space rock
genre of rock music
Space rock envelops you in its ethereal soundscapes, blending cosmic themes with swirling guitars and synthesizers that feel like they’re reaching for the stars. It’s a genre defined by expansive instrumentation, echoing vocals, and a sense of otherworldliness that transports you to distant galaxies. The music pulses with both energy and introspection, evoking feelings of awe and contemplation as if you’re floating through the cosmos, caught between the beauty of the universe and the depths of your own imagination.
Emerging in the late 1960s and early 1970s, space rock was born from the psychedelic movement, responding to a culture increasingly fascinated by technology and the mystery of outer space. Bands like Pink Floyd pushed musical boundaries with albums like "The Dark Side of the Moon," which delved into consciousness and human experience while creating atmospheric soundtracks. Hawkwind was another pivotal force, known for their heavy use of synthesizers and sci-fi themes in tracks like "Silver Machine." Their sounds captured the spirit of the time, influenced also by the burgeoning progressive rock scene.
For newcomers, starting with Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" offers a hauntingly beautiful entry point, showcasing their signature blend of emotion and ambiance. Hawkwind’s self-titled debut is essential for understanding the raw energy that defines early space rock. Explore Spacemen 3’s "The Perfect Prescription" for a more modern take on the genre’s explorative qualities. Finally, give a listen to The Mars Volta's "De-Loused in the Comatorium," which blends progressive rock with spacey elements to create an intense sonic journey. Don’t forget to venture into adjacent realms like shoegaze or ambient rock for even more expansive sound experiences.
150 artists in the catalog.
Guides for space rock artists
Top space rock albums
See essentials
All space rock artists
Cave In
alternative rock, progressive rock
Spacemen 3
alternative rock, drone music
Hammock
art rock
Stemage
heavy metal, video game music
Richard Ashcroft
Britpop, alternative rock
Vision Eternel
ambient music, dark ambient
The Comet Is Coming
electronic rock, funk rock
Rosetta
post-metal
Failure
alternative rock, art rock
Duster
indie rock, lo-fi music
Eloy
Krautrock, progressive rock
Six by Seven
Junius
art rock, indie rock
Béla Fleck and the Flecktones
bluegrass music, funk rock
Nik Turner
Syd Barrett
experimental rock, outsider music
About space rock
What is space rock?
genre of rock music
Where should I start with space rock?
Start with "The Best of Pink Floyd: A Foot in the Door" by Pink Floyd. It captures what makes space rock worth exploring.
What are the best space rock albums?
The space rock albums worth hearing first: "The Best of Pink Floyd: A Foot in the Door" by Pink Floyd, "Echoes: The Best of Pink Floyd" by Pink Floyd, "Shine On" by Pink Floyd, "The Best of The Pink Floyd" by Pink Floyd and "Random 1–8" by Muse.
How many space rock artists are there?
northsound.fm covers 150 space rock artists, each with a recommended starting album and listening path.