Back to the Night is the second studio album by the British singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading. The album was released in April 1975 by A&M Records (AMLH 68305).

Musically, the album shows a development of the mood of the first album and explores different aspects of Armatrading's talent and musical leanings, as it encompasses elements of folk, jazz, calypso and up-tempo songs. Because of this a number of musicians were hired, so they could reflect the variety of styles Armatrading was coming up with.

The album features some experienced musicians, notably Jean Roussel, Colin Pincott, and Andy Summers. The album was promoted on tour with a six-piece jazz-pop group called The Movies.

Back to the Night was recorded in 1974 at Basing Street Studios, London; Morgan Studios, London; and Rockfield Studios, Monmouthshire. It was mixed at Basing Street Studios, London, and mastered at Sterling Sound, New York.

Following the release of her debut album, Whatever's for Us, a collaboration with lyricist Pam Nestor, Armatrading ended her contract with Cube Records and signed instead with A&M.

While making Back to the Night, Armatrading realised she could make a career out of music, and her experiences during the recording of the album convinced her to apply herself to the task of doing so. Before this album, Armatrading had simply wanted to be a songwriter. She was a reluctant singer and performer and did not want to sing on Back to the Night telling producer Pete Gage: "The problem is, I don't want to be a singer ... I want to be a songwriter, I just want to write songs, but I want other people to sing the songs."

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