Reviews (page 4 of 15)
I'm a sucker for a good piano tune. Many of these tracks feature the piano (at around the time Elton John was getting popular). Guitar features on the other tracks. Two massive hits on the record but with three tracks praising other popular figures of the time (Andy Wahol, Bob Dylan, Lou Reed - but not mentioned Lou by name) I feel it is lyrically clutching at straws a bit, while the music itself is a lot more solid. Tempted to give it a three but ultimately 4 for both of the well know hits. Nah changed my mind again 3.
Hunky Dory used to be my favourite Bowie album, but nowadays I prefer Ziggy Stardust and Low. Great album anyway.
Meilleur album de Bowie ?
I have a crush on David Bowie. Sue me. I could listen to “Life On Mars?” a thousand times and never get sick of it.
listened to again still amazing
Average at best
meu histórico reforça que eu não gosto do bowie, no geral, mas.... esse aqui quebrou legal minhas expectativas, pq é bom xD tem uma vibe mto forte da era ziggy stardust (que talvez seja a única que eu tolero) começando nesse, e só composição pedrada pro deus sabe que eu não consigo dar menos de 4 estrelas pra um álbum que tem life on mars e kooks
eh 5 estrelas nesse, hein, tem jeito não. um album que tem a sequencia life on mars > kooks > quicksand não tem como. absurdo DEMAIS. sem contar o riffzinho de andy warhol que eh uma APELAÇÃO, convenhamos. gosto muito desse aqui pq ele nem tava PIRADO na droga, só um usuário normal fazendo música. eh o começo da melhor era dele e ainda nem eh o melhor de todos. coisa boa DEMAIS!!
Creat album, bit not really my style, a few songs were to forgetable
Lots of bangers on this album starting with the lead off “changes”. But my favorite is probably “Queen Bitch”. This also has “life on Mars” and “oh you pretty things” but there’s also a couple of duds so not quite a 5 but close!
more lows than highs
Classic Bowie - mostly good with a couple of absolute greats
Not my favourite David Bowie's album but there's so many great songs on it that I keep coming back to it anyway.
Your honor I love him
life on mars la amo
Non il mio preferito di bowie ma comunque gran bell’album
Bowie never disappoints
Not Bowie's best, but the hits are undeniable
7/10
I really like David Bowie, this album had some little known tracks and some really popular tracks. 5/5
i love it
For a record that came out in 1971, this has the air of a Greatest Hits album about it. It contains a couple of my favourite ever Bowie tracks. Life on Mars? and Queen Bitch. Back that up with Changes, Andy Warhol, Oh You Pretty Things and Kooks. And it's only 1971 FFS! I was never a massive Bowie fan but how can this be anything other than a 5?
4.5, posiblemente el mejor proyecto de Bowie
Ok - for me, this is Bowie’s masterpiece. So many great songs in one collection. Hard to choose a favourite, but Life on Mars is still jaw droppingly beautiful 55 years later. Rick Wakeman is the extra ingredient that makes this the best Bowie album for me. His piano arrangements are perfect. Queen Bitch is clearly the link to Ziggy which followed on from this album…. Straight 5.
Non finito, prima metà ottima
One of the best David Bowie albums? I do believe so 🙂↕️
Good
I like Bowie but wonder how he became so famous.
Ok
It's okay. Just okay
Cool, but not my favorite from him.
Really good and classic Bowie
Funky piano and TRUMPET.
I couldn't really listen to it. I didn't like it.
Changes Oh You Pretty Thing Life on Mars Kooks Song For Bob Dylan Queen Bitch
Changes Oh! You Pretty Things Life on Mars? Andy Warhol Queen Bitch
una gran masa de temas un tanto ñoños y sin más para mi...... solo rescato life on mars? y queen bitch.
Before I eve get started on this album we should all take a moment and realize that the song "Life On Mars" is the greatest song on this album. People might know Changes more, but Life On Mars is the greatest, dare I say of all of David Bowies songs. Although my personal favorite is Savior Machine off of The Man Who Sold The World. An album that should honestly be on this list above all other albums of his, but who am I to judge David has already been blessed with 9 albums on this list. 5 Stars.
Life on Mars, Changes are the shining stars on this album. But even the lesser known songs like Andy Warhol are great listening.
Lots of classics I didn't even realize were David Bowie
Pretty good
Some hits but a lot of it sounded the same.
Good album, that drops off a bit at the end. Life on Mars is fantastic!
Probably the only album to have the EXACT same rating on this website as on RYM (3.99 as of this moment on both). I've previously underrated this album, but I have to admit that it's up there with his best work. 8/10
<3
7/10 - It’s a good Bowie album.
Really great, highlights for me are Changes, Life on Mars?, Queen Bitch, The Bewlay Brothers. There are very few low points. Strong 8/10
1. changes - it was so fun i just wish the production was louder/clearer/more adjusted (??) 2. oh you pretty things - i like the smooth transition into the next song 3.
This is a very good album. I am not the absolute biggest Bowie fan but you cannot deny his genius. Obviously it helps having musicians like Mick Ronson, Rick Wakeman and Trevor Bolder play with you. I was torn between 4 and 5 but i think 4/5 is fair, it isn't a no skip album imo.
zoals alle Bowies... zeer goed, maar een volledige plaat is teveel na elkaar...
Yeah, he cooked here
Good old Bowie Music
Sublime 👌
Muy creativo, muy experimental y muy versátil David
Finally a Bowie album i know i like, which appears to a lit rarer than i thought before this process. Changes is a classic, overplayed yes, but that shouldn’t detract from what a great song it is. ‘Oh You Pretty Things’ continues the piano heavy good time feel. Yes ‘Eight Line Poem’ doesnt match the first two songs, but it’s not a bad song….and it does lead to ‘Life on Mars’ which would be a highlight of any album. Kooks is fun and inoffensive and generally enjoyable.
This has my favourite Bowie song on it (“Life On Mars”), so I knew I’d at least enjoy that. It turns out I enjoyed quite a lot more of it. Aside from the obvious tracks (“Changes”, for example), I enjoyed “Kooks” and spent far too long trying to remember where I knew the riff in “Andy Warhol” from (it’s from a Rachel from S Club 7 song), eventually getting it lodged in my head where it now remains. This is probably a 3.5* for me, but I enjoyed it more than the other Bowie albums I have a 3* score too.
I do not have a great hit rate with Bowie albums: so far there's been two 1*, one 2* and one 3* which has really shaken my confidence in the artists I thought I liked. This album involves Changes, Oh! You Pretty Things and Life On Mars however, so is already out of the 1* or 2* danger zone. I like this piano-heavy, poppier version of Bowie. Kooks is great, as is Andy Warhol. And it's funny! Plus, while I've never been the biggest Yes fan, whenever he turns up on other records I get why people think Rick Wakeman is great (the piano on this record is lovely). Even on an album which includes two singles that aren't just famous Bowie singles, they're some of the most popular songs in the western world, the album tracks are (pretty much) all really enjoyable. Plus it's tight run time means nothing sticks around too long to get annoying. Maybe I do like Bowie albums? 4/5
I like that it was quite Piano heavy. Quite catchy. I just didn't like the volume dynamics. It was a bit much.
Har jo denne på lp. Noen bangers her.
I’ve been told Bowie is an incredibly iconic and amazing artist, but this album just isn’t doing it for me. The singing just feels.. fake? Not sure how to explain. “Life on Mars?” Actually isn’t too bad, I liked it a bit. Idk if I would listen to it on my own but if someone played it I would be chill. I don’t really know what it’s about. I thought the mention of Bob Dylan was pretty cool, made me think of my dad. Overall I didn’t really enjoy the album sadly..
Альбом с которого я начал слушать Боуи и по совместительству первый альбом, купленный мной на виниле. Я обожаю Дэвида Боуи и этот альбом довольно быстро заслушал до дыр, но все равно он занимает важное место в моём музыкальном сердце.
CHANGES: 4.5/5 OH! YOU PRETTY THINGS: 4/5 EIGHT LINE POEM: 3/5 LIFE ON MARS?: 5/5 KOOKS: I didn't realize how many of these songs I already know and like. 3.5/5 QUICKSAND: Another with interesting progression. 3.5/5 FILL YOUR HEART: Weird one. 4/5 ANDY WARHOL: 3.5/5 SONG FOR BOB DYLAN: 3/5 QUEEN BITCH: 1.5/5 was not into this one for the most part THE BEWLAY BROTHERS: 3.5/5 OVERALL: 4.5/5
Another classic, but weaker than both the album that comes before and after. But you can’t deny some of these songs are some of Bowie’s best
Nostalgic album full with more song I knew then I thought I would, optimistic young Bowie is always a pleasure to hear from you
Wow. I cannot believe that I have never listened to a Bowie Album all the way through. I was raised on the late 60s early 70s and I even live in the state where he gets his stage name from, but I guess my parents either didn't know about him or didn't vibe with him. But this album was fantastic! I know a few of his songs but the album was well laid out to keep you listening to it. The song that stands out as the outlier is Kooks but even that was comparatively good to a lot of other music I listen to. I loved Oh! You Pretty Things (spoiler, that's my playlist pick) and Queen Bitch. I really enjoyed Andy Warhol and the back half of the album where Bowie pays homage to other artists. Eight Line poem really stuck out to me as well -This is an album of hits for me and no misses really. 5/5, adding the whole thing to my rotation Playlist pick: Oh! You Pretty Things. CLOSE second is Life on Mars or Queen Bitch. I could add all three but trying to stick to one for this playlist and Pretty Things caught my ear immediately
Hunky Dory is one of David Bowie's many great albums. This album is filled with many amazing songs that fit together nicely and the listening experience is incredible beginning to end. 4.6/5
Great album. I think it dips in the second half, but damn this has some of his best songs on it.
ch ch ch ch changessss
This is a good early Bowie album
4.5⭐️/5 [03.16.2026] 03.28.2026
This is some groovy Bowie.
Album banger plein de tubes cultes
Un des meilleurs albums qu’on a écouté jusque là ! J’ai ce vinyle…. 2 fois je crois 😂 Des bangers sur cet album, je trouve qu’il est harmonieux dans l’enchaînement des tracks + spéciale dédicace à Claudine (la maman d’une amie) qui était fan de David Bowie
Décidément deux albums à la suite découverts dans American Horror Story! J'adore Life on Mars, je l'écoute régulièrement
Stunning. A very enjoyable album.
Started off with a banger of a song…love Changes. Then it got so boring I had to keep reminding myself to pay attention. Ended on a better note, the last couple songs were okay. I don’t like the album name and I don’t like the album cover. I especially don’t like combination of said album name and album cover.
i love this album!!
Tough album to rate for me. I don't have any strong connection to the mammoth figure that is David Bowie. His music just didn't click with me, perhaps if I was around when it was released it would have been better. This however is a relatively good Bowie album in my opinion, it is quite enjoyable, especially in the first half of it. Later on he starts losing me a bit, with some of the typical Bowie weirdness which just isn't for me. 3/5
Prefer first half of album
Some of the greatest songs of all time along with some forgotten/forgettable ones.
Another really good Bowie album. 4.5/5.0: Excellent
Favorite Bowie album we've had so far
This is an album I wanted to purchase after I listened to it. I enjoyed every song.
Bowie is a blind spot for me. This was a great listen. I’ve been missing out.
Probably very different for its time, but seems a bit dull now.
Pretty solid album with some hits.
Really loved this! Classic songs and new songs to add to my rotation
Wow, I'm on a nice streak this week. 5 in a row! Starts strong, and then we get to one of the greatest songs ever written, life on mars. A lot of greatness here! 4.5 rounded up Heard before? Yes Owned: Yes 55/227 (24%) Will I get: A nicer copy maybe
Third Bowie, and from what I understand there will be about a billion more Gee I can hardly wait. Yawn 3.
hunky okay
First half was really good
Classic album. This album has 3 fantastic songs in "Changes", "Life On Mars" and "Queen Bitch", but really, the whole album doesn't have a track to skip on it. What else is there to say?
I didn’t finish this album but I did get very close to finishing. Some songs on here I have heard before and do like them. David Bowie is a legend and his work is like art. I need a full listen however.
So so good. Just the best. All of my favorite Bowie songs in one magical place.
In my opinion far from Bowie's best work. But its high points show glimpses of the mastery that is to come from him.
This is the perfect example of catching up with albums you have no excuse not to have in your collection. I knew Changes and Queen Bitch, and Life on Mars seems familiar. Changes I always kind of hated because it showed up in a Classic Rock context and feels annoying in that context (and honestly, that context was just uncool for me back then). In the album context, it's just classic. Highlights, basically all of it, but "Oh You Pretty Things" "Life on Mars," and "Queen Bitch" especially, and I really enjoyed coming back and reassessing "Changes."
Super
pretty mellow and piano-heavy for the most part, but it's got a really warm vibe. the intro to "andy warhol" is mental—that acoustic bit completely blew me away. it’s not exactly my usual style, but it’s definitely a solid 4/5. perfect for a late night session.
Top 5 maybe top 3 Bowie for me. Whimsical but weird in places, great stuff
Some great songs here! Classics and stuff i hadn’t heard. Even the ‘skips’ have something kind of genius about them honestly. Guy’s a legend
Didn’t hate it, didn’t love it.
Is it even fair to rate this in relation to other, later Bowie records? It would help me if we could split up his body of work by singular persona or genrebreaking era as separate entities entirely. That way I wouldn't need to try comparing my more familiar favorites with this one, which I never really actively listened to before. This is nothing like, for example, Scary Monsters or Outside or Heathen, my regular jam. Hunky Dory is definitely less menacingly electronic and more folksy, as if George Harrison was loitering throughout the production. Anyway, this record is great on its own, or maybe his inimitable procession of follow up works were also pretty great on their own as well.
This is a classic, i found the second part a little bit flat, but on a whole it's a solid album
Вообще не мой любимый альбом Боуи, но лайф он марс, конечно, великая
This is a great record. Standout songs for me are the stories told on "Oh, You Pretty Things" and "Is There Life on Mars?," the proto-punk "Queen Bitch"; "Changes," of course; and the intriguing closer "The Bewley Brothers." And the gender ambiguity of the cover and "Pretty Things" is something I've always loved. Not all the songs are equal to the best ones, so I'd probably give this 4.5 stars if we could get more incremental. But since we can't, I'll go with a 5.
A consistent album with a cohesive sound, best known for Life on Mars and Changes.
How the hell have I not listened to all the David Bowie albums by now? I thought I was done. I am not complaining. This is yet another David Bowie album that I really enjoyed listening to. I will refuse to state that I am becoming a fan of his, but I am finding his music more likable than I had expected going into this project. Changes Oh! You Pretty Things Life on Mars Kooks Queen Bitch
I thought it was a pretty good listen, although I don’t listen to this genre so it was a little rough to get into.
great
I've just realised, there are NINE David Bowie albums on here. NINE? Fucking hell. I'm of firm belief that nobody should have more than 3 albums on here. Hunky Dory is fine, but imo nothing special. A couple of good songs, like the opener and Queen Bitch, but otherwise it's nothing to write home about.
I only knew the hits from this Bowie album and man, have I been missing out. It’s a playful, hippie Bowie, and such gorgeous songs! I have been playing this on repeat since it came up in the list. It’s a new old favorite.
Life on mars and changes make a strong case for Hunky Dory. Its a classic Bowie album, a bit bad, a bit great, a bit happy-clappy, and all weird.
I had heard a lot of the material on this album before throughout life over the years, but I had never listened to it in its entirety. After doing so, I can say that this is very typical 70's Bowie, which is a great thing. It's got a hard rock edge, elements of glam, some experimental sounds, all the things Bowie is loved for. Not to mention, I argue that all of this is at least a few years ahead of its time. Another great example of Bowie being the musical pioneer that he was.
6/10
David Bowie. Enough said. (Although I'm a little biased it was still a sonically pleasing album with impressive, catchy, and unique instrumentals in songs that I was less familiar with. All round great collection of songs.)
This list is doing some work to convince me how much I don't appreciate David Bowie while still allowing me to retain a lot of my lack of appreciation. Life on Mars and Changes are great, the rest pretty forgettable to me.
Not a spectacular Bowie album but a couple of great tunes
Classic David Bowie. There are some really great songs such as "Changes", "Oh! You Pretty Things", "Life on Mars?", "Queen Bitch" and "The Bewlay Brothers", but then you also have the slighly quirky "Andy Warhol". In my opinion not as good as the preceding album "Man Who Sold the World", and definietly not as good as the subsequent album "Ziggy Stardust", but nonetheless, still a great album.
Jo det var väl bra. Ett par hits. Strak trea.
Nästan perfekt album. Förutom de uppenbara är quicksand ett stort utropstecken. Knappt hört honom sjunga finare. Sniffar på 5an.
Så jävla bra. Nästan så jag tycker att det här är hans bästa. Det är såklart fusk att han plockat in Rick Wakeman. Han är för bra. Varje gång han dyker upp vet man att det är guld på g. Svårt att se hur David Bowie står ut med hans brölighet.
quirky king
Han kan nog bli något!
Best album on earth. A classic
It was my first attempt at listening to Bowie, and truly I found the album quite immersive sonically. A well written masterpiece I'll definitely be sure to revisit
6.6/10
tres temas buenos el resto zzz
Fine listen.
75
Day 249 on this challenge and I finally get a Bowie album! Obviously I know plenty of Bowie and there are a good number of familiar songs here but I haven’t listened to all his albums, one for this challenge to help put right. Forever ahead of his time, it’s easy to understand his influence without even listening to his albums but it’s also easy to hear the craft and quality on display by listening to an album in full. I’ll be back and might even upgrade to the maximum 5 stars.
Love this album, classic Bowie with great hooks, inventive melodies, singalong moments. One of my favorites from him.
Wow. I always liked David Bowie but never actually had a change to listen to it. This album is full of hits, no skipping, great for playing while being at home.
Bowie makes some of the best weird music of all time. He somehow pairs crazy, out there themes with music that makes the songs seem like normal rock songs. Definitely another interesting album.
Fun, i really liked it! Sounded like an early Bowie. It kinda shows a clear path through Bowie evolution. In addition, some tracks held a little bit of distraction from the lyrics from only his voice, which, personally, sometimes bothers me. Still, the lyricism was varied and solid, and the band was really good! Eye-opening and a good intro to Bowie! Really cool, but had a few really good tracks. Changes and Life on Mars? Are two really good ones. 4/5.
Not my favourite Bowie album. Changes is great but the other songs didn't really appeal to me.
Alr
There's too much Bowie on this list. Still, this is fine,
Great album, so different from the ones i heard so far. 4.5 stars
Oh! You Pretty Things>> Amei a experiência.
Ещё один альбом, темы которого разнообразны и интересны, раскрывают личность автора и позволяют узнать много чего интересного. Но с точки звучания это увы не моё, но разбирать это всё очень любопытно
Outstanding even for Bowie. Starts with three bangers out of 4 songs and the rest is good 4.55
3+
Just perfect. I had heretical thoughts the other week, when I got Ziggy Stardust and thought it could maybe be better than Hunky Dory, but order is now restored. From the very first opening bars to the bluntly insane final moments, it's got everything. Sweetness and light, in songs like Kooks, and depth and darkness on Quicksand, and everything in between. It's also, for me, Bowie's vocal peak taken across the whole record. There isn't a hint of croon or pastiche, and some of the power (the SAILORS bit of Life on Mars) is incredible. This will, it turns out, always be the David record for me when push comes to shove.
Better than the other Bowie album I reviewed recently. A little bit less experimental and just good old fashioned bangers. 3.5 but more 3 than 4.
TOP 5 changes life on mars? queen bitch the bewlay brothers andy warhol
Love! Especially changes and life on mars!! And Andy Warhol and Oh! You Pretty Things
Bowie..... Such a treasure. And here in his prime. 5 stars is not enough.
What a wonderful selection from peak-era Bowie. This record is among his best, showcasing the wonderful qualities of his artistry. It is infinitely listenable, but always creative, always unique. Perhaps no other artist (maybe Reed, maybe Morrissey) can simultaneously convey authentic connection and emotion while retaining a serious detachment and a sense of snark. I experience it here, but I can't wrap my mind around how those two sensibilities can coexist in the same artist, much less in the same track, even less in the same line. This album is Bowie at his most musical. Every song is wonderful to listen to and wonderful to think about. "Life on Mars?" gets me all up in my feelings every single time. Five stars.
Another legend.
It is too much of a theater to me… I don’t like it! 2 stars
A solid listen. Was only familiar with Life of Mars before and enjoyed the entire album
Some amazing tunes on here obviously life on mars is goated. Bit distracting that David Bowie has like maybe the worst sounding voice ever
David Bowie is an artist I really like but not really entire albums, instead I listen to individual songs that I like and leave the rest as it sometimes becomes to much of Bowies style at once for me. This album doesn't really change that for me but nevertheless its a good album with extremely great individual songs.
Really enjoyed, had never listened to a Bowie album fully through. Good reminder to listen to some more.
Classic
Good
Album Review 076 Hunky Dory by David Bowie (1971) Rating 4/5 Hunky Dory is the point where Bowie, consciously or otherwise, sets out the manifesto for the rest of his career in Changes. It’s also arguably one of the best-first-half’s on any album with Changes, Oh! You Pretty Things, and Life On Mars?. Those three tracks alone would be the highlight of anyone else’s career and are head and shoulder above anything else both on the album or recorded by most other artists in the early-‘70’s. However, this is so much filler here (e.g. Kooks, Fill Your Heart, Andy Warhol) it’s difficult to rate this as a truly great and consistently strong album.
