Space has always been a source of endless inspiration, sparking curiosity, wonder, and a bit of existential dread. Musicians, much like astronauts, have explored the depths of the cosmos, translating its mysteries into sonic journeys. From classic rock to jazz, these songs reflect the awe and isolation of space in unique ways. Here’s our countdown of the top 10 space-themed songs, where each artist is given one slot to shine among the stars.

10. “Spaceman” by The Killers (2008)

Genre: Alternative Rock

We kick things off with The Killers’ energetic track “Spaceman,” which tells the story of a man grappling with an alien abduction. The song’s infectious rhythm and synth-heavy rock sound transport listeners into a disorienting space where reality feels just out of reach. Brandon Flowers’ lyrics are packed with sci-fi metaphors, creating a catchy yet introspective take on feeling alienated and lost.

9. “Walking on the Moon” by The Police (1979)

Genre: Reggae Rock

This reggae-infused rock track by The Police captures the feeling of floating in space—through the lens of falling in love. “Walking on the Moon” uses the metaphor of lunar gravity to describe the lightness and euphoria of being with someone. The song’s sparse instrumentation and Sting’s breathy vocals give it a sense of weightlessness, as if you’re drifting through the stars while pondering love.

8. “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden (1994)

Genre: Grunge/Alternative Rock

Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” is a grunge classic that taps into darker cosmic imagery. Though it’s more abstract in its references to space, the black hole metaphor captures the idea of something vast, destructive, and inescapable. Chris Cornell’s haunting vocals and the song’s swirling, psychedelic guitar work create a powerful sense of cosmic doom.

7. “Space Oddity” by David Bowie (1969)

Genre: Art Rock

David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” tells the now-legendary tale of Major Tom, an astronaut lost in space. Released just before the Apollo 11 moon landing, the song perfectly captures both the excitement of space exploration and the existential fear of being untethered from Earth. Bowie’s wistful voice, coupled with the eerie atmosphere of the song, makes this a timeless ode to cosmic isolation.

6. “Starlight” by Muse (2006)

Genre: Alternative Rock

“Starlight” by Muse blends cosmic imagery with deep emotional resonance. The song’s driving bass and celestial synths give it an expansive, spacey feel, while the lyrics speak to the longing and distance of lost love. It’s a song that feels vast and intimate at the same time, using space as a metaphor for the emotional void between two people.

5. “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra (1964)

Genre: Jazz

Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” is a timeless jazz standard that conjures up the romance and adventure of space exploration. With its swinging melody and Sinatra’s smooth delivery, the song captures the optimism and wonder of flying to the moon, long before humans had actually set foot there. It’s a playful, romantic tune that remains a beloved anthem for dreamers and space enthusiasts alike.

4. “Rocket Man” by Elton John (1972)

Genre: Soft Rock

Elton John’s “Rocket Man” paints a somber picture of space travel, focusing on the loneliness of an astronaut as he leaves his family and Earth behind. Bernie Taupin’s lyrics, paired with John’s emotional piano and vocals, highlight the isolation and melancholy of venturing into the unknown. The song is both an anthem for space exploration and a deeply personal reflection on alienation.

3. “Across the Universe” by The Beatles (1970)

Genre: Psychedelic Rock

“Across the Universe” by The Beatles is a dreamy, meditative track that uses space as a metaphor for spiritual exploration. John Lennon’s ethereal lyrics evoke images of the cosmos, creating a serene, flowing journey through the universe. The song’s mantra-like refrain, “nothing’s going to change my world,” adds a sense of cosmic peace, as if floating through the stars, untouched by earthly concerns.

2. “Space Truckin’” by Deep Purple (1972)

Genre: Hard Rock

Deep Purple’s “Space Truckin’” is a heavy, riff-driven rock song that imagines space travel as a wild joyride through the galaxy. The song’s upbeat tempo and energetic guitar solos make it a space anthem for rock fans, celebrating the thrill of exploration with a bit of swagger. The track’s infectious groove gives the impression that even in the vastness of space, there’s always room for a good time.

1. “Space Is the Place” by Sun Ra (1973)

Genre: Free Jazz/Afrofuturism

At the top of the list is Sun Ra’s visionary track “Space Is the Place.” More than just a song, this free jazz masterpiece serves as a cosmic manifesto, using space as a symbol for liberation and self-determination. Sun Ra, a pioneer of Afrofuturism, viewed space as a utopia where new possibilities for Black identity and freedom could thrive. The track’s experimental soundscapes and futuristic philosophy make it a bold and groundbreaking entry in space-themed music, offering listeners a trip to the outer reaches of the cosmos.