Reviews (page 10 of 14)
This was OK. I can listen to Bowie without suffering but I don't think I would ever actively choose to listen or seek out his music. He's like a TV show you watch because it's on. It's OK but you don't especially like it but you don't dislike it enough that you turn off the TV.
This is probably my favorite Bowie album without a “hit” song. Sure, there are a number of singles from this album that did actually chart very well, but it’s not like “The Jean Genie” or “Drive-In Saturday” (while great songs) had the staying power of “Sound and Vision” or “Heroes”. Maybe I’m not making much sense, but I guess my point is that this whole album is good, with very few highs and lows. Although the Rolling Stones cover is interestingly enough probably the low point. “Time” has recently become one of my favorite Bowie songs.
Hey, this is an album I've never listened to and, as usual, I really dig a Bowie album. I would say there is a *plethora* of good tracks here. I understand there's a bit of a nod to the Stones here with the cover and a couple other tunes mimicking their sound. Whenever I noticed that comparison, I always felt like, "Well, this track is better than a Stones version of this." Even the cover! This is another case where I wish we could give 1/2 stars in our ratings. I think this is a solid 4.5/5. But since I try to leave 5/5 ratings for *perfect* albums, I'll have to give this a 4/5, which seems insulting to Mr. Bowie.
Not my fav. Jean Geanie is the hit but it’s all typical, right down the middle of the road Bowie. That’s fine if you’re a Bowie super fan but it’s no Spiders or Let’s Dance.
His most iconic album cover, but not his most iconic album - it’s pretty obvious that neither the parts nor the whole match up with Ziggy Stardust, for instance. But it’s still a pretty good collection of songs, and it’s been growing on me with each listen. While it’s not a full-on Bowie reincarnation there are some hints at interesting new directions (jazzy piano, harder guitars, a bit o’ burlesque) that stop it feeling like it’s just Ziggy’s weaker little brother. 3.5
8 / 10 La portada es un icono de la cultura Pop, solo por eso tiene un punto más. Con Bowie me pasa una cosa, entiendo la calidad que tiene, lo que representó durante muchos años para la música y para la cultura en general, pero al final sus discos no acaban de atraparme pese a ser muy buenos.
One of my favorite Bowie albums. Nothing but a rating of 10/10 on every track.
Vintage Bowie. Not my favorite of his, but very important to glam rock.
Love me some Bowie. Great album. 4/5
Not my favorite Bowie album, but still an enjoyable listen.
Not my favorite Bowie still, but the back half of the album I was really into. That piano solo on Aladdin Sane is sincerely atrocious. Like, I get it - sure, but it's so deeply unpleasant to listen to it takes me out of the music.
Of its time.
First album for the listening club, here were my notes: Watch That Man - very bluesy, idk I like it. I like that “shot” on 2 in the prechorus? I’m a sucker for it, to be honest. Kind of a banger. Like the backing vocals Aladdin Sane: -piano is awesome, like the little recurring guitar lick in the verse. Kind of a weird song, huh? Definitely interesting. Idk, I like it. Piano gets super weird in the instrumental section, we kinda get into like some free jazz shit and the bass is holding down like one central harmony. Pretty bold! Feel like it fits the vibe to be honest, “A Lad Insane” anyone??? Dude is going insane on the keys for sure. I feel like the “weird, off kilter” vibe is definitely intentional. I can see how some people wouldn’t like this, but I think I do. Drive-In Saturday - a little doo-wop thing going on. Like the bgs a lot in this one. Bowie does some good vocals on this, especially near the end. Panic In Detroit -cool percussion, I like the guitars a lot in this one. Bass is kinda doing some heavy lifting. It’s ok, doesn’t stand out to me too much but I don’t dislike this one. Really like the instrumental bit at the end. Some kinda nasty guitar tones lol. Cracked Actor -Lot’s of blues influence on this album for sure. This songs got a great groove, especially on the chorus. Time: Kind of cabaret style piano that I really like. Read on wikipedia this song got banned on the BBC for saying “wanking” which is hilarious. One of my favourites so far. Idk fellas I really like this one. Could do without the “la’s” at the end, though. The Prettiest Star - agree with Luis, great guitar tone. It’s ok. The lyrics are cute though, however feels a bit out of place for me because the rest of the album so far seems to be a bit “heavier” lyrically, but idk. Noticing on a lot of these sounds the outros are quite long. Outro goes on a bit too long for my taste on this one specifically, I’m over it Bowie, let’s move on. Let’s Spend The Night Together: Rolling Stones cover. Read on wikipedia that several critics considered it “a gay appropriation of a heterosexual song” which is… something., they were on some shit in the 70s huh? Very campy, I actually haven’t even heard the original song, lol, so I have nothing to compare it to. The fading out of the instruments at the end is kind of cool conceptually, but not sure how I feel about its execution. The Jean Genie: -off the bat.. excellent title. Idk, feel pretty mid on this one tbh. Feel like I can’t really come up with anything interesting to say on this. Lady Grinning Soul: Tbh the piano player (Mike Garson) was kind cooking on this album. This one is really good, I like that twinkling piano, the overall vibe of the song, it’s very cool and mysterious. One of my favourites. Super cool arrangement. Stands out from the rest of the album, for me. Overall: -pretty good. I’d say on first impressions, I’d give it a 3/5. Some stuff I liked, some I didn’t. Favourites were Watch That Man, Aladdin Sane, Time, Lady Grinning Soul (I liked this one the best)
Not done but rocking
It was only a few years ago that I learned about the "a lad insane" wordplay. Sounds a little like a Ziggy Stardust fan club release. A big step down from that record in terms of songwriting ambition, but that's a bit like mocking a mountain for not being as high as Everest. Mt Whitney is a better analogy. Highest peak in the lower 48 but not even close globally. So, not a top tier Bowie album in my view, but still very satisfying for those of us who felt Ziggy left too soon but absolutely wore out that album.
More David Bowie! This one isn't quite as chockful of radio-hits as some of his other albums, but it's still very Bowie (and the Spiders, of course). I don't think I'd have even realized that this is a semi-concept album (with Aladdin Sane as Ziggy in America) without reading the Wikipedia entry for the album, and I'm not sure whether that's a good thing or not (to be unaware of the subtext of sorts). This album wasn't as interesting to me as I'd imagined it would be, sadly, but I did enjoy hearing "The Jean Genie" again, as well as "Time" and I also enjoyed his cover "Let's Spend the Night Together" (although it definitely doesn't rank up there with great cover songs). I *did* like the idea, though, that David Bowie seems to have found touring America a bit like watching roadkill ("appalled and fixated" simultaneously), and this found its way into the album, plus what I imagine was a pretty stressful tension between being a star and a grueling tour (and recording) schedule. There are times in the songs that I'm reminded of Steely Dan, oddly, although David Bowie's voice is pretty distinctive, and it's pretty clear that the Rolling Stones were a strong influence on this album.
never one of my favorite Bowie albums but I'm enjoying the jazzy stylings in the title track and the piano throughout the album is great (almost as if he just discovered the piano). Music bounces, rocks, rolls, and drives though Panic in Detroit, Cracked Actor, andthe Let's Spend the Night Together cover though the songs themselves aren't so great. Time is weak but builds to occasional great spots. Jean Genie is the Bowie I know and love.
DAORA
Another Bowie album. He's definitely leading the appearance stats now. Either in title, or lurking in the background. All solid, but again it left me a bit cold. I'm yet to succumb to the brilliance of his works. I know he's good, but I just haven't ever been drawn in enough to be enveloped. A 2.5 rounded down.
had some great songs but others weren't as good
non proprio cinque stelle, ma quasi. che mito, che leggenda.
Beh raga è David Bowie
Quarto album del grande Bowie che mi capita. Purtroppo non ne ho ancora trovato uno da cinque, mi spiace per questa leggenda ma sono sicuro che prima o poi ne troverò uno
I’m done with Bowie
Warning: Large amounts of cocaine were used in the production of this album.
Var ikke sånn super spesielt 3.5
Second best Bowie album I’ve heard - very classic rock
Even though this one's in the accepted canon of great Bowie albums, I've never listened to it much. Shame because I enjoyed going through it, I thought it was more straight forward than ones like 'Low' or 'Heroes' which I love, but there's still a good amount of weirdness in it. And Bowie's songwriting is obviously always on point.
2,5
Every time I listen to this I hear something new. THIS TIME, I heard a running theme, both romanticizing and eulogizing someone's gauzy, distant view of a pop culture that never was. Like all the Glam was just for show, and underneath was something less appealing, strangeness that is no longer interesting and exciting but bitter, ungrounded, untethered. Often the lyrics go off the rails of saliency, and this state of mind is further illustrated by Mike Garson's solo at the end of the title track. Like a stage set that we get glimpses of an unkempt chaos behind it. But just glimpses. Things are starting to fall apart. Or maybe just change into something else.
Love Bowie's style. Lots of fun songs, Cracked Actor was really catchy.
Bowie was not my favorite artist.
This one just doesn't do much for me.
I just can't get excited over this
Meh
Bad singer lmao
Meh. The piano player is great, and it's clear that Bowie is a skilled songwriter. Outside of the first track, nothing that remarkable IMO.
First listen through nothing really jumped out other than Jean Jeanie and the cover of Let's Spend the night together. I let this play in the background about 3 more times and more and more things started to stand out. Overall, this was a solid album that just lacked the typical amount of Bowie radio singles I knew.
Classic of my youth
I'm a big Bowie fan, but haven't listened to this one yet. It was a lot of fun and I'll definitely listen to it again. It's not a 5 probably because I have to compare it to Ziggy Stardust. The album as a whole doesn't have the same impact as that one.
I listened to this album several times hoping that I'd uncover something amazing. After all, it's David-effing-BOWIE. And yet... I wasn't amazed. This album felt quieter than other Bowie songs I've heard in the past—almost subtle, in a way (which is *not* a word I'd typically associate with Bowie). I got the most enjoyment from this album when I could fully listen to the ways the musical layers intertwined. There was a chaotic beauty in the playful background piano with the more prominent melodies, which hinted at the artist's powerhouse potential. And yet...nothing (apart from "Time") stood out to me. I really hope the David Bowie fans don't crucify me for feeling lukewarm about this album. Since it was the first Bowie album we've had in the 1001 project, I'm hopeful that another of his albums will strike me more.
Good album
Not nearly as good as The Rise and Fall. Won't put this one back on.
Fun
I found this one lacking
Great Bowie album
It was pretty mediocre. I expected more. Wasn’t horrible but not my personal taste. Chaotic at points and kinda jazzy in some songs. The chaos was kinda cool and I want to like it. I liked the prettiest star and lady grinning soul.
one of my favorites
Heavy metal bass, jazz piano, funk drum, oh David Bowie, textbook of being playful.
Perhaps it was just my mood when listening to it, but I couldn't get into the album. I appreciate Mr. Bowie as an artist and the album has a lot of character, which I do enjoy very much, but for the music itself it was unfortunately a miss this time.
It’s Bowie!
Didn’t really get into it tbh, will have to relisten
Well it's David Bowie tf d'you expect
Possibly my favourite Bowie so far, wouldn't listen again though.
Art.
Some good songs, some get lost
Tja. Momentvis ok, ind imellem skrækkeligt, men man kan godt høre hvorfor han er et household name.
Det var en fin nok oplevelse. Men lidt... Maah...
Ziggy Stardust perioden er ikke min favorit Bowie. Der er nogle fine elementer, men lidt for glammet
Not THE seminal Bowie record but still a great listen
Important Glam Rock track. For me, the tempo seems off and doesn't seem in the same caliber of Electric Warrior by T Rex, which came some years ago than this.
hmmmmmmmmmm 5* seems disingenuous. 88/100
Love it
I am sad that I didn't discover this album sooner in life. Lady Grinning Soul is a stand out song for me. It is a slow ballad that is melancholic for an experience the listener has never had but understands well. There is an guarded approach for optimism at the end with both Bowie and a guitar singing, but fading away. Brilliant album.
Solid, innovative rock album
A beautiful slice of maximalist campy glam rock from one of my favourite artists.
