Reviews (page 10 of 13)
Good. Not killer.
David Bowie rock
Pretty good. I'm not the biggest David Bowie fan, although I can acknowledge that there is some lyricism done both beautifully and darkly (if that makes any sense lol). "Cracked Actor" may be one of my all time favorites from him.
An all time cover, an album of mostly fillers. Love Bowie, not his best.
I was expecting more. I don't know why. Its a good album just not memorable.
Classic Bowie
Some cool songs but I can’t say I loved this
A little more musical variety than his usual stuff but nothing that really grabbed me.
It's Bowie, it's good
I wouldn't say I love it or that I had to hear it, but it was nice. 3.5
I really like some of these songs, but others, not so much. Averages out to a three for me. It’s worth another listen, though.
Album très sympa à écouter, semble être très classique aujourd’hui mais devait sacrément être novateur à l’époque.
sometimes not as cool as I expected, but every song is still good. Particularly liked Cracked Actor.
I’m familiar with the previous Ziggie Stardust album, but from this one, I had only listened to The Jean Genie, which I really like. It’s still avant-garde and sometimes chaotic, but what a chaos! ! (the piano on Aladdin Sane is brilliant). Finally, some challenge, some eccentricity—I enjoyed it, even though I prefer some of Bowie’s other work.
I like Bowie and I liked this album but it doesn’t stand out for me like some of his other works… 3.4, I can’t quite bring myself to round this one up to a 4.
So, I liked this one, but I don't really remember a damn thing about it the next day. Not a note, not a lyric -- nothing, just a general sense that I liked it well enough while it was on and it was shorter than I expected.
Not a Bowie fan, not a Bowie hater. This was entertaining at the very least. I definitely thought it sounded more 'American' than other songs I've heard by him, and after reading the Wikipedia article, that is the intent. Decent album. Didn't love any single song.
Interesting sounds. I like the discordant piano on the title track, but it begins becomes annoyingly self-indulgent in the solo. Panic in Detroit has a good riff, but is, like some other tracks, a bit boring. Cracked Actor is a bit more rock'n'roll, and the guitars sound great. Overall, I couldn't help but think how good Bowie worked as part of a visual experience in Moonage Daydream, and how this album just lacks oomph.
Bowie has admittedly been a blind spot in my listening history. Excited to give this a listen. Starts pretty fun. Nice little rocker to kick things off. Catchy and fun bopper. Track two gets Doors-level weird. Perhaps too avant-garde for first thing in the morning. Eh overall it was fine, leaned a little too Doors-esque drug-addled drone rock. Not my fav.
To quote the song time - "Just scream with boredom" Nothing really interesting here but it's not too bad to listen. Time is actually probably my favourite song 2.5
2025-02-10
Not my fave, but hey
more fun than the other rock albums, punchy piano solos ftw. was interesting to listen to david bowie because he famous but i dont know his music. i like da Saxophon. he also o think. he used to play, and use a lot in his sing. i wonder: he play on his song? if so, good embochoure!
Underwhelming, lady grinning soul about the only thing I liked. Bowie has the most albums on this list, does this really need to be one?? Ziggy Stardusts lackluster follow up
Pretty half decent, but you attach a name like David Bowie to an album you kinda expect slot, whenever I see an album I get excited because I know it’s going to at the very least be good, if not legendary. This, it’s just ok
As with many other albums on here, I see why this is important and highly acclaimed. However, Bowie suffers from a time when music was more focused on image and concept than actual music. And while the album is well-crafted and produced, that says more about economics than skills. I can't help feeling this is just a pretentious album that is praised primarily because its artist was more famous than other people doing more inventive and impressive things at the same time.
3.75/5. It’s back heavy with a good intro. Constructed well but not my favorite type of Bowie. A harbinger of things to come.
First album that somewhat caught my attention in a while. 3 out if 5.
I give it a 6,5/10 It takes a bit of time to begin with the most vibrating songs, but it’s a nice album.
It didn't get me, the first part especially feels slow. It improves in the second half, with some more cadenced songs ans riffs. I liked "Cracked Actor", "The Jean Geanie" and "Time". Overall, 6.5/10.
There’s a reason the best known part of this album is David’s makeup on the cover. I can’t help but think that this is maybe a David Bowie three stars, comparing with all his stuff, rather than a general three, compared to everyone else. Is it really only one star better than the new tango? No. But the context of David? Maybe yes.
I really feel like you had to be there to get the David Bowie obsession, but this one is at least pretty groovy.
Maybe I'm just not a big Bowie guy. This was much better than The Next Day though.
The Prettiest Star was the standout for me. Engaging vibe from start to finish. 3/5
It's really good if you ignore the plagiarism
Not the David Bowie I was expecting. But maybe the David Bowie I needed? 🤔
3.5
Two Bowie albums this week. Both have confirmed, sometimes you've got to dig through mud to hit the gems.
This didn’t do anything for me
A ono, kužim kolika je on legenda, ali mi njegova glazba nikad nije pretjerano napeta bila. Ima par stvari u njegovom opusu koje si rado pustim, ali cjelokupan dojam mi je onak. Ok.
Watch that man is a balls to the wall opening track. A lot of the rest didn’t really stick out to me (even the title track) but this deserves a relisten. But a lot of it was just good Bowie songs, not transcendent ones
Fine, but not his best work
Good album
Not bad
Classic Bowie in all the right ways, though I guess there’s a reason why it’s not an album I know - it doesn’t quite hit the Bowie heights of the era, when he could do no wrong. It’s not that it’s bad, it’s just not the e Bowie album I’d reach for or be a ‘must have’ on my album shelf.
Never heard this before -good album but not my favourite Bowie. A solid 3.
This was strangely enjoyable. However, some of the "bizarre lounge-jazz flourishes" (I stole this phrase from another reviewer) really killed the vibe before it was reigned back in, which really hindered it's overall ranking for me. This will only get a solid three to a three-and-a-half. I don't think it will be able to reach a four.
Pretty good album outside all the weird free-form jazz vignettes. Much more cohesive and pop-centric which is what made it more bearable.
need to listen again
I adore Bowie, but I’ve always had a hard time with Aladdin Sane. As a follow-up to Ziggy Stardust, Bowie and the Spiders goes all in on the American way in ways that feels strangely alienating to me. A few songs still surprises me and feels complete - but too many ends up sounding like “just a fine hair rock song”. 10/10 cover art, 6/10 music.
All in all a quite good album, but it didn’t hit me in the same way that Hunky Dory did. Lady Grinning Soul is my favourite by far
Had higher hopes for this album with the iconic cover. Still enjoyed it though.
Heb dit album van Bowie nooit heel bijzonder gevonden. Ziggy goes to America zoals hij zelf zegt. En hij bezingt de keerzijde van de stardom. Tja, niet meteen de ingrediënten voor de beste plaat uit z'n oeuvre. En wordt wat meer Glamrock en alle riffs vind ik wel heel erg op de Stones lijken. Jean Genie is denk ik de grootste hit, maar kan zo in een Amerikaanse film. Zonde dat zo'n koersbepaler van de popcultuur een album maakt waarin hij de grootste popcultuur kopieert. Maarja, misschien wat vroeger alles anders? 6,5/10 Highlights Drive-in Saturday
I feel bad for not giving it higher, I think I need to listen more to truly enjoy it. I do love David Bowie but this album I only knew one song and found it hard to get into. I don’t want to give it 4/5 just because I know his other songs… still great :)
Just okay. 6/10
Ok this is getting ridiculous, this is my fifth Bowie album and I’m not past 50 yet, anyway Bowie stays winning, he’s a one of a kind artist, but this one faded into the background more than the others I’ve gotten, even the one I rated lower was more memorable.
Nice piano, music and some good riffs. Some of the music was a bit too busy for me. Not really my style but at the same time I can see why it would be enjoyed.
David bowie. Grossi symphatie, doch zwenig gflasht. Mind 3 wunderlamoe heder aber definitiv verdient
de oida kennemer doch wenni nachem cover gah würd hetti ezt gseit das isch doch sicher sis beste album - aber ich han ezt kei lieder drinne kennt viel ghört vo de timon fraktion über de insane typ aber leider immernanig de ihstig gfunde, aber sicher es 3 hetter verdient welli nachane doch anderi songs no gloset han vom bre mir hoffed ufs negste dave album würdi sege insha'Allah brüders!
sorry dave, hetsch meh ufmerksamkeit verdient als mit de laptop speaker während em dusche das album z'lose rating chan mer also leider nöd allzu ernst näh, nächst jahr vilicht denn mal
Was alright, didn't connect with me too much but I am fairly new to this type of music.
It’s not his best but it has one big song on it so it has to be on the list apparently
O Bowie é um querido mas esse não é dos melhores dele na minha opinião. Gostei da ousadia de ser doido em algumas músicas. Salvei algumas. 2,5 estrelas de 5
i like it more when bowie is less sane
Definitely an improvement on the last 2 Bowie albums I listened to. Wasn't anything special to rave about though. Very mid.
enjoyable but probably won't listen again
This album was OK, but my impression is that the cover is more iconic than the music. The style is more rock-like than I expected. There's a Rolling Stones cover, and a few of the other tracks have that same vibe. The title track is the only one I got into.
Rating a bit on a "Bowie curve" but doesn't quite have the same calibur of hits, and the secondary songs don't grab me as much.
Not sure what to make of this one - if there were too many quaaludes and wanking on the floor in the mix, resulting in little more than a few glimmers of the genius Bowie was already known for at the time. But even sub-par Bowie is still stronger than a lot of the dreck on this list.
Good one
Not as enjoyable as hits others. Good but more experimental.
Good
More of a middling album in Bowie's career, Aladdin Sane has some decent rocking tracks but overall isn't as cohesive as some of his other records. Wedged between his early masterpiece Ziggy Stardust and his more experimental phase of the late '70s, this album doesn't do quite enough to stand out. Though the music here is predominantly glam rock, there is still a decent variety of genres and styles featured across these 10 tracks to keep things from getting too stale. Also, it is worth mentioning that the iconic artwork of this record has become a defining image of David Bowie that has stood the test of time. Overall, this album is not his finest work, but even an average Bowie album is better than most other artists best. Highlights: -Aladdin Sane -Drive-In Saturday -The Jean Genie Lowlights: -Let's Spend the Night Together
Il faut aimer David bowie
He wasn't quite there yet on this album.
2 Bowie albums in a row? Once again, Bowie confirms to me that he’s a weird guy who makes weird music. This album has no skips, but I preferred Station to Station to this one.
Bowie. He was cool. Miss him.
Typical Bowie album
Decent glam rock as expected from Bowie
Not my favorite Bowie, but I liked it
234/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
Honestly was excited for this one but ultimately felt a TINY underwhelmed by it. Still super solid, but Bowie definitely has better tracks than most of the ones on this album imo
Not my favourite Bowie, but some nice tracks regardless.
I don't really understand the praise that Bowie gets in general, and this album was especially mid
3/4
Didn't care for this one too much for some reason. It's here and there, like most glam rock of this era. You've got bizarre "avant-garde" piano solos ("Aladdin Sane"), a unique rendition of the Rolling Stones' "Let's Spend the Night Together", and some blues (continuing the Stones influence felt throughout) in "The Jean Genie". I've heard better Bowie records, but this one has its moments. Wasn't enough to keep me coming back, unfortunately.
Not really a favorite Bowie album. It was just ok.
I don’t know what it is but I really had a hard time getting into this. My favorite was “The Jean Genie” 2.5/5
Not a bad Bowie Album.
Ehh dream Jeannie a great one. Some others, not so much
lifelong bowie fan but this wouldn't even crack my top ten bowie albums. doesn't do anything ziggy didn't do much better.
5/10 - on the title track David Bowie went way to hard on the keys. Some of the other tracks were pretty good but nothing was great.
Neither fish nor fowl.
interesting
Bowie at his most mid...
As far as Bowie albums go this one didn't really stand out, enjoyed "Time" and Jean Genie is always catchy but otherwise a bit underwhelming. Also wasn't a fan of the Rolling Stones cover. I like Bowie, but this era wasn't it.
once again i am spiralling into existential despair over apparently not really liking david bowie all that much?? this was fine. there were some cool moments. there were also some screeching and discordant ones. i don't KNOW, i can't do this much soul-searching anymore!!!
Aladdin Sane is of course a good record and it came out in Bowie’s prime, but in all honesty, compared to a record as good as its predecessor (Ziggy Stardust), the songs on here feel like they’re missing a hook to them to get you to come back. Bowie’s personality and energy is totally there, but the songs just don’t stand out nearly as much as a lot of his other work.
Bowie is still a little too cool for me.
Bowie being Bowie Not my favourite, but still good.
Not my favorite. I wasn’t really in the mood for it I think. If I was in a more chill mood I’d enjoy it a bit more.
Very cleared following on from Ziggy stardust, does have a feeling of this was on that albums cutting room floor. Still some great songs although the jazzy interludes I could leave 3.5*
I wish I liked it better, it's obviously good music but failed to grab me sadly. Had some great piano bits.
I’m just not huge fan of these concept and character albums of Bowie. It had a couple of good songs on it, hence the 3.
Another day, another Bowie album. I get that he was a super influential pop figure but he just wasn't a good enough musician to warrant the 8 or however many albums he has on this list. His voice is mid, songwriting is mid, overall feel is mid. I really don't see what's so special about his music. It's totally mid.
A bit subpar.
Stark contrast to what I’d listen to, but nice album regardless
Slightly annoying to jazzy piano in 2nd part of the title song. Other than that, nothing too memorable.
Sparkle rock and roll.
A bit heavier than I would have expected, unusual, big, dramatic writing and chord progressions, heavy Queen vibes on this album.
I don't really get Bowie! Most of this seems uninteresting to me, and only a few songs make any impact on me
Super iconic early 70s Bowie album. The one after Ziggy Stardust. One of his artiest yet glammiest and rocking. It’s also pretty hokey and uneven with just a couple of glorious tunes like Drive-In Saturday and Jean Genie. St*nes cover Let’s Spend The Night Together is a proper rollicking highlight as well. Title song is actually hideous and definite lowlight for me. 3.5 stars.
good
Meh, good cover but not many standout songs
Bowie-Rock aus den 70ern. Wild, abwechslungsreich. 3/5
Better than his weird stuff, this was ok to listen to, but I still don't get David Bowie even after so many albums. Stand-out: Panic in Detroit
I like David Bowie well enough, and this album is no exception. I liked it better in a second listen. 3.5/5
Much as I love Bowie, I’m not sure this one needs to be on the list.
It's good. Actually it's probably very good. But I was meh on it.
Good -it’s Bowie but not right up there
Still not a Bowie fan
Facilmente se reconhece a importância. Mesmo não conhecendo nenhuma música.
I didn't love it, it was okay but one early track was too experimental and I just felt sad. It's a valid emotion to have obviously but I don't think I was paying enough attention to the lyrics etc for it to have had a profound effect on me.
Not bad, maybe not my cup of tea. I liked Watch That Man and Let's Spend the Night Together. Some of the stuff felt kind of wacky and experimental.
Pretty Elton John'sk. I liked it, but had a hard time actually rating it. This is a strooooong 3++
Very experimental album, I can appreciate some artistic music, but just not always the best to listen to without headphones.
Not his best but still good and a solid 3. Time, Aladdin and Jean standouts
Pretty good, but only a couple great songs. I don’t see myself returning to this album like I would with other albums from Bowie.
I’ve heard a lot of Bowie in my time. Some awful, some fantastic. This falls somewhere between the two. I wonder if I’d give this another star if this list weren’t making me so sick of his music.
I mean, it’s fine… I’m just not a huge David Bowie fan.
A few real gems. A few other not so much. 3.75
Was okay can appreciate it for what it is but not my thing
It is really good but it isn't one of my favorite Bowie albums
Aladdin Sane has flashes of genius, but I'm starting to feel like maybe I just don't "get" Bowie. Best Songs: Aladdin Sane, Cracked Actor, Lady Grinning Soul Worst Songs: Watch That Man
Weer een Bowie album, tot nu toe moet ik toegeven dat ik de albums veel beter trek dan van tevoren gedacht. Dit is wel echt meer een rock album, minder experimenteel ook en merk dat ik het daarom wel wat minder vind. De laatste 4 nummers zijn voor mij het hoogtepunt, daarvoor is het toch wat meer van hetzelfde ofzo. Toch vind ik dit het minste Bowie album tot nu toe, het is meer een prima album dan echt vernieuwend. Kom daardoor uit op een schamele 3 sterren. FAVO: The prettiest star, Let's spend the night together, The Jean Genie
Not his best but pretty good still.
On to post-Ziggy Stardust Bowie here. Part of me thinks I'm being too critical lately, but the first half of this album was pretty underwhelming to me, it felt a little generic '70s glam rock, and not a ton stood out to me. It did pick up a bit in the second half though, and the back-to-back tracks "Time" and "The Prettiest Star" felt the most "Bowie" to me. Even underwhelming Bowie is still pretty good, but this definitely didn't do it for me as much as Hunky Dory. It's probably a 3.5, but I'm being a tough critic lately so I'll keep that going. Favorite song: The Prettiest Start Other: Drive-in Saturday, Cracked Actor, Time, Let's Spend the Night Together, The Jean Genie, Lady Grinning Soul 9/13/24
Not super hot on this compared to other Bowie. Of the projects by him I have heard, this would probably be my least favorite. There are tracks I enjoy (Lets Spend The Night Together and Drive-in Saturday come to mind), but overall it doesn't do much for me.
More Bowie. More fun! Once again, unfamiliar with many of these songs. I’m learning more about his layers. Interesting first listen.
I expected to not like this 'cuz it's Bowie and I didn't really like any Bowie that I've heard, but it's actually pretty good! The only parts I don't like are some of the vocals, the piano improvisations in the title track (which are far too aimless and unrelated to the song aside from some motifs), and some of the arrangements. Most of this actually isn't too bad arrangement-wise but sometimes it'll feel too dense and busy for my liking. What I find boring about some blues music (chords and rhythms) is here as well, but it's not terribly bad and a lot of the time there's a nice rhythmic intensity. I wish the chording was more interesting too, its mostly the same blues based progressions and rhythms- why not more inversions? There's occasional counterpoint to the vocals instead of just imitating it, but it usually is just repeated and not varied. Eh, maybe I'm nitpicking. It's pretty good for what it is is my point.
Not really my thing but not bad! A light 3/5 here
I cant put my finger on it but a good chunk of this album just feels out of sync. Lets Spend The Night Together is a perfect example, at least the opening. Also I found a lot of noise just muddies up Bowie's vocals. Not his best, thats for sure.
Look just because it’s a David Bowie album doesn’t mean it automatically gets added to the list. I found myself skipping a lot of songs that were frankly, annoying. Fire your piano player DB
Watch That Man: Very rock heavy - guitars louder than Bowie's voice Oh honey watch that man vocal rifts that I associate with Bowie Alladin Sane: Dissonant piano with guitar - like it Gotta get over the whinny voice Interesting chord progression Sax with dissonant piano <3 (?) We love to laugh insane? Drive-In Saturday: Old 60s vibes (doo-op?) She's unsure she likes him but she knows she really loves him Panic in Detroit: heavy guitars Choir reminiscent of DSOTM Cracked Actor: Crack baby crack "Suck baby suck, gimme your head" haha nice guitar chords Time: Very theatrical - too much for me, reminds me of musical theater It's nice enough tho The Prettiest Star: Doo-op again, bit too theatrical as well like the wind instruments tho Let's Spend the night together: Nice, but didn't pay much attention The Jean Genie: Heard "smiles like a reptile " lol Nice blues song Lady Grinning Soul: Like the intro piano chords very interesting highlight of album for me OVERALL IMPRESSIONS: Quite decent overall album - not sure there's a common thread here I haven't picked up between songs. Don't think I'd get back to it as an album, just added 2 songs to my playlist
Alright David Bowie…exactly what I expected with no surprises
Sensory overload. Excessive instrumentation gave me anxiety, but has some good tracks.
Such high highs on this album! When I think of Bowie I think of campy, dramatic glam and my goodness does he give us so much of it in "Time" and "Lady Grinning Soul." I love those tracks. "Let's Spend the Night Together" is another banger, a literal romp that had me dancing alone in my living room. "Drive-In Saturday" and "Cracked Actor" could fit in on Pure Comedy or really any Father John Misty album. There were a couple too many forgettable tracks on this album, though. I appreciate that the album captures and comments on the chaotic social and political situation of the late-60s and early-70s US (and I was equally uninterested in more songs about the perils of fame, which felt really out of place next to songs about race riots - even if that's the point of it all!), but I found myself way more interested in and captivated by the quintessential Bowie-ish numbers. I wish I could officially go 3.5 stars, but this isn't an Outback Steakhouse. There are rules. So I'll go 3.
Oh my what an experience. It was the keys for me. Amidst highs, mids and lows - it was the keys for me throughout. Strong opening that left me wondering what the tone is ? Then, as the tracks followed, I felt a strong presence of dramatics that I was not upset with. Despite some lows - notably: let’s spend the night together (understanding I just said I loved the keys lol) and the Jean genie … overall just still happy with what he delivered. Drive-In Saturday was doo-wop, spacey, theatrical goodness and an instant fav for me Time was utterly magical - like REALLY - magical These two might skew the whole rating for me. Still though, given the wanting ending and inconsistent energy - I must provide a 3 versus a higher score. Sad to say for such a queerly beloved album <3
I've heard the album before. It's a good listen. Great piano work. Strong 3. 3 stars
Kind of typical Bowie. An interesting concept, some good songs, but not overwhelming -- even if Jean Genie is still going strong over 50 years later.
I've always thought of myself as a Bowie fan, and if he'd belched out the alphabet I'd think "wow, listen to that range". But for whatever reason I couldn't get into this album today. I'd rather pick from one of his plethora of other records or just cheat and listen to a best of compilation.
At some points, Bowie is a rather insane lad. This album has some established hits and some others that wander around looking for something.
Was hit and miss for me...too inconsistent.
Damn. I didn't expect to not like this one. Of course a lot of classics in there, Aladdin Sane, The Prettiest Star... but even these are hard to listen to now. Not a bad album, but the comparison with Hunky Dory (released 2 years earlier) makes it feel bland.
3 good tracks. Not my favorite Bowie LP
i came back to blackstar a couple of times, but i was born 30 years too late to enjoy this one YNN
Meh
Not his best not his worst
Second Album de Bowie généré (le premier était 'Low'). Plus ancien que le précédent, et d'un style rock/blues au premier abord plus classique (premier moreau par exemple). Mais finalement il est plutôt varié avec des morceaux originaux et parfois des chorus intéressants. Morceau(x) connu(s) : The Jean Genie+ Let's Spend the Night Together (l'original), mais cette reprise est sympa. Et autres morceau(x) apprécié(s) : Aladdin Sane +++ surtout pour son chorus de piano déjanté. Lady Grinning Soul+ Le reste est plus faible. =>3/5
Iconic cover. The songs are fine but I’m not as familiar with them compared to say Heroes
The album was alright. None of the songs really stood out to me as anything too special. I liked a most of the tracks, but there was stuff I disliked as well. For example, the second track, “Aladdin Sane” contained piano solo that sounded like it was played by a chimpanzee. The album as a whole was decent and I did enjoy listening to it, but I just don’t think it was something super crazy. I also am not a huge fan of Bowie’s vocals.
bowie’s always good but this was nothing special tbh
This was fine and pleasant, but I don't think I would listen to it again.
enough with the bowie spam
Um clássico! Porém não sou muito fã do David Bowie, mesmo percebendo que o som que ele faz é incrível.
Oh that's better! I like a bit of freaky glam Bowie. Definitely a bit of Stones influence here, even a cover if you weren't sure. Not his greatest work I don't think, but I'm mildly hungover. Solid three stars.
Good but not great. Without the focus and melodic genius of Ziggy.
Favorite Track: Cracked Actor Aladdin Sane
ok 2. bowie album mitem coole blitz watch that man (de rumänisch fuessballer) passiert vill, sehr cool, d instrument ergänzet sich mega wowieee s klavier uhuere schön ahhh a lad insane sehr funny hahaha oke jz ischmer s klavier chli zu wild hahahaha aber isch au extra so ja ischmer jz chli z vill passiert oke im gegeteil dezue die nächste zwei lieder echli wenig cracked actor sehrr catchy time findi de uufbau sehr cute und wieder s klavier let's spend the night together findi au vhli forgettable weiss nöd öb ich zu höchi ahsprüch gha han, oder öbs mier eifach z wenig git uhhh lady grinning soul oke das isch no sehr en schöne schluss gsi aber leider han ich nöd so vill chönne mit dem album ahfange, die weirde sache hani sehr cool gfunde, au wenns mengisch chli over the top gsi isch, aber alles andere (drums?) hani nöd so spannend gfunde, sorr
Ну хз. Я типу не відчуваю, що коли-небудь переслухаю цей альбом + не відчуваю від нього великого збудження. Альбом як альбом. 3/5
окей, я всегда считал, что почти все альбомы боуи ээээ… странные… тут есть пара отличных песен, но остальное звучит так будто он придумывал вокальную мелодию на ходу. но тут культовая обложка. хз, конечно. по моему очередной представитель архивного искусства.
This is not doing much to disprove my theory that Hunky Dory and Ziggy Stardust are his only good albums.
A fewe memorable tracks. Not my favourite Bowie album by far.
A fun listen even if it doesn't have any familiar Bowie hits (I do like the Stones cover though!)
Lots of of Bowie on this list and this was middle of the pack
This was OK. I can listen to Bowie without suffering but I don't think I would ever actively choose to listen or seek out his music. He's like a TV show you watch because it's on. It's OK but you don't especially like it but you don't dislike it enough that you turn off the TV.
Not my fav. Jean Geanie is the hit but it’s all typical, right down the middle of the road Bowie. That’s fine if you’re a Bowie super fan but it’s no Spiders or Let’s Dance.
His most iconic album cover, but not his most iconic album - it’s pretty obvious that neither the parts nor the whole match up with Ziggy Stardust, for instance. But it’s still a pretty good collection of songs, and it’s been growing on me with each listen. While it’s not a full-on Bowie reincarnation there are some hints at interesting new directions (jazzy piano, harder guitars, a bit o’ burlesque) that stop it feeling like it’s just Ziggy’s weaker little brother. 3.5
Vintage Bowie. Not my favorite of his, but very important to glam rock.
Not my favorite Bowie album, but still an enjoyable listen.
Not my favorite Bowie still, but the back half of the album I was really into. That piano solo on Aladdin Sane is sincerely atrocious. Like, I get it - sure, but it's so deeply unpleasant to listen to it takes me out of the music.
First album for the listening club, here were my notes: Watch That Man - very bluesy, idk I like it. I like that “shot” on 2 in the prechorus? I’m a sucker for it, to be honest. Kind of a banger. Like the backing vocals Aladdin Sane: -piano is awesome, like the little recurring guitar lick in the verse. Kind of a weird song, huh? Definitely interesting. Idk, I like it. Piano gets super weird in the instrumental section, we kinda get into like some free jazz shit and the bass is holding down like one central harmony. Pretty bold! Feel like it fits the vibe to be honest, “A Lad Insane” anyone??? Dude is going insane on the keys for sure. I feel like the “weird, off kilter” vibe is definitely intentional. I can see how some people wouldn’t like this, but I think I do. Drive-In Saturday - a little doo-wop thing going on. Like the bgs a lot in this one. Bowie does some good vocals on this, especially near the end. Panic In Detroit -cool percussion, I like the guitars a lot in this one. Bass is kinda doing some heavy lifting. It’s ok, doesn’t stand out to me too much but I don’t dislike this one. Really like the instrumental bit at the end. Some kinda nasty guitar tones lol. Cracked Actor -Lot’s of blues influence on this album for sure. This songs got a great groove, especially on the chorus. Time: Kind of cabaret style piano that I really like. Read on wikipedia this song got banned on the BBC for saying “wanking” which is hilarious. One of my favourites so far. Idk fellas I really like this one. Could do without the “la’s” at the end, though. The Prettiest Star - agree with Luis, great guitar tone. It’s ok. The lyrics are cute though, however feels a bit out of place for me because the rest of the album so far seems to be a bit “heavier” lyrically, but idk. Noticing on a lot of these sounds the outros are quite long. Outro goes on a bit too long for my taste on this one specifically, I’m over it Bowie, let’s move on. Let’s Spend The Night Together: Rolling Stones cover. Read on wikipedia that several critics considered it “a gay appropriation of a heterosexual song” which is… something., they were on some shit in the 70s huh? Very campy, I actually haven’t even heard the original song, lol, so I have nothing to compare it to. The fading out of the instruments at the end is kind of cool conceptually, but not sure how I feel about its execution. The Jean Genie: -off the bat.. excellent title. Idk, feel pretty mid on this one tbh. Feel like I can’t really come up with anything interesting to say on this. Lady Grinning Soul: Tbh the piano player (Mike Garson) was kind cooking on this album. This one is really good, I like that twinkling piano, the overall vibe of the song, it’s very cool and mysterious. One of my favourites. Super cool arrangement. Stands out from the rest of the album, for me. Overall: -pretty good. I’d say on first impressions, I’d give it a 3/5. Some stuff I liked, some I didn’t. Favourites were Watch That Man, Aladdin Sane, Time, Lady Grinning Soul (I liked this one the best)
More David Bowie! This one isn't quite as chockful of radio-hits as some of his other albums, but it's still very Bowie (and the Spiders, of course). I don't think I'd have even realized that this is a semi-concept album (with Aladdin Sane as Ziggy in America) without reading the Wikipedia entry for the album, and I'm not sure whether that's a good thing or not (to be unaware of the subtext of sorts). This album wasn't as interesting to me as I'd imagined it would be, sadly, but I did enjoy hearing "The Jean Genie" again, as well as "Time" and I also enjoyed his cover "Let's Spend the Night Together" (although it definitely doesn't rank up there with great cover songs). I *did* like the idea, though, that David Bowie seems to have found touring America a bit like watching roadkill ("appalled and fixated" simultaneously), and this found its way into the album, plus what I imagine was a pretty stressful tension between being a star and a grueling tour (and recording) schedule. There are times in the songs that I'm reminded of Steely Dan, oddly, although David Bowie's voice is pretty distinctive, and it's pretty clear that the Rolling Stones were a strong influence on this album.
never one of my favorite Bowie albums but I'm enjoying the jazzy stylings in the title track and the piano throughout the album is great (almost as if he just discovered the piano). Music bounces, rocks, rolls, and drives though Panic in Detroit, Cracked Actor, andthe Let's Spend the Night Together cover though the songs themselves aren't so great. Time is weak but builds to occasional great spots. Jean Genie is the Bowie I know and love.
had some great songs but others weren't as good
Warning: Large amounts of cocaine were used in the production of this album.
