Songs About the Moon Phases
The moon plays an integral part of our lives, from controlling tides to admiring its night sky beauty. Its power of inspiration has inspired countless artists, leading many to include “moon” or its imagery in their titles.
Some of the best songs about moon phases are dreamy and upbeat. These sentiments emphasize how important it is to live life one day at a time and appreciate each present moment.
Radiohead
Radiohead has had a profound effect on the music world, selling millions of albums worldwide. They are renowned for their experimental sound and daring approach to composition.
Their latest album, A Moon Shaped Pool, was released in May 2016. This was their ninth studio album and first since 2011’s The King of Limbs.
Recorded at RAK Studios in London and La Fabrique in Saint-Remy-de-Provence, France, this album includes several songs written years earlier such as “True Love Waits,” which dates from 1995; “Burn the Witch,” from 2000; and “Present Tense,” released in 2008.
On A Moon Shaped Pool, Radiohead creates music that is reflective and downbeat – but also deeply satisfying in moments. This album touches upon topics like climate change, groupthink and heartbreak to reflect upon in a very personal way for them; one they are immensely proud of.
Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin had the unique gift of bringing the moon to life through her music. Her songs still inspire people today with powerful messages that encourage people to believe in themselves.
Her most iconic song is “Claire de Lune,” but she also has other wonderful tracks that celebrate the moon phases. This playlist contains timeless classics sure to get you singing along and having some fun!
She has achieved success with a number of powerful hits, such as “Summertime,” an iconic blues song recorded by many musicians. It possesses an evocative message that resonates with people of all ages.
Daft Punk
Daft Punk, formed in Paris in 1993 and renowned for their catchy dance songs that can get people moving, is a musical duo comprised of Guy-Manuel de Homem Christo and Thomas Bangalter. Over the years, these duos have toured around the world.
Their music has been inspired by a variety of genres, such as disco, funk and electronica. Their most recent album Random Access Memories was released in 2013 and earned them five Grammy awards.
Throughout their career, the duo has been known for wearing futuristic costumes that completely conceal their faces. This is part of their strategy to remain anonymous and prevent outside reports outside the studio.
Arctic Monkeys
Jeff Mills, Detroit’s electronic techno legend, has long been fascinated with space and its effects on Earth. This fascination is evident in his ambient-techno concept album Moon, titled “Moon.”
As the Sun and Moon race across the sky, they often lag behind one another by six hours (one quarter of a day). That means the first quarter Moon rises at about midnight, sets at noon, and is at its highest point in the sky at sunrise.
The Moon enters a waning crescent when it has moved eastward in its orbit by several degrees. While its west side remains bright, its east side has much shadow cast upon it.
The Waterboys
The Waterboys are a Scottish folk-rock band from Edinburgh that formed in 2001. Their music blends Celtic folk music with rock and roll for an uptempo sound.
Since their founding in 1983, The group has undergone many transformations. Led by Mike Scott and featuring over 85 members now, they have experimented with many styles while releasing numerous albums throughout their career.
Their biggest hit was the 1985 song “The Whole of the Moon.” This timeless masterpiece has been covered numerous times over, most recently by Fiona Apple. It truly captures an ethereal atmosphere that has endured through time.
Glen Miller
Glen Miller is an accomplished musician, composer, and songwriter whose songs have inspired countless artists in the music industry. He achieved international renown with his song “In Other Words,” inspired by the moon and stars that became one of Miller’s only hits.
This song is an ideal tool for students to study the phases of the moon and their connection to calendar months. Additionally, they will gain knowledge about waxing and waning.
Glen Miller was a legendary figure in music throughout his career, and his work on the airwaves remained popular for decades. Unfortunately, his time at Columbia Records came to an end during the early 1960s as the British Invasion spread throughout pop music and eclipsed his success. Ultimately, Miller retired from performing but his name remains indelible in American popular music’s legacy.
Brooks & Dunn
Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn formed the country duo Brooks & Dunn when they were just starting out. Yet their debut album Brand New Man, featuring hits “Neon Moon” and “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” became an international success and sold millions of copies worldwide.
Brooks & Dunn would go on to become one of country music’s most successful and popular acts, earning seventeen Country Music Association awards and 26 Academy of Country Music awards in addition to two Grammy Awards.
Brooks & Dunn have achieved legendary sales of over 30 million records and achieved 20 number one hits on Billboard. Additionally, they were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
King Harvest
Neil Young’s iconic song, “Harvest Moon,” may not be one of the most famous moon songs ever written, but it certainly stands as an inspiring example. Over the years, many artists have covered this timeless piece and it serves as a prime example of how music can inspire.
The song begins with an exquisite guitar riff and lyrics that relate to the moon phases. In particular, it compares them to the stages of a garden: seed, sprout, stem, bud, flower, fruit and harvest before returning back to soil.
The phases of the moon follow a cycle and are determined by both Earth’s position and that of the Sun. Furthermore, Earth’s rotation also plays an important role in determining which phase of the moon we experience each month.
LeAnn Rimes
Country songstress LeAnn Rimes has a knack for delving deep into the depths of love. Her powerful vocals are ideal for ballads, and she has released numerous hit singles throughout her career.
One of her most iconic hits is 1997’s “How Do I Live,” written by Diane Warren for the movie Con Air. The song peaked at #2 on Billboard charts and since has become a classic.
The moon moves in cycles and alters its phase with respect to the sun. We can observe these phases from a distance or by looking at a star chart.
Echo & The Bunnymen
Echo & The Bunnymen, formed in Liverpool, were among the first post-punk bands to explore new sounds and instrumental textures. Combining punk rock with psychedelic influences from The Doors, over-the-top theatrical vocals, and powerful rhythm sections, they created an iconic sound.
Early recordings, such as Heaven Up Here and Rescue, had an unmistakably magical quality that still defines them today. Their lyrics were abstract yet evocative, with Ian McCulloch projecting angst in an almost Jim Morrison-like manner.
Echo & The Bunnymen achieved success in indie rock with three top ten hits during the 1980s. Unfortunately, their drummer was killed in a motorcycle accident and they parted ways amicably. Since then, founding members Ian McCulloch and Will Sergeant have reunited and released several records to great success.