar sweet spot between reality and the whimsical.

Ready to broaden your auditory horizons and discover new additions to your playlist? Stay tuned as we dive deep into these synth-soaked landscapes.

Let’s ride the sound waves together, my friends!

Here are the songs like Midnight City that you can check out:

List Of Songs Like Midnight City

Songs like Midnight City in a list format:

1. Chvrches – “The Mother We Share” (2013)

From the album The Bones of What You Believe and released under Glassnote Records, this Glaswegian trio lit up 2013 with this emotionally charged, synth-heavy anthem. “The Mother We Share” is a beautiful mix of Lauren Mayberry’s poignant vocals, Iain Cook and Martin Doherty’s synthetic wizardry. I picked this one because it emulates the same catchy and somewhat ethereal nature of “Midnight City”. Chvrches has a knack for creating synth-pop with a soul, much like M83, making this track a must-listen for all “Midnight City” fans.

2. Tame Impala – “Let It Happen” (2015)

Kevin Parker is the genius behind Tame Impala, and “Let It Happen,” from the album Currents (released under Modular Recordings), is a perfect illustration of his talents. With its pulsating rhythms, swirling synths, and Parker’s echoing vocals, it’s a psychedelic journey much like “Midnight City”. I’ve included this track for its mesmerizing sonic environment and the ability to transport listeners to another realm, just like our M83 favorite.

3. Passion Pit – “Take a Walk” (2012)

This track, released under Columbia Records from the album Gossamer, is another synth-rich song that you’ll adore if you’re a fan of “Midnight City”. Michael Angelakos’ falsetto and the vibrant synth lines create a soundscape that’s both anthemic and introspective. “Take a Walk” balances joy and melancholy in a way reminiscent of M83’s style, which is why it made the list.

4. Purity Ring – “Fineshrine” (2012)

“Fineshrine” hails from the album Shrines under 4AD. This Canadian duo (Megan James and Corin Roddick) created a song that’s filled with dark, mysterious synth patterns and ethereal vocals, much like “Midnight City”. I chose “Fineshrine” for its ability to marry both delicate and potent elements into a dream-like synthesis, creating a truly captivating listening experience.

5. M83 – “Wait” (2011)

A song list akin to “Midnight City” would be incomplete without another M83 banger. “Wait,” from the same album Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming under Mute Records, is a hauntingly beautiful track. It encapsulates Anthony Gonzalez’s talent for creating emotionally resonant and expansive synth-based music. With its atmospheric, echoey synthesizers and poignant lyrics, “Wait” is an excellent follow-up to “Midnight City” for M83 lovers.

6. Phoenix – “Lisztomania” (2009)

“Lisztomania,” from the album Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix released under Glassnote Records, captures the playful, energized synth-pop feel that “Midnight City” fans would appreciate. This French band’s lively and infectious synth patterns make it impossible not to move. I included this track for its optimistic sound and its ability to put a smile on your face, similar to what “Midnight City” often does.

7. MGMT – “Kids” (2007)

From the album Oracular Spectacular and released under Columbia Records, “Kids” is a nostalgic trip driven by its memorable synth riff and catchy chorus. MGMT’s Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser created a timeless synth-driven gem that shares “Midnight City’s” catchy, unforgettable nature. “Kids” is here because it packs the same potent nostalgic punch that M83 delivers so brilliantly.

Fun Facts: Songs Like Midnight City

1. Chvrches – “The Mother We Share”

Fun fact: In an interview with Pitchfork, lead vocalist Lauren Mayberry revealed that the lyrics for “The Mother We Share” were penned in one night, with the aim of capturing a mood of universal sadness, intertwined with a sense of commonality and shared experience.

2. Tame Impala – “Let It Happen”

Fun fact: Kevin Parker, the man behind Tame Impala, played all the instruments on the track “Let It Happen.” In fact, he does this on all Tame Impala’s songs. Talk about a one-man show!

3. Passion Pit – “Take a Walk”

Fun fact: “Take a Walk” was used in a Taco Bell commercial during the 2013 Super Bowl. It sparked a lot of debate about artists “selling out,” but Michael Angelakos defended it, explaining it helped fund his creative process.

4. Purity Ring – “Fineshrine”

Fun fact: The band’s name, Purity Ring, comes from a reference in a novel called “The Marriage Plot” by Jeffrey Eugenides. Megan James (the vocalist) found the phrase evocative, and they decided to use it as their band’s name.

5. M83 – “Wait”

Fun fact: The music video for “Wait” is the final part of a trilogy by M83. The other two parts are the videos for “Midnight City” and “Reunion.” All three videos tell a continuous story.

6. Phoenix – “Lisztomania”

Fun fact: “Lisztomania” is named after a term coined by the 19th-century German romantic literary figure Heinrich Heine, referring to the intense fan frenzy directed towards pianist Franz Liszt.

7. MGMT – “Kids”

Fun fact: The music video for “Kids” was directed by Ray Tintori, but there’s another video which the band made before they were signed, featuring a puppet monster wandering around New York City. The puppet video is a fan favorite and has millions of views on YouTube.

And there you have it, music aficionados! Seven heavenly synth-rich tracks that echo the vibe of “Midnight City”. Each of them a journey of its own, they’re sure to give your playlists a fresh spin.

So get those headphones ready and prepare for an epic sonic ride! Until next time, keep the music playing!

Thanks for reading.

TBone