Top 10 Songs About Space
These tracks are simply out of this world. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the Top 10 Songs About Space. For this list, we're taking a look at any and every song that makes reference to the place beyond the sky.
Special thanks to our user purplejacket23 for submitting the idea using our interactive suggestion tool at http://www.WatchMojo.comsuggest
Top 10 Songs About Space
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These tracks are simply out of this world. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the Top 10 Songs About Space. For this list, we’re taking a look at any and every song that makes reference to the place beyond the sky. It’ probably obvious, but just so it’s said: space is often used by the artist as a metaphor, so any song that makes reference to space is fine in our book.
#10: “E.T.” (2011) Katy Perry feat. Kanye West
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Blasting off our list is this hard hitting track of Katy Perry’s smash hit album, Teenage Dream. Quirky yet catchy as hell, this bass-heavy track will slap you off your axis and onto the dance floor. Perry’s lyrics describe the love of someone who’s so far out of this world, their relationship is equal parts terrifying and intoxicating. Garnished by the rapping of Kanye West, a man whom our planet seemingly orbits, the powerful chorus will knock you off your feet with the force of a rocket.
#9: “Supermassive Black Hole” (2006) Muse
This alt-rock powerhouse holds nothing back, letting it rip from the first beats of the song. Drawing inspiration from a variety of past and contemporary performers, guitarist/vocalist Matthew Bellamy was equally inspired by the New York City nightlife and club scene. Clearly a metaphor, this song speaks to the seedy urban underbelly one can find accidentally on purpose by walking down the wrong street in New York. Mind you it may also be about the energy drain that comes with the late night club scene- an area of science as of yet unaddressed by Stephen Hawking.
#8: “Fly Me to the Moon” (1964) Frank Sinatra
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Originally performed by theatre icon Kaye Ballard, Sinatra’s rendition linked the track to the Apollo missions to the Moon. An open invitation to take his best dame Friday and get out of this rackety ol' world, few could be blamed for being tempted by the seduction of this icon. Okay, sure, so he’s probably not actually talking about going into space; his bourbon would no doubt float away and re-entry would undoubtedly wrinkle his fine suit. But with his silky smooth voice, we’re not sure we care. Wherever ol' blue eyes is going, we’re following.
#7: “Spaceman” (2008) The Killers
Faithfully capturing the mystical nature of the starry heavens, this Killers track is powerful, with an underlying emotional current. With lyrics that reference being abducted by aliens and being brought out of this world, this song is just more fun to take at face value. Sure, it miiiiiight just be a metaphor for coming to grips with one's own sanity, but where's the fun in that? Either way, it’s a powerful electronic rocker in the Killer's signature style.
#6: “Supersonic Rocket Ship” (1972) The Kinks
With a mixed bag of themes, this classic Kinks track comments on modern life while expressing the desire to travel to simpler times. The song's lyrics talk about a “rocket ship”, containing a kind of paradise within it where there is no rudimentary class system, and no segregation between the hip, and the squares. In fact, one critic went far enough to state that the song was an “attack on rock-star hipness.” Could it be? Or could it be Ray Davies had a vision of a simpler life, a life in some sort of a hippy commune... in space? We may never, ever know.
#5: “Man on the Moon” (1992) R.E.M
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Can you believe they put a man on the moon? A simple reading of this song looks at the crazy side of culture, with references to conspiracy theories and the moon landing. But a more complex reading of the song reveals it to be an homage to the late comedian Andy Kauffman. The song makes specific reference to the moon landing, bringing up questions about whether or not it was indeed faked. While Michael Stipes' lyrics touch on deep ideas and the futility of man's endeavours the bigger question remains: can you even play Twister in space? How's that gonna work?
#4: “Space Truckin’” (1972) Deep Purple
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Because “Space Lorry Driving” just doesn't have the same ring to it. Encapsulating the soul and freedom of the open road and then glossing it with a coat of futuristic space travel, this song creates a hard rock experience that is as timeless as it is epic. It’s an intergalactic road trip courtesy of the powerful vocals of Ian Gillan, and the live performances of the song bring it to a whole other dimension.
#3: “Walking on the Moon” (1979) The Police
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A one of a kind song by this one of a kind group, “Walking on the Moon” was originally written by Sting while he was drunk in a hotel room. Originally a far less interstellar affair, walking around the room rather than the moon, this song only improved with Sting's lyrical tweaks. Sting has also gone on record saying that the song is inspired by an ex-girlfriend, relating his love to gravity. It’s The Police at their best, and even NASA gave the song their blessing!
#2: “Rocket Man” (1972) Elton John
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We think it's going to be a long, long time before Elton John tops this spacey masterpiece. Co-written with lyricist Bernie Taupin, “Rocket Man” is flavoured with an emotional subtlety and heartfelt lyrics that truly encapsulate the life of an outsider caught in the empty vacuum of loneliness. Inspired by a short story by sci-fi writer Ray Bradbury, the song's strange quirkiness has kept people coming back, time and time again to figure it all out. Even TV's Captain Kirk seduced by its unusual charm. Before we blast off with our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. - “The Happening” (1990) Pixies - “Spaceship Superstar” (1977) Prism - “I’m Your Moon” (2006) Jonathan Coulton - “Bowie” (2008) Flight of the Concords - “The Final Countdown” (1986) Europe
#1: “Space Oddity” (1969) David Bowe
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Equal parts beauty and melancholy, this mystical track was an easy pick for number one. With its signature Bowie other-worldliness, “Space Oddity” has come to define the singer/songwriter and is a perfect starting point to absorb his anthology of music. Hooky and quirky, the song's lyrics, however, deal with the less glamorous side of real-life space adventuring: loneliness. Mix in sudden, hollow fame, an overwhelming public demand to know whose shirts you wear, and the risk of a cold, airless death and suddenly Johnny Spaceman doesn't seem so fun anymore. Still, this may be the perfect tune for stargazing. Did you agree with our list? What songs about space did we leave behind? For more top tens about your favourite music, subscribe to WatchMojo.com.