Music fans celebrated the total eclipse of the sun by streaming Bonnie Tyler’s 1983 power ballad “Total Eclipse Of The Heart.” The song saw a surge in streams on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, with Spotify reporting a nearly 50% increase in streams in the U.S. leading up to the eclipse. The song also became a popular addition to users’ eclipse playlists, along with other sun- and moon-themed tracks like “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Here Comes the Sun.” Additionally, searches for the word “eclipse” were up 200% on Spotify, indicating the excitement surrounding the celestial event.
“Total Eclipse Of The Heart” reached No. 2 on the Apple charts and entered the daily top 100 music video chart on YouTube, currently at 84. Last FM also reported that the song was the number one song in the U.S. on April 8. In the power ballad, Tyler sings the iconic line “Every now and then I fall apart,” which resonated with listeners during the eclipse. Tyler herself acknowledged the song’s resurgence on social media, joking that “Every now and then it hits the charts.” The artist reflected on a similar resurgence in 2021 during another eclipse and recalled performing the song on a special cruise during the 2017 solar eclipse.
When “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” originally debuted in 1983, it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remained in the top spot for four weeks. The song spent a total of 29 weeks on the Hot 100 chart, solidifying its status as a classic power ballad. Tyler’s vocal performance and emotional lyrics have endeared the song to fans for decades, making it a go-to choice for celestial events like the total eclipse. As music lovers around the world anticipated and celebrated the eclipse, streaming platforms saw a significant increase in streams for this iconic track and other moon- and sun-inspired songs, highlighting the universal appeal of music in marking special events.
Caitlin O’Kane, a New York City journalist and senior manager of content and production at CBS News, reported on the phenomenon of music fans flocking to Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” during the total eclipse of the sun. O’Kane highlighted the song’s success on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, where it climbed the charts and became a top choice for eclipse playlists. The resurgence of the song during the eclipse echoed its initial popularity in 1983, when it dominated the charts and captured the hearts of listeners with its emotional lyrics and powerful vocals. Tyler’s connection to the song and her participation in eclipse-related events further fueled the song’s resurgence and cemented its status as a timeless classic.
Overall, the total eclipse of the sun brought a renewed focus on music as a form of celebration and expression, with songs like “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” resonating with listeners during the celestial event. The surge in streams and searches for eclipse-themed songs on streaming platforms reflected the excitement and anticipation surrounding the eclipse, underscoring the importance of music in bringing people together and marking special moments. Tyler’s enduring legacy as a powerhouse vocalist and the emotional impact of “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” have solidified its place as a go-to choice for eclipses and other celestial events, showcasing the enduring power of music to unite and uplift people during moments of wonder and awe.