Var ikke sånn super spesielt 3.5
Meh. The piano player is great, and it's clear that Bowie is a skilled songwriter. Outside of the first track, nothing that remarkable IMO.
I listened to this album several times hoping that I'd uncover something amazing. After all, it's David-effing-BOWIE. And yet... I wasn't amazed. This album felt quieter than other Bowie songs I've heard in the past—almost subtle, in a way (which is *not* a word I'd typically associate with Bowie). I got the most enjoyment from this album when I could fully listen to the ways the musical layers intertwined. There was a chaotic beauty in the playful background piano with the more prominent melodies, which hinted at the artist's powerhouse potential. And yet...nothing (apart from "Time") stood out to me. I really hope the David Bowie fans don't crucify me for feeling lukewarm about this album. Since it was the first Bowie album we've had in the 1001 project, I'm hopeful that another of his albums will strike me more.
Not nearly as good as The Rise and Fall. Won't put this one back on.
It was pretty mediocre. I expected more. Wasn’t horrible but not my personal taste. Chaotic at points and kinda jazzy in some songs. The chaos was kinda cool and I want to like it. I liked the prettiest star and lady grinning soul.
Didn’t really get into it tbh, will have to relisten
Possibly my favourite Bowie so far, wouldn't listen again though.
Tja. Momentvis ok, ind imellem skrækkeligt, men man kan godt høre hvorfor han er et household name.
Det var en fin nok oplevelse. Men lidt... Maah...
Ziggy Stardust perioden er ikke min favorit Bowie. Der er nogle fine elementer, men lidt for glammet
Important Glam Rock track. For me, the tempo seems off and doesn't seem in the same caliber of Electric Warrior by T Rex, which came some years ago than this.
3.5
As a life-long Bowie skeptic, this was surprisingly not hateful - I enjoyed the jazzy piano bits and the rock and roll songs.
I think I'm learning I'm just not a big David Bowie fan (this is the third album I've listened to.) It just doesn't really stand out to me as anything particularly special? "Lady Grinning Soul" is a great song, but the rest of the album is just good. A few better than good moments, like the piano solo in "Aladdin Sane", stand out, but on the whole, good not great.
Idk why Bowie doesn’t do it for me
Another Bowie.
geweldige intro, soms wel de vocals die wat stiller zijn dan het instrumenteel dat ambetant is. Goeie korte consistente tracklist. cover van the stones is ook wel goed eigenlijk. beste: watch that man, the prettiest star, jean Genie Slechtste: Alladin Sane (de piano solo)
Panic In Detroit and Jean Genie are the songs remembered from when the album came out. They’re also the best songs on the album. He’s got some out of tune piano on a few songs, but it’s covered well with creative lyrics. We like (not love) Aladdin Sane (2.7*s)
Nothing really stood out to me, but it was a nice listen 3/5
Not my favorite Bowie album, what did Ian Curtis see in this one? The soulful Bowie began to emerge here, so it’s important in terms of his evolution but I dunno, just wasn’t it for me. Can I review The Man Who Sold The World
This was okay. A couple of standout songs.
Watch That Man - 4 Aladdin Sane - 3 Drive-In Saturday - 3 Panic in Detroit - 3 Cracked Actor - 3.5 Time - 3 The Prettiest Star - 3 Let's Spend - 3 The Jean Genie - 3 Lady Grinning Soul - 3
Aladdin Sane by David Bowie Monday 6/10/2024 2:30 A Tier————————— Watch That Man Jean Genie B Tier————————— Drive-In Saturday Panic In Detroit Lady Grinning Soul Let’s Spend The Night Together Cracked Actor C Tier————————— Time The Prettiest Star Aladdin Sane
Classic Bowie. Great songs that you definitely want to hear again. Alladin Sane was the best song on the album.
I didn't like Bowie back in the day. I was more of a folk rocker type, Laurel Canyon, etc. The whole glam rock thing kinda made me shake my head. 2nd track, the wacky piano and free section is superb! Really lifts up a mundane track, best one on the record! Time: Bowie sings his heart out! Really nice. Bowie has great chord changes, arrangements and lyrics. The album is very rock oriented, and unfortunately it doesn't do much for me. Sad face here, another effort I want to like but don't.
Not the best Bowie by any stretch, but I will always appreciate the insane piano solo in the title track.
Really like the piano. Not a huge fan of the album overall but it was decent.
Good listen, but I was expecting more from Bowie
Didn't really wow me all that much
This album was mostly new to me but enjoyable because Bowie
I’m finding Bowie is an artist I like more in theory than in practice. Might just need more reps. Also, Jean Genie was ripped off for Gold on the Ceiling by the Black Keys.
often forgettable, but the heavy piano songs made me happy
Now Bowie is a weird one. An undoubted musical genius. But there is a lot of his stuff that simply doesn't do it for me. I have a couple of his 'best of' albums. But no proper ones, and this one demonstrates why. As far as I'm concerned there is just too much crap on it. I mean, the good ones are really good. But the crap ones are really crap. Would I buy it ? Almost definitely not. To compare this to the previous album. That was a collection of almost entirely above average songs. This is an album with a few really excellent songs and a whole load of utter tripe. A low 3 for me. A *very* low 3.
I think I must be a David Bowies Greatest Hits kind of guy. Whenever I listen to an album I just don’t get into it. A solid 3.
