Reviews (page 3 of 14)
Highlights: Mars, Kooks, Chamges, Pretty Things, Queen Bitch. Just too many strong songs not to be a 5. I like this folky singer/songwriter era Bowie!
Edit: Nah, y'all are right, this is a 5. Original review: This is a strong 4.5/5 for me, but will keep it at 4. Man, what a great selection of tracks. I haven't loved the other Bowie we've had on the list so far and it was starting to stress me out. Glad there's an era a Bowie I do, in fact, love! Also Kooks is beautiful and made me cry. 🙃
one of my favorites 😍
This is my Always-Sunny-Frank-Reynolds moment for Bowie. I get it now.
Bowie had to make this album in order to shake off his singer-songwriter pretensions and start changing music the way the gods intended him to do. THat being said, what a great album. It flows from Introspective meanderings, to a cluster of tributes (Warhol, Dylan, The V.U.) to whatever the hell "The Bewlay Brothers" is. An album I've heard countless times that evokes something different every time I hear it. It grows with the listener. Very cogent and straightforward, for Bowie, which is in itself interesting. "Quicksand" and "Life On Mars?" bowl me over emotionally every time. Beautiful delivery and poetry, and even though Bowie hasn't QUITE found his voice, this is his launchpad.
10/10
Really loved it!!
A really good album. Life on Mars is the highlight.
I've been a fan of Bowie's for some time now, and this album stands as one of his finest. It was released at a fascinating point in Bowie's life, as he had recently gained mainstream popularity and was experimenting radically with his public personality as well as his sound. Much as he would toy with different personas throughout his career, this album sees him "trying on" the musical styles of his influences at the time with tributes to Andy Warhol, Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, and Neil Young. The lyrics throughout blend the personal and universal, with references to change and transition (Changes, Oh! You Pretty Things) and greater existential questions (Life on Mars?, Quicksand). Kooks is a wonderfully vulnerable song written to his newborn son that, in today's context, could easily speak to the insecurities of those raising kids in nontraditional family structures. The true highlight of the album for me is Life on Mars? - cinematic in lyrics and production, it takes the record from a strong showing to a true classic.
The first half of this album is so amazing that it makes up for a few duds later on. Quicksand is one of Bowie's best songs
Sets the tone with the first one and stays right there for the entire album. Wall to wall Bowie, baybeee!!!!
The only hot take I have about this album is that the lesser-known acoustic "demo" version of "Quicksand", made available on CD reissues since 1990, is better than the studio version. Shame it's not as readily available on streaming services. That's why you buy physical, baby!
Another classic, don’t know if this is even better than ziggy stardust
I didn't "get" Bowie for a long time. Sure, I knew the radio hits ("Changes" obviously included in that) but I never really got into his albums until the indie aughts movement where I learned just how big of an influence he is. I was on some message board and someone brought up this album as one of the greatest of all time. It has since become a personal favorite, and although it might not be Bowie's best (I'd probably give that to Ziggy Stardust), Hunky Dory is probably the best to me. I always chuckle when I get an album that's on my personal list of greatest of all time. It's an easy 5-star for me. But will I listen to it again? Of course, why wouldn't I?
My favorite record of his. Exceptional from beginning to end.
Just always a great idea to give this another listen. One of Bowie’s best! How funny are the lyrics to Andy Warhol, though? Andy walking, Andy tired Andy take a little snooze
muy lindo sonido y voz, canciones divertidas y diferentes a todo el resto, da placer escucharlas. quiero escuchar mas Bowie
So damn musical. Love this album, no matter how many spins it's spun in my life. Still interesting, with certified bangers throughout.
God I love this album
My favorite early Bowie.
Yeah Bowie. Didn't know this album actually except for ch...ch...changes. Seeing that spraypainted on walls in the inner Auckland suburbs in the late 70s makes me want to rate this highly regardless of the rest. Some quirky, others rocky, but all quintessential Bowie. Cream on top? His ode to Bob. A Dylanesque masterpiece that brings Bowie on that level.
Hunky Dory will always have a special place in how I think of Bowie's discography — it was the first record of his I bought. I've nearly worn it out listening over the years and finding something new in the music and lyrics. It's a mirror — there's a song for nearly every mood and moment. Don't you have one in mind for yourself already? Most people reach for Changes. But Life on Mars, while being about disillusionment and escapism, also names the current geopolitical moment for me even though it was written so long ago. Or I could pick Quicksand because it speaks something into being about being caught between things, liminal and living in what some might already consider some kind of twilight — seeking and paralyzed — intellectually and spiritually stuck while searching for solid ground. But isn't Andy Warhol the best pick? It's about someone known for making himself a surface and yet it's about so much more — the universal experience of performing an identity and the masks we all wear. Listening to an icon writing about another icon, reflecting on what's surface versus substance, feels right today. And tomorrow? Maybe it's a Queen Bitch day.
One of my fav albums of all time, nice to listen to it again
Amazing. 4.5/5
Not a single miss on the whole album
Fantastic album that I'm a bit ashamed to say I had never heard cover to cover until this. David Bowie was a true musical genius and it's evident here.
Stellar. Hunky Dory is the beginning of a 12-13 year period for Bowie that is as good as any artist’s pinnacle. Listen straight through, every song is good. There are obvious huge hits on this album, but don’t sleep on the non-singles - everything here is worth your time. Changes, Oh! You Pretty Things, Eight Line Poem, Life on Mars?, Quicksand, Queen Bitch, The Bewlay Brothers are my favorites.
One of Bowie's better albums. Probably the first really, really good one with lots of classics: Life on Mars and Oh! You Pretty Things are standout tracks.
Just pure classics, soul fullfilling
"Time may change me. But I can't trace time." My second favorite Bowie Album, although I'm reasonably sure "Life on Mars?" is my favorite pre-1990 rock song. The first side of this album is especially stacked, with that one plus "Changes" and "Oh! You Pretty Things." The album cover is a dud though.
Another great album from Bowie. The classics which were heard on the radio Changes Oh You Pretty Things Life on Mars Plus some lesser known but worth the listen. Ones which caught my attention were: Andy Warhol Song for Bob Dylan The Bewlay Brothers I liked some of the quieter acoustic based tracks
One of the best albums ever.
Love it. Own it.
My second favourite after Ziggy! This is just too good to be real. Can you imagine an album coming out today with this many massive tracks on it? No you can’t!
I had never listened to this album before. I have now listened to it twice, back to back. It filled me with a desire to dance and to be my true self. Exactly what an album should do!
All time favorite Bowie album.
One of my all time favourites
Bowie is the greatest
Second or third Bowie y
oh god this album is so good!
We’re gonna run out of Bowie and we aren’t even done with the first year!
This is great. Along with the obvious timeless classics “Changes” and “Life on Mars?”, I also liked “Andy Warhol”. It was really innovative and diverse all the way through in terms of songwriting and instrumentation. Close to a full 5 for so rounding up considering all the random weak stuff we’ve had recently. 4.5/5
Man…the more you sit with this, the more you realize just how brilliant Bowie was. Hard to believe it took four albums for most people to even know who he was. And while this album is a bit more soft and subtle compared to Ziggy, it fits right in with it. A definite mood setter and announcement to the world that he had arrived, which carries right on into the next album. At first listen an obvious 4* would be the way to go. But as you dig deeper, it would be a major misstep to not put it up there with Ziggy. Timeless. Completely unique. Nothing like it then. Nothing like it since.
Glad we got Ziggy S-Dust before this one which, while out of chronological order, is pretty much how the world experienced them. Ziggy comes out of the gate and smacks you with alien-rock goodness. You kinda gotta sit with Hunky Dory...let it wash over you. At first I was like, yea this is pretty good. Second listen: Bowie, you MFer! Playing sax and shit. Writing songs about Warhol and Dylan for some reason (side note: couldn't you hear Jack Black singing the lyrics, "Andy walking, Andy tired, Andy take a little snooze"). Absolute classics in Changes and Life on Mars? are here, but Oh! You Pretty Things, Quicksand, and of course Queen Bitch are also very amazing. Not going as high as Ziggy, but still think this deserves top marks. 4.5/5
As per usual, another great Bowie record. Never had listened to the whole album, which is a shame since this is great through and through.
Amazing
My first favorite Bowie album, and it held that title for many years. Still remember where I was the first time “Oh! You Pretty Things” absolutely annihilated me… perfect album, no notes.
One of my absolute favs front to back. Not as familiar with back half
I just like little weird boy music
Yes siree
Classic but not my favourite bowie- 1971 though!!!
pretty dope
I love everything about this, especially life on mars and changes. It is absolutely great and I understand why Bowie is so well regarded.
10/10
An undeniably great album, the start of his classic run. Obviously Changes, pretty things, life on Mars etc are classics, but there's a song for every mood. A great combination of folky acoustic vibes, early glamour, literary and philosophical references. Up there with the best of anyone.
Not my favorite Bowie album, but it's still a classic with 5 epic tracks like "Changes," "Life on Mars," "Quicksand," and even "Kooks "
Love David Bowie
cool shit
Changes is such a great song. So many great tracks here.
Fantastic album, 1 or so tracks that aren't as fantastic though. Although, "Andy Warhol" doesn't ruin the album for me, it is still incredible.
Ragtime art rock space age Dreamland
I know it well, and it's just as good as I remember. So many all timer songs on here, and the less well known ones are still great. Fills silly to praise this one when I already know I love it. Still a 5.
Love Bowie so much. This was my favorite Bowie album as a teenager. It's not too glam, not too maudlin piano rock, not too '60s psych rock. It has just the right amount of everything and it is beautiful and timeless.
5 - mastapiece
I love David Bowie, it’s hard not to, he’s so cool. This is also the first David Bowie album I love. Opener “Changes” is amazing, I absolutely love the vocals on “Oh! You Pretty Things”, and “Eight Line Poem”. Everyone with ears loves “Life On Mars?” that high note in the chorus is heaven. I love “Quicksand” and “Queen Bitch”. There’s not a bad moment on the whole record, there’s a reason this is often considered the first great Bowie album. It is a top 5 Bowie record for me as well, I generally like the glam stuff he did more than this, but it’s truly great.
Truly and excellent album.
Uno de mis preferidos. David
Top 3 Bowie album for sure. Bowie is his young and joyful self in this album. He’s proven what he can do, now he can have fun with it.
Beauty
Didn’t listen to the full thing, but rly liked what I heard
damn i can see why the marauders were obsessed with him
🎭 Hunky Dory – David Bowie (1971) This album feels like a scrapbook left behind by a beautiful alien who spent a gap year on Earth reading Nietzsche, taking piano lessons, and people-watching in vintage velvet. Bowie hadn’t yet become Ziggy Stardust, but you can feel him getting itchy. It’s theatrical, introspective, wildly melodic—and so casually brilliant it almost feels like he’s just showing off. One moment you’re in a sing-along (“Kooks”), the next you’re having an existential crisis set to piano (“Quicksand”), and by the time “Life on Mars?” hits, you’re lying on your bedroom floor rethinking your entire aesthetic. Rating: 5/5 Short Review: Glam folk cabaret for the introspective extraterrestrial in all of us. Favorite Track: “Life on Mars?” – It’s not a song. It’s a divine joke whispered through eyeliner. Consistency With Me: 9.5/10 ch ch ch changes ...turn and face the strange...
Forgot how piano heavy this album is. But some truly excellent cuts
Brilliant start to finish. What struck me on this listen is that there are maybe five to ten acts in rock and roll history that had runs of four legit 5-star albums like Bowie had from the Man Who Sold the World to Aladdin Sane. But Bowie's run is unique because, while all four have a common sound (the instrumentation), each presents a wholly unique musical style.
Always beautiful.
I LOVE THIS ALBUM! Bowie is one of the reasons why I enjoy music so much, and why I was able to expand my taste during my teenage years. This album does so many things for me. Life on Mars? BANGER! Andy Warhol? BANGER! Changes? BANGER! You get the point by now. To me, this is essential. Bowie's build-ups to the choruses on this album are unbeaten.
Enjoyed every l second of this album, my favourite by far. I actually genuinely enjoyed listening to it and it didn’t feel like a chore.
- Yeah, right at the beginning of an almost unmatched string of releases. -
This album was an incredible experience from start to finish. Every track had its own personality and left me wanting to see where the next one would go. The range is huge, moving from the light, upbeat feel of Fill Your Heart to the sharp, moody edge of Andy Warhol, and each style shift feels intentional rather than scattered. You can hear how well-crafted it is, with thoughtful arrangements and a clear sense of artistry behind the writing. The contrast between songs is striking, yet the album holds together as one cohesive piece. The production feels rooted in its early ’70s recording, but the ideas and delivery make it feel timeless. There’s a sense of playfulness and experimentation without losing accessibility, and it’s packed with moments that stick long after the album ends.
One of Bowie's best - a must listen
Love this album. So Bowie. So rock n roll.
Hunky Dory by David Bowie feels like flipping through a scrapbook of moods and styles, all tied together by his insane songwriting. Cool folk-inspired tunes, and bursts of glam rock, but Bowie’s voice and wit keep it all grounded. Final Ranking: Lyrics: 9/10 Instrumentals:8/10 Originality: 9/10 Album Cohesion and Flow: 8/10. Vocals: 9/10 Overall: Hunky Dory is Bowie experimenting with identity through sound. Bro is pulling from folk, pop, glam, art rock, and I think cabaret (What actually definies a piece as being cabaret?.) It’s not locked into one style, but instead shows how many directions Bowie could go at once. That genre-jumping energy, paired with some of his strongest early songwriting, makes it both unpredictable and timeless. Liiterally a timeless Bowie Classic. My Highest rated Album for now. If I were to give it an overall score thoough it would haeve to be 8.5/10
David is alway god
Love Bowie. Top 5 Artist.
Album full of amazing timeless classics, Life On Mars? for example. You could listen to this album many times in a row and it won't get boring. Just a brilliant record from start to finish.
I love this album. It might be my favorite Bowie album.
Favourites: Changes, Oh! You Pretty Things, Life On Mars?, Quicksand, Queen Bitch, The Bewlay Brothers
St. Bowie.
No notes.
Yes I enjoyed that. I am finally old enough to enjoy Bowie... it first happened in my 40's. He finally grew on me. Not all of it, you understand. But in so many ways he was living art, in that he was always "performing" for us. This is quote a warm lyrical album, and the preoccupations and poetry so thoroughly modern. [No, there's no Life on Mars , but its now the a planet inhabited solely by robots, searching for life. ]
The first really Bowie-like Bowie album. Contains some deadset classics (Life on Mars?, Oh You Pretty Things, Changes), plus a few grade-A quality second-string Bowie numbers (Queen Bitch, Andy Warhol). The Spiders from Mars band coming together (augmented by Rick Wakeman, playing at his career best in my opinion), with occasional glimpses of the rock monster that band would become. This is the first real glimpse of Bowie's full powers, and the beginning of his awesome run of albums through the 1970s. While this album may have a few moments of weakness, this is the real kick-off point of Bowie's extraordinary body of work, laying down many of the themes he would return to throughout his career (changes, chameleons, aliens, gender, the apocalypse, identity).
Amazing album, Bowie is one of my favourite songwriters ever, and it contains some of my favourite Bowie songs
It's worth considering the context of Hunky Dory in Bowie's discrography, particularly following his first two self titled albums, which are not that well-known beyond Space Oddity. The first one is especially quite a simple, folky album which is inoffensive but here he is really finding his creativity and leaning into the glam rock sound. In Changes and Life on Mars he wrote two of his absolute best songs which stand aside everything else in his discography and it's a strong album overall
One of Bowie's best. Life On Mars? is one of my favorite songs ever. 4.5/5 #144
Great start to the week
I think the best thing about this list so far is that it got me to dive into Bowie's catalog, when I was only familiar with the hits before. It's funny that the tracks I like are the ones the other reviews mention. Life on Mars is the best song I have heard from Bowie. It may well be the best of the 70s. Queen Bitch is a top 10 Bowie song. Changes and Pretty Things are great, just below the other two. Everything else? Above average, some really above average, but that's it. Hunky Dory is below Station to Station and Low and below what I have heard of Ziggy Stardust and Heroes. Which still puts it above most of this list. 4.5, but I'm rounding up for Life on Mars.
My favourite Bowie.
Brilliant. The singles are all time classics and personally some of the favourite Bowie I knew before listening to this. The other tracks build this smoothly into a really interesting statement. I don't understand how he makes such bold choices in terms of harmony and modulation and yet it sounds so natural.
It's an experimental, varied album with crisp, clear production touching on music hall (Fill Your Heart), acid folk (Andy Warhol), mellow country-ish rock (Song For Bob Dylan) amongst others. I like that acoustic guitars frame most of tracks and it's interesting how Bowie utilised different styles into a coherent, satisfying whole.There are of course the perennial classics (Changes, Life on Mars, Oh You Pretty Things) but pretty much every track is a winner on this turntable favourite, and probably my favourite Bowie album.
Yes. Of course this is on the list. Such fine tunes.
Classic
Bowie! So many bangers. Practically flawless.
Bowie's best, hands down. Changes, Life on Mars, Queen Bitch and Pretty Things alone are all S-Tier.
A stripped back Bowie, and the first of his great albums in my opinion. Excellent
Piano led and very distinct sounding record from Bowie
I have always gravitated to the following Ziggy Stardust album, so despite being familiar with most of the track list this was my first active listen to Hunky Dory at the tender age of 32. How embarrassing, as its absolutely perfect! Its surprisingly stripped back throughout. Even songs which you would imagine are more maximalist (e.g. Changes, Life on Mars) only see new elements only see new layers being added in very cautiously. Every ingredient has its carefully considered place. Its got the hit singles but its well balanced out with finely crafted album tracks - and its not always easy to the difference between the two. The lyrics to Andy Warhol make this album track a favourite of mine "Andy walking, Andy tired, Andy take a little snooze."
Another Bowie, another 5.
A good album, really enjoyable relaxing listen all the way through, pleasantly surprised by all the songs that I'd not heard of before.
An easy 5 stars. Bowie's first great album, a masterclass in songwriting, and an eclectic, hothouse vibe. This album has a mood and atmosphere that is just perfect. And it laid the seeds for everything that followed. My favorite songs are "Oh! You Pretty Things," "Life on Mars?", "Queen Bitch," and the haunting "Bewlay Brothers." That song used to scare the shit out of me and, lyrically, it's one of his best. And then there is "Changes." Just a perfect album.
First time I've been able to break out the vinyl on this project. My favorite Bowie album. Not as flawless as Ziggy Stardust, but I would argue more fun in its flamboyance, with super compelling lyrics and bold strides in his sound. Has some of his very best with Changes, Life on Mars, Oh You Pretty Things, and my personal favorite, Queen Bitch. Also, screw the Kooks haters, it's a lovely little ditty. Hunky Dory pays homage to Bowie's contemporaries like Dylan and Lou Reed, but the sound is singular
The album title is correct
My Bowie gateway drug. I owned Ziggy n Aladdin prior to this but after this one I was buying his stuff thick n fast, often more than 1 at a time... Great production and sound on this one, sublime piano from Wakeman. Fantastic touches throughout, right through to the overdubbed vocals at the end of Bewlay. Also love that as on many of his albums there is a hint to future direction towards the end, with the more overtly Glam Queen Bitch. 👨🎤👨🎤👨🎤👨🎤👨🎤
Loved it! Life on Mars?, Queen B##ch, everything, so great. It was Bowie discovering who he was to me. Not just a musician, an entertainer and a storyteller. Rating 9.2
This is amazing. One of my favourites
Awesome
5/5 - Pleasant, uplifting, sentimental - Airy and eclectic - Reflective pop - Folk-adjacent - Quiet power
Bowie is probably over represented on this list, but one can have no complaints about Hunky Dory's inclusion. This album is Bowie's best and, conveniently for recommendation purposes, his most accessible. And is probably the single greatest piano rock album of all time. I wish the chameleon had spent a little more time operating in this shade.
An easy 5
One of my favourites
One of Bowie's greatest albums
Great album. Probably my favorite Bowie album.
One of my top 5 albums.
Kooky
The hits, awesome!
Wonderful Bowie weirdness. He’s going through ch-ch-changes alright. This record feels warm and cozy to me for some reason, I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because it was one of the first times I understood why people love this Bowie guy so much.
I loved this. Heard it before, but misremembered this as the album with the laughing gnome on it…
In doing the revered RESIIthasequel's Album of the Years, I discovered that 1971 was one of the strongest music years. 'Who's Next,' 'Zoso,' and 'Sticky Fingers,' and some other albums we're gonna hear soon on this list. What album stood tallest in 1971? 'Hunky Dory.' It's also my fave Bowie. From starting off with "Changes," this album has a great flow from "Oh! You Pretty Things" to "Kooks." I even forgot how good "Queen Bitch" is--a song for most people in this group. Top Tracks: "Oh! You Pretty Things," "Quicksand," "Life on Mars?"
Deilig, lett og litt melankoli <33
This album was just Hunky Dory, David Bowie is one of the best artists of all time and this album does not disappoint.
An outstanding album with standout evocative tracks that are just as good today as ever.
Really not a lot that needs to be said, this is quite clearly a 5 star album. What a great listen.
Another great album from the great man. Yet again the songs have a real timeless quality that make them seem as fresh today as 50 plus years ago. Changes, Oh! You Pretty Things and the magnificent Life On Mars are the stand out tracks.
Well it’s my favourite Bowie album so there’s only going to be one score for this. I just love the simplicity of it, it feels light and easy, not trying to hard, no arty characters, no over production, just great catchy songs. I come back to this album a lot.
Yes this album is fantastic yet not the best Bowie has to offer. Anyway, I honestly forgot about the song Queen Bitch until this listen. Somehow I hear both Roadrunner by the Modern Lovers and Mr Brightside by the Killers as taking inspiration. Every song here is great. Look at those cavemen go.
Liked this
having an existential crisis to life on mars. an ethereal classic. god feels real when I listen to this
Every track is a classic in my opinion. Great all round record
Genius! One of the best ever Bowie albums
Great album. It's got this lovely ornateness that I enjoy. It's decorative. He's such a weirdo all over it. I don't know if it's anyone's #1 Bowie album (not mine) but it could be, it's certainly good enough. Must-listen #168.
Not my favourite Bowie's project, but definitely up there. One of my favourite light albums, with a bunch of lovely songs, some of them weird, some of them heartfelt. And then he decided that this is not a good live album and made something even better in a few months.
Andy Warhol lover album. But changes is a national treasure
An all timer for sure. Changes, Oh! You Pretty Things, Life on Mars?, Kooks, Queen Bitch. It's banger after banger.
came outta no where.
Amazing.
Lemppari: Changes
Loved Life on Mars and Changes
Yes. Please. Yes.
One of the greatest albums ever made, I love it so much
Awesome album!
What a great album!! This one has some of my favorite Bowie songs on it. Kooks, Life on Mars, Changes, and Oh! You Pretty Things. The chorus in that last one is so fun to sing 😃 Fill Your Heart was interesting…it reminded me of a song a cartoon villain would sing at the end of the movie after he saw the error in his evil ways and wanted to sing about his miraculous transformation over to the good side. Awesome 🤩
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. What an album. Chock full of great songs and performances. Probably none better than "Changes," which is probably the most popular track here, for good reason. This is Bowie at his most intelligent, open, and insightful...maybe ever. And the arrangement is just to die for; that sax at the end just gets me every time. Oh, You Pretty Things is the precursor to Ziggy. "And it looks as if they're here to stay." I guess so, Dave, I guess so. There's really not a less than 4 track here. Bewley Brothers is a tough nut to crack, for sure. But worth the repeated listenings required. David's voice will never sound this full again. But that that's not faint praise. He was an excellent vocalist almost his entire career. The epitome of knowing how to sing vs. having a great voice. Here, he has both. Just an essential, great album.
There are random Bowie songs I really like, but never dove into his albums. I initially wasn't sure what to think of this album... The song Queen Bitch is something I already have in regular rotation for a few years. I'm honestly not sure how I came across it, but I absolutely love it. The rest of the album does not sound like this song. On the 2nd listen I noticed more songs that I dig...Changes, Oh! You Pretty Things, Life on Mars?, Kooks, Quicksand, Andy Warhol, and Songs for Bob Dylan. On the 3rd listen I understand why this album is in the list. Incredible song writing. Holy shit David Bowie was a force to be reckoned with.
I’ve listened to Hunky Dory more than any other album. I’ve probably listened to Hunky Dory more than any other human who’s ever lived. There may be better albums, but this album is my childhood, my twenties, and my now. It’s never grown old. It’s at times silly and at times deeply philosophical. It always bops. It always makes me feel a certain way. It’s simply magic.
Legendary LP. Changes and Life on Mars are likely top 100 of a generation. Bowie remains an icon.
this album is insane, amazing singer songwriter record, some small parts of the album don’t make it perfect, i’m not a big fan of kooks, but other than that i can listen to this all, day, debatably my favourite by bowie
I love this album. It was my gateway to Bowie in my 20’s. Timeless, wonderful, joyful.
You know you're a god-tier songwriter when you can sing things like "I was stone and he was wax, so he could scream and still relax/Unbelievable" and people will just nod their heads like "you know Dave, I'd never thought about it, but that *is* unbelievable"
Widely considered by me to be Bowie’s best album.
What a fab album - is definitely got nostalgia points for me, but even without that it's still an amazingly well put together listen. Plus you have bangers like Life on Mars and Changes, which can only elevate it further. Spectacular.
Another legend. Great Career. Left us way to early. Fantastic music and voice.
Bowies masterpiece
Njegov prvi fenomenalni album
I wanted to get more deeply into Bowie,as I knew a dozen songs and loved them. What an introduction into his catalogue. An incredible album, at moments minimal, at moments giant. Bowie is a perfect songwriter. This is a masterpiece (and a lot of people don't think this is his best record) and I can't wait to listen to more. 5/5
Skulle vøri ung da
Not my favorite of Bowie, but up there and a good introduction (I think HD is among the least wierd Bowie albums). Life on Mars is phenomenal, also, listening to early Bowie, I just noticed how well and clear Hunky Dory sounds (compared to, say, TMWSTW, which I still enjoy more bc mood).
Una locura, cuando el artista volaba, pero volaba bien.
It has been my favourite Bowie album for the longest time. No change to that on a re-listen.
Don't overthink it. Legendary album from a legendary artist
Incredible.
Super Catchy. A multitude of various styles and a stellar line up of musicians makes for an amazing album! I dig it, one of my first fave Bowie albums because of kooks and Andy Warhol.
It's an album I can listen to effortlessly. Life on Mars is one of my favorites but everything was above average. Best week of albums, let's keep it up tomorrow
own
It’s good.
Another classic.
great singles like life on mars, changes, and queen bitch
For such an undeniable classic, it’s tough to reckon with how many throw away songs are on here. This whole record is Bowie’s bridge from folk singer/songwriter-type to Glam Rock Extraterrestrial. The drag, the drama, the voice, interplanetary metaphors, even Mick Ronson were already in place (as was Rick Wakeman whose piano dominates the record). And yeah, Song For Bob Dylan and Kooks are kind of slogs to get through, but if this whole album was Life On Mars, Pretty Things, Changes and Queen Bitch, it’d be enough to catapult it into legendary status, even if it Bowie’s career ended right here instead of soaring straight out into the cosmos for another 45 years.
Pretty good. First 5-6 songs are best, life on mars is my favorite, but the chorus of oh you pretty things is really catchy. Also the piano is solid throughout but I guess the pianist joined Yes right after sooooo.....makes sense
Nice straightforward great album. Ahead of it's time and classic Bowie. It has changes on it but also every track is great. I do find the cover art off-putting.
Changes is great. I remember hearing that on WBER as a kid and loving it. I learned it was a Bowie song today. I've never dived into Bowie's catalogue other than Ziggy Stardust. But this is a masterful, weird pop-rock album, that seems to exist out of it's time.
