Reviews (page 7 of 14)
I’ve been ambivalent to Bowie all these years, but this album moves me closer to being a fan. https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-station-to-station-by?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Ecléctico, el camaleón explora diversos estilos en este disco aparentemente dominado por los ritmos de soul y esencialmente un disco que en 1976 suena vanguardista y alternativo. Y lo es desde el primer corte, "Station to Station", extenso n todos los sentidos, tanto de duración como estilístico. Personalmente me gusta mucho "Golden Years" y su estilo dicotequero, pero también cabe destacar "Stay" y la interpretación crooner del último tema, "Wild is the Wind".
10/28/24. Bowie is incredibly diverse, man. I knew about Fame, but never knew about this album that explores a lot of similar funky sounds. Not a perfect album, but it's executed really well and the songs are memorable.
Good album - title track is obviously great. Doesn't have the same emotional weight as some of Bowie's other stuff though.
Of course everyone should listen to Bowie.
yessss fav song might be TVC15
More like a 3.5 but solid David Bowie
oh hell yes, the thin white duke was one of his hottest eras
It was great
Good Bowie album, some nice guitar on this
Uno de los discos favoritos de los crítticos y también de los fans de Bowie. Tuvo gran éxito de critica y ventas , por ejemplo fue el que mayores ventas tuvo en USA hasta The next day. Tiene muy buenos momentos como TVC15 (que incorporó a su repertorio clásico en directo, incluido el Live Aid 85), Golden years y sobre todo Wild is the wind. En mi opinión, está ligeramente por debajo de sus mejores obras (los previos Ziggy, Aladdin o Hunky Dory, y los posteriores de la trilogía berlinesa, Heathen o Black Star) aunque es un gran disco y sobre todo muy disfrutable. No es Let´s dance, es mejor, aunque de otro de modo. Tiene una cualidad muy importante y es que no envejece. Además significó una gran influencia en muchos músicos y bandas posteriores (desde sus contemporáneos hasta el post-punk y en general a todo lo que vino después). Podría considerarse la transición entre el glam y los sonidos electrónicos, además del regusto funky (es la época de The thin white duke) que ya había introducido con Young Americans -actuación en Soul Train incluida-. Station to station, es como casi todo el álbum, divertida. No hay una canción que baje del notable alto. Word on a wing es otro clásico. Stay otra gema más. Todas son canciones largas, con buenos desarrollos e interpetaciones, marca de la casa, emotivas y perfectas. Un disco que se queda corto en minutaje. Otros discos de 1976: Songs in the key of life, Hotel California, Love to love you baby, Desire, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, Rocks, Oxygene, el directo de Peter Frampton, Jailbreak, Arrival, Black and blue, Fly like an eagle, The year of the cat, Calling card, los debuts de Boston, Modern lovers, Peter Tosh, Ramones y Tom Petty...
Album presque psychédélique que j'ai énormément apprécié, n'étant pas un grand fan de Bowie de base. Ses années 70s étaient vraiment géniales.
This record is sooo cool I was not into it that much before. I love TVC15
a relatively short album as far as total song, but each song is a bit of an epic that has progressive elements which slowly build on each other and don't really feel repetitive. The Thin White Duke, a Bowie persona derived from his high anxiety, paranoia, and cocaine addiction at the time, became a face for the project which incorporated a wide range of experimental that has become relatively acknowledged as his pre-eminent work.
7/10 Skroz oke moram priznat, pogotovo nakon 3. slusanja, jer eto nisam Bowiea dugo cuo kako se spada. Cijeli album mi je bas nekako spontan, ali i pomalo izgubljen u glazbenom smislu, kao i njegov mozak u to vrijeme sa hrpetinom koke i ostalih opijata. Bowie je imao vise persona tokom svoje karijere, a ova, The Thin White Duke faza mu je bila najmracnija. Da se makne od silne droge, ode covjek u Berlin i napravi odlicnu trilogiju albuma nakon ovoga. Ali to je za cuti neki drugi put. Znajuci kontekst kako i kada je ovaj album nastao mi je dalo priliku da ga bolje razumijem i potencijalno zavolim, ali ovdje mi nije sve toliko dobro. Golden Years i Stay su mi favoriti, a ni TVC15 nije daleko, odlicne stvari. Upravo sam nabrojao pola albuma, ali zato jer mi druga polovica nije toliko sjela. Na kraju, ovo nikako nije lose, ali Bowie mi ima boljih glazbenih perioda. Bit ce sedmica ovaj put.
Lovely album - but probably written and recorded in a cloud of cigarette smoke and cocaine dust in the 70s. I mean - the Thin White Duke? See, though - this is why David Bowie is the man who fell to earth and made it so much better - that even at his probably most ‘off’ persona ushers out a gorgeous record. Bowie is sorely missed - probably without knowing, the entire world misses him - it is definitely a noticeable less colourful and interesting world without him in it.
Short and sweet from Bowie during the big coke years. Lots of funk influences and a ten minute title track. TVC15 and title track my faves
This is great album from start to finish. Not my favourite by Bowie. I’m more into his Stardust period. But still… this is just great
personal favorite but not his best, 9/10
Great album
This was very enjoyable, mid-career Bowie. The longer songs were intriguing and held my interest, and very tasty guitar work throughout. A solid 4.
4.5/5
Classic Bowie. Some recognizable songs. Still really great.
Bowie had evolved so much in a seemingly short time from his preppy debut with his folks-y follow up, infamous glam rock phase, and briefly stepping into a more funk/soul/R&B realm with ‘Young Americans’ and this album; which is right before the excellent ‘Berlin Trilogy’. It truly shows how borderline unstoppable he was in the 70’s. He debuted a new character for ‘Station To Station’: The Thin White Duke. According to Bowie, a “nasty” character. But across the short tracklist he feels more like a detached spiritualist whose love songs are more observant, rather than featuring any actual expression. The lengthy title track, the excellent funk driven single ‘Golden Years’, and the beautiful soulful ballad ‘Word On A Wing’ all showcase this concept very strongly. A triple showcase of just what Bowie could effortlessly pull off; even at the height of his drug fuelled days. The only track that seems to break from the concept of the album is ‘TVC15’ - which is a bit of a surreal comedy bit about the character’s girlfriend being eaten by a television set. It’s a bit of an odd one out on the short tracklist as it’s much more dancey than the works that surround it. The album finishes up with a gorgeous ballad in ‘Wild Is The Wind’, with its flow-y acoustic guitar and Bowie’s hauntingly good vocals adding serious gravitas to it all. ‘Station To Station’ is an excellent record. While I wouldn’t quite rank it among Bowie’s best work, it is still a worthy edition to his extensive and eclectic discography; showing just how much the man was willing to step out and experiment. And lucky for us listeners, it almost always tended to succeed. 4/5
Good, funky , dark record. Solid tunes throughout
Super consistent in quality song writing, with seamless blending of rock, funky elements and David Bowie's incomparable quirk.
