"Nightrider" is a concise and forceful traditional heavy metal track, a quintessential early Dokken rocker driven by themes of speed, freedom, and the open road. Musically, it is fast-paced and characterized by George Lynch's aggressive, driving palm-muted riffing, which provides a chugging, locomotive-like rhythm that perfectly complements the lyrical subject matter. Don Dokken's vocals are clean and powerful, utilizing the multi-layered vocal harmonies that became a signature of the Dokken sound, even in these early, less-polished recordings. Lyrically, the song is a direct ode to the exhilaration of driving fast at night, describing the feeling of running free on the highway, shifting into overdrive, and leaving responsibilities behind. The lyrics reference legendary routes such as the "Autobahn" and "Route 61," solidifying the track's focus on velocity and escapism. George Lynch's guitar solo on this track is a burst of technical speed and melodic precision, demonstrating his early mastery of the instrument. "Nightrider" stands as a prime example of the band’s foundational heavy metal sound before their transition to the melodic hard rock that would define their peak commercial success.