Top tracks — play these first
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The Killing Kind Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Run Boy Run — This track features a driving rhythm and catchy chorus that exemplifies UFO's ability to combine classic rock sensibilities with contemporary flair. Its infectious energy makes it a standout anthem of resilience.
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Devils in the Detail — With its layered instrumentation and introspective lyrics, this track showcases the band's skill in creating atmospheric depth while maintaining a hard-hitting edge. It reflects a mature songwriting approach that resonates throughout the album.
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Messiah of Love — This song stands out for its emotional vocal delivery and poignant lyrical themes, exploring love's complexities against an expansive sonic backdrop. The combination of heartfelt lyrics and powerful instrumentation makes it memorable.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and performance but lacks standout moments that elevate it beyond its genre.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks feature extended guitar solos that emphasize melodic hooks, particularly in 'Run Boy Run' and 'Messiah of Love'.
- The lyrics across the album often reference themes of struggle and resilience, creating a narrative thread that connects many of the songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing for focused listening
- reflective moments amidst intensity
- cosmic themes for adventurous spirits
- gradual peaks rewarding patience
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and creativity in UFO's later years.
- Career context
- Released on February 18, 2015, A Conspiracy of Stars marked UFO's 21st studio album and came after their previous album, Seven Deadly, in 2012. At this point in their career, UFO was celebrating over four decades of music since their inception in 1969, showcasing a blend of classic hard rock elements with modern production techniques.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Hawkwind· Blue Öyster Cult· Deep Purple
Tracklist
- 1 The Killing Kind Start here 4:00
- 2 Run Boy Run 4:18
- 3 Ballad of the Left Hand Gun 4:29
- 4 Sugar Cane 6:11
- 5 Devils in the Detail 5:12
- 6 Precious Cargo 5:52
- 7 The Real Deal 4:07
- 8 One and Only 3:57
- 9 Messiah of Love 4:34
- 10 Rollin' Rollin' 5:19
- 11 King of the Hill 2:40
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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