What makes Hurry On Sundown by Hawkwind notable?

The album is significant as it marked the beginning of Hawkwind's influential career in progressive and space rock. Its experimental approach and incorporation of sci-fi elements resonated within the counterculture movement of the time, helping to shape the burgeoning genre and inspiring future artists in both rock and electronic music. Hurry On Sundown is Hawkwind's debut album, released on June 26, 1970. At this point in their career, they were establishing themselves as pioneers of space rock, blending heavy psychedelic influences with science fiction themes. The album laid the groundwork for their distinctive sound that would evolve throughout the 1970s.

How many songs are on Hurry On Sundown?

Hurry On Sundown has 2 tracks, running approximately 11 minutes.

Hurry On Sundown

Hawkwind · 1970

11 min · 2 tracks · progressive rock

Psychedelic melodies intertwine with cosmic themes, enveloping listeners in a sonic journey through the mind's vastness.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Hurry On Sundown — The title track showcases Hawkwind's signature blend of hypnotic rhythms and ethereal vocals, setting the tone for the entire album while exploring themes of existentialism.
→
Mirror of Illusion — This track features sprawling instrumental sections that evoke a sense of otherworldliness, exemplifying the band's early forays into extended improvisation and sonic experimentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong musical ideas but lacks the depth of a full album.

What we noticed

The title track features a repetitive, hypnotic guitar riff that builds in intensity over its duration.
The second track introduces a more melodic structure with layered harmonies and a shift in tempo halfway through.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This single helped establish Hawkwind's reputation in the early 70s.
Career context: Hurry On Sundown is Hawkwind's debut album, released on June 26, 1970. At this point in their career, they were establishing themselves as pioneers of space rock, blending heavy psychedelic influences with science fiction themes. The album laid the groundwork for their distinctive sound that would evolve throughout the 1970s.
Stylistic neighbors: Pink Floyd· Can· Monster Magnet