The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars

There will never be another Bowie. I cannot say how great this album is - it is astonishing. The only negative thing is that it makes me feel sad he's gone. But, in the words of George, all things must pass ... this came on straight after the album finished - I feel haunted! In the most wonderful way. And that is the truth of genius ... it is eternal - how lucky we are to have these incredible souls in music, literature, art ... they do nothing but enrich our lives. Give us a glimpse behind the curtain. Freedom. A secret garden where anything (everything) goes (grows).

Time takes a cigarette 🚬 I can't claim that seeing 'Starman' on TOTP changed my life, as many do, I was too young. But playing 'Rock & Roll Suicide' many times on a compilation tape from 1974 when I was 6, it must have influenced my love of music. That and 'Space Oddity' which used to be played so much on the radio. It's staggering to think this was a pop album and made him a pop, as well as a rock star. It's so different, so cool, so challenging at times. 'Five Years' is an amazing opener, so evocative, it's as striking and visual as a Stephen King novel. Starman, Moonage Daydream, Ziggy Stardust - what a riff! It's iconic, influential, perfect. A star was born, or did he fall to earth?

“I think I saw you in an ice-cream parlor Drinking milk shakes cold and long Smiling and waving and looking so fine Don't think you knew you were in this song And it was cold and it rained, so I felt like an actor And I thought of Ma and I wanted to get back there Your face, your race, the way that you talk I kiss you, you're beautiful, I want you to walk We’ve got Five Years” I had to just paste this quote here. The whole opening song, but this part especially, completely convinces me that Bowie is experiencing the horror and emotion of realising that his time on earth is truly finite. This set a theme of incredible awareness of his own mortality, and an impeccable ability to articulate it, which continued right through to Blackstar. The album is all amazing too - ‘Ziggy Stardust’ especially stands out for its awesome tune - but ‘Five Years’ is truly a song like no other. You see the full process of grief.. sadness, fear, anger, spirituality, love, despair, all pass seemlessly within the space of minutes, through Bowie’s eyes. One of the best individual songs ever, in my opinion.

If we made contact with aliens and wanted to share a record with them that best represents music created by humans in the last 60 years, you’d struggle to find a better one than this. This album is simply great. It’s everything really. Timeless, progressive, funny, poignant, vibrant, and catchy. No weak tracks. Doesn’t overstay its welcome at 38 minutes, yet so much is packed in. Faultless. On top of that, my family loves Bowie and our amazing cat was named Ziggy, so it ticks the sentimental box too. Wham bam thank ya mam!

LET THE CHILDREN BOOGIE

Incredible. I have to say it’s still not my fav Bowie album I take a few over this but it’s still a true 5

god too fire cmon just absurd. gotta be my favorite of the bowie albums, just so consistent, and all my favorite songs. Exciting and emotional and rock and roll. Bowie so far is the winner of this list.

Great.

Great

I mean, how could this not be a 5?

It's Ziggy Stardust

<3

An absolute Bowie classic! Probably the album I've listened to the most, along with Heroes. It's one of the anthems of my adolescence, and at the same time it's an album I've never stopped listening to. Every now and then I play it and start enjoying it as if it were the first time. 5 stars, obviously!

Easy 5. Love it. Is this the best Bowie album? Possibly although I think that might be Diamond Dogs. It's definitely right up there.

No doubt one of the best albums out there.

Yay!!!! Easiest 5 stars so far. This must’ve blown peoples minds in 1972.

if i hear these 3 things i know its gunna be a good time: an interesting bass palyer, a saxophone choir with a lot of barry sax, and a piano ! what instruments does bowie play? is he the piano player? i need to read this album wiki i have a million questions. was he freinds with elton? there have been two distinct times in my life where not knowing david bowie songs has really screwed me, yet i still havent seeked out his catalog that much. should tho bc there might be a third one day. never heard this album before, but liked it and listened to it again right away. its rockin! Theres a lot of like distantly familiar songs and bits of musical phrasing and lyrics. This is a good one !

I own this one on vinyl, so it was pretty cool to listen to it again in that format. Basically, I like everything about this album that I liked about Aladdin Sane, except overall, I think it's a slightly weaker album (in my opinion). It has a good opening and closing, and the glam rock really knocks you off your feet. Favorite Song: Suffragette City Least Favorite Song: Hang On To Yourself

BEST SONGS: - Five Years - Soul Love - Starman

I was at first a little bit unsure whether to give this a 4 or a 5 because it's a bit of an uneven album. There are songs that are absolutely amazing and then there are those I haven't even heard before. Finally I landed in giving it a 5 just by the fact that there are more great songs here than most artists have during their entire career.

This is my final 70s Bowie album on this journey, and it feels like a homecoming to me. I first listened to The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust three years ago and enjoyed it then. Now, after listening to more albums from this era of Bowie's career, I better understand what came before and after. In this case, Ziggy Stardust the album follows the success of Hunky Dory, when David Bowie found his songwriting identity and sought to write more songs for live performances, inspired by the diverse musical scenes of America. In conjunction with this writing, Bowie created a new persona for himself - the alien rock star Ziggy Stardust, sent to Earth to save the people from an apocalyptic disaster with his music. As he wins over the hearts of many fans, he succumbs to his ego, taking a literal fall from grace and dying on stage in a glorious display. It's a rather loose concept but executed such that the album can be enjoyed regardless of how vested one is in the story. That's because David Bowie focused first on the songwriting to make these tunes anthemic, with catchy guitar hooks and choruses that are fun to sing along to and revel in. "Ziggy Stardust", "Moonage Daydream", "Suffragette City", "Starman", even lesser cuts like "Star", "Hang On to Yourself" and the closer "Rock 'n' Roll Suicide" were written with such a poetic elegance yet maintaining the high-level rocking energy that helped define what glam rock was. There's a reason that Ziggy Stardust the album continues to be praised as a classic in Bowie's catalog. The man would continue to experiment and find further success. But for the first time in his career, David Bowie found himself in the center of the cultural zeitgeist, a rather ideal place for a starman.

Classic album with a mostly timeless sound that could have come from any era. Really enjoyed this, 4.5/5

Ah, we’ve finally gotten here. Honestly, what is there left to say about this album? It’s mothafuckin’ Ziggy man! This is considered one of the best albums of the 70s, one of David Bowie’s best, one of the best concept albums of all time, and is still considered one of the best albums of all time. After giving it another listen, I can see why. For those unaware, this album is about a bisexual and androgynous individual from space called Ziggy Stardust, who comes to save Earth when it has five years left. They try to save earth by becoming a rock star, and they launch themselves into stardom. However, their rock and roll lifestyle catches up to them, as they become washed up and a shell of their former self. With the unique concept of this album alone, Bowie’s writing is amazing here, there’s many memorable lines on this album. His storytelling on this album is great. It helps sell the thematic feel of this album, which is also really well done. The flow and sense of cohesion between songs is excellent. It really helps sell this album as an experience. The instrumentation and performances on this album are great as well, *especially* from Bowie himself. He sheds so much emotion in his voice, it’s so excellent and memorable. With that said, there’s so many highlights on this album as well. One of the best openers to an album ever, *Five Years,* starts the album off with a bang. Its slow crescendo is great. The guitar solo on *Moonage Daydream* is superb. The emotionality of *Starman* makes it among the best songs of all time. *Lady Stardust* and *Ziggy Stardust* is a nice look into Ziggy himself, his androgynous looks, and his past. *Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide* ends the album with a bang, showing the state Ziggy has ended up in. It’s an amazing closer. In short, *Ziggy Stardust* still holds up over fifty years after its release. It’s an amazing concept record and a must listen. It’s one that I HIGHLY recommend. It’s a true classic.

A great album by David Bowie, with too many great songs to mention.

Never heard this as a whole, this is exciting! A journey and I imagine very ahead of its time when it came out. 5* Highlights: starman, moonage daydream, ziggy stardust

One of my favorites of all time.

classic, legendary

Wham Bam Thank Ya Ma'am!!! This is my favorite Bowie album. It's sooooo good and so much fun. The only song I don't absolutely LOVE is "Hang on to Yourself." "Five Years" is a fantastic opener. This album is a work of art from open to close. "Starman" , "Soul Love" , and "Ziggy Stardust" are perfect and "Suffragette City" is by far my FAVORITE Bowie song

Bowie is a enigma to me, changing the way he sounded with the different records he made, Ziggy Stardust was the start of his chameleon era where he would make characthers for every album. Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust starts with a strong 1-2-3-4 combo and while the middle falters a bit it ends as strong as it begun. Fuck it, I'm giving it a 4.5/5 rounded up to 5 Stars https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5no3g4Xbimc

RIP David Bowie you could have been an incredible vtuber

this album is nothing short of a masterpiece, and there’s almost nothing I can fault about it. From start to finish, the record oozes creativity and raw brilliance. The songwriting and lyrics are fucking fantastic in every possible way. Each line is a vivid story, packed with emotion, wit, and a sense of otherworldly wonder that only Bowie could deliver. The production and mixing are pure bliss, pulling you straight into Ziggy’s cosmic world. Every instrument is meticulously layered, creating a vast yet intimate soundscape. The guitars stand out with raw, inventive riffs that are absolutely electrifying, adding a dynamic edge. Paired with groovy basslines and punchy drum beats, they inject an energy that makes each track feel alive and exhilarating. The result is a sonic joyride that’s both immersive and thrilling from start to finish. Whilst there’s little to criticize about this album, a minor drawback is that some transitions feel a touch abrupt. Its theatrical delivery might not be everyone’s cup of tea if you lean towards a subtler style, yet it ultimately enhances the record’s distinctive character and flamboyance. Ziggy’s bold, unapologetic persona is key to making this album truly memorable. Every element, from the spellbinding lyricism and infectious riffs to the flawless production, melds together to forge a landmark in music history. The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars transcends a mere album; it’s an odyssey into the heart of glam rock that resonates with me. For me, it’s an unequivocal 5/5, a timeless, exhilarating masterpiece.

10/10 While many say that Bowie’s seminal swan song “Blackstar” is his most eerily predictive and reflective work, I’d argue Ziggy Stardust is an outright autobiography of his life. The Rock Opera about an otherworldly being, a Rock God, a queer androgynous sex idol coming to save our planet from our inevitable destruction with his masterpieces, but taken from us too soon as he’s subject to the worst consequences of fame and artistry. Listening to this album is like watching a legendary film, with fantastic performances, theatrics, and storytelling, it is an absolute must for anybody. Thank you gay people

Revolutionary

incredible drama rock, makes me feel like I’m on the space equivalent of a dirt road

Literally commmands respect as hard/glam rock, soul, folk, psychedelic masterpiece all while being one of the greatest Concept albums of all time. Looses points for a terrible cover

ZIGGY PLAYED GUITAR!!! Favourite songs: Ziggy Stardust, Suffragette City, Starman, Moonage Daydream, Star, Lady Stardust, It Ain't Easy, Five Years Least favourite songs: Soul Love 5/5

One of my favorite albums top 20 for me

Great Bowie.

I'm actually surprised this album as is beloved as it is, considering how sci-fi it's theme is. But, then again, the music is damn good. Five Years is grand and amazing. I love how layered it becomes the deeper into it becomes. Most of this album was new to me, besides Starman, and I liked pretty much all of it. The first 4 songs rock, and then Hang on to Yourself, Suffragette City, and Rock 'n' Roll Suicide supports the back half. It's a short and snappy album, and an easy one to enjoy.

No notes

Front to back bangers!

This is probably my favorite David Bowie record! More rock-based than many of the others.

Masterful

First easy 5 stars. Every song on here is memorable and a bop. Love this album. Favorite tracks: moonage daydream, starman, Ziggy stardust, suffragette city, rock n roll suicide (but all are peak) Will I revisit?: high priority/already knew this album Rating: 10/10

As good as I remember it.

Ziggy Stardust is a tour de force. Anything Bowie is going to be unique, yet at only 40 minutes, it's digestible and fairly accessible to the uninitiated. The opener, the closer, front to back this is a gem. Without question, a legendary album that just plain rocks.

Legendarisch

Bowie klassieker. One of the best artists to ever do it. 4,8/5

There are three albums that I often change my opinion on being the best ever. I've had the other two (London Calling and In Rainbows) on this before, and now I've finally got the other one. I absolutely love every song on this album and Five Years is easily my favourite Bowie song (there's a lot of competition!) Perfect start to finish. Fav tracks: Five Years, Ziggy Stardust, Moonage Daydream

It's one of the most influential and greatest rock albums of all time. It's also Bowie at his best, and my personal favourite of his albums. Favourite tracks: Five Years, Moonage Daydream, Suffragette City and the closing Rock'n'Roll Suicide.

Always a big pleasure to listen to this album. Oh, Ziggy, Ziggy...

Conceptual masterpiece

great guitar

5/5. Every song is a classic, and all while still being diverse and unique. The front to back is a perfect listen, no skips. David Bowie at his best here with the pure rock genre. His ballads are highlights as well, and the themes and concepts of this album might have been weird and silly back then, it has only aged like wine with our current events. This is an anthem of being different. The king does it again. Best Song: Ziggy Stardust, Moonage Daydream, Lady Stardust, Suffragette City

There aren't enough stars to rate this There are no words to describe the sensations of only the first second of moonage daydream

A classic. Bowie at one of the several distinct peaks he reached in his career.

Classic!

Every time a Bowie album pops up and I question if he's over-represented, I love every fucking one of them. His breakthrough album and a bona-fide classic, but maybe my 4th favourite Bowie album? Still can't rate less than a 5.

Phenomenal album, so good.

A complete game changer for Bowie

Now this is a great album and a classic. Other Bowie albums we’ve had so far seem to have some good songs but not quite all the way through. This has great songs from start to finish. And whilst every song is great in its own way the album still feels like a connected body of work. Got to be 5 stars right?

Wow, what an epic album! This is peak Bowie, where he manages to balance being a cultural icon and also a wonderful musician who can pull of a concept record with ease. Most older albums on this list feel that whilst important for the time, no longer feel relevant now. This is not the case here, Ziggy would feel relevant in every decade since. Top track: Starman

Great sounding album

So good. This to me is when David Bowie really became the David Bowie who we all know today. The Spiders from Mars were a fantastic backup band. The songs swing well. No skippers here!

An all time great, a masterpiece. What more can I say

From the opening bars of Five Years, to the final orchestral chords of Rock N Roll Suicide, Ziggy is the perfect glam rock album.

++*: Starman, It Ain't Easy ++: Five Years, Soul Love, Moonage Daydream, Lady Stardust, Star, Hang On to Yourself, Ziggy Stardust, Suffragette City, Rock 'n' Roll Suicide 10/10

This is where Bowie the legend begins. On fire all the way through.

This flew by, there was a lot of diversity in sounds and vocal delivery that helped the album never feel stagnant. I was surprised how punk-y some of the songs leaned. Their drummer is a killer, really loved a lot of what he brought to the table.

Whole album is phenomenal, Five Years made me cry in my car yesterday.

Just a fantastic album by one strange dude. Songs on it from The Martian and Guitar Hero only sweetens the deal. No complaints.

'Five Years' is an incredible song to start the album and set the tone of the story/theme. 'Moonage Daydream' absolutely shreds. 'Starman', 'Ziggy Stardust' still hold up. 'Hang On To Yourself' and 'Suffragette City' are bops. Classic album.

I remember 1972. My cousins in Cleveland introduced me to Bowie. My family had just moved to Flint, Michigan from Atlanta Georgia. I introduced the cousins to the Allman Brothers Band. We were all winners in the music we discovered back then!

Such a great album! So many hits, and the secondary songs are great. I'd say 4.5 - but will round up.

Best Bowie album out there. I’M A MOMMA POPPA COMIN’ FOR YOU

Starman, Ziggy Stardust, Suffragette City. So many good tracks on this one.

Classic album

Obviously 5 stars.

Bowie gets his 5 from me. A great listen the whole way through. Need to spend some more time with it.

I had only heard the hits on this album before, but the whole thing was really good. Bowie sounded surprisingly like Robert Plant to me on "It Ain't Easy". Of the songs I was unfamiliar with before, I liked "Moon-age Daydream" the best (what a guitar solo!)

Shitty day for me, personally but David seems to know how to bring my spirits up a bit. Really solid music. Really solid concept album. No issues with this beast.

Nearly every song is perfect Moonage Daydream and Starman being next to each other is such a insane thing to me.

One of my favorite albums of all time. I love to listen to Diamond Dogs while driving through Topanga Canyon in Los Angeles.

I love this kind of themed album, and it was full of excellent songs as well! I remember hearing this album for the first time when I was probably 13 or 14 and was amazed and in awe of the whole concept. Loved David Bowie ever since

I've always admired how out of the ordinary David Bowie was in his work. You can't expect anything from him because he's always one step ahead. "Ziggy Stardust" is the greatest example of this. Bringing a well-told story packed with the infectious sound of glam rock, he brings a wealth of material and gives a lesson in music. Of course, the album has many highlights, but the overall project is simply brilliant. David was already big at that time, but "Ziggy Stardust" made him gigantic!

This album made me understand the David Bowie hype

Top 3 Bowie for me.

Already listened to 9.5/10

Classic album. Bowies best in my opinion. Not a bad track on here.

Classic

Absolute classic! Moonage Daydream, Starman,...some of my all time favourite Bowie tracks.

I of course we liked it it's David bowie

perfect

After so many bad to mid David Bowie albums on this list I was tempted to give this 4 stars instead of 5. I found the albums instructions that it was "To be played at maximum volume" to still hold true however. This really is his masterpiece however and while I'll undoubtedly listen to this a hundred more times in my life I don't think I'll ever be listening to any other of his albums again as I think I've made it through all the horrible later albums and OKish early albums by him on this list.

Classic.

Can’t go wrong with Ziggy Stardust.

The first appearance of our friend Ziggy Stardust. This album is a trip; very fantastical, otherworldly, and sexually charged. But that's to be expected from Bowie, considering his "Ziggy Stardust" character would stay for a bit after this. Pretty versatile album too, with touches of glam rock and proto punk among others. This is mostly thanks to Bowie's wonderful backing band, as well as the acoustic guitar playing from Bowie and the electric guitar from Ronson. Probably not shocking many in saying that this is Bowie's best work. It signaled the introduction of Ziggy Stardust after all! These rock operas tend to feel a bit bloated and overblown, but in some cases they flow effortlessly and never falter, such as here. Hard to believe that I've already gotten six Bowie albums from this list, but none of the prior ones topped this, nor will any of the remaining ones. Best tracks: Moonage Daydream, Starman, Ziggy Stardust, Suffragette City

I loved this way more than I thought. It’s such a brilliant and cohesive album. It’s not really something I would normally be interested in sound-wise, but really made an impact. Faves: five years, starman, it ain’t easy, lady stardust, rock n roll suicide.

Easy 5 and one of Bowie’s best. Honestly it might be equally as much Mick Ronson’s guitar that drives the record. Highlight: Hang on to Yourself and of course Ziggy Stardust

This is probably my favourite Bowie record, the fact that it’s such an excellent concept album really helps. It’s really well written, recorded, and performed. The vibes are decidedly immaculate. “Suffragette City” is almost a very early punk rock song, and my favourite track on the album. I don’t know if I really have a lot more to say about this record. Catchy hooks, deep verses, and it’s very entertaining. One of those albums that has the capability of holding your attention through the entire run. At 39 minutes, I found myself wishing it was longer.

I think maybe my most controversial music nerd opinion is that Ziggy Stardust isn’t a perfect album. I know, it’s blasphemy, but the three song run of It Ain’t Easy, Lady Stardust, and Star is relatively weak. I do use the term relatively extremely carefully, because they’re all still good songs, they just happen to be the three weaker links in a chain of some of the greatest Rock n Roll ever written. Even if I don’t think it’s perfect, I wouldn’t trade it for anything else

With the "Moonage Daydream" + "Starman" one-two punch, the rest of the album could be white noise and still 5/5. Yet all the rest of the tracks are great as well. Not a single bad or even mediocre song here. There are probably better concept albums out there, but musically this is unbeatable.

4.9 - This is Bowie at his top

Rad

It's not perfect, but it fits the era perfectly. just a great album and a great feeling.

This and Station to Station seem to me to be Bowie's major peaks. This 'hazy cosmic jive' has a lot going for it, but I'd like to think it abides b/c it has the humor and vitality that 'conceptual' projects do not always carry. This never crumbles under its own pretensions - no tedium or inanity here.

time takes a cigarette // puts it in your mouth...

5/5

Man this is so good. It does such a good job of keeping to the 'intergalactic' theme, while being quite diverse in its sound. Really enjoyed. Liked Five years, Soul Love, Moonage Daydream, It aint easy, Ziggy Stardust, Suffragette city, Rock n Roll Suicice Had Starman and Hang on to Yourself pre saved

El mejor álbum de Bowie, que ya es decir. Corto, increíble de principio a fin, y precioso. Gracias por tanto.

Eeehh...ya lo escuché mil veces es genial nosé que decir de este disco. Lo amaba tanto que lo escuchaba mil veces, me canso un poco y ahora nosé si lo volvería a escuchar como en ese momento puede ser que una vez más pero no me fascina como antes. Es un 5 estrellas igual.

It has been a long time since I listened to this album top to bottom and not just individual songs, and I forgot how good it is. "Five Years" is such an amazing way to start an album, and honestly might be the best song on the album. But it is so strong top to bottom, and the Ziggy Stardust story is woven so well throughout. This is definitely up there as one of Bowie's best albums, if not his very best, and one of the best of all time.

What a legend. A bit rough around the edges still. Theatrical and a bit weird, musically very rich. An absolute classic. Deeply emotional.

Love it. Although not a fan of Suffragette City

Not a huge fan of Glam Rock - but more than enough quality here to transcend the genre and ease to 5*

One of my all time faves. If we had 5 years left to listen to music, this would play a significant role

All time great. Flawless.

Qué obra maestra tan rotunda. Hasta me atrasé en esta lista porque desde que me salió lo he escuchado una y otra vez sin poder pasar a otro disco. Te amo, Bowie.

Best album ever made imo. Every song is 5/5.

whole album is insanely good

Pre-listening thoughts: ya know anything would have been a relief after Kollaps but this is just like a blessing. When people think of Bowie this tends to be the album they picture. So excited to dive into this one. Post/during listening thoughts: I’ve heard a few songs off of this before but my god this is such a treat of an album. It is so sonically cohesive but every song has such character and distinction from the last. Bowie’s lyrics are playful and vivid, while also having a story to follow about Ziggy themself. Even if the story wasn’t intentional I think it absolutely works. I listened to this one twice and I will definitely be revisiting this in the future. 10/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: yes Fav tracks: all of them. I have a special soft spot for Moonage Daydream and Starman but this whole album is phenomenal Least fav tracks: none

5 out of 5. Higher ranked than Aladdin Sane and probably should take it's place for another artist on this list.

Bowie was one of a kind. This is one of his finest, but it's even more extraordinary how far he came from the David Jones of 1967 to this in 1972. Mainline Glam Rock.

Undisputed classic. Not a regular listen for me, Bowiewise, as I tend to reach for the later 70s records or even later era records that lack the overfamiliarity that the canon records suffer from. But this is such a solid collection. It shimmers with the promise and realisation of an imperial phase commencing. Happy to revisit and I will again, many times.

So good. Interesting. Ground breaking. Hits. Deep cuts. Great songwriting. Peak Bowie, or one of his peaks anyway. Seems he knew when he peaked and moved on. Five stars.

This would’ve been my pick for “favorite album of all time” even before starting this project. Nothing I’ve heard changed that opinion. Gotta be on the shortlist for greatest album of all time.

david bowie good

Bowie album no. 3, and the only one I've previously listened to. I think Moonage Daydream is my favorite song on this one. I do think this is an excellent album, absolutely 5 stars with no hesitation. I respect the hell out of Bowie, but I still haven't formed an emotional connection with his music the way I have with some of the other collectively agreed upon greats or my own personal favorites (with the exception of a few songs). I'd like to watch some live performances to see if this changes things, so I started with his Top Of The Pops 1972 live performance of Starman. The moment he points at the camera when he says "you" is iconic, and watching him on that stage really does let you in on more of his magic. I think this song will be in my head all day.

Another amazing album that I thought I knew, but actually didn’t. That’s what this project is great for

Even though there's a whole trio of Bowie albums I prefer (Station to Station - Low - Heroes), this is undeniably still a classic. Not a single weak song, the songwriting is just stellar nonstop.

с другой стороны открылись песни Hang on to Yourself, классный альбом

I've listened to this album before, but I don't think I had HEARD it until today. I knew it was going to be a 5/5 from the tracklist alone, but it was even better than I had expected. The themes/story are present through most of the album, but never detract from the songs (I read some were written before the theme was decided then tweaked to fit it, which makes sense when you listen). It's grand but never over the top like I've come to expect anything called a "rock opera" to be. The songwriting is obviously amazing because Bowie, but the production is also superb, and I love how it starts and ends so strongly. Ziggy was right to be concerned - he's still blowing minds all these years later.

i have always wanted to listen to this album and i think it rlly lived up to my expectations. i really like the storytelling aspect of it and david bowie does it in such a beautiful way and true to the time. it just sounds so gorgeous and is truly such an experience. starman and ziggy stardust deserve the recognition they get and more. this album definitely deserves to be on this list.

Stone cold classic, one my favourites from Bowie

Love this. I thought I was a bit bored of it but really enjoyed listening to it. Still sounds fantastic.

This is one of those nose in the air, know all the words, sing-a-long record for me. Probably still the Bowie album I know and love best

The man cooked something special with this man. It's such an excellent listen. You get Bowie's impactful aura and presence, near-perfect production, forward-thinking vision, and perfect sequencing. Peak glam rock right here. Top 3 Favorites: Soul Love, Starman, and Five Years NO BAD SONGS 4.50-4.75/5

Easiest 5/5 of my life. I wish I could give it a 6. I think this has to be the best first listen to an album I’ve ever had. The first song set my expectations ridiculously high and the rest of the album somehow met and exceeded those expectations. All 11 songs are so good there are no misses and my favorites were Five Years, Moonage Daydream, and Rock N Roll Suicide. Overall absolutely fantastic album and I will be listening to more David Bowie.

Ziggy, Moonage Daydream, Suffragette City, Hang On To Yourself, Starman; Ronson, Bolder, Woodie, Bowie. Apocalyptic glam. Extraterrestrial rock. Bowie’s first hit album and, as with so many of his albums, there’s an argument to be made that it’s his best. And some days it is…

So good. Best opening track and closing track of any other album, maybe ever? all the tracks in the middle are great too.

Bowie - so ahead of his time and so graceful in his execution lovelovelovehim Got to listen to Dr. Octagonacologist - that was a fun ride!

Hell, yes! This album is incredible, and who doesn’t adore Bowie? He’s one of a kind, with an amazing voice that takes you to unexplored realms in your mind.

Looking back to move forward. An album that shows you how it's done. From arrangements to songwriting, guitar tones to background vocal - this is just a complete package.

This album is a classic and a clear 5 out of 5. “Five Years” is one of the greatest album openers ever recorded. It builds so perfectly, drawing you into the story with tension and emotion. From there the record barely puts a foot wrong. Every track feels essential to the Ziggy narrative and the whole thing flows brilliantly. Then you get one of the strongest closing stretches on any album. “Suffragette City” explodes with energy and attitude, and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide” is an unforgettable finale. Dramatic, theatrical and deeply moving, it is Bowie at his absolute best. Favourite songs: Starman, Suffragette City and Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide Least favourite: Every song is brilliant Album artwork: An iconic cover that has become part of music history

lol srsly

As far as I’m concerned, this is THE Bowie album. 5/5 Highlights: Moonage Daydream Starman Suffragette City

The strings, the rock 'n' roll piano, the guitar, the persona. A goddamn perfect album.

Someone: “There’s no such thing as a perfect rock’n’roll album.” Ziggy Stardust: *exists*

This album is perfection, starting with 5 years and ending on rock and roll suicide and with everything in between so goddamn amazing. its a rare, never skip a song, album. I was so happy it came up as its one of my all time fave albums and my 1st go to when I have a vinyl day.

Only album in this collection that I immediately listened to again. Bowies finest.

Еден од најдобрите албуми на сите времиња.

The first four tracks are epic, incredible bangers. And it finishes with Ziggy, Suffragette and Rock & Roll Suicide?!

This is undoubtedly a solid concept album, with a clear narrative journey and remarkable social impact, as it propelled the visibility of non-binary identities and a compassionate look at humanity in the very last years of their existence. Ziggy's character is still a wonderful and moving invention today. However, the album is not perfect, at least not in purely musical terms. Along with immediately anthemic songs ("Starman", "Ziggy Stardust") there are some uneven tracks ("Star" comes to mind as the weakest of them all). Even memorable songs like "Moonage Daydream" are inconsistent and fall into harmonic clichés in some instrumental fillers. And yet, the overall impression is still great. This is an album that requires time, careful listening, and attention to lyrics. I was particularly taken aback by the incredible ingenuity and Bowie's lyrical craft, as when the narrator involves the audience in "Five Years", or in the powerful poetry of "Soul Love" (where we move from mourning to morning, from loss to love; with a slogan speaking between mother and deceased son at a cemetery). Also, although it is not seemingly an overwhelming fan favorite, I fell immediately in love with "Starman", a song that reminds us of the power of children´s imagination and impulses to embrace again a carefree spirit. "The Rise and Fall" is also successful from a musical standpoint when Bowie produces dizzying modulations, and shortens time signatures, when he embodies a remarkable marriage between Led Zeppelin (in "It ain´t easy") and The Velvet Underground. All this considered, this is a memorable album. 8.5/10.

This should be mandatory listening to anyone younger than 30 for what real music should sound like. Perfect album all the way through. Can't Miss Songs: Five Years Starman Ziggy Stardust Suffragette City

Now this album started off with the biggest disadvantage of any so far.all the hype and paudits for an album I had never heard. And sad to say, it totally lived up to them. It is a brilliant album. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Yes it was obviously a 70's album, the general sound and production told you that, but the songs and the performance was spot on. I truly didn't expect it to live up to its reputation, but it did. Can only be one score. 5

Musical dna. My favourite Bowie album. 25000 stars. The band is incredible. Mick Ronson. Trevor Bolder. Woody Woodsmansy. And I think a much better album than a lot of his later self indulgent guff. I know a lot of the criticism is that this was a poor album and of its time. Nope. Timeless and great. And the songs. You can have the best concept in the world but it won’t work without great songs. The title track is incredible. The apocalyptic Five Years feels even more relevant today. Starman was a brilliant single and an even better album track. Lady stardust - my god. Suffragette City - wham bam thank you ma’am. 30000 stars. (Also bonus points for the nutjobs who noticed he was standing under a k west sign the year Kanye was born. And tried to make something of it) 35000 stars.

peak but not his best

I hardly need to listen to this. It's a particular favourite of mine, and rarely far from my playlist. Over fifty years old, and it still sounds fresh. There's a fine mix of song styles, and the music and lyrics are basically top quality. The band is awesome, wit Mick's guitar playing an obvious highlight. A very easy Five Star rating. Incidentally, the Easy Star All Stars have a reggae/dub version of this album which doesn't disgrace the original. Check it out ("Ziggy Stardub")

could i write poetry to this? y

Maybe his best.

I love this album.

I was familiar with a few songs but this is the first time I’m listening to this album. I enjoyed it. it’s a little odd at times but sounds great the whole time. Favorites: Starman It Ain’t Easy Suffragette City 5

Possibly Bowie's best album, no need for additional notes

One of Bowie's best. Legendary for good reason.

This is one of my favorite albums that I like very much! Masterpiece!

Albumi #95, 31.10.2024 David Bowien viides studioalbumi ilmestyi vuonna 1972 ja on aivan kiistatta yksi koko tuotantonsa parhaista kokonaisuuksista.

Disco esencial de un artista esencial. Poco hay que hablar que no se haya dicho antes: estilo kabuki, androginia, el cartel de la peletería K. West, la aportación de Mick Ronson, la fulgurante aparicón juntos en el Top of the pops (abrazo incluido) cantando Starman, la mejor canción del disco Moonage Daydream, cómo aniquila el personaje en el siguiente disco, cómo predice el final de la música 5 años antes del 77 (Five years), el riff de Ziggy Stardust o el tremendo final que es Rock 'n' Roll Suicide... Lo mejor: darle al play una y otra vez. Otros discos del 72: Debuts de Steely Dan, Roxy Music, Paul Simon, Big Star, Neu¡, ¿Fela Kuti? y Lou Reed (además de su espléndido Transformer ) Discos expecionales como los de Todd Rundgren-Something/Anything?, Stevie Wonder – Talking Book y Music of my mind, Elton John-Honky Château, Nick Drake – Pink Moon, Yes – Close to the Edge, Miles Davis – On the Corner, Neil Young – Harvest, The Rolling Stones – Exile on Main St, Curtis Mayfield – Super Fly, Raspberries- Fresh, Genesis – Foxtrot, Van Morrison - Saint Dominic's Preview, Deep Purple- Machine Head y Made in Japan, Joni MIttchell- For the roses, Tangerine Dream - Zeit, T Rex- The slider, Kevin Ayers- Whatevershebringswesing, la banda sonora The harder they come... una cosecha excelente.

Has been my favourite album since I first picked it out of my Dad's vinyl collection when I was 14. I can't be objective about an album I love this much.

One of my all-time favorite albums. Such a classic. Bowie at his best!

My absolute favorite Bowie album! So great!!

My dad had this album on vinyl when I was growing up so I do remember putting it on a lot. There is not a bad song on this album! One of my favourite Bowie personas. Stand out tracks: - Five years - Moonage Daydream - Starman - Star - Hang on to yourself - Ziggy Stardust - Suffragette City - Rock 'N' Roll Suicide

Great album with some of my faves.

Most complete album outside of MBDTF. No letdowns.

Have this album - great all around

Perfection

A true classic. I might be biased in favour of it because I was repeatedly listening to it during a bumpy phase of my life, but there is no denying the musical genius of David Bowie. It's really weird because the album has so many elements that usually put me off, like the vocals or the jangly sound. But none of that spoils the listening experience and I think it's because the album doesn't seem like a human creation. Bowie entirely became Ziggy Stardust. So it's basically an extraterrestrial rock and roll album, and hence the weirdness. Its's playful, it's dramatic, it rocks hard, it's emotional, it's everything. Above all, it's immensely accessible, with a tight structure. Probably the best opening and closing tracks ever in an album. It's a celebration of rock and roll and music.

Loved this album, there is a lot of variety to the sound and the music is great.

Such a fun album. Another one I have on vinyl at home so I got to listen to it multiple ways and I just love it.

To quote Gordon Ramsay, finally, some good fucking music! Masterpiece of an album, something that truly deserves the moniker of an album that you absolutely must listen to before you die. I can assure you I’ll be listening to this a lot more before I die 5/5

One of the all time greatest albums by who I consider the greatest artist of all time! See my other reviews to understand just how much I love Bowie.

My favorite Bowie album.