1976. 1. Station to station - Looooooong intro. Over 3 mins before vocals. I enjoyed the final chapter of the song - there were several. I think I would enjoy this more after more listens. 2. Golden Years - I already know this song. Some funky bass. 3. Word on a Wing - mid tempo, great vocals, really enjoyed this. 4. TVC15 - tiny bit know this one already. Very enjoyable. 5. Stay - Another with a funky beat. Great concluding instrumental. 6. Wild is the Wind - masterpiece. One of my favourite Bowie songs and one of my favourite ever songs. Breathtaking.
Only 6:tracks limits the rating
When I read that Bowie was so high while making this album that he barely remembers it, I expected some coked-out nonsense. But this was super enjoyable. Interesting and weird while still keeping the reins on. 4/5 Highlights: Stay
I liked this a ton. One of Bowies best. I'm torn between a 4 and 5, but I probably won't relisten enough to go with a 5. Very strong 4.
Solid 3.7
Banger of an album here. Not my favorite Bowie record but damn. One of his most rock-oriented albums, with classics like 'Golden Years'. Masterclass of creating such a good album with just 6 tracks. Having not heard the album before, the opening title-track just blows your mind. Long live one of the goats
Fandme heldigt at Bowie har lavet så mange bangers, ellers ville det måske være liiiidt overkill at vi allerede har haft 6 plader med ham
A bit weird..
This was a first listen of the album for me and I really enjoyed it. Felt like Bowie was exploring a little more avant garde style but still had his fingerprints on it. I liked hearing him incorporate longer jams and exploring funk and disco influences through the album. Surprising it’s only 38 minutes long. Standout track for me was “Stay”
I love me some David Bowie
Not my favorite album of his but anything Bowie is fine with me regardless 😊😎
Accomplishes the difficult task of being both transitional and a great album. Excellent grooves throughout. From art to pop with a little croon. Another step towards the becoming the Bowie that would endure...
Jævlig bra, sjøl om eh aldri gidde hørra etter tittelsporet
Short but sweet.
another groundbreaking song collection from bowie. apparently in interviews he's stated that he doesn't remember writing this album which is crazy to me. it's unfortunate that i expected a bit more. this album is very good, as with a lot of stuff created by bowie, and i can't deny that he's an important musician in the 20th century, but i just can't get into his sound as much as i'd like to. i don't know what it is... i love the songwriting and especially the lyrics, i just turn less of an eye to how the tracks actually sound. maybe it's his... creative vocal harmonies.
Great singer, great music. Died way too young. Love his work. One of a kind.
An instrumental take from Bowie, I liked it a lot.
Det svinger men på en kølig måde.
Not peak Bowie but yes it is Bowie.
Classic Bowie and the first of the Thin White Duke period. Stand out tracks: - Station to station - Golden years - TVC15 - Stay - Wild is the wind
Short, sweet and elegant. Nothing wrong with that.
this was a banger
I like Bowie. This is no exception. Short, cocaine-fuelled fun. What's not to like?
I too have a TVC15 and know exactly what he is singing about.
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Eh fine
Love the album. Reminds me of that dark feeling at 2 AM when you know you should not do more coke but you do anyways; probably what he was doing when recording. The middle of the album was a tiny bit weak in comparison to the title song and the last two songs. Though the middle songs felt a bit more heartfelt. The keys he plays are sometimes bluesy, jazzy, and I love when he gets funky. Station to Station the song is fucking awesome and then it gets funky as hell with the last two tracks. Love it. Stand out tracks: Station to Station, Stay, Wild as the Wind.
++: Golden Years, Word on a Wing, Stay +: Station to Station, TVC15, Wild Is the Wind 8,8/10
biased opinion, I love David Bowie
Having never listened to a David Bowie album, this was a nice introduction to the man. The vocal performances from David never fail to impress. The man knows how to cook a great album even when he's on a cocaine binge. Love this man. Best - Word on a Wing (MPF), TVC15, Stay, and Wild is the Wind Worst - no bad songs 4.25/5
My favorite of the three Bowie albums I've been recommended so far. Snatches your attention away from all else and keeps it captive the whole way through.
Nice
Another decent Bowie album.
Station to Station is a fitting name, whether done intentionally or not. This album is a transition from funky Bowie to Krautrock Bowie. Bowie has always been someone I respect more than I actually want to listen too. The title track is great, but I hate Golden Days. 7.9/10
Absolutely great album! Obviously Golden Years is a banger but I loved Station to Station as well as Stay. Word on a Wing and Wild is the Wind were my least favorites. Guess I'm more into Bowie's more upbeat tracks.
Favourite Song: Station to Station
Fun album. Short.
Golden Years and Stay were good, everything else was alright.
Really enjoyed this. With a few more listens it may become a 5 but it’s not quite there
4/5 because this album doesn’t have life on mars
Not bowies best...but still very good music
This was a great album. Almost every track had something unique, yet Bowie to offer!
Word on Wing and Stay are standouts. I think the main appeal is that he wrote this in a coke fuelled haze that he can't remember. Fascinating to listen to the words of someone when they can't even recall where they came from.
78
💙
You can really hear all the cocaine on this album. I love this erratic strung out banger of an album. It has all the innovation, mix ups and utterly weird sounds that I’d expect from Bowie. I’m sure he’ll get help for that little habit in no time….
This is a classic for a reason. Absolutely slaps. A little slow at points but still a very solid piece
Even with a 10 minute opening track this album kind of felt to short, but that is probably just a testament to the quality and flow of it. It may have just been one 40 minute track. Golden Years kind of stands out, but it's a great listen that can just go on whenever. I think I've had about 6 Bowie albums on this list so far, and all are quite different musically but still equally great. 4.5/5
The songs on this album are pretty cool, however many songs end by repeating the same line over and over which I don't really enjoy. Overall I have enjoyed this album quite a lot.
Fave track is TVC15 , like the percussion on stay which is my 2nd place. A lesson on keeping interest and structure without going overboard
Bowie is a legend. 1. Station to Station - Could do without the first half of the song, the second half is good though. 2. Golden Years - Banger. 3. Word on a Wing - Too operatic for my tastes. 4. TVC15 - Didn't love this one on first listen, but then found myself humming it later in the day. Liked a lot on second listen. 5. Stay - This was my surprise favorite of the album. 6. Wild Is the Wind - Also not feeling this one.
Not peak Bowie for me. Good listen though
I've never heard of this Bowie album before but it's great. Despite only being 6 songs, all of them are expertly made and memorable. Maybe not the best of Bowie's catalogue but is nothing to ignore. Instrumentally it is extremely good and I really like it. Great addition to this list and an album I need to listen to multiple more times to fully appreciate.
For an artist the I revere such as Bowie, I’ve actually heard remarkably little of his discography. I’ve heard “Ziggy Stardust” and “Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)” in full, and now because of this project I’ve heard “Heroes.” I loved “Ziggy,” but was underwhelmed by the other two. But I love Bowie. Weird, right? I was starting to wonder if he was one of those artists who best work is best ingested by greatest hits and being in the know about deep cuts, with a couple good albums mixed in. I don’t have the answer after listening to this album, but I can say that he in fact does have more than one great album. This was such an interesting listen. It felt very Bowie, but more once I was reminded of Talking Heads. I assumed at first that this was because of Brian Eno, but he had nothing to do with this album as far as I can tell. I’ve heard Bowie do so many different genres and sub genres, and I couldn’t tell you what this is but it was intriguing. The title track is a sprawling suite that introduces the Thin White Duke character. It had highs and lows, and serves as a great opener for the album. What follows is a small collection of songs mostly longer than four minutes. They vary in style and in substance. Often shrouded in a little bit of that Bowie mysticism and obtuseness when it comes to lyrics, they leave a lot of room for relistening and interpretation. Musically they keep you along for the ride every step of the way. It’s hard to be more specific than what I’ve written above. This really requires multiple listens to fully grasp. And I don’t have the time for that at this point. But it’s a great album that deserved placement on this list. Four stars. Standout Tracks: Station to Station, Golden Years, Word on a Wing, TVC15
Pretty unusual and varied. I think I'd only ever heard "Golden Years" before this. I'm not sure if I liked it but it was definitely good.
Worth exploring more
I never know what I’m going to get with Bowie, but it’s always welcome. This is no exception. Golden Years is a great song and the stand out to me.
Really good
One of the better David Bowie albums. The longer songs work well on this one, especially since there are only 6 tracks.
Another pretty good Bowie album that’s not like crazy or anything. I do think I liked this one better than his orher albums we got. Are we finally done with the Bowie albums? I think we should start betting on random albums and like someone owes/gets money if a certain album shows up before/after a different one. The songs were a bit long but the album is shortish so like ig that evened out.8/10
One of his better ones imo, classic Bowie sound 8/10
Probably the best Bowie album we've had, but I still don't get why he has so many albums on the list. He's consistently pretty good but never anything more than that
Couple of classics. Peak David Bowie.
This is a top 5 Bowie album for me (not that I’ve heard all of them, despite the generator’s best efforts). I struggle to put my finger on why exactly it’s so good - it’s not like it’s full of bona fide classics. I guess there’s just something about the sound he landed on here: raw but polished, dark but fun, robotic but funky… well to be honest I struggle to describe what genre each individual track is, let alone the album as a whole (or why they work together), and that’s probably part of its appeal. That and the fact the title track is just really, really excellent. 4/4.5
I enjoyed this. He’s got such a cool and sexy sound and almost an effortless quality to the emotion he evokes. Apparently he was super coked up during these recordings, so maybe that helped.
Bowie evolved his sound so each album is different, but they are all cool. This is no exception.
It was good to hear the album where many favorites came from. Had only listened on compilations before.
not my favorite from him but still good
1001 albums has taught me that my bowie knowledge has a lot of gaps. this was another new one for me! really good and funky. i know david bowie was basically living on cocaine at this point and i don't want to encourage that but damn if this isn't a good album.
It's the sound of an artist maturing and in that way it's kind of transitional - but that's not to say it's boring. With Bowie the transformation is often the best part. I love this album.
niet zijn allerbeste... maar da's nog altijd beter dan veel anderen hun allerbeste
I’m 50/50 on this one. Love golden years, tvc15 And stay. The rest of the album doesn’t do much for me.
wait gosh another bowie album i’ve listened to before! like this one better but it’s still not top 3 bowie for me (still 4 stars though)
4.2
Good album
I get it now
I figure you know what you're getting into when you seek out a Bowie album. Great lyrics and storytelling, a little self-indulgent but still good! Outside the first track the whole album fairly quick, nothing really stuck out to me, but its best to experience the album as a whole I feel.
Golden years! A classic. Really enjoyed all the songs on this album. The first track is basically a side unto itself.
Short sweet Bowie, delightful. 8/10
3.5⭐️
station to station david bowie 1976 1. station to station: 8/10 2. golden years: 7.5/10 3. word on a wing: 8/10 4. TVC15: 8.5/10 5. Stay: 8/10 6. Wild as the wind: 9/10 Overall rating: 8.2/10
Really cool transitional Bowie album. I don’t love this one as much as the Berlin albums but still a lot of fun. I haven’t listened to this one much so need to give it some more listens. Rating: 3.8
8/10 nice
Spannende Musik aus den 70ern 4/5
I feel like this album would have been better if I were high. 4/5
1. sang banger, 2. meh/bra, 3. banger, 4. bra, 5. bra/banger, 6. meh Overall: 7.5/10
Bowie is a legend!
