Out of This World: The Ultimate Playlist of Songs About Space

When you gaze up at the night sky, filled with stars and the mystery of the cosmos, does music come to mind? For many, space and music are intertwined, each evoking feelings of wonder, exploration, and the unknown. From astronauts soaring through the void to dreamers pondering distant galaxies, the allure of space has long inspired musicians across genres and generations. What kind of music resonates when contemplating the universe? The answer is deeply personal, shaped by individual experiences, cultural backgrounds, and even the era in which one lives. Yet, across all these variations, one constant remains: the sheer abundance of incredible space-themed music. Some of these songs have even journeyed into space themselves, like the tracks on NASA’s astronaut wakeup playlists or the iconic Golden Record aboard the Voyager mission, which has now ventured beyond our solar system.

Choosing favorites from this vast musical cosmos is a challenge, and curating a list is even more daunting. Back in 2011, the team at Space.com shared some of their top picks, and now, we’ve refreshed that selection for the 2020s, expanding it with a richer exploration of space music from different decades. Below, you’ll find a curated list of standout space-themed songs, followed by an extensive table cataloging even more musical gems inspired by the final frontier.

A note on our selection: With a primarily North American and European team, we’ve focused on songs in English or instrumental pieces to avoid cultural misinterpretations. However, we are always eager to broaden our horizons and would love to hear your suggestions for international space-themed music in the comments!

We have also aimed to keep this playlist family-friendly, but we recommend parents take a quick listen to ensure the selections are suitable for younger audiences.

Enjoy this musical journey through space!

1) Space Oddity cover by astronaut Chris Hadfield (2013)

In 2013, Chris Hadfield, then commander of the International Space Station, gifted the world with an extraordinary rendition of “Space Oddity” recorded from his orbital home. With David Bowie’s blessing, Hadfield, aided by his fellow astronauts, created a truly epic music video. Remarkably, he accomplished this during his limited downtime while leading what was then the most scientifically productive ISS crew. This cover isn’t just a beautiful performance; it’s a testament to human creativity reaching new heights, literally.

Astronaut Chris Hadfield playing guitar in space, performing Space Oddity

2) Drops of Jupiter by Train (2001)

Train’s “Drops of Jupiter” is an evocative song open to interpretation, lending itself beautifully to a space theme. It could be about a woman returning from an awe-inspiring space voyage or someone who has undergone a transformative spiritual journey. The lyrics are rich with soulful poetry, characteristic of the early 2000s “boy band” era love songs, yet with a cosmic twist: “Now that she’s back in the atmosphere / With drops of Jupiter in her hair / She acts like summer and walks like rain / Reminds me that there’s a time to change.” This song captures the feeling of coming back changed from a profound experience, much like one might imagine returning from space.

3) We’re All Made of Stars by Moby (2002)

Moby’s discography boasts numerous space-related tracks, making it challenging to choose just one. However, “We’re All Made of Stars” stands out for its powerful message of unity. It reminds us of our shared cosmic origins, emphasizing that despite our differences, we are all fundamentally connected: “People, they come together / People, they fall apart / And no one can stop us now/ ‘Cause we are all made of stars.” This song serves as a poignant reminder of humanity’s place in the universe and the common ground we share.

4) Just Look Up by Ariana Grande and Kid Cudi (2021)

Featured in the critically acclaimed space movie satire, “Don’t Look Up”, “Just Look Up” by Ariana Grande and Kid Cudi is more than just a song; it’s a commentary on societal apathy in the face of existential threats. The film cleverly uses a comet heading for Earth as an allegory for the climate change crisis, following two astronomers (played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence) as they struggle to warn a meme-obsessed world. Grande, playing a pop star in the movie, delivers this impactful song at a stadium rally, underscoring the film’s message with musical force.

5) Space Junk by DEVO (1978)

DEVO, the new wave band known for their quirky and insightful social commentary, tackled the issue of orbital debris with their 1978 track “Space Junk.” Decades later, the problem of space junk is even more critical as satellite constellations proliferate in Earth’s orbit. “Space Junk” was ahead of its time, highlighting a concern that has only intensified with increasing space activity and the growing risk of collisions in orbit. This song is a reminder that even the wonders of space exploration come with responsibilities and potential environmental consequences.

