Classic Western songs about stars. Recommended popular tracks.

StarlightTaylor Swift

Starlight

Taylor Swift’s classic song “Starlight,” released in 2008.

If you only know her current style, it might be hard to imagine, but at the time of this release her music was rooted in gentle, country-influenced sounds.

Along with its mellow melody, the lyrics are excellent too, crafting a sweet story that whispers love by comparing the lovers and themselves to stars.

If you’re interested, be sure to check out the Japanese translation as well.

Rocket ManElton John

Elton John – Rocket Man (Official Music Video)

Elton John is a world-renowned singer-songwriter from the United Kingdom who has released over 300 million singles and albums worldwide.

He has produced numerous classic songs over the years.

Among them, a star-themed piece I’d like to recommend is Rocket Man.

Released in 1972, it portrays an astronaut setting off alone, in solitude, toward Mars.

Although it didn’t become a major hit at the time, it later gained enduring popularity among fans as one of his signature songs.

E.T. ft. Kanye WestKaty Perry

Katy Perry – E.T. ft. Kanye West (Official Music Video)

Katy Perry is an artist who has earned high praise worldwide for her powerful messages and vocals.

She has released a variety of songs, and among them, a standout track I recommend as a masterpiece about the stars is E.

T.

ft.

Kanye West.

Featuring rapper Kanye West, the song, as the title suggests, is inspired by the film E.

T.

Its lyrics, written from an alien’s perspective, are particularly striking—so be sure to check out the Japanese translation as well.

Space Truckin’Deep Purple

Space Truckin’ [complete] – Deep Purple

Deep Purple, a legendary rock band on par with Led Zeppelin, is a group highly respected by countless listeners in Japan.

Owing to their achievements and enduring popularity, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.

Among their songs with a starry theme, the one that comes to mind is surely “Space Truckin’.” Released in 1972, this track gained popularity for its humor-filled lyrics centered on outer space.

StarThe Roots

The Roots – Star (Official Music Video)

From the late 1980s to the present, The Roots have remained a highly acclaimed hip-hop group.

Although they’re often labeled a hip-hop group, they’re not simply a crew that raps; they perform as a full band.

Their taste is top-notch, and D’Angelo, a pioneering figure in neo-soul, has expressed his respect for them.

Their classic track “Star” is a captivating piece, featuring lyrics themed around stars and a soulful performance.

Fly Me To The MoonNat King Cole

Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words)

A giant in the jazz world, Nat King Cole.

A jazz vocalist who was hugely active from the 1930s to the 1950s, his smooth, rich voice delivers a level of exhilaration that ranks among the best in history.

Among his works, when it comes to songs with a starry theme, many people probably think of Fly Me To The Moon.

It’s a classic covered by many artists, but in Nat King Cole’s case, he adds original parts, letting you enjoy a unique charm different from the others.

Another StarStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder – Another Star

Stevie Wonder, the legendary soul musician who, along with Marvin Gaye and Donny Hathaway, helped energize the new soul movement that sparked a boom in the 1970s.

I think many people in Japan are familiar with him as well.

True to the style of new soul artists, his track Another Star blends soul with disco sounds, and it became popular at the time partly because of the disco craze.

The lyrics revolve around the theme of stars, so be sure to check them out.