Awesome. Golden Years is great, but also just love a short album. I love you Bowie.
Lovleh
The piano and bass on this album brought everything together. There is really nothing like a Bowie-style ballad.
Station to station: the thin white duke the song starts out very much like a kraut rock song with a constant drum rhythm with sparse guitar lines and eventually turns into a normal affair by the end really good Golden years: funky track really good Word on a wing: really good TVC15: good Stay: really good
Thrilling from start to finish, there are blends of rock, soul, and funk throughout the album. The music is both experimental and accessible. It's a standout in any collection, love me some Bowie.
Day152 - going in blind to this album other than golden years and it’s amazing
I quite liked it. Bowie, like Queen, is really his own, singular thing. I haven’t really listened to a ton of Bowie, but this album was really good. 3.5 if I could, but I’ll bounce it to 4 because I wouldn’t have a problem listening to it again for fun.
Quite good but a bit short
A haunting and beautiful epic but short album. Great vocal performances and one that probably needs to be listened to multiple times to get everything from it. One of my favorite Bowie albums from this list so far.
Damn Good
Really nice instrumentals on this. His voice was initially tough on the first song but by the end of it I was able to deal with it and it wasn't a problem after that. Really nice instrumentals on this.
Masterpiece.
David Bowie is always great
Yep. Bowie in the 70s is the best bowie. Every song on this album is a different genre and it’s gloriously weird.
First Bowie album this website has given me and it did not disappoint. It's a pretty solid album, and even though I didn't know any of the songs going in, I enjoyed the majority of them.
Destaca una que no recuerdo. Bastante fresco.
Bowie is an all-time favorite of mine, but this isn't his best. There are a bunch of great tracks though.
OK Bowie. Still better than most bands' best. 4/5
On Station to Station, Low, and Heroes, David Bowie was at the peak of his powers. He perfected his sound on those 3 albums. Some of the most tasteful art rock ever recorded. Gone were the over-dramatic theatrics and showy glam of Ziggy Stardust. He put forward a much more sophisticated look and sound in The Thin White Duke and was all the better for it. The ten-minute title track opens with an expansive soundscape reminiscent of a Western (I get a mental image of Bowie in a cowboy outfit, standing on the dirt street of a settlers town) before settling into a tremendous progressive art rock song. You can definitely hear some Pink Floyd here until it suddenly shifts midway to uptempo piano rock like an artsy Billy Joel. I love the vocal melody (it's too late!!), Bowie's energy uplifts an already high-energy song. The funky nature and grouped backing vocals on Golden Years wouldn't be out of place on a Talking Heads album. You also hear exactly what makes Bowie one of histories greatest singers here. He effortlessly blends the vocal styles of Elvis and David Byrne in with his own. Word on a Wing is a more straightforward, bittersweet ballad. The piano takes lead and Bowie's vocal melody is inspired and powerful. I would love to be able to sing like he does on the choruses, with so much intensity while maintaining such a beautiful tone. Love the fade out with just organ and angelic choral vocals. Something haunts the atmosphere of TVC15, never allowing for a moment of clarity in the mix. Distorted guitars, a saxophone, a rather loud piano (well multiple pianos) crowd the sound while Bowie sings T-V-C-1-5 like a mantra. Cool, groovy, and dramatic. Earl Slick's bent guitar notes highlight the intro of Stay until a tight rhythm section reins in the track to introduce Bowie's vocals. The riff becomes very soulful and Bowie duets himself with both a high and low register performance. The track closes on a very danceable, very enjoyable extended jam, and when Slick returns for a closing solo he matches the funk of the scratchy riff with something rhythmic and wonderful. Wild Is The Wind is another bittersweet ballad. The guitar tones reminds me of The Cure - Lovesong, in fact this entire performance must have been an inspiration for Robert Smith. The vocals have a slight distortion and reverb, the bass carries parts of the songs melody, and acoustic guitars keep the mix full. Bowie's deranged performance throughout Station to Station keeps this from being a true pop-hit like his other work, but it trades radio-friendliness for expansive experimentation. This album sounds a bit like watching Twin Peaks feels. Not nearly as abstract but still quite dream-like, with something sinister under the surface that you never quite notice until you wake up. Yet even at its weirdest, the hooks and melodies of these songs stick with me and in a good way leave me wanting more of this era of Bowie.
Classic Bowie bridging classic rock with new wave
Just some good songs. There's no doubt that Bowie is a good song writer, and this album is a prime example.
Sweet Nice Love Bowie 4 stars
Really good
This my favorite Bowie album, which is funny that he was so coked out that he doesn’t remember making it. Whether it be the Lennon-produced Golden Years or TVC-15 which feels like it gets faster due to the crescendo in complexity, this album is my go-to Bowie album on vinyl.
7.
Decent. The sound of cocaine. Good moments here and there, but I doubt I’ll revisit the album. This albums feels better than 3 stars but not as good as 4 stars. I’ll be nice and round up. A middling Bowie album is better than the best album from many bands.
Solid Bowie album
se imaginan las cantidades insanas de cocaína y krautrock quedebió haber consumido
Solid Bowie de nuevo, pero no logra gustarme tanto como recordaba. De todas formas, la introducción de un alter ego (aunq controversial como todos sabemos) y de música Krautrock influenciada son elementos que me parecían interesantes!
Wouldn’t say it was the best, but Bowie is gonna Bowie, and you want him to Bowie.
Coked up nonsense. 8/10
Bowie is a god.
FUCK YEAH FINALLY! What a weird record this is haha. I celebrate his entire catalog so keep that in mind as I fangirl yet again. This is a very short album but it packs a lot on. The two hits, Golden Years and TVC15 are solid as heck but the whole package really fits what Bowie was doing in this time. Man was COKED UP according to his own words and the songs have weird themes of occulty shit but it’s Bowie at his finest tbh. Berlin really had an effect on the guy later on but this was kinda the start of the Thin White Duke time period and people even slung the word fascist around but the guy was so fucked up he can’t remember recording this haha. The real thrill of Bowies songs are courtesy of his backing band, and the arrangements on this record are dope as fuck. Real weird shit. Not bad for the guys tenth album! This one isn’t my favorite but it’s just really fucking solid. The guy is a legend for a reason!
