8 Hawkwind Classics That Have Disappeared From The Spotlight

Hawkwind, a band that embarked on an interstellar journey through the music industry, left behind a legacy that resonates with echoes of space rock and the rumblings of psychedelic ambition. Their tracks, more than just compositions, are adventures bound within melodies and rhythms, each telling a unique story. Let’s explore some of the standout moments in Hawkwind’s discography, where innovation meets the infinity of the cosmos.

8 – Waiting For Tomorrow

“Waiting For Tomorrow,” nestled at the end of the 1982 Choose Your Masques album, encapsulates a sense of longing that transcends its era. Penned by Huw Lloyd-Langton, the track stands as a testimony to the band’s ability to blend introspective lyricism with the thematic elements of sci-fi. Its presence on the album not only rounds off the musical journey with a reflective note but also serves as a bridge that connects the listener to the core of Hawkwind’s explorative spirit. This song, with its gentle unfolding and rich textures, invites the audience into a realm of contemplation, underlining the band’s knack for creating timeless pieces that linger long after the last note fades.

7 – Magnu

Opening the gates to one of Hawkwind’s milestone albums, Warrior On The Edge of Time, “Magnu” is more than just an introductory track; it’s a bold declaration of the band’s sonic ambition. Crafted by Dave Brock, the song not only sets the tone for an album that has etched its name in the annals of space rock history but also encapsulates the essence of Hawkwind’s musical philosophy. Through “Magnu,” listeners are invited on a journey that transcends the mundane, propelled by the driving force of Brock’s visionary songwriting. The track’s powerful execution and thematic depth make it a quintessential Hawkwind experience, embodying the adventurous spirit and cosmic narrative that define the band.

6 – Hurry On Sundown

As the opening salvo of Hawkwind’s debut album, “Hurry On Sundown” is a piece that immediately sets the band apart. With Dave Brock on lead vocals, the song achieves a perfect balance between the earthly and the ethereal, foreshadowing the band’s journey into the realms of space rock. It’s not just a song; it’s an invitation to break free from the confines of reality, offering a glimpse into the expansive universe that Hawkwind would come to explore in their subsequent works. “Hurry On Sundown” serves both as an introduction to Hawkwind’s musical odyssey and as a standalone testimonial to their roots in the psychedelic and folk rock traditions.

5 – Fall Of Earth City

Featured on the 1982 album Church Of Hawkwind, “Fall Of Earth City” is a stark reflection on dystopian futures, a theme that resonates deeply within the Hawkwind discography. Amidst the lineup of Dave Brock, Huw Lloyd-Langton, Harvey Bainbridge, and Martin Griffin, the track emerges as a dark horse, showcasing the band’s ability to weave foreboding narratives with their distinctive soundscapes. The composition reflects a matured Hawkwind, one that has traversed the peaks and valleys of musical innovation to arrive at a sound that is both commanding and reflective. “Fall Of Earth City” exemplifies the band’s enduring fascination with storytelling, serving as a reminder of Hawkwind’s prowess in crafting songs that are both intellectually stimulating and sonically entrancing.

4 – Sword Of The East

From the revered The Xenon Codex album of 1988, “Sword Of The East” stands as a testament to Hawkwind’s undiminished capability for innovation. This track encapsulates the essence of a band that refuses to rest on its laurels, instead forging ahead into uncharted territories. It’s a piece that blends the traditional Hawkwind sound with fresh elements, showcasing their adaptability and the timeless nature of their music. “Sword Of The East” is not just a song; it’s a declaration of the band’s continued relevance in a changing musical landscape, proving that Hawkwind’s journey is one of perpetual evolution.

3 – Assault and Battery/Golden Void

Highlighted on the legendary Warriors on the Edge of Time album, “Assault and Battery/Golden Void” revisits the album’s theme of cosmic exploration and existential inquiry. The track, layered with intricate musical textures, showcases Hawkwind’s knack for creating immersive soundscapes that transport listeners to other dimensions. It stands as a pillar of the band’s discography, exemplifying their unique ability to marry complex themes with compelling music. This song is not just a musical piece but a voyage through the vastness of space and the depths of the human psyche, emblematic of Hawkwind’s quest to push the boundaries of rock music.

2 – Silver Machine

Released as part of the In Search of Space album in 1971, “Silver Machine” rockets beyond the confines of space rock to achieve universal acclaim. Its commercial success underlines the band’s ability to craft songs that capture the imagination of a wide audience, transcending genre boundaries. The track is an intoxicating cocktail of driving rhythms, infectious melodies, and visionary lyricism, encapsulating the spirit of an era while remaining timeless. “Silver Machine” is not merely a song; it’s an anthem that heralds Hawkwind’s ascension beyond the underground scene, setting the stage for their enduring legacy.

1 – Born To Go

Perched at the pinnacle of Hawkwind’s sonic galaxy, “Born To Go,” from the seminal Space Ritual live album of 1973, embodies the band’s ethos of relentless exploration. This track isn’t just an auditory experience; it’s an interstellar expedition, encapsulating the essence of Hawkwind’s live performances. As part of a double live album that broke convention, “Born To Go” serves as a beacon of Hawkwind’s pioneering spirit, proving that their music is not bound by the here and now but stretches into the vastness of the universe. It’s a powerful reminder of the band’s role as not just musicians but as cosmic voyagers, charting a course through the unknown.