14 Music Videos That Aired Before Bedtime
These music videos had just the right mix of mood, style, and nostalgia to make late-night TV unforgettable.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Before streaming took over, music videos often played late into the night, giving fans something magical to watch before heading to bed. Some were calming, some were strange, and others felt like perfect nighttime entertainment. Here are 14 music videos that set the tone for winding down after dark.
1. A-ha – “Take On Me”
Sheila Rock on Wikimedia Commons
The pencil-sketch animation and dreamy storyline made it feel like stepping into a bedtime comic. Its soft energy and romantic pull felt perfect for late-night rotation.
2. Seal – “Kiss from a Rose”
Siebbi on Wikimedia Commons
With its haunting tone and moody visuals, this video felt tailor-made for nighttime TV. The gothic scenery paired beautifully with Seal’s vocals.
3. Enya – “Orinoco Flow”
R Carter on Wikimedia Commons
Soothing visuals and ethereal vocals made this video a late-night staple. Its calming waves and dreamlike effects almost lulled viewers to sleep.
4. Sade – “No Ordinary Love”
master_xpo on Flikcr
The underwater visuals and Sade’s voice created pure atmosphere. It was romantic, hypnotic, and slow-moving, everything that suited late-night viewing.
5. Madonna – “Frozen”
chrisweger on Wikimedia Commons
Mysterious desert imagery mixed with Madonna’s haunting vocals to create something both eerie and mesmerizing. It wasn’t upbeat, but it stuck in your head.
6. The Cranberries – “Linger”
Poudou99 on Wikimedia Commons
Black-and-white visuals paired with soft vocals made this one feel timeless. Its romantic and reflective tone suited quiet hours.
7. Björk – “Human Behaviour”
Paul Familetti on Wikimedia Commons
Quirky and surreal, this video felt like a bedtime story turned strange. Björk’s offbeat energy combined with odd visuals made it perfect for late-night airings.
8. Coldplay – “Yellow”
Raph_PH on Wikimedia Commons
A single-take video of Chris Martin walking along the beach at dawn had a calming effect. Minimalist yet moving, it mirrored the stillness of night.
9. Radiohead – “No Surprises”
Raph_PH on Wikimedia Commons
The video of Thom Yorke singing underwater created a hypnotic, slow-paced effect. It was eerie but soothing, like a lullaby with a dark twist.
10. R.E.M. – “Everybody Hurts”
Shimelle Laine on Wikimedia Commons
Highway traffic, subtitles of inner thoughts, and a powerful ballad made this unforgettable. It felt heavy yet strangely comforting before bedtime.
11. Sarah McLachlan – “Angel”
InSapphoWeTrust on Wikimedia Commons
Soft, emotional, and paired with simple visuals, this video was perfect for quiet nights. Its heartfelt delivery made it a late-night favorite.
12. Norah Jones – “Don’t Know Why”
Tejastheory on Wikimedia Commons
Her warm vocals and gentle piano matched perfectly with the simple video. It had a soft, jazzy vibe that suited late-night playlists.
13. Dido – “Thank You”
Raph_PH on Wikimedia Commons
The everyday visuals and reflective lyrics struck a chord with late-night audiences. It wasn’t flashy, but its intimacy made it unforgettable.
14. Mazzy Star – “Fade Into You”
beninho on Wikimedia Commons
Dreamlike imagery matched with haunting vocals made this an ideal night closer. The hazy, soft style felt like falling asleep with the TV on.