Live Seventy Nine cover

Live Seventy Nine

Hawkwind · 1980

45 min · 7 tracks · progressive rock

A cosmic journey through heavy riffs and ethereal soundscapes, capturing the spirit of late '70s progressive rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Shot Down in the Night Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Spirit of the Age — This track exemplifies Hawkwind's signature fusion of psychedelic melodies and powerful instrumentation, highlighting lyrical themes of time and existence that resonate throughout the album.
  • →
    Brainstorm — A high-energy performance, this song stands out for its driving rhythm and complex structure, representing the band's ability to push musical boundaries while engaging live audiences.
  • →
    Silver Machine (Requiem) — As one of their most recognized songs, this version encapsulates the band's ethos, merging heavy riffs with spacey sound effects while showcasing Lemmy's distinctive vocal style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

57 /100
Foothills
Higher than 48% of albums we've rated

The album captures a unique live energy with strong instrumental focus and smooth transitions, reflecting its era well.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended instrumental sections, particularly in tracks like 'Brainstorm' and 'Silver Machine', allowing for improvisation and exploration.
  • Each track transitions smoothly into the next, creating a continuous flow that enhances the live experience.
  • Vocals are often layered with effects, blending with the heavy riffs and synthesizer textures to create a cosmic atmosphere.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady cosmic exploration vibes
  • hypnotic rhythms for focus
  • mid-tempo soundscapes for journeys
  • soaring guitar solos in order

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Captures a key moment in their history, beloved by dedicated fans for its energy.
Career context
By the time 'Live Seventy Nine' was released on July 21, 1980, Hawkwind had established themselves as pioneers in the space rock genre following their 1975 hit 'Warrior on the Edge of Time'. This live album reflects a transitional phase for the band, featuring tracks that showcase their evolving sound amidst lineup changes and shifts in musical direction.
Stylistic neighbors
Pink Floyd· Can· Monster Magnet

Tracklist

  • 1 Shot Down in the Night Start here 7:39
  • 2 Motorway City 8:09
  • 3 Spirit of the Age 8:20
  • 4 Brainstorm 8:41
  • 5 Lighthouse 6:25
  • 6 Master of the Universe 4:33
  • 7 Silver Machine (Requiem) 1:23

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata