Reviews (page 9 of 14)
Bowies glam rock phase is my favorite. I'm not as much a fan of the experimental title song, but the combination of this album and Ziggy Stardust is a one-two punch on ho-hum rock that has never been forgotten. 4.5/5
Il faut aimer David bowie
He wasn't quite there yet on this album.
David Bowie – Aladdin Sane Aladdin Sane opens with two tracks dominated by Mike Garson’s extraordinary piano work. On the title track, Garson delivers an extended solo that veers into avant-garde jazz, and it’s clear he’s having an absolute blast. Opener Watch That Man is a driving piece of rock and roll, steeped in a Stones-inspired swagger, complete with fantastic backing vocals and bold horns. While Watch That Man channels Bowie’s love of the Rolling Stones, Drive-In Saturday pays homage to ’50s doo-wop with a futuristic twist. Bowie doesn’t sound like he’s imitating; rather, he embodies the style so naturally that it feels effortless. It’s the difference between someone speaking a language conversationally and someone fluent in it. I love how the song closes with those smooth, repeating backing vocals while Bowie lets loose over the top. Panic in Detroit is another standout, driven by a hypnotic Bo Diddley rhythm and elevated by Aynsley Dunbar’s percussion, which was added after Bowie and drummer Woody Woodmansey clashed over the original drum arrangement. The gritty guitar riff complements the urgency of the song, giving it a relentless energy. In contrast, Cracked Actor is rawer, almost stripped-back rock with a bluesy edge. While it has a certain bite, it feels a little too straightforward for me, lacking the complexity or flair of the album’s other tracks. Time is where Bowie dives into theatrical cabaret, complete with surreal lyrics that make you pause (“You’re not alone, you’re watching yourself but you’re too unfair”). Garson’s piano work shines once again, adding a bohemian flair to the track that is nothing short of captivating. The Prettiest Star is a gentle ballad at its core, but Mick Ronson’s expressive guitar tone and David Sanborn’s jaunty saxophone elevate it to something special. It’s also nicely paired with Let’s Spend the Night Together, a raucous and unapologetically energetic take on the Rolling Stones classic, filled with frenetic piano and pounding drums. Unfortunately, The Jean Genie doesn’t leave as strong an impression for me. While it’s a Bowie staple, the bluesy riff feels a bit too repetitive and lacking the inventiveness that defines the rest of the album. Then there’s Lady Grinning Soul, the breathtaking closer. It’s Bowie at his most poetic and dramatic, blending lush piano arrangements with soaring vocals. Garson’s intricate playing and Bowie’s impassioned delivery make for an unforgettable finish. Bowie has always been an artist I’ve admired more than loved—his genius is undeniable, but many of his works have been hit or miss for me. With Aladdin Sane, though, this is Bowie I get. He’s audacious, versatile, and completely at home in every style he explores here. I absolutely loved this. Standout Track: Lady Grinning Soul Score: 5/5
Gött glammigt sound. Andra låten med dess utomtonartliga pianosolo är för artsy-fartsy för mig men annars är det lagom flippigt känns det som. Behöver en lyssning till
2 Bowie albums in a row? Once again, Bowie confirms to me that he’s a weird guy who makes weird music. This album has no skips, but I preferred Station to Station to this one.
Troche posłuchałem, no był w porządku Prettiest Star mi sie podobało i Time, w niektorych piosenkach dla mnie za długa forma troszeczke lub za malo wokalu
Well, it was a matter of time before I started getting David Bowie's albums out of chronological order. After my run through Young Americans, Station to Station, and Low, I get to go back and check out Aladdin Sane. After the success of The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, Bowie was able to write and record one more album with the Spiders albeit under a different persona from Ziggy. This time he was Aladdin Sane, a rather witty-punned name for a man who embodied what Ziggy would have been like if he went to America and embraced the glam rock and urban decay rampant at the time. As a result, the album of his namesake becomes a good, sometimes great, schizophrenic experience. Continuing from where Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust left off, there are a fair amount of delectable rockers here such as opener "Watch That Man", "Drive-In Saturday", "Panic in Detroit" and "The Jean Genie" which share Bowie's knack for writing songs with strong hooks in observance of the surrounding culture. In addition, there are some songs such as the title track, "Cracked Actor", "Time", and "The Prettiest Star" that show cracks in the foundation, where the sprawling madness takes over as Aladdin is found struggling with the glitz, glamour and the death and destruction of oneself in dealing with vanity, violence, and anxiety. That said, as much as I enjoy Aladdin Sane in its insanity, it's also a double-edged sword in that the overall album feels less cohesive. Between the maddening deep cuts and the more straightforward hits, not to mention the cover of the Rolling Stones' "Let's Spend the Night Together" that's not doesn't capture the same highs as the original, there isn't much in the way of tying it all together. This is certainly the point if you think about the Aladdin Sane persona and what it represents, but the tracks don't coalesce as well as they should. I still enjoyed Aladdin Sane for what it is as a Bowie fan, and highly recommend it. Even if the album is a mess, it is still iconic in its insanity.
whatever girl
3.5/5
Odlican album! Neke pesme nisu kliknule ali sve u svemu a good listen, 4/5
Ok
Piano playing on this album is absolutely top notch.
Bowie. He was cool. Miss him.
It’s half-good. There is certainly some insane piano playing. If tattoos had been a thing back when I was in high-school, the cover graphic would probably be on my body somewhere. 2.5 stars.
Very dated. A couple of very good tracks but not for me.
I may not like Bowie's glam phase as much as most (my love for the Berlin years is without limit though), but this is a classic in every sense of the word, maybe not as many anthems as Ziggy, but makes up for it in breadth and inventiveness.
Fantastic album. Love the raw guitar and bass on "Cracked Actor" and the chaotic piano on the title track.
4 stars
Bowie at his glam peak.
Typical Bowie album
Decent glam rock as expected from Bowie
Not my favorite Bowie, but I liked it
David Bowie has this unique ethereal sound in his music that makes it stand out, and I feel like that's most present on this record compared to his others. While it doesn't sit as high as Ziggy Stardust for me, this is still a very good album. Favorites were Watch That Man and Time
I love just about everything David Bowie touches, and this is no exception. Probably his most iconic look. Doesn’t quite reach the heights of a Hunky Dory or Ziggy Stardust. Cracked Actor is easily my favorite song here. I love the heavy distortion used. Favorite songs are Watch That Man, Cracked Actor, Time, and The Jean Genie.
234/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
David rarely disappoints. We actually shared a manager with him for a brief time. He was a bloke on a mission. His vision was to sexualise asexuality. Hard work with a band like Houmous and Chutney. We had to sort of be gay but also nothing at the same time. It worked for a short while before the sexual tension between me and Len got too much. We called it a day and moved onto a new manager before we both made a mistake we would regret. We didn’t want to damage our chemistry on stage. 4.4
Wonderful
Garaon’s piano takes this album to the next level.
Not my favorite Bowie album, only a few good songs rest of the album is weak
In my opinion, this is gleefully wallowing in self-indulgence and pretentiousness, and I especially had a hard time with the piano on this. I really just think Bowie is not for me.
Nope, none for me. This one is just. Not like the rest. Earlier albums had direction, sound, "cool." This one is a last gasp for the Era. Bloated with sound that doesn't do it and a stones cover? On to the next era.
Honestly was excited for this one but ultimately felt a TINY underwhelmed by it. Still super solid, but Bowie definitely has better tracks than most of the ones on this album imo
First album post Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust so first album recorded post becoming a star and Bowie immediately starts experimenting more and more. This is a Top Bowie album and that is really saying something.
I haven’t heard every Bowie album, but this is near the top three of the list. Sidenote- it’s wild how some artists are so overrepresented on this list that you can create ranked sublists of just their albums.
I just can't get into Bowie
Not my favourite Bowie, but some nice tracks regardless.
He looked a lot like Che Guevara, drove a diesel van Kept his gun in quiet seclusion, such a humble man The only survivor of the National People's Gang Panic in Detroit, I asked for an autograph He wanted to stay home, I wish someone would phone Panic in Detroit Yeah, this is a pretty good album. 4/5
Nice album with experimental note, and good guitar sound (riff and solos) also the piano is very present
1. Watch That Man - Aikansa musiikkia. Ihan menevää muttei mitään erityistä. 2. Aladdin Sane - Paljon mielenkiintoisempi kappale kuin ensimmäinen. Mielenkiintoista pimputusta. Ihan fiilaan tän erikoisuutta. Hauska leikittely. 3. Drive-In Saturday - Tykkäsin tästäkin. Kivan kuuloinen kaikin puolin ja sanat sopii hyvin tähän kaikkeuteen. Quuen viboja mutta saattaa vaan johtua aikakudesta. 4. Panic in Detroit - Täki oli ihan hauska tarina tai niin mut kiva kuunneltava. 5. Cracked Actor - Tyksin ihan tästäkin. Menevää mielenkiintosia sanoja. Yeah 6. Time - Ehkä toistaseks lemppari. Tykkään tän tarinasta ja sanomasta. Myös toki siitä miltä tää kokonaisuus kuulostaa. Erottui edukseen. 7. The Prettiest Star - Täkin oli ihan kiva. Simppeli ja vaihteeks kiva nytimekäs. Skittat on jees. 8. Let's Spend the Night Together - Tykkäsin tästäkin. Jotenki herttanen lol Kivaa kokeellisuutta. 9. The Jean Genie - Tä kuulosta siltä rock 'n rollilta jos mietin jotain stereotypista. Ihan fiilaan. Kiva ja lempeä. 10. Lady Grinning Soul - Tää on joka mun lemppari tai toisiks lemppari. Piano on rakkautta, kitarat toimii vokaalit ja sanat. Täydellinen lopetus albumille. 4
The great thing about David Bowie albums is that everyone has a different period/album that is their favorite. My wife's favorite era/album is "Let's Dance". I think mine is a tossup between "Heroes" and "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars". But regardless, no one is wrong in their choice (except, of course, those that say their favorite is "Never Let Me Down"...). My biggest thing for this album is that the order of the songs is is not great: "Time" should be the closer. It was the closer for a number of his shows in 72-74. There are a few songs that are weaker, like "Lady Grinning Soul". It doesn't help that it's the last song on the album. And the cover of "Let's Spend The Night Together"... what was that about? It just seems a little rushed to me. "Panic In Detroit"... I had heard a different take of this first, but this is better, really. "Drive In Saturday": I get the whole doo-wop thing, but it sounds a bit cheesy. The chorus is the best part of the song. "Cracked Actor" is a bit of a stomper, but "Jean Genie" is better, really. So as a whole, there are a lot of good to great songs, but the few weaker songs drag it down from classic to really, really good.
This isn't Bowie's greatest work, but it's still solid. From the guy who more or less invented glam rock, he showed us different ways to do it on this album than on Ziggy Stardust. It's got a little more rock edge than you might think from listening to some of the tracks - Aladdin Sane (but what a cool piano solo), Drive-In Saturday (nice sax though). Time has more of that typical glam feel, combining a more pounding piano from Garson (at least in the chorus) with big guitar riffs from Ronson. Songs like Watch That Man, Panic in Detroit, and especially Cracked Actor are more guitar heavy glam rockers. So is his remake of the Stones' Let's Spend the Night Together (though Garson's piano still rocks in it). I've got to say I don't know many of the songs on this album - I guess they don't have radio appeal. The lone exception is The Jean Genie and yeah that is a rocking beauty. I feel like more of these songs should be notable. But ah well. Don't overlook this album just because it only has one notable single. Especially if you love glam rock. Again, it is a solid album.
5 out of 5. Another album where I can't say anything that hasn't been said already.
Classic. Obvs enjoyed.
I don't really understand the praise that Bowie gets in general, and this album was especially mid
Amazing time in Bowie’s career
Weird mix of a Bowie album and a Stones album.
Positively surprised. An artist I thought I didn't like without good reason. But the album was quite easy to listen to
I know David Bowie is such an iconic artist but I just don't get into him. I'm gonna have to cut it short. 2 stars.
rest in peace mister bowie
3/4
Rock opera and English rock and roll, two genres which really don't do it for me. It sounds like the Stones attempts at blues/gospel, which is also crap. Fair enough he was on tour in the US and influenced by the American sound, but it falls flat where Ziggy soared.
Watch That Man 3.7 Aladdin Sane (1913-1938-197?) 3.7 Drive-In Saturday 3.6 Panic in Detroit 4.1 Cracked Actor 4 Time 3.8 The Prettiest Star 3.5 Let's Spend the Night Together 3.7 The Jean Genie 4 Lady Grinning Soul 4 Score: 3.81
Some amazing moments!
Didn't care for this one too much for some reason. It's here and there, like most glam rock of this era. You've got bizarre "avant-garde" piano solos ("Aladdin Sane"), a unique rendition of the Rolling Stones' "Let's Spend the Night Together", and some blues (continuing the Stones influence felt throughout) in "The Jean Genie". I've heard better Bowie records, but this one has its moments. Wasn't enough to keep me coming back, unfortunately.
Can’t go wrong with a bit of Bowie :)
Not really a favorite Bowie album. It was just ok.
I don’t know what it is but I really had a hard time getting into this. My favorite was “The Jean Genie” 2.5/5
Not a bad Bowie Album.
A very good David Bowie album.
Before Absolute Beginners there was Absolute Rubbish (sans Jean Genie). No wonder he killed off Ziggy months after this came out.
Classic!
7/10 mostly solid Bowie. 11-7-2024
Ehh dream Jeannie a great one. Some others, not so much
It was OK but I like some of Bowie's other songs much better.
I really enjoyed the diversity in the tracks on this album. A lot of these songs I was not familiar with and Bowie's creative and eclectic vocal prowess is on full display in every track. Listening to this album was a very enjoyable experience for me.
lifelong bowie fan but this wouldn't even crack my top ten bowie albums. doesn't do anything ziggy didn't do much better.
Like every other David Bowie album, I listened to this way too many times because I couldn't figure out whether I liked it. Probably why David Bowie was my top artist last year. I feel like I always zoned out after the 4th song. Rest of it is fine. Panic in Detroit! Low 4.
I liked this. Didn’t like it a 5 tho.
5/10 - on the title track David Bowie went way to hard on the keys. Some of the other tracks were pretty good but nothing was great.
As far as Bowie goes this was really good. Maybe my favorite Bowie yet. Great album
Neither fish nor fowl.
Brilliant. Up there with the best Bowie albums. He is a machine and the piano playing is otherworldly.
Fiiiire in contention for fav bowie album wow fuhhh
Finding that I really enjoy Bowie, despite not listening to him a ton before this 1001 albums endeavor!
Really liked this. Not my favorite album of his, but still really good. Favorite track was Cracked Actor, loved the opening chord.
Great album. Love Bowie
Amazing
Muy delicioso
Oddly heard Billy Joel in a couple songs.
interesting
Bowie at his most mid...
As far as Bowie albums go this one didn't really stand out, enjoyed "Time" and Jean Genie is always catchy but otherwise a bit underwhelming. Also wasn't a fan of the Rolling Stones cover. I like Bowie, but this era wasn't it.
once again i am spiralling into existential despair over apparently not really liking david bowie all that much?? this was fine. there were some cool moments. there were also some screeching and discordant ones. i don't KNOW, i can't do this much soul-searching anymore!!!
every new david bowie album i get on here, i learn that i really don't care for his music outside of the big singles. this album is a whole lot of nothing. sometimes it's fine and the songs are just like, suffragette city-esque b-sides like the rest of his songs where he thinks he's really jamming, but some like the title track are just him trying to be challenging and see how much his fans will put up with before getting up and turning off the record player. ultimately there's nothing really notable here and it's more a waste of time than anything. no thanks david. favorites: panic in detroit, let's spend the night together (which is a cover, lol)
Aladdin Sane is of course a good record and it came out in Bowie’s prime, but in all honesty, compared to a record as good as its predecessor (Ziggy Stardust), the songs on here feel like they’re missing a hook to them to get you to come back. Bowie’s personality and energy is totally there, but the songs just don’t stand out nearly as much as a lot of his other work.
Very good album - knew some of the songs but had never listened to it all before.
Overall: 8/10 Wow the generator saw my review from yesterday and said "I got you, fam". David Bowie is easily one of my top 10 favourite artists of all time, but this album never connected with me as much as some of his other works. That being said, I really enjoyed it on this listen! Maybe it just needed time to click for me but I really love the elements that gave me pause before (it's an incredibly excessive album). So glad to have more Bowie love in my life! Still not a Hunky Dory or "Heroes" but I'll still be adding most of these to my library! Fav Song: Cracked Actor Least Fav Song: Let's Spend the Night Together
its david bowie
Bowie is still a little too cool for me.
Bowie being Bowie Not my favourite, but still good.
Not my favorite. I wasn’t really in the mood for it I think. If I was in a more chill mood I’d enjoy it a bit more.
Bowie REALLY sucks. I wish this app would make me stop listening to him
This shit is fucking beautiful. Sensational start to finish. Another stunner from Davy Jones. Wouldn’t say it’s as successful as his previous, or even the one before that, though. T’wasn’t as cohesive. The thread of continuity was thinner, but still there and still strong. However, knowing that an artist can do better may take away from the initial reaction. I know he can achieve “Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide” so why am I getting a cover of “Let’s Spend the Night Together”. The finale was incredible, though. I still love the whole thing. 4/5
Very cleared following on from Ziggy stardust, does have a feeling of this was on that albums cutting room floor. Still some great songs although the jazzy interludes I could leave 3.5*
I wish I liked it better, it's obviously good music but failed to grab me sadly. Had some great piano bits.
I’m just not huge fan of these concept and character albums of Bowie. It had a couple of good songs on it, hence the 3.
I could say I’m sorry but I’m not his voice is just annoying. I can only tolerate a certain amount
Another day, another Bowie album. I get that he was a super influential pop figure but he just wasn't a good enough musician to warrant the 8 or however many albums he has on this list. His voice is mid, songwriting is mid, overall feel is mid. I really don't see what's so special about his music. It's totally mid.
meh. it's another David Bowie concept album.
I guess Bowie isn’t my cup of tea… sorry
Not a fan of the style...
A bit subpar.
I really like this album, it has a good mix of songs that build solidly. The only thing is, some of the singles feel tacked on, as good as they are (i.e. moving from The Prettiest Star to Let's Spend the Night Together to Jean Genie).
Definitely not at the level of his previous albums, but still enjoyable.
Stark contrast to what I’d listen to, but nice album regardless
One of my all-time favourites. The guitars are so chunky. The ballads are graceful and elegant. This might be my favourite Bowie album. Lady Grinning Soul is too good.
Slightly annoying to jazzy piano in 2nd part of the title song. Other than that, nothing too memorable.
Sparkle rock and roll.
famously much more difficult to conceptualize as a Cohesive Art Object than its older sister ziggy stardust, but i can at least buy the Rock Star Neurosis that ties some of the songs together and works well enough as a flavoring for those it doesnt directly concern. the songs are pretty good too! not accounting for the boldness of ziggy's overall style at the time its probably the more musically adventurous album...the kind of loosey-goosey creative rainbow i always enjoy hearing from artists i like, esp a creative maverick like bowie. but if im gonna have any more insightful takes or whatever i think id need a level of investment in bowie overall i dont quite have, to rly mingle with those finer details and small differences. also finding out jean genie was the hit is kind of strange!!! the 70s were weird, man!!!
A bit heavier than I would have expected, unusual, big, dramatic writing and chord progressions, heavy Queen vibes on this album.
Classic era DB. first after Ziggy and this one is def "glam rock". Slightly messy production but it is still v good.
Is it pronounced “Bowie” or “Bowie”?
He went on bit of an unbroken run of genius albums, didn't he?
One of his best. 5/5
Bowie Banger (9.95) ★★★★½
I don't really get Bowie! Most of this seems uninteresting to me, and only a few songs make any impact on me
Excellent follow-up to The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. Bowie gets a little less glammy and a little more rockin'. Highlights include "Panic in Detroit", "Cracked Actor", "The Jean Genie", "Drive-In Saturday" and a rockin' cover of "Let's Spend the Night Together". 5 stars.
4.5
Super iconic early 70s Bowie album. The one after Ziggy Stardust. One of his artiest yet glammiest and rocking. It’s also pretty hokey and uneven with just a couple of glorious tunes like Drive-In Saturday and Jean Genie. St*nes cover Let’s Spend The Night Together is a proper rollicking highlight as well. Title song is actually hideous and definite lowlight for me. 3.5 stars.
It’s a Bowie album from the 70s. Very similar to the other 2 albums of his on this list from the 70s. I like Bowie……but not as much as the author of this book.
I'm just not into Bowie enough to make it through another album. I tried and failed
good
Glam Rock reminding me vaguely of a rock opera, like The Rocky Horror Picture Show while missing the iconic pictures.
After taking a short break from listening to a new album every day (I may have some slight commitment issues), David Bowie made it pretty easy to get back into the swing of things. I really loved the dissonance of the piano in the title track, it's jarring enough to make you pay attention to the music but not so offputting that you want to skip to the next song (which can be a fine line to walk). My favourites were Drive-In Saturday and Cracked Actor but that's because I'm a sucker for anything written in 6/8 time. The rhythm of both of those songs made me wanna get up on stage and dance like Miles Teller in Top Gun Maverick (you know the scene I'm talking about on the beach). Time sort of went a bit Phantom of the Opera which again I loved and rounding it out with Lady Grinning Soul was just **chef's kiss**.
I really like The Jean Genie, but the rest of it does nothing for me so 2 stars or D+ is my rating.
This was an interesting album. It’s a mix of 70s glam rock, experimental art jazz, and melodramatic rock opera. It feels a little longer than its 40-minute run time, but I liked it a lot. It definitely grew on me with a second listen. The first track kind of sounds like a mix between Tom Petty and the Rolling Stones (and there’s actually a Stones cover on here — “Let’s Spend the Night Together”). Both “Time” and “The Prettiest Star” could be Queen songs. You can also hear the influence of his friend, Iggy Pop. There are also clear blues and 50s R&B influences underlying a lot of the songs. Several of the songs are kind of abstract and a couple are nearly nonsensical. I guess this was the peak of Bowie writing snippets of lyrics and throwing them in a hat. And cocaine. So much cocaine. This album was hugely influential on Robert Smith, and I definitely hear it. I guess that’s where the ideas for some of The Cure’s crazier experimental sax pieces came from. 4.5/5 — not quite as good as Ziggy Stardust, but definitely one of the better Bowie albums.
Loved Jean Genie and listened to a few other versions of Let's Spend the Night Together
Meh, good cover but not many standout songs
Bowie… nuff said
Bowie-Rock aus den 70ern. Wild, abwechslungsreich. 3/5
This is a great album. Compared to Bowie albums. I like others better and I hope they are on this list too (this is the first one for me so far) Still, Aladdin Sane is wonderfully executed
Better than his weird stuff, this was ok to listen to, but I still don't get David Bowie even after so many albums. Stand-out: Panic in Detroit
Time and The Prettiest Star are two of my favorite Bowie songs but it just falls a little short of a 5 star rating. Maybe 4.5 but there are a few other better Bowie albums out there
Solid Bowie
I like David Bowie well enough, and this album is no exception. I liked it better in a second listen. 3.5/5
I loved 2 songs on this album and loathed 2 songs. Everything else was meh
Yes
Of the Bowie songs, it has a few
Amazing, the backing musicians really add another level to some first class songwriting. Not quite a five as there are a couple of weak points.
Much as I love Bowie, I’m not sure this one needs to be on the list.
Meh? Better than what came later but nothing standout.
It's good. Actually it's probably very good. But I was meh on it.
Rounding a 9 up to a 10, honestly really good and consistent album, no issues at all, Bowie being good what he's good at
Y'know, I can't say I really dug this album the first couple of times I heard it. I'unno, putting in contrast against the two Bowie had released before this—HUNKY DORY and gawddam **ZIGGY STARDUST**—mixed with the fact that, for some reason, I just couldn't get a handle on it... That's why, at the same time, I was both looking forward to giving this thing a second chance and worrying I still wouldn't find anything to speak about. So, I wanna thank this four-star review of the album I found on this website that said, simply, "Elton John if he was edgy." And it all clicked. Like, this is glam. This is heavy glam rock—why didn't I hear that before? Holy shit, it's heavy glam, and it's **so good**. All the heavy guitars and the melodies and the horns and the background singers and... Well, the everything. And there's so much everything, goodness. And I wanted to say it didn't have the same sense of theatrical greatness that the last two albums had, but then "Time" happened and shut me right up. If I can reference another review, a negative one this time: it **does** sound like a rock opera. And that, on top of the glam, is why I feel so happy giving this thing a complete 5/5. Which kind of feels strange? I mean, check my history; I didn't even give HUNKY DORY a 5, and I said that was my favorite Bowie album. So, is this my favorite now? I mean, for as great as I've found ALADDIN SANE to be, it doesn't have "Changes", "Oh! You Pretty Things", "Queen Bitch", or "Life On Mars?". I'm not sure if any individual song on here quite matches up, so for that reason alone, I'll keep saying HUNKY DORY's my favorite Bowie album. But as a complete album experience, until I get to hear ZIGGY STARDUST again, ALADDIN SANE will hafta be happy with second place.
Just some absolutely exceptional tunes, which just goes to show how much Bowie was on a roll with the writing during his Golden Years (ba dum tss). A very solid 5, maybe even a low 5.5 if that was possible.
I’m at a 4.5 that I’ll generously bump up to a 5 – this is the second time I’ve given a 5 to a David Bowie album. I was sort of wavering between a 4 and a 5, but I just enjoyed this enough to give it a bump – I do think it doesn’t quite get to a 5, but it’s certainly higher than a 4. This is David Bowie’s “American” album, and it’s rather obvious in the instrumental influence – gone are the days of ch-ch-ch-changes and all that. I’m exaggerating a bit, but this is really unlike his other albums we’ve gotten so far; we’re talking about watching porn at drive-in theaters, doing coke, and getting head in Hollywood. This guy’s a rockstar now, or at least Aladdin Sane is. I think the piano really stands out on this album – I’m a sucker for a good piano, but I can’t say I’ve ever really heard it used as a storytelling device for a sort of insanity meter. It’s present throughout almost every track, and it really decides the tone that Bowie just sort of follows. Obviously, there’s guitar, horns, some great percussion throughout, but the piano just cuts through like a knife on all of them. Aladdin Sane is the standout example of this – the smashing of the damn keyboard makes for a rather visceral tone rarely expressed around this time. Ultimately, I think whatever he was going for here, he completely succeeded – if this is his “American” album like I think it is, then it’s rocking, it’s gritty, and it’s more American than Young Americans was. It’s a super fun listen, that does dive a bit into what I suspect is a genuine growing insanity from Bowie at the time, but he channels that energy into a really fun rock album. I do kinda wish there was a more bombastic Life on Mars-esque track here (unless you count "Time"), but regardless, I liked it. Totally fine with bumping it up to a 5.
Good -it’s Bowie but not right up there
Still not a Bowie fan
Absolutely golden.
Idk something about him I’m always a fan
Really not his best work A bit disappointed
Facilmente se reconhece a importância. Mesmo não conhecendo nenhuma música.
Amazing. Every track a banger. All the opulence and excess I want from glam rock. I'm glad this came up pretty early in my 1001 Albums journey because it made me recalibrate my stars.
Third Bowie album so far and it is my least favourite of those three. He is becoming an artist I am less excited to listen the more I listen.
We’re all Aladdin Sane. Nearly every Bowie album is five stars for me dawg.
I didn't love it, it was okay but one early track was too experimental and I just felt sad. It's a valid emotion to have obviously but I don't think I was paying enough attention to the lyrics etc for it to have had a profound effect on me.
7,7
4,5
Not bad, maybe not my cup of tea. I liked Watch That Man and Let's Spend the Night Together. Some of the stuff felt kind of wacky and experimental.
Glad to have listened to this album once. Not something I would listen to again.
Not a fan of dissonant jazz elements. I prefer Bowie's rock influenced albums.
It's actually crazy that David Bowie has among the most albums on this project yet i am only doing an album of his when I'm 240 albums into this project. And yes, Aladdin Sane was a great start for my journey through all of his albums. This album had a fun jazzy, swingy rock like sound which always felt fun to listen to and Bowie's presence also really added to the fun factor to this album. It also felt like this album got the length just right unlike the last two albums i did which felt too long so here every song feels way more memorable. Yep, i really do like this one. Best Song: Cracked Actor Worst Song: Drive-In Saturday
Prima album, maar absoluut geen Ziggy Stardust.
Der er sgu nogle bangers på den her. Beg har aldrig tænkt på, at det lyder som Elton John, men jeg er enig!
Har ikke de stærkeste individuelle sange, men en af mine yndlings-Bowie plader! Det er den ultimative lyd i hans glam-æra
Pretty Elton John'sk. I liked it, but had a hard time actually rating it. This is a strooooong 3++
Very experimental album, I can appreciate some artistic music, but just not always the best to listen to without headphones.
Not his best but still good and a solid 3. Time, Aladdin and Jean standouts
Pretty good, but only a couple great songs. I don’t see myself returning to this album like I would with other albums from Bowie.
Not a Bowie I was very familiar with aside from the cover. Very good, though not as good as Ziggy in my book.
I’ve heard a lot of Bowie in my time. Some awful, some fantastic. This falls somewhere between the two. I wonder if I’d give this another star if this list weren’t making me so sick of his music.
I’ve heard the name of this album for years and only once I actually listened to it did I understand the pun in the title. Go me. This is the third Bowie album I’ve had, and I think I like it the best. It starts off hot, cools a little with the title track, but man does it stay hot after that. It never really lets up. “Watch That Man” is such a stellar opener. It’s what I want in an opener. Couldn’t get better. The emphasis on heavy guitar throughout is wonderful and really brings in a hard rock sound I’d been wanting from Bowie in both “Heroes” and “Station to Station.” This felt more like “Ziggy,” which I appreciated. I’ve always loved hard rock Bowie and it was great to have him back. Please give me more Bowie like this. This felt like exactly what I’d expect one of his albums to sound like and I loved it. A surprising five stars from me. Excellent stuff. Standout Tracks: Watch That Man, Drive-In-Saturday, Panic in Detroit, Cracked Actor, Time, The Prettiest Star
Bowie is an artist that I've taken too long to get into, but I've grown to appreciate in the last year. The weirdness (Time or some of the jazzy piano parts in other songs) is part of the draw and appeal, but he can also put out a straight forward rocker like Cracked Actor that sounds like it belongs with any of the hard rockers of the era. The narrative carries you, or pushes you, through the adventure that Bowie was on. He's the chameleon, and is made up of characters, but none of it feels inauthentic. It's like he's embraced the excess, the madness, the wilderness of the city and magnified it.
I mean, it’s fine… I’m just not a huge David Bowie fan.
This is #day43 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... it's a sunny September Friday here in my hometown, Lviv, signaling the first Indian, or old women's summer, as we call it in Ukrainian. I'm revisiting what I believe is the first of many David Bowie albums on this list. It’s hard to say anything new about Aladdin Sane (I mean, it's iconic no matter what angle you look at it. For example, I could only stare at that album cover forever), so I'll share a couple of personal Bowie moments instead. If memory serves me right, this was the first album of his I was introduced to (the year was 2008, I believe), thanks to Anton Corbijn's film Control, which I mentioned in my Unknown Pleasures review. Remember the scene where Ian Curtis dresses up in front of the mirror and applies eyeliner while "The Jean Genie" plays? You bet. I must admit I haven't yet listened to Bowie's entire discography (though I consider myself a fan), but I find myself drawn most to his experimental period, the Berlin years. Let's face it, though: Bowie was all about experimentation, and that's the beauty of his music. Each era offers something unique for different ears. Even my wife, who isn't a Bowie fan at all, has a song she loves ("The Heart's Filthy Lesson"). As a vinyl collector, I'm lucky to own an NM copy of the first UK pressing of this album, complete with an insert and an "I Love You David" postcard. Listening to the title track and “Lady Grinning Soul” on vinyl (actually, the whole album) is mesmerizing. Those Mike Garson piano solos chill me to the bone... I can see how the avant-garde jazziness of Blackstar might have its roots here. Each song is a jewel on its own, contributing to the crown of one of Bowie’s countless masterpieces. This album earns a solid 5 out of 5 from me. Looking forward to #day44.
My 6th Bowie album so far and my response is pretty much the same as the others. Bowie is solid, but not great here. I'm waiting to hear a cohesive album from him that really blows me away.
A few real gems. A few other not so much. 3.75
Was okay can appreciate it for what it is but not my thing
3.5/5
Way too weird for me
Did not do it for me. Not a big fan of this one except the last song.
It is really good but it isn't one of my favorite Bowie albums
Aladdin Sane has flashes of genius, but I'm starting to feel like maybe I just don't "get" Bowie. Best Songs: Aladdin Sane, Cracked Actor, Lady Grinning Soul Worst Songs: Watch That Man
Classic. Not a bad track, although of course there are some good and some great. Drive in Saturday, let's spend the night night together, jean genie and the title track the best known, and most immediate for me because of that. Look forward to hearing plenty more from one of the best artists there ever was. 5 🌟
Weer een Bowie album, tot nu toe moet ik toegeven dat ik de albums veel beter trek dan van tevoren gedacht. Dit is wel echt meer een rock album, minder experimenteel ook en merk dat ik het daarom wel wat minder vind. De laatste 4 nummers zijn voor mij het hoogtepunt, daarvoor is het toch wat meer van hetzelfde ofzo. Toch vind ik dit het minste Bowie album tot nu toe, het is meer een prima album dan echt vernieuwend. Kom daardoor uit op een schamele 3 sterren. FAVO: The prettiest star, Let's spend the night together, The Jean Genie
This album feels like a dream on the edge of a breakdown. It's both glam and gritty, playful yet chaotic. The piano work is sharp, reminding me of something Elton John might do but with more danger in the notes. There's a tension here, a sense that it's all about to unravel, yet it holds. The saxophone adds an unpredictable flavor, almost like it’s clashing but fitting all at once.
Not his best but pretty good still.
This is a perfect rock album. It’s rock at its best. Electrifying guitar, iconic drum beats, perfect mixing of instruments. It just all comes together SO well. There’s songs that bring a nostalgic, 70’s rock feel with groovy tunes, and songs with some truly instrumentally dense, more funky and morose music. I don't understand how this isn’t considered one of Bowies best. Obviously it’s no Ziggy Stardust, but cmon you can’t compare anything to that masterpiece. I love this record and… I’ll say it. This is right up there with any of Hendrix’s albums. It’s that good.
On to post-Ziggy Stardust Bowie here. Part of me thinks I'm being too critical lately, but the first half of this album was pretty underwhelming to me, it felt a little generic '70s glam rock, and not a ton stood out to me. It did pick up a bit in the second half though, and the back-to-back tracks "Time" and "The Prettiest Star" felt the most "Bowie" to me. Even underwhelming Bowie is still pretty good, but this definitely didn't do it for me as much as Hunky Dory. It's probably a 3.5, but I'm being a tough critic lately so I'll keep that going. Favorite song: The Prettiest Start Other: Drive-in Saturday, Cracked Actor, Time, Let's Spend the Night Together, The Jean Genie, Lady Grinning Soul 9/13/24
Very enjoyable. Ziggy Stardust is still his best work.
Overall enjoyed. Not his best but def in keeping with his quirky…
Not my jam but I do appreciate David Bowie. 2
This is absolutely the worst album I've heard in my life. I do not know the impact this album had on music as a whole when it was released about 50 years ago now, but I do know for sure this sucks balls in 2024. At least for me. I have no fucking idea what that keyboardist/pianist was doing throughout the album. Everything he played sounded wrong. I understand it might have been intentional, but man it didn't work. AT ALL. So horrible. Every note he played sounded wrong. His piano solo in the title track 'Aladdin Sane' hurt my ears. They're still bleeding. What in the absurd, schizophrenic bullshit was that album? It sucked so much i wish I'd never heard it. I understand Bowie was a legend and is still considered one, but I will need some solid proof why after listening to this utter crapfest. Maybe I'll try a couple other albums of his just to be sure, once I've recovered from this torture. 0 stars from my end, but unfortunately there's no option for that.
Not super hot on this compared to other Bowie. Of the projects by him I have heard, this would probably be my least favorite. There are tracks I enjoy (Lets Spend The Night Together and Drive-in Saturday come to mind), but overall it doesn't do much for me.
Opens with straightforward rocker Watch That Man, then the title track is built around some very cool piano and a repetitive bass riff. Liking this a lot. Panic in Detroit also has a great main riff and some unexpected progressions. More good bass work and it's prominent in the mix. Cracked Actor is a strong upbeat little number too. Onto side two, Time is theatrical and glam with an emotional feel to it, I'm engaged and waiting to see where it goes next. Maybe my favorite track so far, but The Prettiest Star is good too with nice guitar work. Then we have a Stones cover and after that The Jean Genie, which for me feels out of place with its bluesy riffs and harmonica. Back on track with the piano based Lady Grinning Soul, and its slightly unsettling melodies. I think there are Bowie albums I'll like more but we're still in **** 1/2 territory. I'll be strict and round down.
More Bowie. More fun! Once again, unfamiliar with many of these songs. I’m learning more about his layers. Interesting first listen.
FINALLY, I LIKE A BOWIE ALBUM!!! Without the theatricality of a concept album or the weight of trying to push his musical boundaries to the limit, Bowie delivers some great meat-and-potatoes glam rock. I think that’s for the better, as someone who hates the theatricality and the experimentations. To my ears, Aladdin Sane is a godsend, a record that feels sensible and listenable without me needing to overthink it or do a deep dive. I’m sure some of that has to do with the more American-centric aesthetics of this album compared to other Bowie records, but it also just rocks a lot harder and is a lot more fun. I can digest it on face value. That said, there are still plenty of theatrical and experimental moments that I won’t support. The initial sparseness of the opener “Watch That Man” makes me queasy, and a song like “The Prettiest Star” just sounds a leftover Rocky Horror song. I also don’t love the brief piano absurdity, like on “Aladdin Sane.” But while I have my qualms here and there, it also sometimes does work. The initial melodramatic cabaret aesthetic of “Time” wore off with a strong chorus and a relisten, and a song like “Lady Grinning Soul” is just so well written that the piano madness still works despite itself, while the ending of “Let’s Spend the Night Together” succeeds in its musical kitschiness. Honestly, the biggest issue of Aladdin Sane is its pastiche. From the soul of “Drive-In Saturday” to the Detroit rock of “Let’s Spend the Night Together” and “Panic in Detroit,” to the rockabilly/Jerry Lee Lewis rip-off of “Cracked Actor” and “”The Jean Genie,” Bowie really straddles the line between referential and copycat. It gives this whole album a “lesser than” feel, like it’s a love letter but not a serious project. Even if the songs are great. But I still think the songs are great. The best Bowie so far, easily! I went from hating this man to actually enjoying him. Again, it could be Stockholm syndrome, but I also think this is legitimately my speed. Will I feel this way about the remaining Bowie albums? Probably not, but at least I have one I like, finally!
01) Watch That Man - 7,5 02) Aladdin Sane (1913–1938–197?) - 7,5 03) Drive-In Saturday - 8,0 04) Panic in Detroit - 7,5 05) Cracked Actor - 7,5 06) Time - 7,5 07) The Prettiest Star - 7,0 08) Let's Spend The Night Together - 7,0 09) The Jean Genie - 8,5 10) Lady Grinning Soul - 8,5 TOTAL: 7,65 (77/100) Current ranking: 132/299
I expected to not like this 'cuz it's Bowie and I didn't really like any Bowie that I've heard, but it's actually pretty good! The only parts I don't like are some of the vocals, the piano improvisations in the title track (which are far too aimless and unrelated to the song aside from some motifs), and some of the arrangements. Most of this actually isn't too bad arrangement-wise but sometimes it'll feel too dense and busy for my liking. What I find boring about some blues music (chords and rhythms) is here as well, but it's not terribly bad and a lot of the time there's a nice rhythmic intensity. I wish the chording was more interesting too, its mostly the same blues based progressions and rhythms- why not more inversions? There's occasional counterpoint to the vocals instead of just imitating it, but it usually is just repeated and not varied. Eh, maybe I'm nitpicking. It's pretty good for what it is is my point.
It's funny that this is such an iconic album cover, because it really doesn't seem to be Bowie's best work. Just honestly okay.
¡Qué bueno!
No. 251/1001 Watch That Man 3/5 Aladdin Sane 3/5 Drive-In Saturday 4/5 Panic in Detroit 3/5 Cracked Actor 4/5 Time 3/5 The Prettiest Star 3/5 Let's Spend The Night Together 3/5 The Jean Genie 3/5 Lady Grinning Soul 3/5 Average: 3,2 Album was alright, but nothing too exciting on here.
David Bowie was the whole package; the style, the personas, the characters, the unique and varied musical idioms. His musical style is like a genre unto itself. I would call it theatrical rock with a little jazz flourish. There's plenty of great stuff on this album although it varies so much it seems to fail to hang together. 4.4
Not really my thing but not bad! A light 3/5 here
I used to like David Bowie a lot more, and maybe if I return to his later stuff I will still enjoy it. But I really did not find much here to enjoy!
never ever been one of my fav bowie albums and have never quite got what people like about this one... its a mess and really an anomaly for me considering I like nearly all of bowie's other work...
I cant put my finger on it but a good chunk of this album just feels out of sync. Lets Spend The Night Together is a perfect example, at least the opening. Also I found a lot of noise just muddies up Bowie's vocals. Not his best, thats for sure.
Look just because it’s a David Bowie album doesn’t mean it automatically gets added to the list. I found myself skipping a lot of songs that were frankly, annoying. Fire your piano player DB
if the ending of ziggy stardust is orpheus getting torn up by wild animals (fans of rockstars) then this is orpheus's head wandering the underworld and screaming (america). i'm probably in the minority since I like this better than ziggy stardust, but i don't think it's terribly useful to reduce bowie's shit to rankings like that - it all works together too much
Ziggy Stardust Pt II hits fast and hits hard.
Quality album by a Quality artist
Watch That Man: Very rock heavy - guitars louder than Bowie's voice Oh honey watch that man vocal rifts that I associate with Bowie Alladin Sane: Dissonant piano with guitar - like it Gotta get over the whinny voice Interesting chord progression Sax with dissonant piano <3 (?) We love to laugh insane? Drive-In Saturday: Old 60s vibes (doo-op?) She's unsure she likes him but she knows she really loves him Panic in Detroit: heavy guitars Choir reminiscent of DSOTM Cracked Actor: Crack baby crack "Suck baby suck, gimme your head" haha nice guitar chords Time: Very theatrical - too much for me, reminds me of musical theater It's nice enough tho The Prettiest Star: Doo-op again, bit too theatrical as well like the wind instruments tho Let's Spend the night together: Nice, but didn't pay much attention The Jean Genie: Heard "smiles like a reptile " lol Nice blues song Lady Grinning Soul: Like the intro piano chords very interesting highlight of album for me OVERALL IMPRESSIONS: Quite decent overall album - not sure there's a common thread here I haven't picked up between songs. Don't think I'd get back to it as an album, just added 2 songs to my playlist
Alright David Bowie…exactly what I expected with no surprises
As a fan of David Bowie, I have to say that this is one of his albums that has slipped under my radar. I am, of course, familiar with the tracks with the most radio play but I don't think I ever listened to this album from start to finish. I find that it is not as strong as "Ziggy" and is less cohesive but several of the tracks here are very strong and show a diverse range of influences. The influence of The Rolling Stones is evident even aside from the cover song which is pretty good, but little more than filler. The other songs on this record are well worth the price of admission, and Mick Ronson's guitar work and Mike Garson's piano are sublime. "Panic in Detroit", is one of my favorite Bowie tracks.
Not my favourite album by Bowie, but any 70's bowie is still great
I love Bowie and there are a few other albums of his I'd put ahead of this one. Aladdin Sane comes roaring out of the gates with "Watch That Man" with boogie piano, Mick Ronson's guitar gymnastics and an energetic chorus that reminds one of an Elton song. The title track missed the mark for me. "Panic In Detroit" is a rocker and a classic rock radio staples along with both "Let's Spend The Night Together" and "The Jean Genie". Solid core songs plus ""Time" which is a standout with that unmistakable Bowie sound. As mentioned, there are better Bowie albums but this is an enjoyable one but maybe a bit less cohesive than others.
Pretty wonderful throughout. Mike Garson's bonkers discordant keys. The sax. Mick Ronson. The glam rock, the Motown, the bum note Stones cover we have to mention, the actual record cover. It's a crash course for the ravers. Time, he flexes like a whore, falls wanking to the floor, his trick is you and me, boy. Jean Genie is massively overplayed, but I won't let that spoil it, and finishing the album eerily with Lady Grinning Soul is genius.
A lot of nice Songs - Great musician
I was so kinda let down on my first listen to this. I thought it was so-so. Then I remembered that there are no David Bowie songs I was super into on first listen. He's an artist with music that needs to grow on me. He's not an artist I was raised listening to because my parents weren't super into him. Most of my exposure to him has been in pop culture with his music being on soundtracks or from watching Labyrinth. I've always meant to get around to getting into his music though. I liked this so much more on second listen. The first half of the album is still a little hot and cold for me, but from "Cracked" on I definitely really like it. This has a lot of jazz and rock and roll influence I think. With a touch of blues maybe? Something about it reminds me of Rocky Horror Picture show in a good way. Not quite a 5 but I do quite like it and will be returning to it.
Sensory overload. Excessive instrumentation gave me anxiety, but has some good tracks.
Amazing album. Thebobly thing I really didnt like was the title song. Skipped it as a kid and didnt like it at 48 either. Still the music and the uniqueness of Bowie makes this album one of my favorites of him. The aura of the crescendo on the songs make it seems like the world is going to end and all songs are like a victory party. This may have been by the fact that hos previous album made him famous amd rich and this album is much heavier and you can hear deeper influences by english rock bands including a rolling stones cover and by the american music of the time. Its a great fussion of to worlds that melted perfectly.
Another hackneyed Bowie album? Ugh.
Smooth, a vibe, an easy listen and a work of art. Beautiful music from a beautiful soul 🕊️
Up to this point, I had never listened to David Bowie's music, so you can say that I started listening to him from this album. And I didn't regret it, because this album turned out to be a very easy to listen. I previously wanted to get acquainted with his work, but I still couldn't until today. I hope to hear more of David's albums in the future. And that piano solo in Aladdin Sane made me grin. favourites:Watch That Man, Alladin Sane, Cracked Actor, Time, The Jean Genie. 4/5
This albums has it all, but the blender often blends it onto a cacophony that’s hard to follow. The distinctive Bowie vocals even it out into a particular and recognizable sound. Fun interludes, dancing lyrics. 4 stars!
Such high highs on this album! When I think of Bowie I think of campy, dramatic glam and my goodness does he give us so much of it in "Time" and "Lady Grinning Soul." I love those tracks. "Let's Spend the Night Together" is another banger, a literal romp that had me dancing alone in my living room. "Drive-In Saturday" and "Cracked Actor" could fit in on Pure Comedy or really any Father John Misty album. There were a couple too many forgettable tracks on this album, though. I appreciate that the album captures and comments on the chaotic social and political situation of the late-60s and early-70s US (and I was equally uninterested in more songs about the perils of fame, which felt really out of place next to songs about race riots - even if that's the point of it all!), but I found myself way more interested in and captivated by the quintessential Bowie-ish numbers. I wish I could officially go 3.5 stars, but this isn't an Outback Steakhouse. There are rules. So I'll go 3.
Oh my what an experience. It was the keys for me. Amidst highs, mids and lows - it was the keys for me throughout. Strong opening that left me wondering what the tone is ? Then, as the tracks followed, I felt a strong presence of dramatics that I was not upset with. Despite some lows - notably: let’s spend the night together (understanding I just said I loved the keys lol) and the Jean genie … overall just still happy with what he delivered. Drive-In Saturday was doo-wop, spacey, theatrical goodness and an instant fav for me Time was utterly magical - like REALLY - magical These two might skew the whole rating for me. Still though, given the wanting ending and inconsistent energy - I must provide a 3 versus a higher score. Sad to say for such a queerly beloved album <3
I've heard the album before. It's a good listen. Great piano work. Strong 3. 3 stars
Kind of typical Bowie. An interesting concept, some good songs, but not overwhelming -- even if Jean Genie is still going strong over 50 years later.
I've always thought of myself as a Bowie fan, and if he'd belched out the alphabet I'd think "wow, listen to that range". But for whatever reason I couldn't get into this album today. I'd rather pick from one of his plethora of other records or just cheat and listen to a best of compilation.
At some points, Bowie is a rather insane lad. This album has some established hits and some others that wander around looking for something.
Was hit and miss for me...too inconsistent.
This might be my new favorite Bowie album. I don’t think I’ve ever listened to it all the way through, but wow. I loved every song, but “Watch That Man,” “Drive-In Saturday,” “Panic In Detroit,” and “The Jean Genie” are the standouts. I also love the concept of this being about him traveling through America during his tour. You can actually hear the inspiration in a lot of the songs. This is going to be on constant rotation for me.
This feels like the end of the Glam era. It leans more into harder rock than anything else.
Albumi #14, 10.08.2024 David Bowie oli yksi mielenkiintoisimmista artisteista pitkän uransa aikana. 1973 ilmestynyt Aladdin Sane kuuluu Bowien parhaan kolmanneksen albumeihin. Aikaisempiin Bowien albumeihin verrattuna Aladdin Sanelle ominaisen sävyn antaa jazz/bluespianisti Mike Garsonin mukaantulo ja loistokas tulkinta monissa kappaleissa (erityisesti piano-osuudet kappaleissa ”Aladdin Sane”, ”Time” ja ”Lady Grinning Soul”). Loistava albumi, jonka ehkä heikoin kohta lienee Rolling Stones coverointi ”Let’s Spend the Night Together” eikä sekään kovin huono ole.
Ich finde andere Bowie-Platten zugänglicher. Nichtsdestotrotz ein tolles Stück Rockmusik.
Damn. I didn't expect to not like this one. Of course a lot of classics in there, Aladdin Sane, The Prettiest Star... but even these are hard to listen to now. Not a bad album, but the comparison with Hunky Dory (released 2 years earlier) makes it feel bland.
I love me some David Bowie, but this album title is pretty eye roll-y, man. But the art is on point. This is my favorite Bowie but it's miles better than what we normally get on here.
'Drive In Saturday' and 'Panic In Detroit' are two of my favourite Bowie tracks, and this album stirs so many good memories in me. It's not quite a five, but it's higher than a four. Well, I don't want folks cutting about saying I'm one for hyperbole, so four it is. Still, those sounds! How is it that fifty years later we have all the production tech up the wazoo but can't get guitars to sound half as good as this? Where did it go wrong for us?
3 good tracks. Not my favorite Bowie LP
not my fave bowie but pretty energetic and good pace! I liked it but won't necessarily come back to it too often. Lady Grinning Soul is a highlight. 4/4.5
i came back to blackstar a couple of times, but i was born 30 years too late to enjoy this one YNN
I have really enjoyed some bowie albums but this one is not it :(
I guess Bowles entire discography is on here. As much as I’ve heard I’ve still never been really hooked by any. Awesome dude tho
Meh
almost on par with ziggy stardust! highlights: watch that man, aladdin sane, time (aug 4 2024)
Didn’t really enjoy this album. It seems fun and lively, but not really my cup of tea.
Bowie nunca falla. Sorprendente y adelantadísimo. Qué arreglos, qué música, qué voz, qué presencia. Terminó y enseguida lo volví a escuchar. Joya.
Great album, a worthy successor to Ziggy Stardust. Bowie evolved the glam rock sound that is probably his signature style, if he has one at all. Some elements of experimentation but nothing that prevented Aladdin Sane being a huge hit, I like pretty much every song on this. The title track breaks down into something slightly avant garde, but this is mostly accessible while also inventive. Also I don't really take the cover art into account for my scores normally but this is one of the most iconic of all time
meglepően kurva jó
brilliant
It's weird to me that people were disappointed in this after Ziggy. The piano takes it somewhere just slightly different but it is still full of songs that grab you immediately. Even the filler of doing a Stones cover is elevated by that ending.
Not his best not his worst
Second Album de Bowie généré (le premier était 'Low'). Plus ancien que le précédent, et d'un style rock/blues au premier abord plus classique (premier moreau par exemple). Mais finalement il est plutôt varié avec des morceaux originaux et parfois des chorus intéressants. Morceau(x) connu(s) : The Jean Genie+ Let's Spend the Night Together (l'original), mais cette reprise est sympa. Et autres morceau(x) apprécié(s) : Aladdin Sane +++ surtout pour son chorus de piano déjanté. Lady Grinning Soul+ Le reste est plus faible. =>3/5
Not very interesting
Iconic cover. The songs are fine but I’m not as familiar with them compared to say Heroes
Dang good Bowie album. So insanely listenable. No two songs are quite the same, even though the tracks have a harmony that makes them a cohesive group. Very inventive and fresh feeling despite its age.
In between a 4 and a 5, but let’s just say 5 and all be friends.
The album was alright. None of the songs really stood out to me as anything too special. I liked a most of the tracks, but there was stuff I disliked as well. For example, the second track, “Aladdin Sane” contained piano solo that sounded like it was played by a chimpanzee. The album as a whole was decent and I did enjoy listening to it, but I just don’t think it was something super crazy. I also am not a huge fan of Bowie’s vocals.
You can never say anything bad about David Bowie
I'm a sucker for early 70s Bowie. The music, the lyrics, the tempo, the themes and the persona constantly change throughout, but the chaos of it all works together as a musical masterclass in edgy glamrock diversity.
bowie’s always good but this was nothing special tbh
This was fine and pleasant, but I don't think I would listen to it again.
Can't seem to warm up to Bowie. This album's most popular song, The Jean Genie, is just a generic Blues Rock track. There are some weird Jazz and Piano pieces spread around. Basic 70s synth tunes. The best thing for me was the realization that the title is a pun.
This is a great album that I don't know very well at all. I liked the mixture of Bowie's glammy boogie-woogie style and some more experimental sounds as well, like the wild piano playing on the title track. Definitely a record I'll be putting on again soon. 4/5
Solid album that never fully clicked for me in the past. I think there's still some tracks that I'm not in love with, but there's also about half the tracks that are bangers. 3.5/5
Peak Bowie, maybe not my favorite, but still essential. A-… fuck it, 5 stars
1. man - 1 2. aladdin - 1 3. drive in - 1 4. detroit - 1 5. actor - 1 6. time - 1.5 7. ztar - 1.5 8. night - 1.5 9. jean genie - 2 10. zoul - 1.5
Bowie is awesome. This is an easy 4.
5 incredible songs, five kinda average. The five greats: Aladdin Sane Time The Prettiest Star The Jean Genie Lady Grinning Soul
enough with the bowie spam
Um clássico! Porém não sou muito fã do David Bowie, mesmo percebendo que o som que ele faz é incrível.
One of the best by one of the best. I don’t know how you rate any of Bowie’s albums from the 70s and 80s as anything other than five stars.
Classic david Bowie album.
1/10 songs added to playlist Best song: Drive-In Saturday
4/10
meh
Not perfect, but a solid rock and roll album. Cleaned and well-produced, cohesive. Leadoff "Watch That Man" along with "The Jean Genie" are the two standouts.
At first, it seemed like a whole new Bowie album to me because I’d never heard it before. Then, Jean Genie came on and then all I could think about was what a shit album it was with only one good song. So I thought that maybe it was because I was familiar with only one song that I liked it. I then listened to the album again, and have now put the other songs into the category of forgettable. I could hear them again for sure and still recognise them as Bowie, but still think of them as lacklustre at best. Maybe I’m not as big of a fan as I thought. That technically makes me not a fan. I now like the song Jean Genie less too. Thanks. Way to ruin a good song Bowie, don’t do it again. 2 stars, and if I hear it again I’ll vote it 1 star. 1 dark star.
Oh that's better! I like a bit of freaky glam Bowie. Definitely a bit of Stones influence here, even a cover if you weren't sure. Not his greatest work I don't think, but I'm mildly hungover. Solid three stars.
Good but not great. Without the focus and melodic genius of Ziggy.
Favorite Track: Cracked Actor Aladdin Sane
nonie ghört de album. aber sehr cool de ersti song. mega rock. title track isch huere geil s klaviersolo goht craazy. sehr crazy sogar. drive in saturday sehr mid tempo bowie track. aber s goht meh los spöter. finds recht geil. panic in detroit het wieder meeega geili gittis oy. s wär mega basic rock wenn nöd die varflanged perkussion und am bowie sini weird melodie wär. und de mega geil bass. bowie het gern wenns gege de schluss bitz weird wird. cracked actor goht huuere los i love. time funny old timey piano. nocher singter vo wanking und quailoods au cool. nocher chli viel LAAAI LAI LAI aber immerno cool. de hübschisti stern findi s sax nöd soo geil aber nocher wenns en ganze satz blöser isch isch no pretty. lets spend the night together isch huuere cool, bowie uf horndogg. jean genie isch nüt bsunders aber afoch guete glamrock so. lady grinning soul wieder melancholie und huuuere schön. ui gitarresolo uiuiii. schono chrank wie er 43 johr spöter immerno huuere gueti musig gmacht hett. fühls huere git kei füfi aber e guuuuets vieri.
ok 2. bowie album mitem coole blitz watch that man (de rumänisch fuessballer) passiert vill, sehr cool, d instrument ergänzet sich mega wowieee s klavier uhuere schön ahhh a lad insane sehr funny hahaha oke jz ischmer s klavier chli zu wild hahahaha aber isch au extra so ja ischmer jz chli z vill passiert oke im gegeteil dezue die nächste zwei lieder echli wenig cracked actor sehrr catchy time findi de uufbau sehr cute und wieder s klavier let's spend the night together findi au vhli forgettable weiss nöd öb ich zu höchi ahsprüch gha han, oder öbs mier eifach z wenig git uhhh lady grinning soul oke das isch no sehr en schöne schluss gsi aber leider han ich nöd so vill chönne mit dem album ahfange, die weirde sache hani sehr cool gfunde, au wenns mengisch chli over the top gsi isch, aber alles andere (drums?) hani nöd so spannend gfunde, sorr
Good stuff
Ну хз. Я типу не відчуваю, що коли-небудь переслухаю цей альбом + не відчуваю від нього великого збудження. Альбом як альбом. 3/5
It’s a Bowie album I personally have never heard. I enjoyed it. Very smooth. Good evening vibes.
окей, я всегда считал, что почти все альбомы боуи ээээ… странные… тут есть пара отличных песен, но остальное звучит так будто он придумывал вокальную мелодию на ходу. но тут культовая обложка. хз, конечно. по моему очередной представитель архивного искусства.
Five Stars.
Love it!
This is not doing much to disprove my theory that Hunky Dory and Ziggy Stardust are his only good albums.
Ziggy goes to America and gets weird. Bowie begins truly collaborating and experimental.
I think this album’s very good. I think the only thing holding it back is it’s missing the really bombastic song I look for with Bowie. In its place is the really wonderful piano in the title track, it’s like free jazz it’s so bad it’s good. It’s just missing something as a whole that other Bowie albums have
I like Bowie. I did not like this album.
Don’t know if it’d me my Bowie pick on this list but that doesn’t mean it’s not fantastic. He’s just that good, folks
A fewe memorable tracks. Not my favourite Bowie album by far.
A fun listen even if it doesn't have any familiar Bowie hits (I do like the Stones cover though!)
Lots of of Bowie on this list and this was middle of the pack
Sublime - classic - what more needs to be said