The moon is due to pass directly between the Earth and the sun this evening, leaving millions of mainland Europeans experiencing the first full solar eclipse in two decades.
Considering the next total solar eclipse is not due to occur until 2081 for France, 2090 for the UK and not until the next century for Germany (Spain, on the other hand, get to see one next year), it's worth getting it just right.
We're of the opinion that everybody needs the perfect soundtrack for a celestial event of this magnitude, so to here are our handpicked eclipse (and eclipse-adjacent) songs to accompany you through the sunlight block – in chronological listening order for maximum effect.
Len - 'Steal My Sunshine'
This 90s song by one-hit-wonder Canadian alt-rock band Len was initially released on the soundtrack to the 1999 crime comedy film Go, and became an instant summer hit. Not hard to hear why, as it’s a sun-kissed tune about not plunging anyone into depression by stealing their happiness. Yes, it sounds like an outdated 90s throwback; sure, it’s twee; and granted, good taste dictates that it should only be played at pool parties. But you try resisting that sugary sweet chorus... This should open your eclipse playlist before the great concealing, before things get a bit more ominous... DM
Bill Withers - 'Ain't No Sunshine'
I know, I know, I know, I know that Bill Withers' 'Ain't No Sunshine' is the perfect addition to any total solar eclipse playlist. Inspired by the 1962 film Days of Wine and Roses, Withers penned the soulful masterpiece while working at a toilet seat factory, aged 31. When the song went gold, the record company awarded the singer with a golden toilet seat, marking the start of his new career. The song has since been covered by the likes of Paul McCartney, Tom Jones and Prince, but we can all agree that Wither’s rendition remains unmatched. TF
Bonnie Tyler - 'Total Eclipse Of The Heart'
We sadly lost Bonnie this year, and what better way to honour her musical legacy than by playing her biggest hit? As you “turn around” to look at the sun being obscured by the moon, there’s nothing more appropriate to listen to than her 1983 ballad ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’. It was written by the late Jim Steinman, a composer with a flair for the theatrical (his other hits include Meat Loaf's ‘I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)’ and Celine Dion's ‘It’s All Coming Back to Me Now’). Whether or not the solar event mirrors your own internal torment, we can surely all agree that belting “forever’s gonna start tonight” will add a sense of cinematic drama to the event. AB
Max Richter - 'On The Nature Of Daylight'
Arguably one of the most famous compositions from neo-classical artist Max Richter, this song off his 2004 album ‘The Blue Notebooks’ (Euronews Culture's top pick for the Best European Albums of the 21st Century) was originally conceived as a response to the Iraq War. Since then, it has been used in countless films and TV shows, from Shutter Island to Hamnet, via Jiro Dreams of Sushi, The Handmaid's Tale and The Last of Us. Granted, it may now have become an overplayed shortcut to punish your tear ducts, but listen to it during the eclipse, and you'll hopefully be reminded of how beautiful, poignant and powerfully cathartic it remains. DM
Soundgarden - 'Black Hole Sun'
From a stellar 80s power ballad to a 90s grunge anthem... Widely recognised as Soundgarden’s signature track, this was arguably Chris Cornell’s shining moment of glory (if you don’t count his often-undervalued work in the supergroup Audioslave). It came out mid-1994, when the world was still under the shock of Kurt Cobain’s death, and it’s the ideal dark anthem to listen to while you’re luxuriating in darkness, appreciating the contradictory beauty of both the eclipse and this song about concealed darkness in humanity. DM
Pink Floyd - 'Eclipse'
If you're not enjoying this playlist, there's a case to be made for just listening to the entirety of Pink Floyd's 'The Dark Side of the Moon' prior to, during and following the eclipse. But if you're sticking with us and our somewhat protracted curation, we suggest you choose the aptly titled 'Eclipse'. The album's closing track ends with the lyrics "All that is now / And all that is gone / And that's to come / And everything under the sun is in tune / But the sun is eclipsed by the moon". Perfection. DM
Leonard Cohen – 'You Want It Darker'
This year's total eclipse will pass over the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. The rest of Europe will get a partial eclipse – a little more than 90%. So, why not be greedy and pick this cut from Leonard Cohen's final studio album? “You want it darker / We kill the flame." Prepare for shivers. DM
David Bowie – 'Blackstar'
While we're luxuriating in darkness (and appreciating two back-to-back tracks from artists we lost ten years ago), listen to David Bowie's title track from his final LP, 'Blackstar'. Released two days before his death, this song is tailor-made for the celestial event. And it wouldn't be a true eclipse playlist without the Starman, would it? DM
Bruce Springsteen - 'Dancing In The Dark'
Let's get a little less dour, shall we? Bruce Springsteen’s classic 1984 tune should prepare you to see the sun once more. Written about the pressures of fame and trying to force creativity, Springsteen told the BBC: “All I could do was write another song about not wanting to write another song". In the years since, it’s become a beloved anthem that always starts a fire in your belly. And how often is it that you actually get to dance in true darkness?! AB
The Beatles - 'Here Comes The Sun'
As the moon begins to move away and the sun reemerges, what better way to celebrate the return of the light than with The Beatles’ timeless classic 'Here Comes the Sun'? Written by George Harrison in early 1969 from the country house of Eric Clapton, the heartwarming song reflects the temporary respite he was experiencing from the band’s Apple Corps business affairs. As one of the standouts from the Fab Four's legendary 'Abbey Road' album, the song earned Harrison his songwriting flowers, previously reserved for Lennon and McCartney. It’s the perfect way to end your eclipse. TF
Enjoy full blackout and remember to put on special eclipse glasses. And headphones.