Probably my favourite Bowie album
4.8 - This was really really good. Heavy hitters on here, and would say this is Bowie at his peak
Still moving, visionary, sweeping, beautiful. I think it’s the best Bowie record (apologies to Ziggy Stardust and Blackstar)
Bowie delivers great work as always. Changes, Oh! You Pretty Things, and Life on Mars anchor a defining style and sound of unique, thought-provoking tracks. Bowie’s deep catalog puts him in the Pantheon of the all-time greats, with this album a solid part of that oeuvre.
It finally happened after 500 albums, I got an album that I just listened to in my free time. I hadn't listened to this album in over 3 years and then just listened to it 2 days ago. I'll just say as a very big Bowie fan, this album would probably be a 4 if Changes and Life on Mars wasn't on it. This album cam be really hit or miss. Life on Mars is one of the top 10 greatest songs ever written and then kooks is one of my least favorite Bowie songs. The second half of this album also falls off. Low 5.
Not in my top 5 favourite Bowie albums, but <3 Bowie so still 5 stars.
First half is varied, brilliant and flows so well. Second half is more mixed but the last couple of tracks are great. The first great Bowie album.
Possibly Bowie's best, one of my all time faves
Easiest 5-star on the list
Already my favourite artist by several miles, so this is an easy review to write; I've owned and loved this album for more than 40 years. It's just wonderful. Absorbing, moving, thrilling, yes quirky (if you must), unique. Life On Mars is simply a masterpiece. Quicksand is another one. Anyone musical will find something of interest here. I miss him.
I first heard this album as a child and it’s been a lifelong friend. Wonderful.
Never tire of listening to this
Still not sure Bowie isn't a Martian.
The first album that I actually know entirely! This one should be nice, I haven't listened to this record from front to back in a few years. It used to be my favourite Bowie album, but with time I started liking others more and kinda writing this one off. But let's gooooo Changes has a wholesomeness that is present throughout the record. This listening will be kind of a trip down memory lane, as this was big for me in my teen years. This specific song was great to have at that weird, difficult time. Oh! You Pretty Things really takes me back damn. I remember looking up the lyrics to this specific song. It was probably the first time I heard of the The Mamas & The Papas (if that line really is a reference to them). Bowie really had a way of writing for and about "weird" people. Those that felt different, in one way or another. And this record really speaks to that. Life on Mars? really is one of the best songs of all time. That chorus makes me want to sream-sing every time. And another case of Bowie writing some astute and interesting lyrics while keeping a pop sound. The "lawman beating up the wrong guy" line reminds me of "a cop knelt and kissed the feet of a priest and a queer threw up at the sight of that". Yeah Kooks is honestly over-hated. It's a fine track, nothing that, in my opinion, ruins an album. Sure I wouldn't be mad if you skipped it, but I'm not mad at its inclusion. It does take the whole "I'm different" thing to the cheesy side. Quicksand is similar to Eight Line Poem in that it's more of a poem than a song, but the lyrics are more interesting to me. And the fact that it actually has instrumentals too I guess. Another track that I remember looking up to get some help in understanding. Bowie rarely went sad, but when he did he sure went in. Fill Your Heart sounds like a sibling to Kooks, but I do like it better. I don't know what he was trying to accomplish with that beggining to Andy Warwhol but it surely changed the mood. The song's good though. He continues with the homages to then contemporary icons in the next song, and while it is good, it doesn't hit quite the same. Queen Bitch is so much fun. The Bewlay Brothers is another track that always kind of just happened. I like it, but the meaning doesn't speak to me. I love the second half though. Overall, this was a great experience, It was nice to revisit this album and the time in my life that I associate with it. But even outside that, this record definitely deserves its reputation as a classic. It has some of Bowie's best material with maybe a couple songs that could be skipped. Absolutely worth a listen! Bye
## In-Depth Review of David Bowie's *Hunky Dory* David Bowie’s *Hunky Dory* (1971) stands as a pivotal moment in his career and in the evolution of art pop and glam rock. The album is lauded for its lyrical depth, innovative musical arrangements, and production finesse, as well as its enduring influence on popular music. This review examines *Hunky Dory* in detail, focusing on its lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, and concludes with a balanced evaluation of its strengths and weaknesses. --- ## Lyrics **Narrative and Poetic Range** *Hunky Dory* is celebrated for its lyrical richness and thematic diversity. Bowie weaves personal introspection with cultural commentary, often blurring the line between autobiography and fiction[1][4]. The lyrics are accessible yet layered, inviting repeated listening and interpretation[4][6]. - **"Changes"**: The album opens with this anthem of reinvention, addressing generational conflict and the inevitability of transformation. The "ch-ch-ch-changes" refrain is both catchy and thematically resonant, encapsulating Bowie’s own artistic metamorphosis[6][8]. - **"Oh! You Pretty Things"**: Here, Bowie explores Nietzschean philosophy and occultism, referencing the rise of a new generation poised to upend the old order. The song’s apocalyptic optimism is both unsettling and infectious[3][4]. - **"Life on Mars?"**: Perhaps the album’s lyrical zenith, this surreal narrative follows a disaffected girl seeking solace in media and imagination. The lyrics juxtapose mundane reality with fantastical escapism, posing existential questions that resist easy answers[6]. - **"Kooks"**: In contrast, this track is a whimsical, heartfelt ode to Bowie’s newborn son, mixing parental advice with playful eccentricity[4]. - **"Quicksand"**: Bowie delves into existential despair, referencing Aleister Crowley, Nietzsche, and Buddhist philosophy. The lyrics are dense and allusive, reflecting a search for meaning amid chaos[4]. - **"The Bewlay Brothers"**: The album closes with this cryptic, haunting piece. Its lyrics are intentionally oblique, reportedly inspired by Bowie’s relationship with his half-brother and themes of identity and duality[8]. Overall, Bowie’s writing on *Hunky Dory* is both personal and universal, often enigmatic but always evocative. The album’s lyrics are a tapestry of references-philosophy, pop culture, personal history-woven with wit and emotional resonance. --- ## Music **Stylistic Shift and Arrangements** *Hunky Dory* marks a significant shift from the hard rock of *The Man Who Sold the World* to a warmer, piano-driven art pop and melodic rock sound[3][4][8]. The arrangements are intricate yet inviting, blending genres with effortless grace. - **Piano as Centerpiece**: Rick Wakeman’s piano work is central, providing both melodic foundation and emotional color. The piano’s prominence gives the album a theatrical, almost cabaret-like feel, especially on tracks like "Changes" and "Life on Mars?"[3][4]. - **Orchestration and Texture**: Mick Ronson’s string arrangements add lushness, particularly on "Life on Mars?" and "Quicksand". The use of acoustic guitar, horns, and subtle electric guitar embellishments creates a rich sonic palette without overwhelming the songs[4][6]. - **Genre Fusion**: The album traverses folk ("Kooks"), baroque pop ("Fill Your Heart"), proto-glam ("Queen Bitch"), and art rock ("Quicksand"). This eclecticism is unified by Bowie’s melodic sensibility and vocal performance[4][7]. - **Vocals**: Bowie’s singing is expressive and dynamic, ranging from the gentle intimacy of "Kooks" to the soaring drama of "Life on Mars?" and the theatricality of "Queen Bitch"[6]. The music of *Hunky Dory* is both experimental and approachable, balancing complexity with accessibility. Its melodic inventiveness and stylistic variety remain fresh decades later. --- ## Production **Clarity and Warmth** Produced by Bowie and Ken Scott at Trident Studios, the album’s production is notable for its clarity, warmth, and attention to detail[3][4]. The sound is lush but never cluttered, allowing each instrument and vocal nuance to shine. - **Mixing**: The mix prioritizes the piano and Bowie’s vocals, ensuring emotional immediacy. The arrangements are layered but transparent, with careful placement of strings, horns, and backing vocals[4]. - **Engineering**: Ken Scott’s engineering expertise contributes to the album’s polished yet organic sound. The acoustic elements are captured with warmth, while the occasional electric guitar or orchestral flourish adds drama without excess[3]. - **Innovative Touches**: Experimental elements, such as the backmasked guitar solo in "The Bewlay Brothers", hint at Bowie’s future sonic adventures while remaining grounded in the album’s melodic core[3]. The production on *Hunky Dory* enhances its musical and lyrical strengths, achieving a balance between sophistication and intimacy. --- ## Themes **Identity, Change, and Cultural Reflection** Thematically, *Hunky Dory* is a meditation on identity, transformation, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world[1][4][5]. - **Reinvention and Self-Discovery**: "Changes" and "Oh! You Pretty Things" address the necessity and inevitability of change, both personal and societal. Bowie anticipates and embraces the fluidity of identity that would define his career[1][6]. - **Alienation and Escapism**: "Life on Mars?" and "Quicksand" explore feelings of alienation, the allure of fantasy, and the struggle to find purpose in a confusing world[4][6]. - **Tribute and Influence**: Bowie pays homage to his artistic heroes-Andy Warhol, Bob Dylan, Lou Reed-while simultaneously staking out his own unique voice[3][4]. - **Family and Intimacy**: "Kooks" offers a rare glimpse of Bowie’s domestic side, blending sincerity with eccentricity[4]. - **Ambiguity and Duality**: "The Bewlay Brothers" delves into themes of brotherhood, mental illness, and the multiplicity of self, leaving interpretation open-ended[8]. The album’s thematic cohesion lies in its embrace of uncertainty, difference, and impermanence, expressed with beauty, style, and charisma[4]. --- ## Influence **Legacy and Impact** *Hunky Dory* is widely regarded as one of Bowie’s greatest achievements and a landmark in popular music[4][8][9]. - **Art Pop and Glam Rock**: The album helped define the art pop and glam rock genres, influencing countless artists with its blend of theatricality, introspection, and musical innovation[4][5]. - **Songwriting and Production**: Its sophisticated songwriting and production techniques set new standards for pop and rock music, inspiring musicians to experiment with form and content[4][9]. - **Cultural Resonance**: Songs like "Changes" and "Life on Mars?" have become cultural touchstones, covered and referenced across generations[6][9]. - **Bowie’s Artistic Identity**: *Hunky Dory* is often cited as the moment when "Bowie starts to become Bowie", discovering the voice and style that would shape his legendary career[3][4]. The album’s influence extends far beyond its initial release, continuing to inspire artists and listeners alike. --- ## Pros and Cons | Pros | Cons | |------|------| | Lyrically rich and thematically diverse, blending personal and cultural commentary[1][4] | Some tracks may feel slight compared to the album’s high points ("Fill Your Heart" is sometimes cited as less substantial)[9] | | Innovative, piano-driven arrangements with lush orchestration and genre fusion[3][4] | The eclecticism, while a strength, can make the album feel less unified to some listeners[4] | | Warm, clear production that highlights musical and vocal nuances[3][4] | "The Bewlay Brothers" is seen by some as overly cryptic or inaccessible[8][9] | | Iconic songs ("Changes", "Life on Mars?", "Oh! You Pretty Things") that have become classics[6][9] | Initial commercial reception was muted, and some tracks may be overshadowed by Bowie’s later work[3] | | Marked a turning point for Bowie, influencing art pop and glam rock for decades[4][5] | Some listeners may find the album’s introspective tone less immediate than Bowie’s more theatrical later albums[4] | --- ## Conclusion *Hunky Dory* remains a towering achievement in David Bowie’s discography and in the history of popular music. Its lyrical sophistication, musical inventiveness, and production finesse combine to create an album that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. The record’s embrace of change, ambiguity, and artistic exploration set the stage for Bowie’s subsequent transformations and left an indelible mark on the musical landscape. While not every track reaches the transcendent heights of its best moments, the album’s strengths far outweigh its minor flaws. *Hunky Dory* endures as a testament to Bowie’s genius-a work that rewards close listening and continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans.
A perfect album.
This masterpiece is my favorite Bowie's album (or one of two may be). Perfect voice, sound and theme. This album is in my Top Ten of all albums ever heard. Thank you for listening it again. Every track is a musical and vocal bomb!
Fun, experimental, weird, lovely. A grand old time, all hail Bowie
On paper this does a lot that I typically don’t like. The vocals are raw and often lack tone control. The recording quality is on the lo-fi end of the spectrum, and the aren’t a ton of elements of interplay. Yet, this is my fave Bowie project this far. It’s grounded and makes great use of harmonization. Both guitar and piano bits stir emotions without doing too much. Listened to: walking to shuffleboard. Favorite tracks: Changes, Oh! You Pretty Things, Life on Mars?, Song for Bob Dylan, Queen Bitch
genius!
This is so fun and joyful
What’s the best pop song ever written and why is it Life on Mars?
The Best David Bowie album by a mile. Masterpiece
The earliest classic Bowie record. Not as glamorous as Ziggy Stardust but it has so many good songs! In my eyes this is a must listen.
Truly a classic. Life On Mars? has been getting stuck in my head on and off since listening.
An impeccable record and the first classic Bowie album in my mind. Almost a greatest hits compilation at the time of release, and so glad that Bowie decided to give us this art pop masterpiece before going full glam rock.
Hunky Dory is where Bowie becomes Bowie. I don’t need to explain my score any further.
Big Bowie fan and this one is among my faves. Such fun songs
His first truest great album, setting the stage for his work until he goes to Berlin.
5/5 love david bowie
Fantastic classic album from the legend. All killer, no filler.
David Bowie was geen mens volgens mij, maar een soort van buitenaards wezen die ons de meest fantastische muziek heeft gebracht. 4.5
Great album <3
Incredible. Really good stuff. Had a good time doing yard work while blasting this.
all killer, no filler
Wow majorly classic album. Lucky for me, I have also heard this one before. So cool of me to have heard this one. Another album closer to death. Queen Bitch and Oh You Pretty Things are pretty perfect unstoppable all-timers. What else can you say? My biggest issue with Bowie is he is so overplayed on every jukebox and corner of the earth, that many of his biggest songs I am sick of hearing, but that's just not a factor in this 1001 albums situation. Even listening to the first song "Changes" (which I don't even like that much) I'm like "YUP, PERFECT SONG" - you can't deny it. Life on Mars? > Oh You Pretty Things > Quicksand > Andy Warhol > Queen Bitch > Fill Your Heart > Changes > The Belway Brothers > Eight Line Poem > Song for Bob Dylan > Kooks A few of the album cuts are kinda dull but the bangers pull it all up to a 5 star album
I LOVE BOWUE LOVE THE PRETTY THINGS LOVE KOOKS QUICKSAND BEST SONG EVER
At one point this was my favourite Bowie album. I've sort of gotten way more into his later stuff, but I still have a deep appreciation for this one. It was played a lot in college.
Unbelievable how so many classics can come from one album
who is hunky dory???
Great album!
One of my favorite (somewhere in the top 50-75 range) albums of all time. Although he has a number of tracks worth hearing before this, I see Hunky Dory as Bowie’s first masterpiece. An earthbound yet eclectic work of art, Hunky Dory began my fascination with Bowie’s work around a decade ago. The bombastic catchiness many of these songs offered was quite new to me then and the record still feels fresh now. Changes is a classic opener, Bewley Brothers is a chilling closer, Life On Mars? is one of his, or anybody’s, very best songs full stop. There’s some sort of palatable charm and measurable charisma on every song and in every cranny of this album. Oh! You Pretty Things is a favorite of mine too. Not only is it a bipolar banger musically, it’s one of the first examples I think of regarding Bowie’s uncanny ability to paint imagery with his words. This is a pretty solid set up for the project Bowie had been working up to for a few years, Ziggy Stardust. But at the same time, it’s very impressive how convincingly his pulls this set of ideas so shortly beforehand. It’s fun to listen to this and hear the breadcrumbs like Queen Bitch leading to his glam rock to come. Mick Ronson’s guitar playing and orchestral arranging is another element in the midst of fully blossoming here. But before Bowie blasts off into the stratosphere on his next release, the height he reaches here is vastly impressive and not to be forgotten. Easily 5 stars, 9.5/10 overall.
The beginning of the 70s Star Dust era kicks off with an absolute banger.
Not all Bowie albums are a 5, but this one is. One of his best; one of my favorites.
More 70s! Bowie this time, let's go! I've not listened to this album all the way through before and I have high hopes going in because, well, it's Bowie. Standouts are "Changes," "Eight Line Poem" - I really liked the slide guitar and the interesting lyrics - "Life on Mars," "Quicksand," and "Queen Bitch" - has some killer guitar. I could almost list each track here, they are all very good, but these were my tops if I had to pick. The piano in this album is incredible and Bowie's lyrics are unmatched. Each track is a great little story. The themes are varied and interesting. Each song is light and airy feeling yet has so much substance jammed into it, instrumentally and lyrically. Hunky Dory flies by, the album was over before I knew it and it definitely doesn't overstay its welcome. I really vibed with this one. It's hard to find any flaws and I could see myself playing this record over again. This is easily my first 5 star album here.
Very stripped back, lots of acoustic guitar. This album is a nice change of pace for Bowie with lots of folk influence. Dude never missed.
I never considered myself a Bowie fan until I participated in this project.
I prefer elton's tap dance song
Heh. yeah. A favourite Bowie album and has been in my collection for more than 40 years in every format conceivable. Normally under the rules of engagement with this site I'd listen to the album now. I am not going to as I listened to it two days ago. 5/5.
Fun Classic bowie Oh you pretty thingssss
5 stars. Right, now time to listen to the album.
High 4
His first truly great album
Another Bowie, another great album. If there's any artist deserving of having this number of albums on this list it's him. For me, nothing comes close to Ziggy Stardust but it's 50/50 whether this or Low is his 2nd best. 5* Fav tracks: Life on Mars?, Changes, The Bewlay Brothers
Discazo my Bowie fav
Loved every song
Early David Bowie, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
Very good but not my thing
I bought this CD at a Sam Goody at the mall after hearing a few songs on the Life Aquatic soundtrack. Listening back now, it's just such an awesome mix of Bowie's disruptive edgy side and his croony smooth side. Very drinkable but unlike any other. I still say Life On Mars is top 5 songs ever. But this whole album is a constellation of red hot and beautiful gems.
Weirdos and geeks
A fantastic and classic album. This is how you make great music. Each song is unique and tells its own story, while at the same time having all the DNA of the collective songs on the album run through each song. Although this isn’t a perfect album, it is damn close.
Day440 - throwing the word genius around is easy but it’s true with david bowie
Bowie proves (as always) that he’s just as capable of orchestrating a Broadway musical album as he is at writing rock operas and dance hall staples.
The first great album from an artist with more great albums than many artists have albums period reveals the transformative power of Bowie's shift from guitar to piano as his compositional foundation.
Really really love this album. Truly one of the greats! Rip Bowie
This is one of my favorite albums of all time, and David Bowie is one of my favorite artists of all time. I genuinely love every track on here. On any given listen I am randomly grabbed by a harmony in the background from one of the instruments; every song is so well constructed musically. This has reminded me I don't have this album on vinyl yet so I'm going to go order it right now.
Good music and lyrics.
Top 10 album OAT for me. Composition is great, perfect encapsulation of the randomness of Bowie, along with some of his more popular singles
Classic, ahead of its time, sign of great things to come from one of the greats. 5/5
As classic as David Bowie gets, fantastic, eccentric melodies
Always.
Legendary.
This feels like Bowie at his best.
Yes! This is exactly what I want when listening to Bowie. This album is perfect.
Brilliant
2/28/25. One of Bowie's best. Life On Mars is an all time track.
Straight to 5/5 this is the fucking Hunky Dory!!! David Bowie is so unique, there's no one in the whole music history like him, the person pretty much define a whole generation's music and fashion(in several different ways). Hunky Dory is essential.
Masterful songwriting, first time listening to this album in full and I would say it's essential listening
Another Bowie album I have never listened to before in its entirety, so I only knew (and loved) the hits - a shame! There are a few songs that leave me a bit cold but there is so much good stuff and creativity it still deserves a 5.
Day 81 and I finally get the first of nine total Bowie albums within the one thousand and however many (since we're listening to all the albums from all editions). Also the first of those nine chronologically. Bowie was, what, 24 when he made this? First listen was through my phone speaker while skeining my latest handspun yarn. Not the best sound quality, but the mellow meditative activity paired nicely with the softer piano melodies on the album. Gotta relisten with headphones on sometime later. Dang. This is some good stuff. Welcome to my music library, Hunky Dory.
It's a wonderful long affair for the boy with the mousy hair.
Seems pointless to give any of my own thoughts on one of the most acclaimed works of art by someone widely recognised as one of the greatest artists in history.
the dawn of a genius, yes I know he'd done stuff previous but this has got to be the album where people back then must had begun to think... "o aye this fella is a bit good isn't he!?" haven't heard some of the album tracks in a while but they still stand up well. Brilliant.
Hunky dory little story on the wall he might fall greatest show man of them all
Not one single bad song. Really good album and had not listened as an adult to it. Mindblown
Love me some David Bowie
This album features the song "Life On Mars?" by David Bowie.
Indeed it was.