Bowie is one of those artists I've never found myself interested enough to really immerse myself in. I recognize the hits and I appreciate what I know of his catalog, but this is the first time I've sat down to listen to a full album. From the initial textured white noise intro, I'm sold. Station To Station starts off with a singular bass line and slowly builds the instrumentation into the complete melody before Bowie's signature vocals are injected. New Wave sensibilities are strong here! The opening track AND Golden Years both sound so much like Talking Heads songs to me. Stay brings that funk, in such a uniquely Bowie way I literally giggled. Wild in the Wind is an interesting choice for a closer. I feel it lacks the emotional power of the versions we've received from both Johnny Mathis and Nina Simone, but again it is arranged and performed in a way that is undeniably David Bowie.
Fun! Unpredictable. Exciting to listen to Bowie's music outside of the hits I know. Really liked the first and last tracks in particular. Probably will listen to it again.
Really enjoyed the music on this. Reminded me of newer AM music
The prelude to his best album.
Quite good.
Word on a Wing, TVC15, Wild is the Wind 70/100
Short record but a classic for Bowie. With Golden Years
Golden Years is my favorite Bowie song, and the songs here are great. Probably not the apex of his career but a great album nonetheless
This is a great album. Not quite a 5/5, but new to me and I am always so interested to hear a Bowie album, and this one did not disappoint. He’s just so creative and original, you never know where any song is going to take you.
75% (4) 👍
De Bowie me gusta todo
4/15
Bowie on cocaine and mystic fervor. An incredibly solid effort with touches that linger perhaps a bit too long, however: the production is gorgeous. This project is the natural extension, the maturity of the plastic soul sound of Young Americans - a Bowie worried about aging, curses, forlorn loves. Every pluck of strings dances against the ears, every bound of the bass reverberates soundly. With more radio-friendly tracks this project could go a touch further, but it's still fabulous.
First song is far too long for what it is. Things only really pick up just after the half way mark, the first 5 minutes is nothing even worth listening to all it is is a build up. The entire album manages to stay consistent and has a repetitive theme of descending above the plane of reality and away, the music reflects this behaviour and has many crescendos throughout. Bowie was at somewhat of the peak of his cocaine usage when this album was made which is the obvious steering wheel here. I think it’s quite overrated and isn’t is good as it’s spoken to be, but is definitely still a great album.
David Bowie is a generational artist, his music is revered by so many and I'd say for good reason, the guy's constantly switching it up and has been ahead of the curve when it comes to revolutionizing all aspects of art rock in the 70s and 80s. I haven't heard all of Bowie's albums but I've always considered "Station to Station" to be my favorite of his. I genuinely think the opening title track is one of the greatest art rock songs; period. It so perfectly packs everything that makes this album so incredible into a sick 10-minute, multi-faceted epic. That means those deep, crunchy basslines, the tight and punchy drums, the very overt Krautrock influence, and all those fantastic funk rock elements. If I had to pick my favorite part of this song, it'd be the middle part with the little synth melody leading into the verses. I love Bowie's singing voice, especially when he's singing a bit deeper in his register. I know everyone dubs this Bowie's "cocaine phase" album, and this song sheds light on that lyrically at least. It's always painted this image of someone wandering around aimlessly while being lost in a subway station or a large city; it's surreal in that sense. I do pretty much love most of the rest of this album as well, they all follow suit with the formula laid out by the opener. "Stay" probably has the funkiest closer but I'd still say the big single "Golden Years" is the most overtly funk rock song here, especially in those opening seconds. "Word on a Wing" is probably the most gorgeous track here. A piano-driven ballad with these subtle electric guitar tones hanging in the background. Bowie admitted this song's about cocaine (again) but I love its more blatant love-song guise. It also has one of my favorite vocal performances by him. I think the closing "Wild is the Wind" cover (which I've always considered to be a Nina Simone song) is very tasteful too, I particularly like the softer approach to the instrumentation here. Bowie does this iconic song more than justice. I like this album, I especially love the fact that it doesn't overstay its welcome coming in at under 40 minutes in length. Each song packs its punch here and carries its weight. Maybe I'm not as much a fan of it (and Bowie in general) as most people but the incredible moments here are just that, incredible.
Golden Years, Tvc15 & Wild is the wind are the highlights of this album! 4/5
It was nice to listen to some David Bowie, he's my mom's favorite. My favorite track on this one was Word on a Wing.
Not a Bowie album I turn to very often. Totally atmospheric, great sounds. It's definitely one I'll return to more in full.
Lots of versatility, and more range on Bowie's voice than I usually expect (especially on "Wild Is the Wind").
Very interesting musically
I really like his production, mixing and instrumentation. The drums cut through so well and feel so full. Also I appreciate the dramaticism in his music without feeling forced or being over the top. He is one of the artists/producers of the last generations that I think can really grow on me. The album also made me dig deeper into his discography. At the moment this album is my favorite sonically.
Bowie really made the best of his drug addiction. 8.5/10
Musically, my favorite Bowie now after 4 albums listened to. I probably would never feel like giving a 5, but this one was the closest.
“Well… what are we waiting for?!” *Montage sequence ensues* *Golden Years’ starts playing* “We did it! Great work everyone” *Hugs and high-fives all around*
One of my favorites from Bowie. A little croonier than Low, but some great tracks on this.
Amei
Bowie album I've enjoyed the most so far
pretty good, enjoyed the groove
The story behind this album was interesting to read, particularly the note that David Bowie has said he doesn't remember making this album. I hadn't heard any songs off this album, so grateful to listen to it. I liked Station to Station and Wild is the Wind best.
4.4 - Almost a 5. I feel like with repeat listens, this will get better and better. I really enjoyed this album and obviously golden years is such a tune. Definitely peaking my interest in wanting to listen to more bowie that I don't know.
I find the long opening track to just be a bit boring and meandering, but the rest of this is pretty solid, especially Stay. Fave Tracks: Golden Years, TVC15, Stay 3.8/5
Another great singer song writer. Love Word on a Wing, Golden Years and TVC15.