3.5
As a life-long Bowie skeptic, this was surprisingly not hateful - I enjoyed the jazzy piano bits and the rock and roll songs.
amazing album, very revolutionary and it's very different from any other albums at the time. Yay to Bowie
I think I'm learning I'm just not a big David Bowie fan (this is the third album I've listened to.) It just doesn't really stand out to me as anything particularly special? "Lady Grinning Soul" is a great song, but the rest of the album is just good. A few better than good moments, like the piano solo in "Aladdin Sane", stand out, but on the whole, good not great.
David Bowie es uno de los artistas fundamentales del Rock. Especialmente en los 70 donde publicó una serie de discos excepciones, y Aladdin Sane es uno de ellos. Continuación de Ziggy Stardust, hasta el personaje lo es (aquí nace el rayo rojo y azul) y epitafio del Glam, que cierra una etapa gloriosa con Diamond Dogs (previamente había matado a Ziggy en la gira de Aladdin Sane en el concierto de Hammersmith Odeon). Aquí hay sonidos estonianos con Watch that man que abre como un tiro, Panic in Detroit o su versión de Let´s Spend the night (anticipio de su siguiente disco Pin Ups...), jazz (Aladdin Sane), Roxy Music (con saxos por todo el álbum) y también más duros seguramente influido porque produjo Transformer (Lou Reed), mezcló Raw Power (The Stooges) y estuvo en la gira de los New York Dolls. En el Reino Unido se le criticó por haberse vendido al imperio yankee (Ziggy goes to America, como si fuese algo despectivo), aunque el paso del tiempo ha puesto este disco en su sitio. The Jean Genie (ese riff es Blockbuster de The Sweet) y Drive-In Saturday son dos de sus mejores canciones. Para mi, Jean Genie está entre su 5 mejores temas de toda su discografía. The Pretiest Star es un tema recuperado y mejorado, con Ronson que en esta etapa estaba a un nivel inigualable, asumiento el papel de Marc Bolan. Cracked Actor (entre los Stones, T Rex y el mejor sonido setentero) tiene un excelente estribillo. Time (con referencia a las new York Dolls) es una canción para perderse en ella, una de sus grandes desconocidas. En realidad no hay un solo tema malo, aunque se ha criticado que le falta algo de cohesión frente a sus anteriores y capitales obras, es un disco que se puede escuchar del tirón o por partes y el resultado es el mismo: soberbio. Este una de las cimas del espectacular 1973: Dark side of the moon, Catch a fire, Raw power, Band on the run, New York Dolls, Aladdin Sane, Berlin, Let´s get it on, For Your Pleasure, Call me, A wizzard/a true star, Innervisions, GP, Tubullar Bells, Houses of the holy, Quadrophenia, Selling England by the Pound, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (y Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player), Killing Me Softly, For Your Pleasure...
I have yet to listen to a Bowie album in its entirety and not love it. This is no different.
This may be blasphemous but is Bowie just a more boring Elton John? This album felt very similar to Yellow Brick Road to me, but the songs never managed to hit the same highs. None of them really swept me away. I'm not a fan of the kind of talk singing he does, it's similar to Nick Cave but Bowie does squeeze some singing in there. I don't think I'll be adding any of these songs to my playlists. 5/10
Not as good as ziggy stardust but still great, favorite song: cracked actor. The last song is beautiful as well. Probably will get better with more listens, so therefore a 4
Idk why Bowie doesn’t do it for me
Another Bowie.
geweldige intro, soms wel de vocals die wat stiller zijn dan het instrumenteel dat ambetant is. Goeie korte consistente tracklist. cover van the stones is ook wel goed eigenlijk. beste: watch that man, the prettiest star, jean Genie Slechtste: Alladin Sane (de piano solo)
Struggled with this one. Don't usually mind Bowie, but there was nothing on this album to grip my attention.
Panic In Detroit and Jean Genie are the songs remembered from when the album came out. They’re also the best songs on the album. He’s got some out of tune piano on a few songs, but it’s covered well with creative lyrics. We like (not love) Aladdin Sane (2.7*s)
What's with this crazy piano playing? I thought I was on a Bowie album not in a jazz bar at a carnival. Ok, it's glam and it's jam but it's not cohesive at all. This album is not my fave but the cover art is so iconic. It really makes you rethink an album art's importance overall and I wish I liked this record more. This was a miss for me because I don't even like "Jean Genie."
Another meh one from Bowie. I only liked Jean Genie...the rest are all pretty skippable. Cover is iconic with Bowie looking like a weirdo. I guess you had to be there to get why it's on the list...1.75.
As much of a Bowie fan I am there are better albums by him. I imagine the aftermath of Ziggy Stardust and Bowie's rise to stardom at the time is a huge reason this is held in high regard. It's not a bad album but there isn't anything special beyond the imagery of the Aladdin Sane album cover. A couple of songs are decent but overall the album is relatively "meh". This is probably one of the the albums that deserves to be brought up in discussion (mainly as a follow up to Ziggy) but probably doesn't belong on any must-listen lists. 2.30 stars
Disappointing. I'm a fan of David Bowie and heard this was his best. Absolutely disagree
Watch That Man // The Jean Genie // 3.5/5
Nothing really stood out to me, but it was a nice listen 3/5
Bowie is in full Star mode. Glam Rock at its tightest, heaviest and dirtiest I can’t believe I slept on ‘Cracked Actor’. Damn what a great tune.
Just not my jam
Not my favorite Bowie album, what did Ian Curtis see in this one? The soulful Bowie began to emerge here, so it’s important in terms of his evolution but I dunno, just wasn’t it for me. Can I review The Man Who Sold The World
a few amazing songs
This was okay. A couple of standout songs.
Insane. 5
Watch That Man - 4 Aladdin Sane - 3 Drive-In Saturday - 3 Panic in Detroit - 3 Cracked Actor - 3.5 Time - 3 The Prettiest Star - 3 Let's Spend - 3 The Jean Genie - 3 Lady Grinning Soul - 3
Aladdin Sane by David Bowie Monday 6/10/2024 2:30 A Tier————————— Watch That Man Jean Genie B Tier————————— Drive-In Saturday Panic In Detroit Lady Grinning Soul Let’s Spend The Night Together Cracked Actor C Tier————————— Time The Prettiest Star Aladdin Sane
Classic Bowie. Great songs that you definitely want to hear again. Alladin Sane was the best song on the album.