Bowie always gets a 5
I enjoyed listening to an album I've never heard from an artist I love.
listened to it before, but God is this album fresh. bowie is the only person I know who can pull off pretense without actually being pretentious. how many people could sing a word on quicksand without appearing like the biggest dweeb on the planet?
Earlier in my trip through the 1001 I distinctly remember giving an excellent Bowie album four stars precisely because there are some GREAT Bowie records. This is one of those, a GREAT Bowie record. It really shows his development as a performing artist and as a songwriter.
If Bowie recorded a series of farts, it would be on this list. This has bangers though. 4.5.
As of this moment, this is my favorite Bowie album. Lots of incredible tracks. In my heart of hearts this is probably a 4.5 star album, but I'm going to round up in this case.
Some classic Bowie tracks on here. The lesser known songs didn't hit quite as hard as for me so maybe it's a 4. But it's possible Queen Bitch is good enough to get this to a 5. (12 known/18 new)
Classic Bowie.
Alright, this is my sixth David Bowie album on my journey, and the second one to break chronological order after Aladdin Sane broke the run of Young Americans through Low, followed by "Heroes". I am well familiar with the singles from Hunky Dory and a few cuts such as "Queen Bitch" and "Oh! You Pretty Things" that are undeniable bangers to me. How does the rest of the album stack up? This was Bowie's best album to date. Taking a more piano-focused songwriting approach, he crafted warmer rock tunes that placed more emphasis on melody. I've already mentioned the above tracks as good examples of this approach. I'll add to that notion the sporadic piano with spare guitar licks on "Eight Line Poem", the delightful "Kooks" that's a heartfelt dedication to Bowie's son Duncan, the spiritualistic nature of "Quicksand" that sounded like a stylistic precursor to Low, the swing and horn accompaniment of "Fill Your Heart", the more esoteric tributes to Andy Warhol and Bob Dylan on their respectively named songs, and the even more cryptic closer "The Bewlay Brothers" with the backmasked guitar solo and delectable guitar hooks as the end descends into a controlled madness with the chants of "Please come away". Even when these songs get bonkers in the lyrics, the hooks are there to sink you in deeper. Even if I can acknowledge that David Bowie would continue to experiment and improve his songwriting chops, knowing full well how much I loved Station to Station, I cannot deny Hunky Dory was an excellent cornerstone that showcased the man finding his style.
This is my favourite Bowie album, I love the lyrics and the musical style, to me it is his most coherent and connected album. Over shadowed by Ziggy, unfairly I believe as this is a better work. Much more creativity and emotional content. Easily 5 🤩
I struggle to enjoy Bowie. I hate the "stuttering" on changes. It's very, very difficult to argue that this isn't a brilliant album though.
Album - Hunky Dory Artist - David Bowie Release - 1971 Genre - Art Pop/Pop Rock Heard it before? - Y Heard OF it before? - Y Bowie’s first truly great album. It seems to take a backseat to the glam years, which while understandable makes it somewhat more special. It takes a lot of cues from Sgt. Pepper in its instrumentation, but while that album’s orchestra and brass seemed bombastic, this one prefers to make it subdued. Less street parade, more live musical theater. The pianos are really pretty too. It’s lighter on the electric guitar than the albums that followed, but when it does appear (“Eight Line Poem,” “Queen Bitch”) it’s seems to be another piece in the overall machine, which fits these songs perfectly. I was going to make a longer review for this one but it’s Friday and I don’t think this is the kind of album that needs some framing review like the previous ones I got. It’s great piano-driven artsy pop from a brilliant songwriter, what more needs to be said? 9/10
Seems like every time I get a different Bowie album, I like it even more than the last. This album just hit differently than the others for me. I really enjoyed it from start to finish, and it provided a fantastic soundtrack to my weekly grocery shopping trip.
Quirky and upbeat. Just the way I like my Bowie.
Well obviously five stars, it's Hunky Dory. Life on Mars, followed by Kooks followed by Quicksand, wow. Pretty things, Changes, Andy Warhol, Bewlays and of course Queen Bitch. The only minor bum note is Fill Your Heart and that's a fun enough cover. Class, top to bottom. Post album listening: Bombers, last minute replaced by Fill Your Heart, and the Bob Rose original of that song which is nice and feels more genuine.
If you don't like "Kooks" we can't be friends. Truly one of Bowie's best. I love the evolution of his sound here, he's still a little folksy/hippy at this point in his career.
This was already an all time fave of mine, but it was good to have a focused re-listen.
I like Bowie but not all of his music. Kooks really resonated with me.
need to remind myself that a 4-star bowie album is just a 5-star album
i've been getting more into david bowie's music lately and especially after the handful of albums i've already gotten in this project, so i was really eager to listen to another. and... it was good. i've heard some great bowie and this one, to me, does not get quite up to those highs. don't get me wrong, there are some great tracks on here - i love 'queen bitch,' 'oh! you pretty things,' and 'life on mars?' - but a lot of the rest of this album is just not the pinnacle of bowie. there's a lot of softer stuff here, which isn't bad, but i found myself wanting more of the aggressive, glam-type stuff that i love bowie for around this era. that being said, i still think it's pretty great - but not to the immense heights that bowie can get to.
First record on the list that I enjoyed all the way through. Really really like it
Bowie before Ziggy
He did it again
Clearly exceptionally influential. Really hits hard too, even on a first listen. Classic for a reason!
Hunky Dory has some of Bowie’s best songs on it. That being said I do think he has better albums. That’s not necessarily a knock on Hunky Dory though, because Bowie has made some of my favorite albums ever. It’s just while this record has some of Bowie’s best songs, it also has some songs I could live without such as Andy Warhol. Despite having a few low points, I think this the perfect Bowie record to start with for a new fan, and it’s one that I hold dear because it was one of the first Bowie records I heard. It’s insane that there’s multiple albums I would take over this, because it is damn near flawless, but that just shows how consistent Bowie’s catalog is.
4.5 rounded up, because it deserves more credit than my last couple 4 stars, which were low+key 3.5s rounded up. That being said, this album still kicks ass. Changes, Pretty Things, and Life on Mars, all within the first 4 songs?!? David Bowie began to define his legacy on this album, as early as 1971, and he never looked back. Strange giving this 5 stars bc obviously he would go on to SMASH it out of the park, but my man David Bowie would take over the music industry with albums as unassuming as this. Before you know it he has cornered the game singing about space and extraterrestrial life forms and experiences. Bring it back to Earth, however, his humble piano ballads make this album very digestable before he goes on to be larger than life.
The start of a perfect run to Scary Monsters.
Bipperty-bopperty brilliant.
Outstanding. One of the best albums ever.
Great album, so many great songs. Highlight being Life on Mars?
This is one of the greatest albums ever written and produced. First discovered it many years ago and even now find new things in it. Inventive, quirky and profound. "Oh! You Pretty Things" is one of my favourite tracks period plus.... "What did I say? "Hull." It's "hole." As in "holes." Andy Warh- Huh? Andy Warho- Andy War-War-ol, like hol—hol— "Andy War-hole," take one"
Life on Mars?
Crazy I got this album on the 9th anniversary of Bowie passing and sending the world into the tailspin we’re currently in.