Written by Luther Dixon and Shirley Owens, the song dealt with a woman's feelings before losing her virginity and was released as the pre-album's second single in 1960.

"Tonight's the Night" was cowritten by the Shirelles' lead singer Shirley Owens, as well as Luther Dixon.

[4] "Tonight's the Night" deals with "romantic surrender" and "soulful yearning";[5] it tells of a woman who is both expectant and hesitant regarding her first sexual experience,[2] the degree of enthusiasm has been described as similar to that shown in Buddy Holly's "Oh, Boy!".

[6] Owens' vocals are described as full of "desire and vulnerability",[2] as well as with a sense of "innocence and striving"; the effect is from her singing almost out of tune.

[1] According to Greil Marcus, the song was shocking when it was released for its frank depiction of "a woman ... aware of her mind and body".