6) I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon by Sesame Street’s Ernie (1991)

Ernie, the lovable Sesame Street character voiced by Jim Henson, brings a touch of childlike whimsy to the space song genre with “I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon.” In this song, Ernie contemplates the sacrifices of lunar living and concludes that the comforts of Earth are too precious to give up. While Ernie might prefer Earth, NASA’s Artemis program is actively working towards returning astronauts to the moon around 2025 and establishing a Lunar Gateway in lunar orbit. Whether Sesame Street characters will get a chance to experience lunar life remains to be seen, but Ernie’s song offers a humorous and relatable perspective on the challenges of space colonization.

7) Space Baby by The Tubes (1975)

From their self-titled debut album, The Tubes, San Francisco’s theatrical rock band known for “White Punks on Dope,” offered “Space Baby,” an epic 70s track of interstellar exploration. With lyrics like “I dig my atmosphere machine,” the song captures the technological optimism of the era. The line “burning green like a rhomboid sun” adds a touch of psychedelic imagery, perhaps hinting at undiscovered celestial phenomena or simply the band’s playful artistic license. “Space Baby” is a fun, energetic ode to the adventurous spirit of space travel.

8) Spacelab by Kraftwerk (1978)

Kraftwerk, the German pioneers of electronic music, known for their songs about autobahns and robots, ventured into space with “Spacelab.” This electronic track from their “Man-Machine” album is an homage to space stations, likely inspired by NASA’s Skylab program of the time. Skylab, America’s first space station, launched in 1973 and hosted several crews before its decommissioning and eventual reentry in 1979. “Spacelab” is a fascinating blend of Kraftwerk’s signature electronic sound with the futuristic appeal of space exploration.

9) ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ by Frank Sinatra (1954) and Many Others

Frank Sinatra’s timeless classic, “Fly Me to the Moon,” is a quintessential space song, even if it quickly transitions into a love song. The opening verse sets the celestial scene perfectly: “Fly me to the moon, let me play among the stars, let me see what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars.” Despite its romantic turn, the song’s initial space imagery has cemented its place as a beloved tune for space enthusiasts. Countless artists have covered “Fly Me to the Moon,” further solidifying its iconic status in both music and space culture.

10) The Galaxy Song by Eric Idle/Monty Python (1983)

“The Galaxy Song,” performed by Eric Idle and the Monty Python crew in 1983, is a unique blend of comedy and astronomy education. It’s essentially a humorous astronomy lesson set to music. As analyzed by Paul Kohlmiller of the San Jose Astronomical Association, the song’s lyrics are surprisingly accurate in their astronomical facts. Check out the analysis here. “The Galaxy Song” is not only entertaining but also a clever and memorable way to learn about the vastness of the universe.

11) The Final Countdown by Europe (1986)

Europe’s “The Final Countdown” is an anthemic power ballad whose epic scope and majestic sound immediately evoke a sense of grand departure, fitting perfectly with a space exodus theme. Beyond its musical grandeur, the lyrics also hint at a poignant cynicism about leaving Earth, perhaps permanently: “We’re leavin’ together / But still it’s farewell / And maybe we’ll come back / To Earth, who can tell?” This song captures the bittersweet emotions of venturing into the unknown, leaving behind the familiar world.

12) Starlight by Muse (2006)

Muse, known for their dramatic and space-influenced rock, delivers another space-themed hit with “Starlight.” This song explores the emotional complexities of being separated from a loved one, framed within the context of space travel. The lyrics express longing and uncertainty: “Starlight / I will be chasing a starlight / Until the end of my life / I don’t know if it’s worth it anymore.” “Starlight” resonates with the feelings of isolation and yearning that space exploration might entail.

13) Starman by David Bowie (1972)

David Bowie’s “Starman” is a classic that, despite its frequent use in soundtracks, retains its enigmatic charm and open interpretation. It can be seen as a song about earthly astronauts or even visiting extraterrestrials. The lyrics are both hopeful and slightly unsettling: “There’s a starman waiting in the sky / He’d like to come and meet us / But he thinks he’d blow our minds.” Recently, Disney and Pixar used “Starman” to soundtrack teaser trailers for “Lightyear,” a film about Buzz Lightyear, further cementing the song’s connection to space adventure.

