Is UFO 2: Flying a good place to start with UFO?

Yes, UFO 2: Flying is recommended as a starting point for new UFO listeners. A cosmic journey through expansive soundscapes, blending hard rock grit with ethereal space rock atmospheres. Released on October 1, 1971, UFO 2: Flying is the band's second album and marks their transition from a blues-rock sound to a more experimental space rock style. Following their self-titled debut in 1970, this album showcases the band’s burgeoning identity and sets the stage for their future influence on the genre.

Who is UFO 2: Flying for?

UFO 2: Flying works well if you're into epic soundscapes for exploration, gradual build to cosmic climax and immersive listening in solitude.

How many songs are on UFO 2: Flying?

UFO 2: Flying has 5 tracks, running approximately 60 minutes.

Released 55 years ago this October

UFO 2: Flying

UFO · 1971

60 min · 5 tracks · hard rock

A cosmic journey through expansive soundscapes, blending hard rock grit with ethereal space rock atmospheres.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Star Storm — This nearly 19-minute epic encapsulates the essence of space rock with its sweeping guitar solos and cosmic themes, showcasing the band’s adventurous spirit.
→
Flying — 'Flying' serves as the centerpiece of the album, merging hypnotic rhythms with extended instrumental passages that transport listeners into an otherworldly experience.
→
Silver Bird Start here — Opening the album, 'Silver Bird' combines hard rock elements with lyrical imagery that foreshadows the more expansive tracks to come, establishing UFO's unique sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album's blend of hard rock and space rock elements creates a unique sound that has influenced later genres.

What we noticed

The album features a 26-minute title track that shifts through multiple sections, blending heavy guitar riffs with ambient passages.
Tracks 1 to 4 build a narrative arc leading into the expansive sound of 'Flying', creating a thematic continuity.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

epic soundscapes for exploration
gradual build to cosmic climax
immersive listening in solitude
lengthy tracks for deep focus

Maybe skip if you

short attention spans preferred
instant gratification seekers

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Marks a shift to a more experimental space rock style, influencing future genres.
Career context: Released on October 1, 1971, UFO 2: Flying is the band's second album and marks their transition from a blues-rock sound to a more experimental space rock style. Following their self-titled debut in 1970, this album showcases the band’s burgeoning identity and sets the stage for their future influence on the genre.
Stylistic neighbors: Hawkwind· Blue Öyster Cult· Deep Purple