Onward
Hawkwind · 2012
68 min · 18 tracks · progressive rock
A cosmic journey through progressive soundscapes, merging haunting melodies with the raw energy of space rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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Seasons Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Southern Cross — This track features an expansive sonic landscape that exemplifies Hawkwind's signature blend of narrative lyricism and intricate instrumentation, making it a standout moment on the album.
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Mind Cut — With its driving rhythm and thought-provoking themes, this track encapsulates the band's knack for marrying philosophical exploration with energetic sound, showcasing their distinctive approach.
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The Prophecy — This song combines evocative lyrics with an atmospheric arrangement, highlighting the band's continued exploration of storytelling through music while retaining their psychedelic roots.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases Hawkwind's signature sound while exploring new themes, balancing between familiar and innovative elements.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow, atmospheric track that gradually builds in intensity over the first three songs before shifting to more aggressive rhythms.
- Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections, allowing for improvisation and exploration of soundscapes characteristic of space rock.
- The last three tracks incorporate layered vocals and complex arrangements, creating a dense sonic texture that contrasts with earlier, more straightforward compositions.
- 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
- wave-like pacing with contrasts
- atmospheric journeys through sound
- hypnotic rhythms for deep focus
- dynamic exploration of cosmic themes
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Showcases continued vitality and relevance in their sound post-2000s.
- Career context
- Released in 2012, Onward marked Hawkwind's return to form after a period of relative silence since their 2007 album, Blood of the Earth. This album saw the band continuing to explore their signature blend of psychedelic and progressive rock while embracing modern influences, reaffirming their status as pioneers in the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pink Floyd· Can· Monster Magnet
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Hills Have Ears
The shift from eerie descriptions of desolation to a more urgent tone creates a sense of impending doom.
This contrast emphasizes the tension between tranquility and chaos, enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative.
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Seasons Start here 5:40
- 2 The Hills Have Ears 5:08
- 3 Mind Cut 4:54
- 4 System Check 1:06
- 5 Death Trap 3:51
- 6 Southern Cross 6:42
- 7 The Prophecy 4:13
- 8 Electric Tears 0:56
- 9 The Drive By 4:42
- 10 Computer Cowards 5:28
Disc 2
- 1 Right to Decide 6:32
- 2 Aerospace Age 5:54
- 3 The Flowering of the Rose 8:25
- 4 Howling Moon 2:12
- 5 Trans Air Trucking 2:38
- 6 Deep Vents 0:32
- 7 Green Finned Demon
- 8 [unknown]
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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