The sound of Ziggy trying to be more Iggy, but with added vaudeville keyboards. I have an unconscious bias against DB, as well with early/mid 70's music in general, but it was hard not to like this. He rocked out in all the right places. I only knew 2 songs and one of those was a ropey cover of the Stones. However that didn't matter and I enjoyed it for what it was. A 3 star.
Почему на дистанции он ощущается лучше? 4/10 = 40%
It's overly dramatic, but that's glam rock for you and this is pretty much peak glam rock. More musically diverse than Ziggy Stardust, but not as impactful. Still not a huge Bowie fan, but he does what he does well. A solid album that I don't enjoy that much on a personal level.
Nothing really stood out for me. Didn't mind it in the background.
I didn't love this - a bit too honky tonk, a bit too by the numbers rock'n'roll. Feels like Bowie lost his way in the USA. Still quality though, but I'd leave this out of the 1001.
Standard Bowie
good
Not my favorite album from David Bowie
Not his best, but a welcome addition to a catalogue full of great 70’s pop music. Doesn’t quite have the identity of Ziggy or the Berlin trilogy
Classic
Good album. Not as many familiar songs for me, but still enjoyable. 3.5/5 Might listen again
Gran álbum de Bowie, pero no de lo mejor de este. Igualmente de este LP resulta una gran mezcla, profundizando en el trabajo anterior con un sonido más americanizado. Muy buena tanto la composición como la ejecución. FAVTRAXS: Watch That Man, Aladdin Sane, Cracked Actor, Time, Lady Grinning Soul LEASTFAV: Let's Spend The Night Together 3.5/5
Classic.
It was okay, in a rather bland, generic way. The epitome of a 3-star album.
Let's Spend The Night Together (Rolling Stones cover) Jean Genie
this is dad rock now and im disappointed
I wanted to like it more
I love Bowie’s voice, very theatrical. It feels like you are at a stage show in a past that doesn’t exist. Overall, not the most gripping of Bowie tracks here, but still a very worthwhile listen.
Enjoyed. Embarrassing how poor my knowledge of his back catalogue is...
Straight into it with the piano - did Bowie play or did he just sing? Is this the third album in a row from 1973? What a year if so! Lyrics in Time are absolutely mental Lady grinning soul is my favourite. What a tune. I liked it but it’s not really my taste so I’ll agree that it’s good but I can’t give it the same number of stars as miles Davis
Funky, quirky, British. Fun record with a theatrical feel to it. Bowie is a unique one for sure.
This is not one of Bowie’s best, but it’s fine, the piano is a bit dissonant at times, but the tracks are generally engaging.
Rock, Pop, Jazz, 1973 -> 3
didnt make me a bowie fan but it fits in with most of what I listen to. 3
Meh
Another Bowie album. Decent, just not my favorite Top tracks: Drive-In Saturday, The Jean Genie
Undoubted genius he is I do have a love hate relationship with Bowie. I always like bits of his albums but these are often inter-spread amongst other tracks I just do not get. It’s not that these tracks are bad but they just go in a direction I don’t want. This album is a great (bad) example of this. Prettiest Star is a lovely song and Jean Genie a great dance track. The piano bits on the title track are brilliant and weird at the same time. I find myself liking a few bars before it veers off in a different direction without resolving itself. I suppose this shows the brilliance of the man striving to push the envelope and coming up with something new. I appreciate why this album is considered a classic but for me it misses the mark. 2.5/5 (3 because it’s Bowie) 22/3/24
Not my thing in all honesty but it has a lot of interesting components that doesn't make it as boring as it could have been. A few well appreciated tone shifts. His voice isn't exactly what I go for, but it fits the music. Therefore: 3 golden stars.
Pretty good, better on the second listen through.
I absolutely love David Bowie but this not my favorite work of his even though it is iconic in it's own right. It starts out like any rock n roll great of its time but as the album goes on he reveals his more and more of his experimental and emotional piano side to balance it out. I love his voivlce sing just about anything. Not as many memorable hits on this one. I would have given it a 3.5
A rocking album, but nothing that really stood out to me
Certainly not the best Bowie concept album (are they all concept albums?) but I enjoyed it for the most part.
Another Bowie album listened!
not my favorite Bowie, but good stuff overall
1973; A great year for music. How does one follow up one of the greatest albums ever made? Awash with new stardom, its' changes remind me of other English musicians retrospectives of their success as they tour through America for performances and inspiration (tranquility base, etc.) It's not as gripping as Ziggy and there are no distinct mind-blowing standouts, but it's still a great David Bowie album with a lot of interesting influence, especially on piano. 3.5/5
Good but nothing stood out.
I like Bowie. I don’t love Bowie. This album fits right in with that. I didn’t hate listening to it but it doesn’t do a lot for me. That damn awkward sounding voice. The instrumentalists were pretty awesome at times; I loved some of the jazz/rock/avant-garde/chaotic piano solos. Overall? Meh.
Hunky-dory would’ve been a five from me
Enjoyed it but nothing that will really bring me back to it.
It's certainly an iconic cover, but I found myself bored through a lot of this and resenting that we needed a ninth album of his, which is my least favorite so far.
This is my seventh David Bowie album to review, and like several of his albums, I found this one to be fine. The only song I was familiar with on this album prior to listening to it was "The Jean Genie," which I think is one of Bowie's better songs. It's interesting listening to this album as a follow-up to Ziggy Stardust, because I liked how this album picked up the rock and roll sounds of Ziggy Stardust, and took them in a different direction. I enjoyed the blues and jazz elements that were used throughout the album, and I think those influences helped Bowie add some depth to an album that was more pure rock and roll. The guitar playing was good, especially on "Watch That Man," and I love the harmonica on "The Jean Genie." The biggest detractor for me on this album is that the sum is far greater than the individual parts. Some of the songs were really forgettable, and there was some really discordant piano playing on a couple of the songs that really turned me off. Still, this is album was an interesting part of Bowie's career, and a pretty well executed rock album.
How do you rate a Bowie album on one (or two) listens?? Sure, that could be said for any artist/album but it seems especially resonant with Bowie. On a first listen, I liked a few songs but feel this would especially benefit from repeated listens over weeks/months.
