Outer space has served as a universal source of inspiration for artists of all kinds. Stars, the moon and aliens have made their mark on everything from Florence and the Machine tunes to Lisa Frank backpacks. Listen to these star-crossed songs for a playlist that is truly out of this world.
“Spaceman” by the Killers
Scientific fact: It is 125 percent impossible to listen to this stellar tune without smiling. Not just because Brandon Flowers dons a sassy spacesuit in the song’s music video # a mix between Michael Jackson on the moon and Miley Cyrus circa “Can’t Be Tamed” # but that certainly helps.
“Across the Universe” by the Beatles
Melancholic and meandering, this psychedelic jam brings to mind visions of the night sky and distant planets. For the spacey soul in us all.
“Gravity” by John Mayer
John Mayer may be many things (read: a womanizer, as well as one of the many men who broke Taylor Swift’s fragile Southern heart), but he is also one of the only songwriters who can pen a tune about gravitational pull and have it not come out cliche.
On this track, ironically, Mayer gets down to earth.
“Starlight” by Muse
Win. Just so much win.
“Space Oddity” by David Bowie
If you like your outer space songs extremely tragic and moving, look no further. This tune will make you feel grateful that your feet are on the ground, even if your head is in space.
“Counting Stars” by OneRepublic
Although every radio station ever has been playing this tune ad nauseum, it’s actually not too shabby. Despite its repetitive hook, we’re feeling the falsetto Ryan Tedder & Co. employ on the chorus.
“Satellite Heart” by Anya Marina
Marina’s earnest, whispery voice is both haunting and beautiful on this string-laden song. Perfect listening for a long night drive or while stargazing at the beach.
“Brother Moon” by Gungor
Husband and wife duo Michael and Lisa Gungor use a healthy dose of personification to celebrate the creation and the beauty of the moon. Other glorious moon-themed jams include “The Moon is a Magnet” by Jon Foreman and “Talking to the Moon” by Bruno Mars.
“Counting Stars” by Augustana
Although this is the second song called “Counting Stars” on our space playlist, it’s the first sung by husky-voiced singer Dan Layus. Listening to Layus is not unlike indulging in a syrup-drenched plate of waffles, and we mean that in the most positive, polite way. Sing on, Dan. Sing on.
“In a Northern Sky” by Fossil Collective
Stargazing turns somber on this forest-y Fossil Collective track. Though if it spawns tracks like this, we can’t really complain.
“Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy
Meaning “moonlight” in English, this classical piece is delicate and soft, like a tender kiss, or what we imagine it’d be like to sleep on a frosted pastry.
Image courtesy of Patrick Hoesly/WikiMedia Commons.