They seem to really like Bowie... This was a fun one. I only knew the one popular song going in. I enjoyed the whole thing. Very cohesive song-to-song and very different (in a good way) to the previous one reviewed (which happened to also be Bowie's previous chronologically). I think I'm still going 4 here, but it's a strong 4.
Apparently, I overlooked David Bowie's mid-late 70's albums since 2 of the last 3 posts were Bowie's, Low (1977) and today's album, Station To Station (1976). For me, Station To Station has more appeal with a fabulous title track that opens the album and with only 6 songs on the record, this confirms that quality over quantity is preferred. The rest of the album is consistently good and it was reported that Bowie was heavily addicted to cocaine during this period. This was the bridge album between the commercial success of his thin white duke, Young Americans and his upcoming Berlin Trilogy and here you get a taste of both, which I prefer STS to the other projects. There might be some positive creative results of cocaine, but if you can't remember making the album, did it really happen?...
Das Album gefällt mir. Ich mag nicht unbedingt alle Stücke einzeln, aber insgesamt ist es ein stimmiges Album und auch die Musik gefällt mir.
another classic album by one of the masters of 70’s rock and roll. highlights: “golden years”, “word on a wing”, “wild is the wind”
Not my favorite Bowie, but I enjoy every song and definitely will revisit.
Really cool album with a tight band.
3.5
It's a slight bit good Bowie album. Sort of a transition between his dullest, plastic soul era and the more exciting Berlin era. In the top 10 Bowie albums, but low in that.
Really fun album, but too instrumental for my taste.
7/10 would listen again
such a leap forward from trash glam
Pretty swell
Good album
Not my fav album from Bowie but very soothing
Much better Bowie album than the last. It's still not his best, but it provides a nice listen.
Enjoyed this. I don't think it's quite 5 stars.. maybe 8.5 / 10 for me. There's plenty to like though, his voice is properly soulful at times and there are some funky as hell tracks. I feel it's a little overblown and too overtly a cocaine record to be perfect, but it's very good
bowie is lit like that. not my personal fav of his albums but still v good.
The songs are a bit too long for my liking, but I generally like all of them. This is one of my softer 4 stars, but it's still a 4 star. I'd welcome a re-listen any time.
While this is far from Bowie’s best, it’s still a pretty good album.
never listen to this albumn before. I like it!!
Starts strong, great bass
I’m just not sure if I love David Bowie that much. This was good. Didn’t love it. Don’t think I enjoyed it as much as ziggy. Anyway. We’ll see - I’m going to listen again 3.8
Golden Years slaps. Rest is not objectionable.
3.5/5 good but not necessarily the most replayable BUT really good songs
Love some of the songs on this album: wild as the wind is a fav. Great to listen to the whole album - creative and unusual
* Space Oddity is, I think, probably the only David Bowie song I'm familiar with, so this'll be interesting to see if I like more of his stuff. Space Oddity is an alright listen once it gets into it. * I kinda dig the intro sequence to Station by Station. Seems like he likes his lengthy intros. Okay, it wasn't bad. Hate the "thin white duke" line. Just the way it's sung mostly. Once it gets to "once there were mountains on mountains" and picks up, that's when I really found myself vibing with the track. * I'll think on it some more but Golden Years may go above Station to Station. Not sure yet though. * It's odd, I don't know if I'd personally place these songs in my playlist... but I don't really hate any of 'em so far. Only got one left. Stuck deciding if I wanna put it in the 3, 4, or 5 star category. It's certainly a unique sound. It's like me with brussels sprouts. Don't think I hate them, but not sure if I actually like it either but will still eat it every time. Maybe 4 stars is a nice middle ground? * Think I'm gonna go with 4 stars purely because it's a nice middle ground but also because while, overall, I didn't find anything super egregious with this album, and I actually found it rather enjoyable all things considered, there were still some moments in a couple of the tracks that irked me in one way or another. -- Album Rankings -- 1. Station to Station 2. TVC15 3. Wild Is the Wind 4. Golden Years 5. Stay 6. Word on a Wing
Goeed Would buy
Not my favourite, not my least, hanging around in the middle and I might never listen to it in full again
I am not a David Bowie fan, so for this album to get a positive reaction from me even when it has one my least favorite Bowie songs says a lot. Yet here I am, struggling with the complex feelings stirred up in me from a David Freaking Bowin album. 4/5
6 songs and 40 minutes long! Qualifies as an EP nowadays
Golden Years
Not as memorable as some of his other albums to me. Really liked Word on a Wing
Solid bowie. Should listen to this more, some good tunes.
It took a few listens for this to really click with me. It's poppy and groovy, yet simultaneously menacing and individualistic. Approachable yet detached. It's art rock in the best way, and looking at it in the context of when it was released, way ahead of its time.
Haven't listened enough but enjoyed. Bonus points for the stylish album cover.
8/10 - 4/5 Golden Years is of course a slap. As is Stay. Very good mix of funk and rock. Some really mellow vibe-y songs as well, like the album closer. The opener is really interesting, I think it was in 4/5? Solid album.
Boooooooowie
It's insane to me that he was able to effectively produce such a creative and listenable gem while in a coke induced haze. Also, "Golden Years" was perfectly written for Elvis and I can't believe he turned down. Nanner and bacon eating dummy. Highlights - Station to Station, Golden Years
Funky, poppy Bowie is pretty great. A good listen.
Never listened to this start to finish, but a really enjoyable listen.
I liked the 80's movie vibe. I thought each song was longer than I'm used to
This is the 8th David Bowie album on this list. It was good. It wasn't too long as it was under 40 minutes. I can't say any one song stood out but I would listen to it again. It is not really a 4, but I will round up.
More of a funk influence on this album, the bass is very prominent. The lyrics are a little more intense and manic. Can definitely hear the German musical influence. 4/5 Favorite Songs: Golden Years, Station to Station, Least Favorites:
Vintage Bowie ! I liked the popular ones but also discovered (for me) Word on a Wing and Wild is the Wind. Added those to personal playlists.
