Top 100 Best Songs About Space, Stars and the Universe
Man has been staring up into space for seemingly an eternity. So, no wonder the stars above have given such rich inspiration for some amazing songs. In fact, next to the subject of love, this has to be one of the most popular song themes.
Table of Contents
With so many great pieces of music to choose from, selecting the best songs about space, stars and the universe is a hard task. I’ve done my best to choose what I think are the top ten songs, and I just hope there’s one or two of your picks among them. I’m honestly sorry for any glaring omissions!
So, let’s get to it and take a closer look…
Top 100 Best Songs About Space, Stars and the Universe
1 “Starman” by David Bowie
The first and only time I saw David Bowie was in 1977. The release of “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars,” which featured “Starman” as the main single, was already five years behind.
David Bowie had stopped wearing the Ziggy makeup, but that didn’t stop me from staring up at this music icon and truly believing he was from another world. It also didn’t stop one of our more flamboyant friends from applying Ziggy-style makeup in tribute!
A lifelong fascination…
The fact is that David Bowie had one of the most longstanding fascinations with space and the universe. It was undoubtedly an enduring theme of his music over many years. So, this, in my eyes, made him the Starman.
“Starman” was released on the 28th of April 1972. Other musicians credited with the recording included the guitarist Mick Ronson, Trevor Bolder on bass, and Mick Woodmansey on drums. The backing band was called The Spiders from Mars. A clear indication of just how deep his interest in space really was.
Didn’t chart that well…
The song reached number ten in the UK but only 65 in the US. His performance of the song on the UK music show “Top Of The Pops” was the catalyst to shoot him to stardom. It subsequently helped to create huge interest in the album, which went on to reach number five in the UK and number 75 in the US.
“Starman” is a positive and inspirational song. It describes a message of hope for Earth brought to the youth of the world from the alien Ziggy. It’s all the more profound for being told from the perspective of one of his audience, rather than from Ziggy himself.
2 “Walking on the Moon” by The Police
The Police were a three-piece band made up of Sting on bass, Andy Summers on guitar, and Mike Copeland on drums. They were formed in 1977 and though initially classified as a UK punk group, became better known for more of a new wave/pop style of music.
“Walking on the Moon” was the second single to be released off their second album titled ‘Reggatta De Blanc.’ It was released on the 4th of November 1979 and became a UK number one hit. Interestingly, the first released single off the same album, “Message in a Bottle,” which was released less than two months earlier, also made it to number one in the UK.
Walking on air…
The song contains plenty of cryptic lyrics though it is clearly a love song. It refers to the feeling of weightlessness felt when in love. It was written by Sting following a walk home from his then-girlfriend’s house, during which he felt like he was walking on air, amongst the clouds, or on the moon.
Luckily for The Police fans, despite his confessed drunken state at the time, the following morning, he recalled the experience and was able to put it down on paper. I doubt he’s had too many walks home from the houses of love interests since, though!
3 “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra
This is most famously sung by Frank Sinatra, and like virtually everything ever sung by Frank Sinatra, “Fly Me to the Moon” was written by someone else. In this instance, it was written by Bart Howard in 1954 and was first performed by Kayne Bollard.
Similar to “Walking on the Moon” by The Police and so many of the other best space-inspired songs, “Fly Me to the Moon” is also a love-themed song. It’s heavy on metaphors, and the title of the song is another clear nod to the euphoria one feels in the early stages of love.
Everyone has recorded it…
The song is one of the most covered songs of all time. Whilst not quite to the same extent as “My Way,” it’s still been interpreted by different artists over 300 times which is not to be sniffed at.
“Fly Me to the Moon,” hardly surprisingly, became closely linked to NASA. More specifically, to the early Apollo space missions in the 1960s. Then, over 40 years after the successful Apollo 11 landing on the moon, a version by Diana Krall was sung at the commemorative ceremony. The same version was also sung at Neil Armstrong’s 2012 memorial service.
Although an enduringly popular standard, it’s never achieved a number one hit by any artist who’s recorded it. The highest charting position was by Rod Stewart in November of 2010 as part of his American Songbook series.
4 “Space Cowboy” by Jamiroquai
Although not Jamioquai’s biggest hit, it’s undoubtedly one of the most important singles in the band’s history. It was released in September of 1994 as the single from their second album, “The Return of the Space Cowboy.” Although it didn’t reach number one in either the US or the UK on the main charts, it did grab the top spot on the US Dance Chart. It then replicated the same feat over 20 years later, in 2006, on the UK Dance Chart.
Funky…
The song became a huge hit in the clubs and very much a mainstay of the whole club scene back in the 90s. There’s no doubt that this success was in part down to the high energy, happy, smooth, and beautifully crafted jazz/funk beat. However, equally important were the lyrics and message behind them.
Make no mistake; this song is about drugs. There are frequent references to reaching a deeper state of consciousness. On the clubbing scene in the 90s, the message resonated strongly. So much so that over the years, there were several remixes made by high-profile DJs, including the legendary David Morales.
