Released 46 years ago this October
Levitation
Hawkwind · 1980
37 min · 9 tracks · progressive rock
A cosmic voyage through swirling guitars, ethereal keyboards, and pulsating rhythms that define space rock's expansive aesthetic.
Top tracks — play these first
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Levitation Start here — The title track serves as an exhilarating introduction to the album, blending hypnotic rhythms with soaring melodies that capture the essence of space rock.
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Motorway City — This track stands out for its driving beat and lyrical commentary on modernity and dislocation, offering a critique of urban life wrapped in psychedelic soundscapes.
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Who's Gonna Win the War — Addressing pressing political issues with urgency, this song combines heavy instrumentation with poignant lyrics, making it one of the album's most impactful moments.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends progressive rock elements with experimental sounds, offering a unique but uneven listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features layered synthesizers and a steady drumbeat, establishing a cosmic atmosphere.
- Tracks like 'Motorway City' and 'Who's Gonna Win the War' incorporate heavy guitar riffs alongside spoken-word vocals, creating a contrast between melody and narrative.
- Several tracks, such as 'Space Chase' and 'The Fifth Second of Forever', utilize extended instrumental sections that explore various sound textures and tempos.
- 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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7/10
- 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
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing for focused listening
- cosmic soundscapes for exploration
- haunting melodies with emotional depth
- consistent journey with dynamic peaks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek standalone singles experience
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Represents Hawkwind's transitional phase with notable themes, but not widely recognized.
- Career context
- When Levitation was released in 1980, Hawkwind was navigating a transitional phase following the departure of key member Lemmy Kilmister in 1975. This album marked their return to the studio after a five-year hiatus, aiming to reaffirm their place in the evolving landscape of progressive and space rock with a fresh lineup and sound direction.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pink Floyd· Can· Monster Magnet
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Who's Gonna Win the War
The narrative shifts from questioning authority to depicting vivid images of conflict and its aftermath.
This transition adds emotional weight to the commentary, emphasizing the personal impact of war amidst broader societal concerns.
Tracklist
- 1 Levitation Start here 5:48
- 2 Motorway City 6:46
- 3 Psychosis 2:22
- 4 World of Tiers 3:18
- 5 Prelude 1:41
- 6 Who's Gonna Win the War 4:45
- 7 Space Chase 3:09
- 8 The Fifth Second of Forever 3:27
- 9 Dust of Time 6:19
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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