One of my favourite records of all time. One of the best records of all time. Just happy to listen to it again for the millionth time. 5

Such a good album. I was never a David Bowie hater but this record definitely got me a lot more into all his other stuff. No bad tracks. Essential Glam rock

There’s not much for me to say about this record, except that it lives up to all of the accolades that it has accrued since its release and that David Bowie is the GOAT.

4.5

Lempparit: Five years ja Moonage Daydream Vähiten lemppari: Suffragette city

mega❤️

What can you say about a legend?

A perfect album, a perfect rock star

Really great album with a number of awesome songs. Listened to it twice through.

Favorite Tracks: Starman Moonage Daydream Suffragette City

Soooo gooood

I’ve been trying to be a stickler about not listening to albums I know to be on the generator list, and i’m regretting that now. My Bowie education was clearly done a great disservice by getting this later than most of the rest of his stuff on here. The first thing I drew from him on here was "Low!" That's the wrong order to do listen to these!

Five stars; no notes.

10/10. i don't have to explain this album lol.

The most amazing feverdream soundtrack! 5/5

The quintessential Bowie album feels wrong to give this anything but 5*

Five Years 4.5 Soul Love 4.4 Moonage Daydream 4.7 Starman 4.6 It Ain't Easy 4.5 Lady Stardust 4.6 Star 4.1 Hang On to Yourself 4.2 Ziggy Stardust 4.7 Suffragette City 4.5 Rock 'n' Roll Suicide 4.7 Score: 4.5

I love character albums, and this one is iconic. When an artist really takes a stab at encapsulating a particular quality and it pays off, it pays off in dividends. Listening to this album is like a time capsule, it takes me back to a time of psychedelic space race. There were some really interesting songs on here that I never heard before, that never end up on greatest hits albums. I think the only other artist that really encapsulates this feeling for me is Lady gaga. So many different character albums some of which don't pay off, but the ones that do. Iconic.

Classic for a reason

Banger after banger after banger. Phenomenal record, with a variety of great styles and tunes.

It's David Bowie. Enough said.

A non-trivial number of people think David Bowie is a genius. I do not. But this album is. 5 stars.

Gear: Aür Audio Aurora Artwork: 🧑🏼‍🎤🎸🧱 Produktion (Remaster 2012): 🎧😘🤌 Musik: 🧑🏼‍🎤🛸🌟 Wertung: 🧑🏼‍🎤🧑🏼‍🎤🧑🏼‍🎤🧑🏼‍🎤🧑🏼‍🎤/5

Amazing!

I remember trying to get into Bowie and listening to this years ago, but it just didn't click for me then. Listening to it now, I felt like I was doing so for the first time. It's my third Bowie album and I can officially say I'm a fan. It's fun, grand, and weird, with great lyrics. The opener is absolutely amazing, the closer is too, and it's just an all around great album. Favorites: "Five Years", "Moonage Daydream", "Starman", "Hang on to Yourself", "Ziggy Stardust", "Suffragette City", "Rock 'n' Roll Suicide"

This is one of those albums where I think surely it is universally appealing and how could anyone find something not to like here, but I bet I’m about to be proved wrong when I look at some of the other reviews.

okay maybe i've wrongly dismissed this as overrated...certainly Bowie did better stuff but this remains anthemic, existential, primal sing-along...i get it okay? 10/10

A classic.

An end to end masterpiece concept album. The concept does not override the creativity of each song. They have wonderful strengths outside of their inclusion in the album, yet also contribute to the “concept”. Inventive vocal arrangements help it rise above standard rock music.

Un album fundamental (solo una canción desmerece; la 5 de la primera cara). Sonido para poner a tope de volumen.

I looved this album! Honestly was so pleasantly surprised to hear so many pop references that have derived from this album. I hear so much of Coldplay's early work in this album. Since I started listening this morning, it has been on repeat while I work. The vibe of the songs on this album was immaculate; the story telling, the lyrics, and more than anything just the sonic palette. I have never heard a Bowie album from start to finish before and this was an absolute treat! I agree with Daniel, Starman stood out to me. As I was listening to it and reading the lyrics online, I noticed it was actually used in the Ridley Scott's Martian movie starring Mat Damon - clip. I have watched this movie so many times and never realized how seamless this soundtrack was in context. My review in one line, "It left me wanting more". I can't wait to hear more from Bowie. Some of these songs will definitely be added to my regular playlist. I came into the office thinking i'd give it a 4/5 but honestly the songs have been on repeat all morning and its grown on me further. Unequivocally, 5/5.

David Bowie has been a pretty regular part of my whole life, enough so I was able to listen to this from our personal collection instead of digitally. My mom was a big David Bowie fan, and I remember as a kid loving this album, and also Diamond Dogs. The cover of which will always haunt me. I enjoy most of the music Bowie created, and I love Labryinth. Is this a perfect album? No. Am I still giving it 5/5? Yes.

First of all, the name of this album is amazing. Right away, I love the production and the mix. The drums are punchy but not in your face, which is perfect as it allows you to hear everything else. I've never gave David Bowie a proper chance before. I knew of him, I knew a lot of people liked him, but I've never really listened to anything more than his singles, and maybe even just Space Oddity at that. Starman is a song that stood out to me. Never heard this song before and it's absolutely fantastic. Catchy, great guitar parts, great rhythm, this song is definitely added to my rotation. I can kind of hear how modern artists have drawn influence from Bowie. In Suffragette City for example, there's a "punky" kind of vibe with how Bowie sings. "Wow", is the only descriptive word I can find to describe this album. Every song was great and had my foot tapping and head bobbing the entire time. The mix of the album is great as I've said previously and by the end of the album I maintain that thought. A lot of really catchy riffs and melodies throughout the entire album and nothing too in your face. The best way I can describe this album, "It doesn't try to do too much, and it's absolutely perfect". I'm trying to find a reason to not give it a 5/5, and frankly, I can't. I will definitely be coming back to this album and will listen to it for years to come. 5/5

Call me basic - the best Bowie album period.

best opening and closing tracks to an album? perhaps

Amazing

One of the greatest albums of all time. Not a bad song on here, and it's short and punchy - wham bam, thank you ma'am! Some fantastic riffs, really interesting and unique sci-fi concept, and Bowie himself is of course gives a transcendent performance throughout. I enjoyed giving this a listen on vinyl, haven't dug it out in a while. My copy is the 40th anniversary edition, which I just noticed is pressed from the original analogue tapes. Pretty cool. Still sounds fantastic, even now, well past the 50th anniversary.

Masterpiece

9/10

David Bowie makes me cum like a whale 🥺😜🤤

So David Bowie created the Ziggy Stardust character, performed in character, then was unable to differentiate Ziggy Stardust from himself. So in other words, he presented as his true, authentic self. In 1972. Good for him!! Regarding the album - it’s really good. Fantastic progressive rock, clean editing, well balanced. Just wow. Like really, really good. How have I never listened to this?

I remember listening to this a while ago. It’s better on a relisten

An all time great album! 4.6 stars

Best Bowie

Bowie at his peak

Such amazing work by a legendary artist. Arguably my favorite album by Bowie.