Back down to earth…
Whilst not contemplating Space in the literal sense, the song still earns its place in the best songs about space, stars and the universe on merit. As a final note, I genuinely hope that all the Space Cowboys amongst you are now safely back home from your clubbing years, having come firmly and safely back down to earth!
5 “Mr. Spaceman” by The Byrds
This was the third single of the group’s album Fifth Dimension. It was released in 1966, and despite it still receiving airplay to this day, it only charted at number 36 on the Billboard charts. That’s surprising, but even more surprisingly, it failed to chart in the UK.
The song was written by Jim McQuinn, who subsequently became known as Roger McQuinn in the late 1960s. He was the frontman and guitarist. He remained the only surviving member of the original group from start to finish.
Extraterrestrial life?
There’s no mistaking the signature sound of the band in “Mr. Spaceman.” The song has a touch of folk, country, and to a lesser extent, psychedelia, all blended together. It also contains the beautiful harmonies found in many of their other recordings. Most famously in their hit singles “Mr. Tambourine Man” and “Turn, Turn, Turn.”
The song is about the possible existence of aliens and extraterrestrial life. Also, the lyrics cleverly hint at the magical existence of a Jesus Christ-like figure. All in all, a rather whimsical song with an escapist feel from the pains of reality back in the 60s.
Spin doctoring…
A couple more interesting facts about the song include that at the same time as its release, the band’s manager put out a joke press release that the band had been insured for a million dollars against alien abduction. A brilliant piece of PR that would no doubt have modern-day social media gurus nodding in approval.
Additionally, the song was used by NASA as a wake-up call on the Space Shuttle’s first mission.
6 “Space Junk” by Devo
I’m sure you’ll agree that Devo is a band like no other. Formed in 1973, they were made up of two sets of brothers, Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh, plus Bob and Gerald Casales, together with Alan Myers. They hail from Ohio in the US.
Devo has been described as a new wave, alternative rock, or rock group. However, I honestly don’t think any of these quite fit their unique style. The closest description I can come up with is probably American Zany Alternative New Wave!
Album track only…
“Space Junk” featured on their 1978 debut album “Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!”. Incredibly, in my opinion, it was never released as a single. However, like most of the released singles on this and their subsequent albums, the song has a frenetic drum beat, novel guitar parts, together with quickly delivered vocal lines.
The main theme revolves, not surprisingly, around the falling back down to earth of satellites and space debris. It goes on to describe an unlucky fictional victim that is struck and killed by a piece of falling space junk.
No need to worry…
Now, in case you’re worried about this possibility and start looking up at the skies during your walk in the park, rest easy. There has only ever been one incidence of anyone being struck by space junk. That was on March the 22nd in 2001, when Lottie Williams was hit by a small piece of falling Delta Two Rocket. The chances of any of the rest of us suffering the same fate are more than one in a trillion.
They’re about the same odds as me winning the lottery or being discovered as a singing sensation!
7 “Rocket Man” by Elton John
A list containing the best songs about space, stars and the universe wouldn’t be complete without this. I’ve labeled it as a song by Elton John, though, of course, his longtime songwriting lyricist partner Bernie Taupin has to take equal credit.
It was originally released on the 17th of April 1972 and charted at number two in the US and number six in the UK. It was released as the main single of the album ‘Honky Chateau‘ and, in time, achieved triple platinum status in the US and double platinum status in the UK.
What amazes me about this, given its huge importance in Elton’s music catalog, is that it never reached number one. Maybe even more remarkable given that the biographic music movie released in 2019 went by the name “Rocketman.” Which, by the way, if you haven’t had the chance to see it, I’d highly recommend that you do.
So, what’s the song about?
Essentially, “Rocketman” is about the day-to-day life of an astronaut who is portrayed in a very ordinary manner. The spaceman is given the persona of someone who is very much down to earth (pun intended). It almost feels like the main character is an office worker setting about his day, starting with a normal commute to work. So far from the image of a spaceman as a superhero.
The song’s lyrics are inspired by a story written by Ray Bradbury called “The Illustrated Man.” It’s also believed that Bernie Taupin took further inspiration from the Starman himself, David Bowie, and his song: “Space Oddity.”
This is an exquisitely crafted piano rock ballad. It featured backing vocals for the first time and, in my opinion, was released in an era of Elton John’s very best work. Coming before the subsequent release of “Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” that’s completely understandable.
8 “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden
Soundgarden was an alternative American rock band with its origins in Seattle dating back to 1984. The only two members of the band to survive its full length were Chris Cornell, who originally played drums and was the lead vocalist, together with Kim Thayil on lead guitar. At a later date, Chris Cornell was relieved of drumming duties to focus on vocals.
Award-winning…
“Black Hole Sun” was released in 1984 from their fourth album ‘Superunknown.’ It was released worldwide and received a reasonable amount of success, reaching the top ten in four countries and the top spot in Iceland and on the Billboard Rock Charts. Along with commercial success, it also achieved peer approval as it became a Grammy-winning single.
The title for the song came from a misheard news headline. The overall message of the song is somewhat gloomy and depressing. He focuses on what he saw as the increasing hopelessness for decent people to make a life for themselves.