I was expecting to like this album a lot more than I actually did. There were some of the progressive elements of the music that I really enjoy and he is obviously a talented singer, musician, and performer but a lot of the songs just didn’t hit right for me. The piano oftentimes felt jarring and not as well-integrated in some songs and a lot of it just felt very Billy Joel to me.
Nicht das beste aber ich mg david
I feel like I should like this more than I do. 3.
Not a huge Bowie fan but the album was fairly enjoyable. Dragged a little in the middle but Jean Jeanie followed by Lady Grinning Soul was a great closing to the album
"Time fell wanking to the floor"? What does that mean? It's a quotation. A quotation? What from? It isn't Milton and I'm pretty sure it can't be Wordsworth. It's Bowie. Oh. And is this David Bowie too: "My body disgusts, damp grease wafts sweat balls from sweat balls and thigh fungus"?
Jean Genie saves this from being a 2. Most of the songs felt incoherent and roughly patched together from the discarded riffs and lyrics of other better songs
Mixed album. Some horrific sounds on there. But a few good tunes as well. The Jean Genie is quality, don't think I ever realised that was Bowie. I'm generally just not a big fan. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Some good songs but it didn’t do much for me as an album. It’s Bowie so it’s still good but not great
I was not familiar with the deep tracks on this and really enjoyed most of the Album. The foundational riff in “Panic in Detroit” is quite an infectious hook. That and “The Jean Genie” alone gets it to 3 but not quite a 4. I liked some of the others as well. I’ll go 3.5 rounded down.
I remember when this album came out and I was a bit disappointed at the change in direction from his previous albums. Apart from the singles "Drive-In Saturday" and "The Jean Genie", the rest of the album, especially the discordant title track didn't really impress me.
Wow how to rate this one? An album I’ve been hearing ABOUT for decades but had never listened to. I remember 1973. Don’t recall hearing music remotely like this from anybody else. But does originality, being cutting edge, always mean good? I felt nothing listening to this album. I respect that Bowie pushed the limits on the fashion world, explored sexuality/gender issues. I know this album was influential in shaping music going forward. Does that mean I should rate it higher even though I have zero interest in listening to it again? I will ponder this question until “star time” tomorrow.
It was fine didn’t blow me away
good
David Bowie - Aladdin Sane A. Lad Insane Recorded after Ziggy Stardust and mostly written while in America, Bowie reflects on his new stardom through this new character. I enjoyed this one. 3/5
Not bad, not great
I liked this quite a bit but I don't know if I'd come back to it.
Liked it but plenty skippable tracks, not his best but maybe cause I was in a monday mood
Definitely an "overlooked" album in the Bowie catalogue, but certainly representative of his glam rock period.
Not my fav Bowie album. A few good moments. Won’t listen again.
I only knew this album cause of the very iconic lighting bolt face album cover. There are some great tracks on here though. Panic in Detroit's cool jungle beat., Watch that Man's solid/catchy chorus. Cracked Actor has a nice bluesy beat to it. The title track has an unhinged piano solo. Time is definitely one of the best David Bowie songs I think. Lady Grinning Soul is also maybe one of his most beautifully composed/produced songs. A solid addition to his catalog even if the back half didn't stick out as much to me.
Impressed that this came out in the 70s but isn't doing much for me today
Solid rock album, most of the songs were nice tunes that I may go back to. There were just some songs that were a bit too messy/noisy for my personal taste and they drag the record down a bit for me.
Not bad. Didn’t love.
hmm Bowie? i kinda like it but some are meh
But we continues to impress me as an artist. That I hadn't previously enjoyed. However, digging into his catalog with now for records recently. Can honestly say them becoming quite a fan. This lags behind ziggy low and honkey dory but still quality listen
teils, teils...
Första låten var rätt bra, andra låten låter som när jag var sju och trodde att jag kunde spela tramporgel. Intressant att det är denna bilden Bowie använder som profilbild & bakgrundsbild på spotify, twitter etc. men att ingen av låtarna är top 10 på Spotify. Helt OK album, glömde av att lyssna för det mesta. Prel. 3 / 5
• Kul att gå från album till album och se hur David Bowies frisyr ändras • Rätt pampigt ljud • Pianosolo? • Några låter kan va lite weird Betyg: Bowie är bra men detta va inte ett av hans bästa album, 3/5
Interessantes Rockalbum der frühen 70er. Es zeigt die englische Lässigkeit von David und lässt auch schon seine Genialität erahnen. Leider sind die Songs aber noch zu roh und auch der Glam-Effekt ist noch nich ausgereift.
What a funny little album to have to think about: following Bowie's career defining glam statement this album featuring one of the most iconic visuals of his whole career but is musically Just Okay. Aladdin Sane isn't a bad record at all but it's tantamount to basically any other American rock record at that point.
Not my favorite Bowie album.
No real standouts for me on this one.
It’s fine I guess.
An album of wild swings in quality for me. The title track had me stop and check to see if I had other tabs open playing music, the piano piece sounds like an accidental layer added to the song. Not sure if him or the Rolling Stones originally did Let's spend the night together, but I have only heard the Stones version. His take was interesting but felt much more hurried than rocking. Panic in Detroit I think is my favorite track off this, never heard it before.
I had never listened to this all the way through front to back. Really dug it. The feel of it clearly continues where Suffragette City left off, only more so. And the noted American influence is interesting given it was his US tour that provided the backdrop for when the songs were written. This is a velvet goldmine of glam bliss.
I’m down with a little Bowie (not in that way of course…although maybe…) Anyhoo, expected a bit more from this album. It was fine - not great, not bad. But I expect there are better Bowie albums coming. Like the soundtrack to Labyrinth. That was peak Bowie for me. Nothing better than turning on Magic Dance and annoying the piss out of my wife. Back to this album, I’m probably between a 2-3 and rounding up out of respect for DB / ZSD
Love me some Bowie, but his stuff has always been up and down for me. Same with this album. Really enjoyed some songs (Watch That Man and The Jean Genie) but others not so much, especially the piano in Aladdin Sane. Pretty easy 3* when you rank it against other albums in his catalog. Bowie's in space. Bowie's in spa-a-hace. Whatcha' doin' out there, man? 3.25/5
Not terrible, not my choice for David Bowie.