I didn't like Bowie back in the day. I was more of a folk rocker type, Laurel Canyon, etc. The whole glam rock thing kinda made me shake my head. 2nd track, the wacky piano and free section is superb! Really lifts up a mundane track, best one on the record! Time: Bowie sings his heart out! Really nice. Bowie has great chord changes, arrangements and lyrics. The album is very rock oriented, and unfortunately it doesn't do much for me. Sad face here, another effort I want to like but don't.
Not the best Bowie by any stretch, but I will always appreciate the insane piano solo in the title track.
Really like the piano. Not a huge fan of the album overall but it was decent.
One of his best
That poor piano. He’s beating the snot out of it.
Good listen, but I was expecting more from Bowie
Didn't really wow me all that much
David Bowie$
This daily challenge has made me a David Bowie fan, but this one doesn't feel like it's as much of a standout as his other albums. Gets better on re-listen, still good, but if I hadn't've already enjoyed his other stuff, I probably would've rated this a little lower.
A spectacular and ageless work of genius. Favourite track: Lady Grinning Soul
Liked it a whole lot
This album was mostly new to me but enjoyable because Bowie
I’m finding Bowie is an artist I like more in theory than in practice. Might just need more reps. Also, Jean Genie was ripped off for Gold on the Ceiling by the Black Keys.
Still too wack
A bit all over the place and adventurous sonically not my favorite Bowie album but worth a relisten soon.
3 Bowie records in six days, huh? Between this and back-to-back k.d. lang's/near-back-to-back Rufus Wainwright's, y'all need to get this randomizer in check. Anyway, another solid Bowie record, what can I say? "Panic in Detroit" is particularly a favorite for me here. 4/5
SLAPS from every direction
often forgettable, but the heavy piano songs made me happy
Ziggy’s darker, weirder younger brother. I get why this album hasn’t had the same level of staying power because the mix isn’t that great and it’s not super immediate, but still a strong and rewarding album with a lot of interesting twists. Best song: Cracked Actor
Super well known album cover. The songs were not big hits, but they are all awesome. Wide range of styles, jazz, punk, rock, avant garde. Another fine David Bowie project. Did he do anything bad?
5 stars for the starman. In this digital age I do miss sleeve notes though. The LP had the city that each song was composed in against the track. discogs has the info but its not really the same ...
Now Bowie is a weird one. An undoubted musical genius. But there is a lot of his stuff that simply doesn't do it for me. I have a couple of his 'best of' albums. But no proper ones, and this one demonstrates why. As far as I'm concerned there is just too much crap on it. I mean, the good ones are really good. But the crap ones are really crap. Would I buy it ? Almost definitely not. To compare this to the previous album. That was a collection of almost entirely above average songs. This is an album with a few really excellent songs and a whole load of utter tripe. A low 3 for me. A *very* low 3.
I think I must be a David Bowies Greatest Hits kind of guy. Whenever I listen to an album I just don’t get into it. A solid 3.
The sound of Ziggy trying to be more Iggy, but with added vaudeville keyboards. I have an unconscious bias against DB, as well with early/mid 70's music in general, but it was hard not to like this. He rocked out in all the right places. I only knew 2 songs and one of those was a ropey cover of the Stones. However that didn't matter and I enjoyed it for what it was. A 3 star.
3.75
Почему на дистанции он ощущается лучше? 4/10 = 40%
It's Bowie. A little weird, but always a jam.
Just an OK record from my perspective. It was fine but if I'm honest I didn't find anything really inspiring or impressive here.
Bowie is mid to start, and this is mid-mid.
It's overly dramatic, but that's glam rock for you and this is pretty much peak glam rock. More musically diverse than Ziggy Stardust, but not as impactful. Still not a huge Bowie fan, but he does what he does well. A solid album that I don't enjoy that much on a personal level.
We all love aladdin sane, don't we folks? (It's pretty good. I liked it less than the Berlin albums)
Very fun. Not my favorite Bowie album, but still a great listen. 8/10 Would I listen again? Yes
Josiah - 4 Elen - 4
It's not Bowie's best album, but it might be his most interesting, and that's saying something. It's also the inspiration for my Inforoo avatar.
Feels like a polished barroom band but with more sophisticated arrangements. Keef and Jagger through a Bowie filter.
He's so inconsistent but maybe his best imo
This album was very difficult for the first 3 songs when it picked up and became tolerable. i respect Bowie as an icon, but in regards to his music, apart from the one song : sound and vision (which is one of the most wonderful songs ever-not on this album) I have rarely enjoyed any of his music (oh of course don’t forget Starman!)
Legendary album, full of great songs, perfect intro to his seventies material.
Nothing really stood out for me. Didn't mind it in the background.
Crazy bout Bowie. Ziggy. The Duke. Pretty sane for Aladdin.
You know, I love Bowie, but I really only know a small handful of albums, his hits and his ubiquitous impact on culture over the last 60 years. This is an album I had never fully listened to--as far as I can remember--and it's obviously great. I think at this point, I don't have the space to dive deeper in to Bowie. I'll give it a 4, we'll see if I ever dive in again.
I didn't love this - a bit too honky tonk, a bit too by the numbers rock'n'roll. Feels like Bowie lost his way in the USA. Still quality though, but I'd leave this out of the 1001.
Not my style
Standard Bowie
Favourite song - Aladdin Sane
Stop giving me Bowie albums. I DON'T GET IT.
good
Not my favorite album from David Bowie
4/19/24. Love David Bowie although this was my first real run-through of Aladdin Sane. I loved the energy and jazzy elements of this, and the harder driving rock songs. Bowie is an artist that can't really do any genre wrong.
It was a pleasure to listen to, literally two tracks caused rejection, but the rest were excellent.
Not my favorite Bowie album but still one the the best glam rock albums I’ve heard. It’s not a genre I usually gravitate towards but it’s clear Bowie mastered the sound and will be coming back to this one hopefully
David Bowie steht für Qualität. Nicht sein bestes, aber ein sehr gutes Album.
It's hard for me to pick a favorite David Bowie album, after "Blackstar," but "Aladdin Sane" is my favorite Bowie song. This album, as most of his, has several hits and monumental songs, and it is a journey through several different moods and sounds. It is definitely one of his best...of which there are many, in my opinion.
Not his best, but a welcome addition to a catalogue full of great 70’s pop music. Doesn’t quite have the identity of Ziggy or the Berlin trilogy
Classic
Good album. Not as many familiar songs for me, but still enjoyable. 3.5/5 Might listen again
Bowie at his best
Lyrically brilliant, detailed, and narratively driven, this album is one to read along while you listen. Hook-wise, you have less than many Bowie outings but standouts remain including the title track, Jean Genie, Cracked Actor, & Stones cover Let's Spend the Night Together. Many of the other songs such as Drive-In Saturday rely on more of a baroque approach to melody. Lots of Stones references throughout from the blues rock of Jean Genie to a lyrical Jagger name-drop to an actual Stones cover. Ultimately this is a fantastic album that I know solidified his fanbase but is one I revisit less than other Bowie albums. Every time I come back to it I get entrenched in the lore a little bit more, and find new things to appreciate, such as the avant-garde pianist Mike Garson whose really makes the album come alive for me during his standout moments. Looking forward to spinning this one more and more.
I always thought I didn't like David Bowie. It turns out I just don't like his hits which they always play on the radio. This album surprised me very much because I enjoyed it much more than I expected. I particularly liked the final song.
¡Qué bueno!
Aladdinsane is a great album, one that I tend to always chose over Ziggy Stardust when I want a fix of glam-era Bowie. Surely a 5* review then? Actually, no! Despite a near faultless first side, there are a couple of real clunkers on Side 2. 'The Prettiest Star', though a huge improvement on the original 1970 single version, is still a weak track and, as for 'Let's spend the night together', I can't think of any less necessary cover of a Stones song. Those disappointments aside, 'The Jean Genie' and 'Time', whilst good, are totally outshone by the final track, 'Lady Grinning Soul' which is beautiful, sensual and sultry. Side 1, however, is where the album's real strengths lie. 'Watch that man' is a strong opener but still outclassed by the four tracks that follow. The title track is moody and beautiful, Mike Garson's jazz-inflected piano holding it all together. 'Drive in Saturday ', a homage to doo-wop is lovely and 'Panic in Detroit' has a fantastic riff from Mick Ronson. However, it's 'Cracked Actor' -a sleazy number both lyrically and musically - which really hits home. Overall, an outstanding collection of songs, slightly let down by a couple of uncharacteristically uninspired water traders on Side 2.
There is an awful lot of Bowie on this list
Gran álbum de Bowie, pero no de lo mejor de este. Igualmente de este LP resulta una gran mezcla, profundizando en el trabajo anterior con un sonido más americanizado. Muy buena tanto la composición como la ejecución. FAVTRAXS: Watch That Man, Aladdin Sane, Cracked Actor, Time, Lady Grinning Soul LEASTFAV: Let's Spend The Night Together 3.5/5
Classic.
It was okay, in a rather bland, generic way. The epitome of a 3-star album.
Let's Spend The Night Together (Rolling Stones cover) Jean Genie
Bowie doing Bowie things here. Not much one can say about this album that hasn’t already been said better. It’s a phenomenal album. Traipsing through a myriad of experiences and emotions this was a transformative time for the Thin White Duke.
Love it. One of those albums I can listen to with no skips, with a wonderfully electrifying end.
Not my favorite Bowie but this record was great.
I think I am becoming a David Bowie fan. I really enjoyed this album. I didn’t enjoy it as much as Heroes…but it really grew on me and even if there are no more Bowie albums in the list, I need to check more out.
Better than the last Bowie album. It is good, but I would not choose to listen to this album, but would enjoy the songs if they came on the radio.
I want to be cool and like David Bowie… but I just can’t get into it. It actually started really well with watch that man. And I thought that I’d like the whole album. But then it got more experimental and nothing flowed for me. I just couldn’t get into it. Call me a basic bitch I guess.
Beautiful piano riffs on this album.
this is dad rock now and im disappointed
Not my favorite Bowie... classic album cover though. Still, it's Bowie so it's at least a 3.5 - 4.
Brilliant album by David Bowie but some of the strange piano playing particularly in the album title Aladdin Slane is not for me. I found the second half of the album much easier to enjoy
I wanted to like it more
I love Bowie’s voice, very theatrical. It feels like you are at a stage show in a past that doesn’t exist. Overall, not the most gripping of Bowie tracks here, but still a very worthwhile listen.
At the time, this must have been insane to hear. Some of the piano work is incredible.
muy chulo
Never listened to Bowie but this album has some great rock from the 70s
Really good listen from start to finish and probably more of a 4.5
Bowie all glammed up which tends to be my favorite Bowie. I love his version of Let’s Spend the Night Together.
It was OK. There were some strong contenders like drive in Saturday in panic in Detroit. But the album did feel like a concept that they try to do in multiple ways which sounded repetitive. And some of the actual piano was so disjointed, that it made the groove unpleasant such as Aladdin sane. Ziggy started us is my favorite Bowie album.
10/10
Enjoyed. Embarrassing how poor my knowledge of his back catalogue is...
Great album with some really great grooves. Not my favourite Bowie but it still gets you track after track.
Straight into it with the piano - did Bowie play or did he just sing? Is this the third album in a row from 1973? What a year if so! Lyrics in Time are absolutely mental Lady grinning soul is my favourite. What a tune. I liked it but it’s not really my taste so I’ll agree that it’s good but I can’t give it the same number of stars as miles Davis
Bowie - vielseitig. Manches ikonisch - anderes verstehe ich nicht …
another masterful work by the king of 70s glam rock, including a great cover of the rolling stones’ classic “let’s spend the night together”. a fine effort all around. highlights: “drive-in saturday”, “cracked actor”, “the jean genie”
A boring Bowie album. Now I’ve heard everything.
Funky, quirky, British. Fun record with a theatrical feel to it. Bowie is a unique one for sure.
This is not one of Bowie’s best, but it’s fine, the piano is a bit dissonant at times, but the tracks are generally engaging.
Have I heard this album before? No Highlights: Watch That Man, Drive-In Saturday, Panic in Detroit, Cracked Actor, The Prettiest Star, Let’s Spend the Night Together, Jean Genie, Lady Grinning Soul Rating: 8.8/10 I’m a big fan of Bowie from what I’ve heard but hadn’t got round to this yet. It feels like Ziggy 2.0, with the glam dialled up and the guitars really rocking on a few of the tracks. Another excellent Bowie album.
not a bowie album i've listened to a lot, but a good one - 4 stars
Rock, Pop, Jazz, 1973 -> 3
didnt make me a bowie fan but it fits in with most of what I listen to. 3
Meh
Another Bowie album. Decent, just not my favorite Top tracks: Drive-In Saturday, The Jean Genie
A decent enough album by Bowie, who is obviously the GOAT but probably not even within his top 10 albums. 3.6
Undoubted genius he is I do have a love hate relationship with Bowie. I always like bits of his albums but these are often inter-spread amongst other tracks I just do not get. It’s not that these tracks are bad but they just go in a direction I don’t want. This album is a great (bad) example of this. Prettiest Star is a lovely song and Jean Genie a great dance track. The piano bits on the title track are brilliant and weird at the same time. I find myself liking a few bars before it veers off in a different direction without resolving itself. I suppose this shows the brilliance of the man striving to push the envelope and coming up with something new. I appreciate why this album is considered a classic but for me it misses the mark. 2.5/5 (3 because it’s Bowie) 22/3/24
Warum nimmt der sich so ernst? Die Musik macht nicht Spaß. Eine Effekthaschereimusikshow. Was gibt mir das?
yet another bowie album! probably the PRETTIEST bowie album i've heard out of the bunch. not only is his songwriting at its peak around this point, i also have to give props to the pianist, mike garson. seriously there's so much life in this album and those amazing flourishes make you feel like you're in heaven.
Not my thing in all honesty but it has a lot of interesting components that doesn't make it as boring as it could have been. A few well appreciated tone shifts. His voice isn't exactly what I go for, but it fits the music. Therefore: 3 golden stars.
Fun and showy pop music. The seventh Bowie album I've gotten. Another good one
Pretty good, better on the second listen through.
Bowie!!! Minus the Stones cover this is a classic!!!
I absolutely love David Bowie but this not my favorite work of his even though it is iconic in it's own right. It starts out like any rock n roll great of its time but as the album goes on he reveals his more and more of his experimental and emotional piano side to balance it out. I love his voivlce sing just about anything. Not as many memorable hits on this one. I would have given it a 3.5
A rocking album, but nothing that really stood out to me
I know everyone was enamored with Bowie in the 70s and this was his signature/most iconic look. But so far I don’t see the hype. Drive-in Saturday is a good track. I don’t get the hype.
Certainly not the best Bowie concept album (are they all concept albums?) but I enjoyed it for the most part.
3.9
This album is so weird. I want to like it buy I just don't know
So. Much. Piano. Love love love
Great album. Very bluesy
it sounded good, it got me in the right mood, it fel good and it was also bowie. Its in a range of 7.5-10.0 yet and would need some relistens but for now i gonna go with 5.0/5.0
Day 2 of back-to-back Bowie. I prefer 70s Bowie.
One of his most twisted collections. So many different thing in play on this album. Such an interesting follow up to Ziggy but stands on its own.
Another Bowie album listened!
Very American in the 70’s. Predated a lot of the early 80’s
not my favorite Bowie, but good stuff overall
I enjoyed the upbeat feel of the opener and hoped I’d be in for more. The album did deliver. It was a good experience! The low point, in my opinion, was the title track’s freestyle piano solo. It was jarring and it’s inclusion didn’t seem to add much. Basslines do it for me and I felt their presence and sound take center stage for me on a few songs and elevated the experience for me. Groovy beats and riffs found all through the album. Lyrics were different. Maybe it’s just the difference between American and British pop but I found it hard to stay engaged at points due to not really following what point was being made. Maybe don’t look up the lyrics beforehand?
1973; A great year for music. How does one follow up one of the greatest albums ever made? Awash with new stardom, its' changes remind me of other English musicians retrospectives of their success as they tour through America for performances and inspiration (tranquility base, etc.) It's not as gripping as Ziggy and there are no distinct mind-blowing standouts, but it's still a great David Bowie album with a lot of interesting influence, especially on piano. 3.5/5
Listened 3/15/24. This album was the second Bowie record I listened to growing up, the first being "Let's Dance". Boy were they different, but I just loved this record. It is a classic for me.
I liked it! Good tracks and over all a fan of majority of the songs.
Very interesting. Mood shifts from Pink Floyd, to dance tracks to lyrical voacl tracks.
Favourite tracks: jean genie; let's spend the night together; time; Aladdin sane; watch that man
i always have a tough time picking a favorite Bowie record, but this is definitely in the running. so great all the way through. the Stones cover is clearly the weakest song, but i don’t think it’s too bad. everything else is fantastic, especially Drive-In Saturday which is one of my absolute favorite songs of his.
Aladdin Sane to me is the sequel to Ziggy Stardust. Glam rock abounds as well as just some hard rock. Panic in Detroit and the title track are among my favorite Bowie tunes but the whole album is a great listen. Classic album from a rock icon.
Good but nothing stood out.
This is the sound of too much cocaine. I wish I could say that this is a good album, but it just isn't. There's not a single compelling track on this thing. Jean Genie might be the closest we get, but it's still utter nonsense. There isn't a single coherent idea to be found anywhere near this album.
This is one of the most epic, timeless albums I’ve ever listened to
I like Bowie. I don’t love Bowie. This album fits right in with that. I didn’t hate listening to it but it doesn’t do a lot for me. That damn awkward sounding voice. The instrumentalists were pretty awesome at times; I loved some of the jazz/rock/avant-garde/chaotic piano solos. Overall? Meh.
Zadnja pjesma wow
Good 80s rock
awesome.
Hunky-dory would’ve been a five from me
i love bowie but i never got around to listening to this album in full. drive in saturday is amazing and i loved the prettiest star too. the rest is really good but i dont see myself coming back to this much when low and ziggy exist. it is probably the best album ive gotten from here so far but i cant give it more than a strong 7.
Certainly not his strongest album, but I am a huge Bowie fan so my feelings on his work is heavily biased.
Enjoyed it but nothing that will really bring me back to it.
While some of the songs were catchy and I enjoyed the guitar riffs, there were times where the sound was far to outlandish for my taste and I couldn’t get behind his voice. I don’t necessarily think this is a bad album, just maybe more a “you had to be there” type of album.
It's certainly an iconic cover, but I found myself bored through a lot of this and resenting that we needed a ninth album of his, which is my least favorite so far.
Another album that I would have otherwise passed by.
This was very easy to listen to three times.
This is the NINTH David Bowie album on this project. 9! And amazingly, I don’t begrudge such a presence when the albums keep finding different ways to surprise. While this clearly was continuing along the glam rock Ziggy Stardust line, I was surprised that I had never heard the opening track “Watch That Man” before - it is already one of my favorite Bowie songs. How have I never heard this song? Is that shades of doo-wop on The Prettiest Star? And a cover of Let’s Spend The Night Together? Wasn’t expecting that. The only song I recognized was The Jean Genie. So yeah go ahead - 9 albums suits me fine.
It’s maybe my favorite Bowie album, partly bc it has great flow.
I listened to his earlier stuff but not his one. It's a good album. Mick Ronsons shies on it.
This is my seventh David Bowie album to review, and like several of his albums, I found this one to be fine. The only song I was familiar with on this album prior to listening to it was "The Jean Genie," which I think is one of Bowie's better songs. It's interesting listening to this album as a follow-up to Ziggy Stardust, because I liked how this album picked up the rock and roll sounds of Ziggy Stardust, and took them in a different direction. I enjoyed the blues and jazz elements that were used throughout the album, and I think those influences helped Bowie add some depth to an album that was more pure rock and roll. The guitar playing was good, especially on "Watch That Man," and I love the harmonica on "The Jean Genie." The biggest detractor for me on this album is that the sum is far greater than the individual parts. Some of the songs were really forgettable, and there was some really discordant piano playing on a couple of the songs that really turned me off. Still, this is album was an interesting part of Bowie's career, and a pretty well executed rock album.
Good album - Cracked Actor was a standout. The Jean Genie as well.
How do you rate a Bowie album on one (or two) listens?? Sure, that could be said for any artist/album but it seems especially resonant with Bowie. On a first listen, I liked a few songs but feel this would especially benefit from repeated listens over weeks/months.
This album is part of Bowie's glam period. Really weird, but good. I like how Aladdin Sane was meant to be the American Ziggy, and was an anagram for " A Lad Insane", which was how he felt about his newfound fame surrounding the success of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. That being said, I think that the slamming on instruments section of the song Aladdin Sane was meant to represent someone losing their mind. Fuckin deep stuff. This was the last album to feature his backing band: The Spiders From Mars too. I also find the cover art is such an iconic image of Bowie, with the lightning bolt makeup. This album partially suffered from directly following Ziggy Stardust and kinda got overshadowed by that fuckin smash of an album. Kinda in the same way Fleetwood Mac's Tusk was overshadowed by Rumours. This album was different, but still really solid! Favourite songs: The Jean Genie, Let's Spend the Night Together, Watch That Man, Cracked Actor, Panic in Detroit, Time Least favourite songs: Lady Grinning Soul 4/5
I was expecting to like this album a lot more than I actually did. There were some of the progressive elements of the music that I really enjoy and he is obviously a talented singer, musician, and performer but a lot of the songs just didn’t hit right for me. The piano oftentimes felt jarring and not as well-integrated in some songs and a lot of it just felt very Billy Joel to me.
Classic Bowie, good stuff
Nicht das beste aber ich mg david
Love love love!
I feel like I should like this more than I do. 3.
I feel like everyone around me loves Bowie. No matter how hard I try, I just can't get into his music. The excessiveness of glam rock just isn't for me.
Not a huge Bowie fan but the album was fairly enjoyable. Dragged a little in the middle but Jean Jeanie followed by Lady Grinning Soul was a great closing to the album
"Time fell wanking to the floor"? What does that mean? It's a quotation. A quotation? What from? It isn't Milton and I'm pretty sure it can't be Wordsworth. It's Bowie. Oh. And is this David Bowie too: "My body disgusts, damp grease wafts sweat balls from sweat balls and thigh fungus"?
Jean Genie saves this from being a 2. Most of the songs felt incoherent and roughly patched together from the discarded riffs and lyrics of other better songs
It’s not quite on the level of some of the previous Bowie albums we’ve had on the list (Hunky Dory & Ziggy Stardust), but good stuff nonetheless. Simpsons: Yes
Mixed album. Some horrific sounds on there. But a few good tunes as well. The Jean Genie is quality, don't think I ever realised that was Bowie. I'm generally just not a big fan. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Some good songs but it didn’t do much for me as an album. It’s Bowie so it’s still good but not great
It's not Ziggy or Station-Station, but still Bowie. Jazzy, groovy, weird, rock, ballad, swingy, Bowie. Often sounds like he could be a muppet in a good way. Songs feels like plays at times, where you can almost see the curtain open to reveal more band and bigger sound for the finale.
Not my favorite of his albums but a great listen with some really cool ideas happening throughout.
This album would be the crowning achievement for 99% of artists, and you could argue that it's not one of Bowie's 3 best albums. Favorite track: The Jean Genie
I was not familiar with the deep tracks on this and really enjoyed most of the Album. The foundational riff in “Panic in Detroit” is quite an infectious hook. That and “The Jean Genie” alone gets it to 3 but not quite a 4. I liked some of the others as well. I’ll go 3.5 rounded down.
I remember when this album came out and I was a bit disappointed at the change in direction from his previous albums. Apart from the singles "Drive-In Saturday" and "The Jean Genie", the rest of the album, especially the discordant title track didn't really impress me.
Wow how to rate this one? An album I’ve been hearing ABOUT for decades but had never listened to. I remember 1973. Don’t recall hearing music remotely like this from anybody else. But does originality, being cutting edge, always mean good? I felt nothing listening to this album. I respect that Bowie pushed the limits on the fashion world, explored sexuality/gender issues. I know this album was influential in shaping music going forward. Does that mean I should rate it higher even though I have zero interest in listening to it again? I will ponder this question until “star time” tomorrow.
It was fine didn’t blow me away
This album rips! Arguably the heaviest Bowie got on his songs. But it's also quite psychedelic. His band is great too on this album. The songs have an edge to it and some double entendres worked throughout. Standout tracks: Watch That Man, Aladdin Sane, Drive-In Saturday, Cracked Actor, The Prettiest Star, Let's Spend The Night Together, The Jean Genie, Lady Grinning Soul 9 out of 10
Fun! Loved the piano in the songs.
As this started and the first two tracks didn't blow me away there was a moment when I feared Bowie was overrated. The the third track played, and the fourth, and so on and this album turned out pretty great. Favourite track: Drive-In Saturday.
4.5/10 the one song with the wrong notes fucking pissed me off
Aladdin sane was god awful. I hated it. Rest of the album was pretty alright. Would have gave it a 3 star if I didnt have to listen to Aladdin sane. Drive in Saturday 👌🏻 Cracked actor 👍🏻 Prettiest star 👌🏻 Lady grinning soul 👍🏻
good
David Bowie - Aladdin Sane A. Lad Insane Recorded after Ziggy Stardust and mostly written while in America, Bowie reflects on his new stardom through this new character. I enjoyed this one. 3/5
Great David Bowie album. Really good and fast paced.
Couldn’t finish it…
Didn’t hate it, but didn’t really like it either.
Not bad, not great
I liked this quite a bit but I don't know if I'd come back to it.
Liked it but plenty skippable tracks, not his best but maybe cause I was in a monday mood
Definitely an "overlooked" album in the Bowie catalogue, but certainly representative of his glam rock period.
Oh yeah, I've been waiting for this day to come. In my opinion David Bowie is the greatest of all time. He's my all time favourite artist. No one else has maintained as much cultural relevancy while being as influential and successful, while continuing to experiment with their sound than he was. Great album. I know there's some more Bowie albums on here and I can't wait to have an excuse to relisten to those either. I almost always listen to at least one of his studio albums every single day. Or one of his live albums as of late. His output is legendary!
It’s Bowie.
Wherein Bowie becomes, for better or worse, L’artiste. Not my favorite. Probably won't listen again.
And now I know why other people likes David Bowie
Not my favorite Bowie album but still.
david bowie just does not make music i enjoy
Love Bowie - and this has one of my favourite songs of his on it - Drive in Saturday
The emotion is just not there for me lol. Some bob dylan 70s vibes on a few tracks which I guess is alright but I’d rather just listen to him. It’s too theatrical for me. The last song “lady grinning soul” packed a little bit more emotion (more of a typical dramatic “end of the film” Bowie vibe) but still wouldn’t really listen to any of it again. :( lol
Watch That Man - 8/10 Aladdin Sane - 8/10 Drive-in Saturday - 8/10 Panic in Detroit - 9/10 Cracked Actor - 8.5/10 Time - 7.5/10 The Prettiest Star - 8/10 Let’s Spend the Night Together- 8.5/10 Jean Genie - 8/10 Lady Grinning Soul - 9/10 TOTAL - 82.5/100
Glammy
Astonishing as usual. Bowie never fails to impress me with his work. An absolute force of creativity, style and innovation, I can see much of what influenced the modern years hard rock in this record, definitely worth many re-listens Fav tracks: - Aladdin Sane - Cracked Actor - Let's spend the night together - Lady Grinning Soul
Bell’album, glam ma anche quasi punk. Ho adorato le commistioni esotiche in alcuni brani, come la Title Track e Lady Grinning Soul. Voto 8/10
Honky tonk space opera. Saxaphone! The lyrics on the edge of falling to pieces but always catching an edge of reality. Some great guitar riffs.
I like his music! However, this album is not so cool than the best ones.
Not my fav Bowie album. A few good moments. Won’t listen again.
Holy FUCK title track is insane. The dissonant piano solo is incredible. Drive-In Saturday is awesome Time is a stand-out. Super good glam piano rock I'm fucking with this HEAVY I LOVE The Prettiest Star. Doo-wop-ey. Great shit Let's Spend the Night Together is very fun. Great energy from the piano and drums. The Jean Genie is definitely a low on this album. Still solid but somewhat repetitive without much interesting going on. Lady Grinning Soul is beautiful. Soft acoustic guitar coupled with a subtle yet dazzling piano. Holy fuck. Didn't know Let's Spend the Night Together was a Stones song. Cool Need to listen again but after first listen it is a SOLID 9/10.
I only knew this album cause of the very iconic lighting bolt face album cover. There are some great tracks on here though. Panic in Detroit's cool jungle beat., Watch that Man's solid/catchy chorus. Cracked Actor has a nice bluesy beat to it. The title track has an unhinged piano solo. Time is definitely one of the best David Bowie songs I think. Lady Grinning Soul is also maybe one of his most beautifully composed/produced songs. A solid addition to his catalog even if the back half didn't stick out as much to me.
SUPER ALBUM COOLCOOLCOOL WOW ZIGGY ZIGGY J’AI PAS LE TEMPS DONNE MOI L’AUTRE
Bored
Not his best but a classic. Lots of great songs and experiments post Ziggy that have a clear connection to Diamond Dogs.
Impressed that this came out in the 70s but isn't doing much for me today
The cover art is a solid 5. One of the most reproduced and recognised bits of face painting ever. The tunes are not Bowie's best work. They kinda just flow on from previous works with more generica than he is know for. Still better than a 3 though.q