14) The Space Race Is Over by Billy Bragg (1996)

Billy Bragg, known for his politically charged songwriting, reflects on childhood memories of the Apollo missions in “The Space Race Is Over.” However, the song carries a tone of disillusionment, lamenting a lost era of space exploration: “Now that the space race is over / It’s been and it’s gone, and I’ll never get to the moon.” Bragg’s song is a poignant commentary on changing priorities and a nostalgic look back at a time when space exploration captured the world’s imagination.

15) Emily by Joanna Newsom (2006)

Joanna Newsom, the indie/folk artist with a distinctive voice, wrote “Emily” about her sister, an astronomer. The song’s lyrics delve into the subtle distinctions between meteors, meteorites, and meteoroids, blending personal reflection with celestial details. “Emily” is a unique and poetic exploration of space through a personal and scientific lens, showcasing Newsom’s lyrical artistry.

Honorable Mentions

The Space.com team compiled an extensive list of additional space-themed songs, presented here in order of preference:

• “Reach for the Stars” — will.i.am (recorded for the 2012 Curiosity rover landing)
• “Under the Milky Way” — The Church
• “Valentina” — Komputer
• “There’s a Moon in the Sky (Called the Moon)” — B-52s
• “It’s Not” — Aimee Mann
• “I Wish I Was the Moon” — Neko Case
• “Space Travel Is Boring” — Modest Mouse
• “Man on the Moon” — R.E.M.
• “Star Trek: First Contact” theme — Jerry Goldsmith (used by a Space.com writer at their wedding)
• “A Space Boy Dream” — Belle & Sebastian
• “Puttin’ People on the Moon” — Drive-By Truckers
• “Teenage Spaceship” — Smog
• “The Space Race” — Destroyer
• “Walking On the Moon” — The Police (video filmed at Kennedy Space Center)
• “2,000 Light Years from Home” — The Rolling Stones
• “Stellar” — Incubus
• “Space Truckin'” — Deep Purple
• “Black Hole Sun” — Soundgarden
• “We Care” — MGMT
• “The Planets Bend Between Us” — Snow Patrol
• “Galaxies” — Laura Veirs
• “Space Game” —MC Lars
• “Black Star” — Radiohead
• “Mambo Sun” —T.Rex
• “Tomorrow’s Girls” —Donald Fagen
• “Satellite of Love” — Lou Reed
• “Space Monkey” — Patti Smith
• “Deluxe Men in Space” — Man or Astro-Man?
• “Jupiter” — Gustav Holst
• “The Blue Danube” — Johann Strauss II (for spaceship dockings)
• “Dwarf Nebula Processional March & Dwarf Nebula” — Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention
• “Telstar” — The Tornados
• “Space Invader” — The Pretenders
• “Approaching Pavonis Mons by Balloon (Utopia Planitia)” — The Flaming Lips

Below is a comprehensive list of space music categorized by decade of release. While not exhaustive, this compilation offers a broad overview of space-inspired songs across different eras.

Space Songs Before 1970

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Space Songs: 1970-1979

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Space Songs: 1980-1989

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Space Songs: 1990-1999

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Space Songs: 2000-2009

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Space Songs: 2010-Present

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Space Movie, TV, and Game Soundtracks

A selection of popular instrumental soundtracks from space-themed movies, TV shows, and video games:

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References

“Astronaut’s Playlist: 134 Songs About Stars, Planets, and Space.” Spinditty. (2021, Nov. 5.) https://spinditty.com/playlists/astronomy-stars-planets-NASA-songs-playlist

“10 hip-hop songs to take you on a voyage into space.” A.D. Carson. The Conversation. (2021, May 26). https://theconversation.com/10-hip-hop-songs-to-take-you-on-a-voyage-into-space-157659

“Music of the Stars: The Best Space Movie Soundtracks.” Film School Rejects. (2018, Oct. 18). https://filmschoolrejects.com/best-space-movie-soundtracks/

“Musicspace.” HobbySpace. (2020.) https://www.hobbyspace.com/Music/music5.html