What is the best UFO album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Lights Out" (1977). It's the most representative of what makes UFO worth hearing.

What are the best UFO albums?

The essential UFO albums include "UFO 1" (1970), "Live" (1971), "Phenomenon" (1974), "Force It" (1975) and "No Heavy Petting" (1976).

How many albums does UFO have?

UFO has 73 releases in their discography, including 30 albums and 2 EPs.

Photo: Frank Schwichtenberg · CC BY-SA 3.0

UFO

Q: Who is UFO for?

If you're into hard rock and space rock, UFO is worth your time. The music bursts with gritty guitars and driving rhythms that build tension before releasing into expansive, soaring melodies.

The music bursts with gritty guitars and driving rhythms that build tension before releasing into expansive, soaring melodies.

hard rock · space rock

United Kingdom Est. 1969

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Start here

The album

Lights Out (1977)

Represents UFO's hard rock sound with strong melodies and gritty guitars, making it accessible for new listeners.

The song

“Doctor Doctor” from Obsession

An engaging track that showcases UFO's signature style with a catchy hook, making it a solid introduction to their music.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Silver Bird" — from UFO 2: Flying (1971)

establishes the sonic palette early
2

"This Time" — from Misdemeanor (1985)

establishes the sonic palette early
3

"Give Her the Gun (single A‐side)" — from The Chrysalis Years: 1973–1979 (2011)

accessible entry with immediate hook
4

"Doctor Doctor" — from Live Throughout the Years (2007)

accessible entry with immediate hook
5

"The Writer" — from The Best of the Rest (1987)

establishes the sonic palette early
6

"C'mon Everybody" — from Live (1971)

accessible entry with immediate hook

About UFO

UFO carved a significant niche in the hard rock landscape, intertwining cosmic themes with powerful instrumentals, effectively bridging the gap between heavy metal's raw energy and the expansive feel of space rock.

Their sonic aesthetic has influenced generations of musicians seeking to capture that blend of aggression and ethereal exploration, inviting listeners into a world where both the earthbound and celestial coexist through sound. The band's approach is marked by a distinct interplay between soaring guitar riffs and atmospheric synths, often creating an immersive listening experience that feels both grounded and otherworldly. Their live performances evoke a communal sense of euphoria, as the audience becomes part of a shared journey through sonic landscapes that challenge the listener's imagination while still encouraging visceral engagement. Lyrically, UFO often explores themes of existentialism, love, and adventure within the cosmos, using a storytelling approach that balances sincerity with a touch of irony. Their narratives frequently evoke vivid imagery, allowing listeners to traverse emotional terrains while simultaneously contemplating larger universal questions.

30 studio albums· 73 total releases· 4 decades· United Kingdom