My first experience with this particular Bowie. Don't know why I hadn't listened to it, but heck, this is a good one -- shuffle and psych. Really good stuff. Unexpected banger -- Stay
I appreciate the progressive musical push that Bowie was going for this time, and on a new listen it's sort of funny he hadn't totally abandoned the soul and funk music he was interested in around this time, but my favorite iteration of this type of Bowie's style is coming later.
Title Track doesn't feel like a 10 minute song. Golden Years is a Top 5 Bowie song for me. TVC15 is fun, big singable chorus. Wild is the wind is maybe my least favorite but still a nice closer.
Ya puede estar cantando sobre que se caga encima, que la voz de David Bowie me va a encantar igualmente. Era el mejor.
Big David Bowie fan. The mid-70s were a good time to be DB. Great album...classic sound...just the right amount of weird mixed with pop
The title track is a true masterpiece. Everything else is great, too. 4/5
Thin White Duke era Bowie. interesting stuff!
A mix of styles with the immortal voice of Bowie. Interesting, easy listening and well advanced to its time.
Not a Bowie album I’m familiar with but Station to Station is a transitional album for David Bowie, bridging the gap between his soul, glam, and experimental phases. It is also one of his most unswerving and accomplished records, with no filler in its six tracks. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this album, even though I'm not very familiar with it. It showcases Bowie's versatility and creativity, as well as his troubled state of mind at the time. It may not be his absolute masterpiece, but it is definitely up there with his best. Will be added to my rotation.
Good album
I loved it heaps. Very fun album. Bowie does things to me emotionally through this album. The ending is a clear representation of that
3.5/5
Much better than some of his other drviel. He's a real coin toss.
Unique tone to his voice, very recognizable. Good for background but I can't dance to his songs.
good, solid Bowie
I can see (hear) why the songs that made the "best of" album did, and the others did not. The other songs weren't bad, but not great. Still 4 stars for the three great songs on this album.
Some real bangers on here, and some ok songs. I guess it all adds up to 4 stars.
Sehr kraftvolle, aber ganz unterschiedliche Tracks von Funk bis Pop-Ballade. Keine einheitliche Stimmung, wie öfter bei Bowies Alben.
Classic album
david bowie just doesn't miss
Another great one by the Thin White Duke
Bowie.
I’ve been exploring a bit of David Bowie’s catalog over the last year as I’ve been doing a deep dive into The Cure’s influences but hadn’t heard this album yet. From the first (title) track, it’s immediately clear how Bowie influenced them, from the guitar effects at the beginning (brings to mind “Jumping Someone Else’s Train”) to the experimental, atonal bit of the first few minutes (a la Seventeen Seconds and Faith), to the poppy dance track it ultimately becomes. I can also hear other late 60s/70s sounds in the title track—at times it resembles The Beatles, Motown, surf rock, Hendrix, and Heart. The second track has a Blacksploitation (Shaft) meets Southern rock meets funk vibe. “Stay” has a similar soul/blues/disco sound and has shades of Bowie’s famous “Fame” in it. This was apparently the follow-up album to Young Americans, so that makes sense. "Word on a Wing" has an almost Meatloaf vibe (but in a not annoying way). "TVC15" feels like a Talking Heads song at some points, mostly in the vocal delivery. [As soon as the album finished, Tidal’s algorithm spat out a Talking Heads song, so I guess I was on to something.] The closing track “Wild is the Wind” also reminds me of The Cure (“Three Imaginary Boys” and some of their instrumental tracks off Seventeen Seconds and Faith). There’s a subtle funk element in the guitar and bass that reminds me of Red Hot Chili Peppers too. Really like the drum breakdown toward the end. Bowie’s high notes on the last line are A+ too. I’ll definitely have to revisit this album and focus more on the lyrics—I was more focused on the music on this first listen. Overall, this is definitely one of Bowie’s more accessible albums. I’m really enjoying it. It might actually be my favorite Bowie album so far. It’s also quite short at 38 minutes and just 6 tracks (though each track is a bit longer).
Top
Pretty damn good
Songs are a bit long but very enjoyable Favorite Track: Golden Years
Appropriately, I listened to this on the train. I never know what to say about Bowie. Words aren’t really enough. It's not an album I've listened to as much as others, hence 4 stars Fave track - Golden Years probably still edges it as it’s so reminiscent of my younger years but Word on a Wing is sad and beautiful.
Not bad
Really enjoyed listening to this whilst walking around London, Stay was my fave
un album qui se bonifie avec les écoutes. Comme si Bowie était facile à appréhender... "Station to station" est une excellente chanson. +1 étoile pour la façon dont elle évolue et monte en puissance.
Golden!
It's 3, but I'll give it 4 because it's Bowie
8.5/10
YESSSS DAVID BOWIE AGAIN 10/10 BLAH BLAH BLAH IDC
Diner vibes. A lot and not a lot of emotion at the same time, long songs but short album, great as a whole
Not listened to this album of bowies before but can confidently say its my favourite of his. Some great tunes on here
Really enjoyable
Probably a top 3 Bowie album. The first time I listened to this I kinda felt like I got hoodwinked into liking it halfway through the first song, has only grown on repeat listens. The rhythm section on this album is on point all the way through but particularly on Stay. One of his best. 4.
Once upon a time this one didn’t resonate with me. But now I get it.
Had not listened to much by David Bowie but enjoyed this album. Some slower parts in my opinion but overall enjoyed.
