Rock Out and Look Skyward: The Perfect Solar Eclipse Playlist
The Adirondacks’ ultimate eclipse soundtrack.
Get ready for the Total Solar Eclipse in the Adirondacks on April 8, 2024.
The 2024 Solar Eclipse’s “Path of Totality” cuts straight through the Adirondack Park. It’s the perfect location to experience this rare event, and many people are planning to visit here or host friends and family in their ADK homes with Eclipse parties.
If you’re like them, no doubt you’ve already ordered specialized glasses for viewing the eclipse safely, made any necessary arrangements for accommodations, alerted friends and family that you’re hosting an epic Total Eclipse Party, and are trying to figure out what to wear for an outdoor event in early April in the ADK. But have you thought about what music you will play during the eclipse?
The perfect soundtrack for being in the Path of Totality in the Adirondacks (or anywhere else in the USA).
If you’re planning to witness this spectacular natural phenomenon, you’re going to need some great background music to set the scene. Fear not, for we have compiled the ultimate Spotify Solar Eclipse Playlist.
So, grab your eclipse safety goggles and rock out with these tracks that are perfectly curated for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse.
Highlights from ADK Taste’s Total Solar Eclipse playlist.
At the time we’re writing this, there are over 60 songs on the playlist, providing just over four hours of music. You will find many songs that are obvious choices for a soundtrack for a Solar Eclipse. We’ve also included songs you may not associate with eclipses but have references or connections to atmospheric or astronomic events. And then there are a few less apparent tunes that contain “Eclipse Easter Eggs” (sly references) that will remind you how clever we are. See if you can find them.
Here’s a preview of some of the songs on our soundtrack.
Blinding Lights by The Weekend
Starting off strong, Blinding Lights by The Weekend was one of the first songs we chose. The upbeat and energetic track keeps the excitement alive, leading to the total solar eclipse. Lyrics like "I'm running out of time, 'cause I can see the sun light up the sky" set the mood for the celestial event and amplified the anticipation.
Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers
During the partial phases of the eclipse, the sky will gradually darken, and the temperature will drop. What better way to capture the mood than with a soulful melody?
Ain't No Sunshine by Bill Withers perfectly portrays the atmosphere of a darkening sky and sets the tone for the approaching totality.
Blinded by the Light by Bruce Springsteen
As the moon passes in front of the sun and the sky goes dark, the corona, or the sun's outer atmosphere, will be visible. This is the perfect opportunity to crank up the tunes and enjoy the moment. Blinded by the Light by Bruce Springsteen, with its energetic beat and catchy lyrics, is ideal for the moment of totality.
Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles
Full disclosure: This is my all-time favorite song, and I can find a reason to put it on almost every playlist I make, so it’s on this one, too. The song was written by George Harrison (also my favorite Beatle) and appeared on their magnificent album Abbey Road.
Photo 141597285 | Abbey Road © Imma Gambardella | Dreamstime.com
All that aside, Here Comes the Sun is a tailor-made tune for a mixtape for a solar eclipse in early spring in upstate New York. With lyrics like “it's been a long, cold, lonely winter” and “I feel that ice is slowly melting,” is there any more perfect song for April in the ADK?
And, as the moon passes, revealing the sun's brilliance, what better song to capture the moment? The lyrics perfectly match the instant when the sun reappears from behind the moon's shadow. We can already hear our Eclipse Party shouting, “Sun, Sun, Sun. Here it comes!”
The upbeat and uplifting melody of Here Comes The Sun evokes a sense of joy and anticipation, which complements the excitement and wonder of witnessing a solar eclipse.
Oh, and by the way, Across the Universe, a John Lennon-penned Beatles tune, is also on the list. We are an Equal Beatle Opportunity Playlist Maker.
Eclipse by Pink Floyd
The song Eclipse is one of Pink Floyd’s most iconic tracks. Because of its title alone, it is an obvious choice for any eclipse playlist. Duh. However, we love and include this tune because it speaks to the sense of interconnectedness that we all feel during natural phenomena beyond human control.
Photo 133549673 © Floydian | Dreamstime.com
The lyrics, "All that you touch and all that you see, is all your life will ever be," are a profound reminder of how small we are in the face of the universe's greatness.
The last lines of the song, "And everything under the sun is in tune, but the sun is eclipsed by the moon," convey the idea that even the most potent and constructive aspects of life can be obscured by darkness and negativity, and is an excellent reminder to be conscious of our actions and their influence on the world around us.
Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra
Lightening things up a bit, we turn to Mr. Francis Albert Sinatra. This track is another personal favorite.
Fly Me to the Moon captures the sense of adventure and optimism from reaching for the stars. Sinatra’s smoother-than-Tennessee-whiskey vocals and laidback phrasing set a calm and relaxed vibe. It's a song that can enhance the experience of watching this natural phenomenon, adding a touch of elegance and romance to the moment. This jazzy classic is the perfect soundtrack for a night spent stargazing and around an Adirondack campfire after the eclipse has passed.
Sister Moon by Sting
This beautiful ballad from Sting's second solo album, Nothing Like the Sun, is a lovely accompaniment to a total eclipse.
Photo 65577837 © blurf | Dreamstime.com
While the song is more about moonlight than sunlight, the lyrics describe the moon and its effects on nature and people, making it a complementary fit. And since there’s no eclipse without the moon, we’ve included it in our custom mixtape.
The song's minimalist instrumentation allows the vocals to stand out, and the repeated "sister moon" phrase adds a mesmerizing quality. As the eclipse approaches and the light fades, let Sister Moon take you to another realm of consciousness.
Black Sun by Death Cab for Cutie
Black Sun by Death Cab for Cutie is a beautiful song perfect for the part of the eclipse where the sky starts to brighten again. The melody, accompanied by the lyrics "How could something so fair be so cruel?" captures the sensation of coming back to the reality of the world after being lost in the spectacle of a total solar eclipse.
Blue Moon by the Marcels
"Blue Moon" has been a hit since its release in 1961 and is still popular today. This classic track by the Marcels is perfect for a Total Eclipse party because it’s catchy and upbeat. The song's lyrics talk about love and the beauty of a full moon, which makes it an excellent pick for the Adirondack skies. As the moon inches closer to the sun, let the Marcels take you to a place of joy and warmth.
Space Oddity by David Bowie
Ziggy Stardust. Major Tom. Starman. You can’t have a playlist for a significant astronomical event without a tribute to the late, great David Bowie.
Graffiti in memory of singer David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust Brixton, London. December, 2018. Photo 140429126 © Paop | Dreamstime.com
Space Oddity is a perfect tribute to the wonder and mystery of outer space, inspiring us to look beyond our world and into the stars.
Talk about a song that’s stood the test of time: Space Oddity debuted in July 1969.
Multiple generations know the lyric “Ground control to Major Tom.” Don’t believe us? Just ask your local Gen X, Y or Z person.
BTW, we couldn’t just pick one track from Ziggy. You’ll also find Moonage Daydream and Starman on the list.
Sun is Shining by Bob Marley
Bob Marley's reggae music is well-known for its positive and uplifting message, so Sun Shining is a perfect choice for the Total Eclipse playlist.
The lyrics are all about sunshine, good vibes and enjoying life. With its upbeat tempo and catchy melody, this song will help you keep the good vibes flowing.
Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler
Yes, it's a little on the nose. But come on, guys! You know you'll sing this at the top of your lungs as the moon covers the sun. Whether you're a child of the '80s or love a good power ballad, Total Eclipse of the Heart is a must-have on any solar eclipse playlist.
This is a brief overview of the playlist. At this writing, the list has 60+ great songs about the sun, the moon, spacemen, stars, and galaxies far, far away. We will continue to update it and welcome song requests or suggestions for additions. Please email them to us at info@adktaste.com.
Music has a way of complementing our experiences and making them more memorable. The Adirondack Mountains are a great place to see the Total Eclipse, and with our curated playlist, you can make the most of your experience. With songs that are both celebratory and soulful, we hope this playlist enhances your experience.
2024 Solar Eclipse’s Path of Totality across North America
More about the 2024 Total Eclipse