He foresaw the uprising of evil and selfishness, which is a recurring theme throughout the song. In some ways, “Black Hole Sun” gives us a glimpse into his deeper personal thoughts and into his future.
Tragic…
Sadly, Chris Cornell is no longer with us, having passed on after taking his own life on May the 18th, 2017. He’s a sad loss to this world, but his unique contribution to the development of an alternative rock/grunge style of music, and his incredible vocal talent, will never be forgotten.
9 “Across the Universe” by The Beatles
There is not much you can say that hasn’t already been written about The Beatles. This is one, if not the, most influential group of musicians from the 1960s. There’s no doubt that their music still enjoys huge popularity and commercial success to this day. And for good reason.
Across the Universe comes from their 1970 album ‘Let it Be.’ It was written by John Lennon, though is credited as a Lennon/McCartney creation. Despite Lennon’s wishes, it was never released as a single.
All because of an argument…
“Across The Universe” came about after an argument Lennon had with his first wife, Cynthia. Following the argument, he couldn’t get the words of the argument out of his head. Thus, the song was born.
Musically, the eastern influence is clearly present. Lennon’s interest in Buddhist and Hindu religions is easy to hear in the mix. This is so obviously a song about spirituality before even digging into the lyrics.
Once you do start to take a closer look at the words, there’s no mistake about the meaning. “Across the Universe” is about the experience of death. It’s about passing to the next world after floating across the universe to meet with God.
10 “Space Oddity” by David Bowie
I’d rarely include two songs in a list like this from the same artist, but to save lots of you from shouting at the screen and shrieking, “What about Space Oddity”, I thought I’d better include it!
Apollo 11 Moon Landing…
I wrote earlier that Bowie has a longtime interest in space. Well, it’s fair to say that this can all be traced back to the song “Space Oddity.” The song was the first to feature on David Bowie’s second album, recorded in 1969, titled ‘David Bowie.’ The single was subsequently hurriedly released ahead of the Apollo 11 landing on the moon in the same year.
The record received much critical acclaim. It was played extensively by the BBC to accompany footage surrounding the landing on the moon. Additionally, Bowie appeared and sang “Space Oddity” on the British music show “Top Of The Pops.” This helped to propel it to number five in the UK charts.
Banned!
The song was unfortunately banned from US radio stations during this same period. It wasn’t until the success of the album ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars‘ that it was re-released, going on to reach number 15 on the charts.
The song tells of the experiences of the astronaut “Major Tom.” It’s a character he resurrects later in his musical career in the single, “Ashes to Ashes.” It’s also a song that appears and has been used in a large number of movies and TV series.
The mainstay of David Bowie’s live performances, possibly the greatest endorsement of this classic song, is its inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Nice!
11“A Spaceman Came Travelling” by Chris de Burgh
12“Dark Star” by Grateful Dead
13“Lost in Space” by Lighthouse Family
14“Beyond the Sea” by Bobby Darin
15“Space and Time” by Vangelis
16“The Planets, Op. 32: IV. Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity” by Gustav Holst
17“Love on a Real Train” by Tangerine Dream
18“The Universe Alone” by Doves
19“Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay
20“Moonage Daydream” by David Bowie
21“Major Tom (Coming Home)” by Peter Schilling
22“Blackstar” by David Bowie
23“Orbiting” by Underworld
24“The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore” by The Walker Brothers
25“Starlight” by Muse
26“Interstellar Overdrive” by Pink Floyd
27“Rocket” by Smashing Pumpkins
28“Planet Telex” by Radiohead
29“Stargazing” by Kygo feat. Justin Jesso
30“Bright Lights” by Gary Clark Jr.
31“The Final Countdown” by Europe
32“Goodnight Moon” by Shivaree
33“Eclipse” by Pink Floyd
34“From the Blue” by The Polyphonic Spree
35“Space Baby” by Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
36“Lunar” by David Guetta & Afrojack
37“UFO” by Coldplay
38“Supernova” by Oasis
39“The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel
40“Space Dementia” by Muse
41“Higher Ground” by Stevie Wonder
42“The Universe Sent Me” by The Chemical Brothers
43“Sputnik” by Public Service Broadcasting
44“Astronaut” by Sir Rosevelt
45“I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” by The Four Tops
46“Planet Caravan” by Black Sabbath
47“Starlight” by Muse
48“Lost in Space” by Lighthouse Family
49“Intergalactic” by Beastie Boys
50“Black Star” by Radiohead
More 50 Best Songs About Space, Stars and the Universe
Need more great song suggestions for your Playlists?
No problem at all; check out the Best Songs About Clouds, the Best Songs about Friday, the Best Songs About Friendship, the Best Songs About Change, the Best Songs About Heroes, as well as the Best Songs About Magic for more quality song selections.
Best Songs About Space, Stars and the Universe – Final Thoughts
So, there you have it.
As I said in the introduction, it’s no easy task to select just ten of the best songs about stars, space, and the universe. Plus, I’m sure you’ll agree that all of us would come up with a very different selection. However, whatever your tastes, I hope some of the choices created some interest. Furthermore, if some of the songs are unfamiliar, I can recommend they’re all well worth taking a listen to.
Happy listening.
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