Never fails. Always found Ziggy to be strange and a little frightening. Really "trippy" without a TRACE of psychedelia. I wonder what it would have been like to hear this for the first time as a 17 year old, when it first came out. Imaginative and a little overwhelming. I don't think I ever really understood what was happening. It seems a little like a three act play, a musical (maybe? just brainstorming here). Act one, Ziggy and "his" crew are not here yet, they're on their way. It's a Five Year mission, and someone is screaming at the end: maybe this is where they enter our world, where they discover love. Different kinds, different ways. This is our weakness, our strength, that we all share.I am also busting up my brains for the words. Moonage Daydream, arguably the best song on tis album. The protagonist is singing to the alien, he wants them (?) to love him. Desperately. We've all been there. Notice how Starman starts. Like it's not in it's groove yet. I see this as the start of the next part, when the aliens figure out how to get here, how they're going to infiltrate us. See, a long time ago, aliens were not always evil, more like benefactors. Like the mythological Jesus. Is Ziggy the 2nd coming of Jesus, but now he shows up like this? At the END of Starman, "let the children boogie" and now there's a groove, right. They figured out how to play. Every song has some strange apparition at the beginning. Through part two, we get sermons from, it would appear. We see the first worshiping by Lady Stardust. Star - has that early rock/doo wop vibe cut in with some heavy power chords. "I could play the wild mutation as a rock and star." WHO'S point ogf view is this? Ziggy? Wants to be a rock star so he can fall in love? THinks it will be easy? hmm So, part three, the post-transformation, now Ziggy exists as a thing, too perfect, falls victim to the excesses of stardom (Suffragette City), then Rock 'n Roll Suicide, it's over man. But your NOT alone. Just put this on, Ziggy is here to save us with his message of love.

9/10

One of my favorite albums of all time. There will never be another David Bowie.

Bowies masterpiece, great band, not a bad song on it

Perfecto

I’ve loved this record since I was a kid. It was the first album my dad ever told me to listen to, and I’ve never regretted it. Cosmic and wonderful.

Nothing to say that hasn't already been said about this album. Absolutely outstanding. Even the lesser known songs on the album are excellent, not a single track I'd skip.

Masterful 4.6

No private session used for Spotify. I really don't need to listen to this album as I have listened to it lots and I know I love it. I listened to it anyway, happily, then the rest of the day was going through some other excellent Bowie albums.

I mean come on !!!!!!

Incredible

Demorei para conseguir escutar, antes contentava em perceber a imensa qualidade pelas versões das músicas com bandas que gosto. Não cheguei a entender o conceito da história do disco, mas os clássicos sustentam formidavelmente o deleite da audição.

Genius.

its good ig

Best album of all time.

Personally, not my favourite Bowie album. That doesn’t mean, however, that it’s not fantastic.

Off beat and interesting when released has matured into brilliant and noteworthy. Exceptional!

This was the first David Bowie album I ever heard. And it's still my favorite of his - and in my Top 10 Favorites of all. I love the whole thing start to finish. Still love it. Start to finish.

Day208 - a genius doing genius things

Good car rock album

One of the main albums of my youth, 100% love and faith 5 stars all the way

Flawless - even the songs that have been forgotten are better than most artists ever manage!

I mean, c'mon

Five years 😩

love

Love Starman! - 9/10

There are a lot of David Bowie albums on this. Most have ideal runtimes but are kinda weird, which made them hard for me to review. But I was waiting for this one given that it is one of the highest rated albums on the website. Still weird but it's good. Ziggy Stardust was great. Low 5.

Goatee album, I didn’t realize how many bangers were on here 10/10

Bowie finally delivering an album that doesn't make me want to fall asleep. This was great

2nd Bowie in a row and this one is my favorite. Every song is a banger. There is not a second of fat to trim on this absolute classic.

Bowie was an artist of much inspiration… but this is peak Bowie

NÃO ACREDITO QUE DAVID BOWIE PLAGIOU NENHUM DE NÓS, JUSTIÇA POR THEDY CORREA!!

One of my alltime favourites. Every song is a complete hit and by now a classic rock anthem. What else is there to say? It influenced so many musicians that 5 stars is the only option here!

c'mon. c'mooooooooooooooooooooooooooooon.

Easily my most anticipated album in the project. Ziggy Stardust is a timeless masterpiece, blending rock and storytelling into a cosmic journey that redefined music and inspired generations. An absolute pinnacle of artistic genius.

FIVE YEARS FIVE YEARS FIVE YEARS

Like, cmon an argument can be made that this is a flawless album.

Lots of catchy moments in between softer but well crafted glam. My favorite Bowie album

10

Prime Bowie. Rock opera waarin Bowie speelt met een fictief androgyn karakter. Waar hij als persoon alle kanten op is gevlogen, zit er in zo'n album juist een super mooie lijn en stijl. Five Years is echt een weergaloze opener. Opbouwend, ongemakkelijk, mooi en rouw tegelijkertijd. Daarna volgen de klassiekers elkaar op. De film Moonage Daydream die ik een paar jaar geleden zag was echt een trip, dwars door het hoofd van Bowie. Tegen de tijd dat we bij Starman zijn aanbeland, zit ik er weer middenin. Het middenstuk mag dan een klein beetje inkakken, Lady Stardust vind ik ook gewoon een prachtig nummer. Suffragette City is een dikke rockplaat en sluit het album eigenlijk prima af. Rock 'n Roll suicide sluit het verhaal van het concept misschien af, muzikaal vind ik hem overbodig. 9/10 Highlights Five Years Starman Lady Stardust Suffragette City

Can't find fault with this. Bowie classic, tuneful and easy. Sits with the best of his early era.

A transcendent experience.

I don't really like 5 years but the rest is perfect

What to say! I've listened to this album minimum like twice a year since I was 14. It's not the perfect album, I think it's a little light sometimes, but it's one of my favorite albums. Rock and Roll Suicide is a top tier track and a perfect album closer. Love a concept album, especially here, where it's all firmly on theme but really let's your thoughts run. Anyone else feel like watching Velvet Goldmine? If Bowie never did anything but this album he'd still be a hell of an entertainer.

Absolutely essential

Excellent from beginning to end.

absolute banger end to end.

Ziggy played guitaaaaaaaar.

Awesome

Pure perfection and genius. Still one of my favourite albums of all time 10/10

Hard to find much wrong with this album. From start to finish Bowie takes you on a journey with every song offering something different yet still being cohesive. Starman, Lady Stardust, and Ziggy Stardust are my top 3.

Idk kind of a perfect classic rock album. Almost every song on here is super good.

All time from Bowie

A true story

9/10.

This album had a lot of very good tracks and sonically was very pleasing. My delve into Bowie has been incredibly rewarding and so far this album stands at the peak. 9.3/10

Awesome! One of the greatest albums of all time!

INCREIBLE MEJOR QUE EL SEXO. David Bowie nos presenta a Ziggy Stardust, un alienigena androgeno bisexual en donde la figura de Ziggy llega del espacio a al tierra como si de un mesías se tratara a regalarle al mundo entretenimiento y ganarse el corazón del planeta hasta que sucumbe a sentimientos más humanos en los que su propio ego se pone pone en frente de si mismo. ROCK OPERA, GLAM ROCK; ALBUM CONCEPTUAL????? La producción es excepcional, canciones sumamente icónicas y fenomenales, casi si parecieran salidas de este planeta. 10/10. One of the Best albums of all time.

