There's Nothing but Space, Man! cover

There's Nothing but Space, Man!

Sam Ryder · 2022

47 min · 14 tracks · hard rock

An exuberant blend of glam rock and pop, showcasing soaring vocals over vibrant instrumentation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Space Man — This track serves as the album's standout moment with its infectious chorus and uplifting message about resilience and hope. Its commercial success reflects Ryder's appeal as a new pop icon.
  • →
    Deep Blue Doubt — Opening the album, this song introduces Ryder's introspective lyrical style while showcasing his powerful vocal range, setting the tone for the rest of the record.
  • →
    Somebody — 'Somebody' encapsulates the album's emotional core, blending heartfelt lyrics with an anthemic sound that invites listeners to connect deeply with their own experiences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong vocal performances and catchy choruses but lacks depth in songwriting and cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a vibrant tone, followed by the hit single 'Space Man' which features a soaring chorus.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered harmonies and anthemic choruses, particularly in songs like 'OK' and 'Put a Light on Me'.
  • The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective conclusion to the album.
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
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • upbeat anthems for group sing-alongs
  • short bursts of vibrant energy
  • cathartic releases of joyful exuberance
  • catchy melodies for road trips

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, introspective songs
  • want heavy, complex arrangements

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on December 9, 2022, There's Nothing but Space, Man! marks Sam Ryder's debut studio album following his viral success on TikTok and a notable second place finish at the Eurovision Song Contest earlier that year. This album captures Ryder's transition from social media sensation to a legitimate pop artist.
Stylistic neighbors
Adam Lambert· Panic! at the Disco· Mika

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Living Without You

    The bridge shifts from reflective solitude to a desperate plea for connection, emphasizing vulnerability amid uncertainty.

    This structural shift intensifies the emotional impact, allowing listeners to feel the weight of longing as the narrative pivots towards hope.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Deep Blue Doubt 3:55
  • 2 Space Man 3:37
  • 3 Somebody 3:20
  • 4 Tiny Riot 3:24
  • 5 All the Way Over 3:08
  • 6 OK 2:57
  • 7 Put a Light on Me 3:05
  • 8 Whirlwind 3:27
  • 9 Ten Tons 3:39
  • 10 More 3:48
  • 11 Crashing Down 3:11
  • 12 This Time 3:08
  • 13 Lost in You 3:11
  • 14 Living Without You 3:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata