This Is Hawkwind, Do Not Panic cover

This Is Hawkwind, Do Not Panic

Hawkwind

51 min · 9 tracks · progressive rock

A cosmic voyage through expansive soundscapes and surreal lyrical imagery, blending progressive and psychedelic rock traditions.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Psy Power Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Levitation — This track encapsulates the album's themes of transcendence and exploration, merging hypnotic rhythms with otherworldly lyrics that elevate the listener's experience.
  • →
    Angels of Death — Combining heavy guitar riffs with thought-provoking lyrics, this song exemplifies Hawkwind's ability to fuse hard rock elements with philosophical themes.
  • →
    Stonehenge Decoded — This track stands out for its narrative depth and intricate composition, weaving historical references into a mesmerizing auditory experience that reflects the band's unique storytelling approach.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

52 /100
Foothills
Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong instrumental experimentation but lacks cohesive flow in its later tracks.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Psy Power', that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter tracks.
  • Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections, allowing for improvisation and exploration of sound rather than strictly adhering to verse-chorus structures.
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
5/10

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

  • wave-like pacing with dynamic shifts
  • cosmic soundscapes for deep immersion
  • journey through expansive atmospheres
  • headphone detail hunting experience
  • for late-night exploration

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Showcases bold sonic experimentation during a transitional phase for the band.
Career context
Released in 1980, This Is Hawkwind, Do Not Panic marked a transitional phase for the band as they navigated lineup changes and shifting musical landscapes. At this point in their career, Hawkwind had already established themselves as pioneers of space rock yet sought to redefine their sound following the departure of key members in the late 1970s.
Stylistic neighbors
Pink Floyd· Can· Monster Magnet

Tracklist

  • 1 Psy Power Start here 5:09
  • 2 Levitation 7:18
  • 3 Circles 5:40
  • 4 Space Chase 3:23
  • 5 Death Trap 4:42
  • 6 Angels of Death 6:28
  • 7 Shot Down in the Night 7:12
  • 8 Stonehenge Decoded 8:19
  • 9 Watching the Grass Grow 3:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata