Let’s talk about the best songs inspired by rockets! From classic rock to modern pop, these tunes celebrate the thrill of launch and the wonder of space. Get ready to blast off with our list of 21 Best Songs About Rockets.
Table of Contents
- 21. “Space Cowboy” by Steve Miller Band
- 20. “I Am the Cosmos” by Chris Bell
- 19. “Rocket” by Def Leppard
- 18. “The Final Countdown” by Europe
- 17. “Interstellar Overdrive” by Pink Floyd
- 16. “Blackstar” by David Bowie
- 15. “Blast Off” by Weezer
- 14. “Sputnik” by Public Service Broadcasting
- 13. “Rocket” by Beyoncé
- 12. “Rocket USA” by Suicide
- 11. “Rocket” by Smashing Pumpkins
- 10. “Countdown” by Rush
- 9. “Space Truckin'” by Deep Purple
- 8. “Rocket Ride” by Kiss
- 7. “Rocket 88” by Jackie Brenston
- 6. “Rocket Man” by Elton John
- 5. “Space Oddity” by David Bowie
- 4. “Major Tom (Coming Home)” by Peter Schilling
- 3. “Starman” by David Bowie
- 2. “Across the Universe” by The Beatles
- 1. “Life on Mars?” by David Bowie
21. “Space Cowboy” by Steve Miller Band
The song is a fun and lighthearted take on the idea of being a space cowboy, with the protagonist being a “joker” who loves to fly through the galaxy. It features a groovy guitar riff and catchy chorus that make it a classic rock staple. The song was released in 1969 on the album Brave New World.
20. “I Am the Cosmos” by Chris Bell
“I Am the Cosmos” is a dreamy, atmospheric tune that captures the sense of wonder and mystery that comes with contemplating the cosmos. The song has become a cult favorite among fans of indie and alternative rock. It was released in 1978 in the album I Am The Cosmos.
19. “Rocket” by Def Leppard
“Rocket” is a hard-rocking anthem that celebrates the power and thrill of space travel. The song features a memorable guitar riff and catchy chorus that make it a fan favorite and a staple of rock radio. Released in 1987 in the album Hysteria.
18. “The Final Countdown” by Europe
This bombastic, synth-heavy song has become synonymous with epic space launches and other dramatic moments. It was released in 1986 in the album called The Final Countdown. The song’s memorable keyboard riff and soaring chorus make it a classic ’80s anthem.
17. “Interstellar Overdrive” by Pink Floyd
“Interstellar Overdrive” is a trippy, psychedelic tune that captures the sense of disorientation and dislocation that can come with space travel. The song showcases Pink Floyd’s unique sound and experimental approach to music. The song was released in 1967 featured in the album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn.
16. “Blackstar” by David Bowie
“Blackstar” is a hauntingly beautiful and experimental song that explores themes of death, space, and spirituality. The lyrics are cryptic and open to interpretation, but it’s clear that Bowie was grappling with his own mortality and the mysteries of the universe. The music video, which features surreal imagery and references to space travel, adds another layer of depth to the song’s meaning. It was released in 2016 in the album Blackstar.
15. “Blast Off” by Weezer
“Blast Off” is a fun and upbeat song that celebrates the thrill of space travel. It’s a catchy tune with a memorable chorus that captures the excitement of blasting off into the unknown. It was featured in the Black Album in 2019.
14. “Sputnik” by Public Service Broadcasting
“Sputnik” is an instrumental track that pays homage to the first artificial satellite to orbit Earth. The song features samples of news broadcasts and historical footage from the time, giving it a documentary-like quality. The song was released in 2013 in the album Inform – Educate – Entertain. It’s a unique and fascinating tribute to a pivotal moment in space history.
13. “Rocket” by Beyoncé
“Rocket” is a sultry R&B song that uses rocket imagery as a metaphor for sexual desire and pleasure. The lyrics are suggestive and provocative, and the music video features Beyoncé in a series of sensual poses. While the song isn’t explicitly about space, it uses rocket symbolism in a creative and unexpected way. Released in 2013 under the album named Beyoncé.
12. “Rocket USA” by Suicide
“Rocket USA” is a punk rock classic that features driving rhythms and abrasive instrumentation. While the lyrics are somewhat cryptic, they seem to reference the excitement and danger of space travel.
11. “Rocket” by Smashing Pumpkins
“Rocket” is a hard-rocking song that celebrates the thrill of blasting off into space. The lyrics are full of rocket and space imagery, and the music video features the band playing in front of a giant rocket. It’s a classic Smashing Pumpkins tune that captures the energy and excitement of the ’90s alt-rock scene. This was released in 1993.
10. “Countdown” by Rush
“Countdown” is an instrumental track that celebrates the excitement and drama of a space launch. The song features a countdown sequence and a simulated rocket launch, making it feel like you’re actually witnessing a mission to space. The song was released in 1982 in the album Signals. It’s a thrilling and epic piece of music that showcases Rush’s instrumental prowess.
9. “Space Truckin'” by Deep Purple
“Space Truckin'” is a hard rock song by British band Deep Purple, released in 1972 on their album “Machine Head.” The song is about the life of a space trucker who travels the galaxy, delivering goods to different planets.
8. “Rocket Ride” by Kiss
“Rocket Ride” is a hard-rocking anthem that celebrates the thrill of space travel. The lyrics are full of rocket and space imagery, and the song’s catchy chorus and memorable guitar riff make it a fan favorite. The song was released in 1977 in the album Alive II.
7. “Rocket 88” by Jackie Brenston
“Rocket 88” is a classic rock and roll song that celebrates the joys of driving a fast car. While the song isn’t explicitly about space, it’s often cited as one of the first examples of rock and roll using rocket and space imagery.
6. “Rocket Man” by Elton John
This classic rock tune tells the story of a lonely astronaut who is longing for his family while on a mission to Mars. Inspired by Ray Bradbury’s short story “The Rocket Man,” the song uses metaphors to convey the astronaut’s emotional state. It’s considered one of Elton John’s most iconic songs and a staple of space-themed playlists.
5. “Space Oddity” by David Bowie
Released just before the Apollo 11 moon landing, “Space Oddity” tells the story of an astronaut named Major Tom who becomes lost in space. The hauntingly beautiful tune captures the sense of isolation and wonder that comes with space travel. It’s one of David Bowie’s most popular and enduring songs.
4. “Major Tom (Coming Home)” by Peter Schilling
This German-language synth-pop classic tells the story of Major Tom, who has become stranded in space and longs to return home to Earth. The song was a big hit in Europe and features a catchy chorus that has made it a favorite among space enthusiasts. The song was released in 1983 in the album Error in the System.
3. “Starman” by David Bowie
“Starman” is a beautiful and optimistic song about a benevolent alien who has come to Earth to share a message of hope and peace. The song captures the wonder and mystery of space and is a standout track on one of David Bowie’s most iconic albums. This song was released in 1972 in the album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.
2. “Across the Universe” by The Beatles
This hauntingly beautiful song features John Lennon’s ethereal vocals and captures the sense of awe and wonder that comes with contemplating the vastness of the universe.
Originally released on a charity album, the song has become a fan favorite and a staple of space-themed playlists. This song was released in 1969 in the album No One’s Gonna Change Our World.
1. “Life on Mars?” by David Bowie
“Life on Mars?” is a thought-provoking song that explores the possibility of life on other planets. It was released in 1971 on the album Hunky Dory. The song showcases David Bowie’s distinctive voice and features an intricate piano arrangement that has made it a beloved classic.
These songs take us on a journey through space and time, exploring the mysteries of the universe and the human spirit. From Elton John’s “Rocket Man” to The Beatles’ “Across The Universe” these songs capture the excitement, wonder, and adventure of space travel.