X In Search of Space
Hawkwind · 1971
57 min · 9 tracks · progressive rock
A cosmic journey through sprawling soundscapes, blending heavy riffs with ethereal melodies that evoke the vastness of space.
Top tracks — play these first
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Master of the Universe — This track exemplifies Hawkwind's fusion of hard rock and cosmic themes, featuring hypnotic rhythms and powerful lyrics that explore existential themes.
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You Shouldn’t Do That Start here — With its lengthy improvisational structure, this track showcases Hawkwind's penchant for extended jams and serves as a centerpiece for the album's psychedelic journey.
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Silver Machine — 'Silver Machine' became one of Hawkwind's most recognizable songs, combining catchy hooks with a driving beat and encapsulating the essence of their sound during this era.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends heavy riffs with ethereal melodies, creating a distinct space rock sound that rewards exploration.
What we noticed
- The first track features a lengthy instrumental section that gradually builds in intensity, setting a cosmic tone for the album.
- Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements and sound effects, enhancing the psychedelic atmosphere.
- The album's pacing varies significantly, with some tracks extending beyond six minutes, allowing for expansive musical exploration.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- dynamic journey with sonic peaks
- wave-like pacing for immersion
- expansive soundscapes for exploration
- for late-night odyssey
Maybe skip if you
- prefer short, standalone tracks
- seek instant gratification sounds
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — 'In Search of Space' solidified Hawkwind's identity and included the hit 'Silver Machine.'
- Career context
- Released on October 8, 1971, 'In Search of Space' is Hawkwind's second studio album, following their self-titled debut. At this point, the band was beginning to solidify their identity as pioneers of space rock, expanding their sound with longer compositions and more experimental elements. This album further established their reputation within the burgeoning progressive rock scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pink Floyd· Can· Monster Magnet
Tracklist
- 1 You Shouldn’t Do That Start here 15:41
- 2 You Know You’re Only Dreaming 6:37
- 3 Master of the Universe 6:16
- 4 We Took the Wrong Step Years Ago 4:50
- 5 Adjust Me 5:46
- 6 Children of the Sun 3:21
- 7 Seven by Seven (original single version) 5:23
- 8 Silver Machine (original single version) 4:39
- 9 Born to Go (live single version edit) 5:04
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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