Released 10 years ago
The Machine Stops
Hawkwind · 2016
58 min · 14 tracks · progressive rock
A cosmic journey through progressive soundscapes laced with existential lyrics and Hawkwind's signature space rock ethos.
Top tracks — play these first
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All Hail the Machine Start here — This opening track sets the thematic tone for the album, combining driving rhythms with a call to acknowledge the omnipresence of technology in our lives.
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King of the World — This song features a blend of haunting melodies and reflective lyrics that critique power dynamics, embodying the album’s overarching narrative about control and autonomy.
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Living on Earth — A standout track that juxtaposes serene instrumental passages with poignant lyrics addressing environmental concerns, highlighting Hawkwind's long-standing engagement with ecological themes.
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Lost in Science — This closing track encapsulates the album's exploration of knowledge versus ignorance, employing complex arrangements that mirror the chaotic relationship between humanity and technological advancement.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album offers a mix of engaging soundscapes and thematic exploration but lacks strong cohesion throughout.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that blend heavy guitar riffs with synthesizer layers, creating a dense soundscape.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word sections that intersperse with instrumental passages, enhancing the thematic depth.
- The last three tracks slow down significantly, introducing ambient textures and reflective melodies that contrast with earlier energy.
- 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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- cosmic journey through soundscapes
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- dynamic exploration of themes
- evocative melodies for introspection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, quick tracks
- seek immediate gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality with relevant themes after a long hiatus.
- Career context
- Released in 2016, The Machine Stops is Hawkwind's 29th studio album, showcasing the band's enduring presence in the progressive rock scene. This album comes after a decade-long hiatus since their previous release, Blood of the Earth (2010), marking a significant return to form for the band.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pink Floyd· Can· Monster Magnet
Tracklist
- 1 All Hail the Machine Start here 3:23
- 2 The Machine 4:38
- 3 Katie 0:55
- 4 King of the World 2:51
- 5 In My Room 3:42
- 6 Thursday 4:09
- 7 Synchronized Blue 5:24
- 8 Hexagone 4:51
- 9 Living on Earth 6:27
- 10 The Harmonic Hall 4:55
- 11 Yum‐Yum 1:03
- 12 A Solitary Man 5:03
- 13 Tube 4:28
- 14 Lost in Science 6:32
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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