Incredible album. Flawless

One of the best stories ever told.

Waffled between a 4 and a 5. I'm not sure how many Bowie albums are on this list, but I suspect this will be my favorite, so 5 it is!

Such a genius album from front to back. Such a mix of sounds, soulful, rocking, funky - and yet coheres together in a way that very few could make work as well as Bowie did. A total joy to listen to.

Favorite Bowie album so far

Classic.

Top 5 rock album of all time

it’s a 5. So many bangers on this album. I don’t really have much to say besides i love the album and even the 3 songs i don’t like are still good. ezzzz 5

holy moly

Gotta be in the top ten on this whole list. Starts out so strong with Five Years and Soul Love, Moonage Daydream and of course Starman. Probably my favourite Bowie album. RIP.

BOWIE BABY!!!

Pretty much a perfect album, everything about it just fits together exactly as it should. It has such a consistent sound across the whole album that unites with a pretty loose theme about an alien guy coming to earth and rocking out or something. The instrumentals are phenomenal, the musicians just seem to play off each other perfectly and give songs room to breathe. The bass lines across the album are phenomenal. I really don’t know what to write here, it’s an amazing album that’s one of the top of all time. No bad or boring songs - sure a handful stand out at the top, but the “lesser” songs are still of super high quality.

Classic Bowie. I think I take it for granted really. It's the glam Dark Side of the Moon. Easy 5

"The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars," released in 1972, is one of David Bowie's most iconic albums. This concept album tells the story of Ziggy Stardust, a fictional rock star who acts as a messenger for extraterrestrial beings. Below is an in-depth review focusing on the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, as well as its pros and cons. ### Lyrics The lyrics of "Ziggy Stardust" are rich in imagery, storytelling, and character development. Bowie crafts a narrative that follows the rise and fall of Ziggy, a messianic rock star who ultimately faces his downfall due to the pressures of fame and excess. Each song contributes to this overarching storyline, offering a glimpse into Ziggy's world and the various characters he encounters. #### Key Tracks: 1. **"Five Years"** - The album opens with a somber prediction of Earth's impending doom, setting a dystopian tone. Bowie describes a society in panic, offering vivid imagery and emotional depth. 2. **"Starman"** - This song introduces hope, with Ziggy delivering a message of salvation from extraterrestrial beings. The lyrics are optimistic and convey a sense of wonder. 3. **"Ziggy Stardust"** - This track serves as a biography of the titular character, highlighting Ziggy's charisma and ultimate self-destruction. The lyrics are poignant and reflect themes of fame and alienation. 4. **"Rock 'n' Roll Suicide"** - The closing track depicts Ziggy's demise, with Bowie’s passionate delivery enhancing the tragic narrative. ### Music Musically, "Ziggy Stardust" blends rock, glam, and proto-punk, showcasing Bowie's versatility. The album features a mix of hard-driving rock anthems and melodic ballads, each track contributing to the album's unique sound. #### Instrumentation: 1. **Guitars** - Mick Ronson's guitar work is a standout, providing powerful riffs and solos that define many of the tracks. His contributions are particularly notable on "Moonage Daydream" and "Suffragette City." 2. **Vocals** - Bowie's vocal performance is dynamic, shifting from tender crooning to raw intensity. His ability to convey emotion and character through his voice is evident throughout the album. 3. **Rhythm Section** - The rhythm section, comprising Trevor Bolder (bass) and Mick Woodmansey (drums), offers a solid foundation, driving the songs with precision and energy. ### Production Produced by Ken Scott and David Bowie, the album's production is polished yet raw, capturing the essence of glam rock while maintaining a sense of immediacy. The production techniques used contribute to the album's atmospheric and otherworldly feel. #### Production Highlights: 1. **Mixing and Layering** - The album features meticulous mixing and layering, with Ronson’s guitar often taking center stage, supported by lush arrangements and harmonies. 2. **Sound Effects** - Use of sound effects, particularly on tracks like "Five Years" and "Starman," enhances the storytelling and creates an immersive experience. 3. **Balance** - The production strikes a balance between the grandeur of the concept and the accessibility of the music, making it both ambitious and approachable. ### Themes The themes of "Ziggy Stardust" are multifaceted, exploring topics such as fame, identity, alienation, and the human condition. Bowie delves into these themes through the lens of Ziggy, offering commentary on the nature of stardom and its impact on individuals and society. #### Major Themes: 1. **Fame and Excess** - The album examines the allure and pitfalls of fame, portraying Ziggy as a figure who is both idolized and destroyed by his celebrity. 2. **Identity and Transformation** - Bowie explores the concept of identity, with Ziggy representing an alter ego through which Bowie could express his own feelings of alienation and transformation. 3. **Hope and Despair** - The narrative oscillates between hope, as seen in "Starman," and despair, culminating in "Rock 'n' Roll Suicide," reflecting the dualities of the human experience. ### Influence "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" has had a profound influence on music and popular culture. It is considered a cornerstone of glam rock and has inspired countless artists across various genres. #### Impact on Music: 1. **Glam Rock Movement** - The album is a defining work of the glam rock movement, influencing contemporaries and future generations of musicians. 2. **Innovative Storytelling** - Bowie's concept album format and character-driven storytelling have inspired numerous artists to explore similar approaches in their work. 3. **Fashion and Style** - Ziggy's flamboyant style and androgynous appearance challenged traditional gender norms and left a lasting impact on fashion and cultural aesthetics. ### Pros and Cons #### Pros: 1. **Innovative Concept** - The concept album format was groundbreaking and showcased Bowie's creative vision and storytelling prowess. 2. **Musical Diversity** - The album features a diverse range of musical styles, from rock to ballads, demonstrating Bowie's versatility. 3. **Strong Performances** - The performances by Bowie and his band are exceptional, with standout contributions from Mick Ronson. 4. **Cultural Impact** - The album's influence on music, fashion, and culture is undeniable, cementing Bowie's status as an icon. #### Cons: 1. **Cohesion** - While the concept is ambitious, some critics argue that not all tracks seamlessly fit into the overarching narrative, leading to moments of disjointedness. 2. **Production Choices** - Some production choices, such as the prominence of certain sound effects, may feel dated to modern listeners. 3. **Pacing** - The album's pacing can be uneven, with some tracks feeling slower and less engaging compared to the high-energy anthems. ### Conclusion "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" remains a landmark album in David Bowie's discography and in the history of rock music. Its innovative concept, rich lyrics, and diverse musical styles have left an indelible mark on popular culture. While it has minor flaws in terms of cohesion and production, its strengths far outweigh these, solidifying its status as a masterpiece. Bowie's creation of Ziggy Stardust not only provided a new direction for his career but also offered a blueprint for future artists to explore themes of identity, fame, and transformation. The album's legacy continues to resonate, inspiring new generations to push the boundaries of music and art.

This is probably 1 of the few albums I would give 5 stars to without hesitation. It's a masterpiece across all of music in my eyes and a uniquely special album to many people due to its quality, style, depth, and glam. I loved each and every track of this when I first heard it, and still do. I'll also be the stereotype and say Starman is my favorite track. Call me basic but I love it.