15 years later, this thriller’s most iconic track is still the best scene-setting tune in movie history

Opinion
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‘Drive’s’ immaculate soundtrack reverberates to this day, but one perfect song stands above the rest

Ryan Gosling as "The Driver" in "Drive"
(Image credit: FilmDistrict / AJ Pics / Alamy)

Almost 15 years ago, I rented a DVD from Blockbuster ahead of the weekend. On that Friday night, teenage me chose a then newly-released movie called “Drive.” And now, a whole decade and a half later, I still haven’t found another film so darn cool. Director Nicolas Winding Refn’s 2011 cult crime drama is a masterpiece. It comfortably ranks among my favorite movies ever made (it's in my top four picks on Letterboxd), and a huge part of the reason for my adoration is the simply impeccable soundtrack.

Few movies in history are as perfectly scored as “Drive.” Swap the electronic-driven soundtrack for something else, and the entire flick would borderline collapse. That’s not a guess either. You only need to seek out British radio host Zane Lowe’s ill-judged attempt to re-score “Drive” to see just how deeply vital “Drive’s” music is to the overall watching experience.

I love the entire soundtrack, from Chromatics' “Tick of the Clock” to the iconic “A Real Hero” by College featuring Electric Youth (which birthed one of my favorite meme sites). However, across the nearly 20-song official soundtrack, one stands out most. I’m obviously talking about “Nightcall” by French electro artist Kavinsky. It’s not just a perfect track in its own right, but it also serves as one of the best scene-setting songs in movie history.

‘Nightcall’ perfectly sets the scene for the road ahead

Drive 4K HDR | Opening Credits Song - Nightcall - YouTube Drive 4K HDR | Opening Credits Song - Nightcall - YouTube
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“Drive” opens with an intense robbery. We see the nameless protagonist (Ryan Gosling) lay out his conditions for taking on the job as a getaway driver. He then expertly executes his role, evading cops through the hazy streets of Los Angeles, before disappearing into a large crowd leaving a baseball game. It’s a fantastic way to start a movie, but the best is yet come.

Transitioning to a stunning aerial shot of the L.A. sprawl, “Nightcall” kicks in as the opening credits play, etched in hot pink text. The combination of the bold color and the nighttime cinematography, which is interspersed with in-cab footage of Gosling driving, grabs your attention. But despite the strong visual elements, it’s “Nightcall” that stands out the most.

“Nightcall” would be an inspired choice based on its quality alone. But its inclusion elevates the intro sequence because its composition mimics the movie’s narrative. “Nightcall” as a song oscillates between electronic-driven, robotically sung verses and a pop-style soaring chorus. It’s a contrast between light and dark. Similarly, “Drive” as a movie is part tender romance between its leads and part seedy dive into the L.A. criminal underworld.

‘Nightcall’s’ legacy extends beyond ‘Drive’

(L-R) Carey Mulligan as Irene Gabriel and Ryan Gosling as "The Driver" in "Drive"

(Image credit: FilmDistrict / AJ Pics / Alamy)

“Nightcall” popularity and renown have extended well beyond “Drive.” Granted, the track itself was not written specifically for the movie; it debuted in April 2010, almost 15 months before the movie premiered. Still, I don’t think it can be denied that its explosion in popularity came as a result of its inclusion in Nicolas Winding Refn’s flick. But since its big-screen debut, it's gone on to have a life of its own.

Sitting at 531 million listens on Spotify and a permanent staple in any self-respecting “Night Drive” playlist, its legacy as one of France’s favorite musical exports was solidified when it was performed live during the 2024 Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony. Kavinsky took to the stage alongside Belgian singer Angèle and pop band Phoenix. And various other artists have covered the song, from the Irish rock band Inhaler to indie-pop group London Grammar. It was even sampled on Childish Gambino’s song “R.I.P.”

However, "Nightcall" will always be linked to "Drive" in my mind. It's a phenomenal tune on its own right, but when paired with Nicolas Winding Refn's masterful vision, both song and movie reach a whole new level.

Watch "Drive" on Prime Video (buy/rent) now

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Rory Mellon
Rory Mellon
Senior Entertainment Editor (UK)

Rory is a Senior Entertainment Editor at Tom’s Guide based in the UK. He covers a wide range of topics but with a particular focus on gaming and streaming. When he’s not reviewing the latest games, searching for hidden gems on Netflix, or writing hot takes on new gaming hardware, TV shows and movies, he can be found attending music festivals and getting far too emotionally invested in his favorite football team.

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