14 Songs to Add to Your Solar Eclipse Playlist

As you may or may not know, a Solar Eclipse is coming on August 21, 2017. We at GeekDad/GeekMom are quite excited, and are offering numerous posts to help you plan your own celebration. And, of course, no party is complete without music. So we’ve put together this list Solar Eclipse Playlist to add to your celebration.

Solar Eclipse Playlist

#1: “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden

Suggested by GeekDad Anthony Karcz, this song title nicely introduces the theme I’m going with here for the solar eclipse song list. Songs about the sun, the moon, or the eclipse.

#2: “New Moon on Monday” by Duran Duran

Incidentally, this moon that will be eclipsing the sun will in fact be a new moon on Monday. So how could I not celebrate my favorite Duran Duran song?

#3: “Why Does the Sun Shine” by They Might Be Giants

Back to the sun, this catchy TMBG tune should be required listening for, well, everyone ever. As you wait for the big moment (or rather, big two to two-and-a-half minutes), why not learn a thing or two? Great for all ages.

#4: “Blister in the Sun” by Violent Femmes

Suggested by GeekMom Patricia Vollmer, this particular solar eclipse song may not be educational, but singing the refrain may be a useful reminder to don your solar eclipse sunglasses.

#5: “Good Morning Moon” by Marian Call

Suggested by GeekDad Anton Olsen, this solar eclipse song celebrates not just the sun and the moon, but also the stars and the joy of being yourself. What’s not to love about this catchy tune?

#6: “Walking On the Sun” Smash Mouth

Yes, it’s a metaphor. But why does that have to eliminate this catchy ditty from being considered a solar eclipse song? It’s catchy, and if you feel like getting up and dancing while waiting for the eclipse, more power to you.

#7: “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves

If you’re not already up and dancing, this song is sure to get you on your feet. This happy tune from the 80’s is delightful, and perfect for the occasion.

#8: “A Place In the Sun” by Stevie Wonder

Play this next solar eclipse song when you’re sitting down to enjoy your Solar Eclipse Picnic. A lovely song (that my kids sing yearly to celebrate the solstice at school). It seemed fitting.

#9: “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” by George Michael and Elton John

If everyone’s still busy munching on their Sun Butter and jelly sandwiches, moon cakes, and Sun Chips, you don’t want the kids tempted to jump up and dance now, do you? Let them chill to this recommendation by GeekMom Patricia Vollmer.

#10: “Eclipse” by Pink Floyd

Technically, you could just listen to the whole Dark Side of the Moon album, as recommended by GeekMom Karen Walsh, or just stick with the solar eclipse song “Eclipse.”

#11: “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Sure, it’s a bit pessimistic if you listen to the lyrics, but this song is catchy and classic. A great way to introduce kids to music of all eras, if you can time this song to play just as the eclipse begins, how cool would that be?

#12: “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler

You had to know this song would make the list of solar eclipse songs. What more can I say?

#13: “Solar Eclipses” by Hollywood Principles featuring Dr. Awkward

Best known from the Rocket League video game, how could I not include this as a solar eclipse song?

#14: “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles

Once the eclipse has passed, what better song to play to welcome the return of daytime? There are, of course, many versions of this song out there, but I enjoyed this video of George Harrison performing with Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, and others.

Updated 8/17/2017: I’ve created a Spotify playlist with these songs (including the ones in the comments), so if you’d like to listen to it, click here. You may want to download it ahead of time in case cell coverage is spotty wherever you’re enjoying the Cosmic event.

Other Solar Eclipse News

If you’re busy planning your solar eclipse viewing party, be sure to check out the following posts. And be aware there’s more to come in the coming month:

So what songs would you add to the Solar Eclipse Playlist? Anything I missed?

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