What makes Resident Alien by Spacehog notable?

'Resident Alien' achieved commercial success, reaching number 16 on the Billboard 200 and spawning the hit single 'In the Meantime,' which received significant airplay on alternative rock radio. The album is notable for its blend of glam rock influences and modern alternative sensibilities, helping to carve out Spacehog's niche within the burgeoning 90s rock scene. Released as Spacehog's debut album in January 1996, 'Resident Alien' introduced the band during a wave of Britpop and alternative rock popularity. The album established their unique sound and laid the foundation for their subsequent career, allowing them to gain traction in both the UK and US markets.

How many songs are on Resident Alien?

Resident Alien has 13 tracks, running approximately 69 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

Resident Alien

Spacehog · 1996

69 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

Alternative rock infused with glam and spacey themes, balancing anthemic choruses with whimsical storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

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In the Meantime — As the lead single, this track captures Spacehog's vibrant energy and catchy hooks, making it a defining anthem of the era.
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Space Is the Place — This song showcases a playful exploration of cosmic themes while maintaining an infectious melody, embodying the band's quirky style.
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To Be a Millionaire... Was It Likely? — The sprawling closing track combines ambitious instrumentation with reflective lyrics, highlighting the band's artistic aspirations and eclectic influences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic rock with whimsical storytelling, establishing a distinct sound within its genre.

What we noticed

The first track, 'In the Meantime,' opens with a strong guitar riff and an anthemic chorus that sets a high-energy tone for the album.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, which enhance the glam rock influence.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 In the Meantime 4:59
2 Spacehog 2:13
3 Starside 3:49
4 Candyman 5:23
5 Space Is the Place 3:04
6 Never Coming Down, Part I 1:43
7 Cruel to Be Kind 3:05
8 Ship Wrecked 5:28
9 Only a Few 3:23
10 The Last Dictator 4:14
11 Never Coming Down, Part II 4:02
12 Zeroes 6:38
13 To Be a Millionaire... Was It Likely? 21:19

What to play next

Listen next

The Chinese Album

1998

Go back to

In the Meantime

1996

Full Spacehog discography Artists like Spacehog

alternative rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata