The artist Alaina Castillo has recently released a new track titled “last night.” I want to start by saying that I really appreciate this song. In my opinion, “last night” is quite similar to “New Light” by John Mayer. That said, it differentiates itself through its production, vocal performance, and the overall mood it creates.

Now that you’ve hopefully listened to both songs, let’s focus on “last night.”

The track feels warm and inviting, blending well-mixed drum machine sounds with lush synths, expressive vocals, and delicate string instruments. I’m not entirely sure what type of bass is used, but I love it. The song is effortlessly sweet—it requires almost nothing from me as a listener, yet it keeps time moving in a way that I truly enjoy. Alaina Castillo’s melodies are beautifully haunting. Some music expert out there probably has a technical term for the mode of this song, but all I know is that it really captures me.

The storytelling is simple, as are the sounds and execution—but often, simple is better. After a few listens, I already want to have this track on repeat all day. It’s the kind of song that grows on you, becoming a natural part of your life. I always love when a newly discovered song follows me around, though there’s a bittersweetness in knowing that, eventually, I might grow tired of it. I can’t say yet whether that will happen with “last night,” but this isn’t about me.

Alaina Castillo has the perfect voice for this kind of ethereal R&B. The song incorporates 80s-inspired sounds and melodic choices, yet it also feels futuristic—as if someone from the 80s imagined what their music might evolve into decades later. No matter the era, “last night” is a track that fits right in.

Give it a spin!

Author: Peter Källman

Peter Källman is a writer from Sweden who loves playing in bands, writing reviews and going to live shows!