Summary: A surprisingly diverse array of tracks that showcase Bowie's prowess when tackling many different musical genres. Instrumentation is fantastic throughout, and Bowie's vocal is mature yet whimsical. It's so difficult to label this music with a particular style, but of course that's the virtue of the Bowie. The only real drawback is that it's not simple music, and could take a few listens to really "get". Station to Station: a dramatic, exotic, eclectic mix of instrumental weirdness. Also, for what it's worth, incredibly groovy. Bowie's voice is very strong here, exploring some self-harmonising that keeps the backing from getting too repetitive. At 5:20, there's a mood change with a faster tempo. You can tell that Bowie's really getting into it in the latter half of the track. Golden Years: Bowie perfects the craft of funk here. The percussion is subtly and precisely chosen, the harmonies make masterful use of the lush dorian mode, and the guitar is just the right level of grungy. A light-hearted foot-tapper with not a single wasted moment. Word on a Wing: Some weird chord progressions are presented here via a confidently-played piano. The lead vocal is very cutting in the mix, and the song is generally just a little louder than I feel it should be. Still, who am I to question the Thin White Duke? The section between 3 and 4 minutes balances the instruments' volumes noticeably better. A very expressive song that probably would've been more meaningful if I'd paid attention to the lyrics. He title-dropped a few times, I think. The organ fadeout is good but feels a little low-effort for ending side 1. TVC15: Side 2 begins with a bluesy number you might expect from the Stones or rock-era Billy Joel.. The bass is quite prominent here and the lines are solid. The vocals carry those confident, swaggery inflections one would come to expect from the piano man. There really isn't anything questionable about the track, except perhaps the song title that you're forgetting even as you read it. Stay: Whoa, that percussion. Soundscapey. The bass is even more prominent now and it's approaching "thats darn fire" territory. Everything's working together perfectly here, and it's complex yet simply groovin. Wild Is the Wind: Probably the simplest track, instrumentally. Bowie's vocal is, again, very strong here - possibly the best it's been yet. The guitars overlaid onto each other are yummy (ear-yummy, I guess). Great track.
4.1/5 Best track: Station to Station
We're still not at peak Bowie but this album is great. It's Bowie growing as an artist and exploring some and leads into some of his best work. Wild is the Wind is easily the standout showcasing the depth of Bowie as an artist and Stay really exhibits some of the funk that grew his earlier albums. It's almost wild to say an artist is starting to really grow on their 10th studio album but that's what is going on here. The 3 after this are regarded as 3 of his best, and I'd say the next 4 are all easily near the top.
Captivating composition. I feel the vocals could be just slightly louder on a couple of tracks.
Bowie went to a different direction stylistically compared to the first half of the decade. This album is a grower and needs more listens. I like it a lot but I prefer some of his other albums to this one (Hunky Dory, Ziggy, Low).
Good, I like the last song the most.
Cool album lots of good grooves. Have to listen to more Bowie
Thematically consistent across songs but so much diversity and richness individually. Felt like a full contribution to the world of music, like he had something to say. One of a kind with a singing voice that is growing on me lol
Not a huge David Bowie guy. But can’t complain about it.
Station to Station serves as a precursor to my favorite period in Bowie's period, the Berlin Trilogy. Low is my favorite Bowie album, and you can hear some of the sound of that album here and there on Station to Station. This album suffers a bit from the comparison, but considered on its own, it's a great album (sort of like comparing The Bends to OK Computer or Kid A). Thematically, this album is dealing a lot with transition, which is always appropriate with Bowie. Really varied sound on the album, but every single song is great 4/5
I liked this one more than a lot of other David Bowie albums. Not much to say except it was fun and I think the mixing had more depth than some other songs. It kept me interested.
Cd
Great stuff
p356. 1976. 4.5 stars Schizophrenic blend of electronica, white boy soul and hard rock with some quality tunes thrown in. Shouldn't work, but somehow it does. Point deducted for the usual 70s wankage - no-one needs a Bowie track that is 10+ minutes long - but half a point bonus for the best ever cover of Wild Is The Wind.
Wasn't sure I was going to love it at the beginning. Used to know this album only for Golden Years - a classic - but a sit down listen made me really appreciate it. Love the groove and the lyrics are pretty deep and well written. The main theme of addiction and isolation hits close to home as well. Instrumentals are tight. I think I prefer Hunky Dory overall for the moment, but I will come back to that one. Unsure about the Thin White Duke persona though. 9 out of 10. Love that it feels like a short listen even when the songs are sometimes long like the title track. Nice closing track.
4/5. It feels as though David is going through a fever dream from song to song, he is overly emotional in some songs while stating facts in others, like he is having a manic episode which I'm sure is the cocaine. But heck, did it give us a great album. I would say Golden Years is honestly one of the weaker songs on the album, but fits in with the scattered ideas throughout this one. The instrumentals are great, orchestral and pompous, like flying through Bowie's mind.
Overall pretty groovy! I wouldn't listen to it regularly, but it's got some pretty funky music.
Enjoyed this, not something I would gravitate too.
the re-listenability is high for this one. mixed feelings about the thin white duke era but such a good album. favs of the bunch: station to station, golden hour
Good.
WHO WANTS TO SEX MUTOMBO
First Bowie record, it was pretty good! Especially liked station to station.
Always good.
I can appreciate the musicianship (except Stay, I didnt like that one), but the songs worked as background music for me and I couldn't get fully immersed. Stand-out: Station to Station
4.2 A diet of milk, peppers, and cocaine and it's effects on human life. Fave songs: Golden Years, TVC15, Station to Station
I enjoyed the beats and the guitars. I liked it more than I expected to. Especially golden years. I loved the piano in tvc15. Started listening at 9:06pm 11/01/2023
Hadn't heard this one before, great stuff. Nice vocals, tight rhythm, lil bit funky. 4 (will definitely listen again)
It’s got golden years and then the rest of the album kind of goes downhill from there,i think i prefer Bowies other Albums more than this greatly.
I'm a big Bowie fan. Or am I ? This album just didn't click like his others. I dunno, I'd think even Dave would say this isn't his best. Not so sure if it even belongs on the list.
Classic Bowie, a little too short
I always appreciate that Bowie is able to elevate genres of music that I’m not typically into. 3.5/5
Very big fan of this album! I’ve never really considered myself a big Bowie fan but this album was really rock vibes and hard core and I just really was impressed. I wouldn’t even have complained if it was longer!
Short and sweet
I’m a Ziggy Stan, but can absolutely get behind the Thin White Duke era. I think this album is packed with gold for being a brisk ~40 minutes. The extended jams on most tracks really work for me. My biggest issue with Station to Station is in the vocal mixing. Outside one or two tracks like Golden Years, most vocals feel too buried when they should take center stage, as there isn’t a whole lot of unique instrumentation happening to cover for it. Great record, never not going to recommend listening to Bowie.
First two songs are great and rest of the album is solid. Only six songs.
Great, short album.
Better than Heroes, I think.
Very good