First time listening to this album all the way through. Very much enjoyed this.
not the best bowie, but still, lots of iconic songs
Pretty pleased with this one, overall. "Changes" is a classic, "Song for Bob Dylan" is catchy, "Life on Mars" is great, and "Queen Bitch" is wonderful. Good advice from "Fill Your Heart". So, a few bangers, a few great melodies, and a few ... just why? But can we be over Bowie now? ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Worth a listen just for Changes and Life on Mars. Fun little piano parts, especially in Fill Your Heart.
Pretty excellent
nao ouvi inteiro mas eh okay tem piores
primer album que escucho de bowie (ahre que nunca escuche un tema de el pero bueno se entiende), estuvo bueno pero me gustaron mas la canciones como "relajadas", por ejemplo quicksands me encanto. Fue un buen comienzo pero no lo rankearia como uno de mis favoritos.
medio pelo, life on mars, changes y oh you pretty things carrean, es rarisima andy warhol, capaz queen bitch zafa
I've listened to parts of this. Band in high school made me play some of these songs. Favorites: - Changes - Life on Mars? - Quicksand Thoughts: I like David Bowie's music, but I feel it is a bit repetitive sometimes. I would like to hear his voice more than his instrumentals.
ch ch ch ch changes
I love me some Bowie! This is one of my favorites by him.
400/1089 - I liked Kooks. Reminds me of Paul McCartney's "granny tunes" in a way. Overall a pretty good album though I'm not a huge fan of Bowie's vocals a lot of the time. Cool! My rating is exactly the same as the global rating (at the time I wrote this review).
Wow geweldig album, wat een artiest
Great album
A big fan. Classic Bowie, interesting and innovative sounds over a melodic piano (which I'm a sucker for). Some songs explore themes of existentialism while others are odes to loved ones. A wide range provides for a fun listen
está bien, definitivamente no es mi estilo ni volvería a escucharlo nunca por cuenta propia al álbum entero (canciones por separado tal vez si). Igualmente siento que si estoy de un humor muy específico podría disfrutarlo más
This album is a classic I never really listened to completion until now. My favorite track was and still is "Life on Mars". That's definitely the standout track for me. However, the album really kicks into gear immediately with "Changes" which is pretty good. I also really liked "Song for Bob Dylan". Other than that, I didn't really click with the rest of the album.
Super tolles Album // 'Life on Mars' ist mein Favorit, woah der kann Singen. Mochte 8/11 Songs
Zwei tolle Songs.
Just wonderful. Beyond the famous singles tracks like Queen Bitch and Kooks are bangers.
Love it
Började starkt inledningsvis. Första 4 är 5:or därefter är låtarna inte på samma nivå Får därför en 4
Все, что я слышал у Боуи до этого меня не очень впечатляло, но этот альбом действительно хорош. Возможно, пришло время стать фанатом Дэвида Боуи? Лучшая песня: Changes
76. hmm
I never cared for him, but he certainly is better than a bunch of crap available these days
Approaching his mid-20s, Bowie truly came of age with this album, announcing it on Changes. With Mick Ronson and Rick Wakeman in the studio, his sound developed its addictive familiarity.
I have always been a "greatest hits" lover of David Bowie, but never an album listener until I started doing this project. And up until now it has been a major disappointment. Previous albums that have come up have been a mess to me - self indulgent, uneven, unimpressive. But Hunky Dory changed that - really liked this album. There's still plenty of self-indulgence, and there are some songs that just should not have been seen as finished (or as anything more than DB mucking around on a piano) But most of the album is a really good listen. There are strong anchors, interesting musical explorations, weirdness, and much more cohesion that others of his.
Good album with poetic songs.
4.3 Very very impressive. First Bowie album I think I've loved. Side A is incredible, found a new love for tracks like Oh You Pretty Thing, which I've often ignored. Side B definitely weaker which drags the rating down. Only stand out track is Warhol, but even that involves getting over a wasted first minute. Last track actually a decent closer also tbf
Goated young Bowie
Álbum incrível. David Bowie na sua era feminina
Probably the greatest album ever🥰 Bowie at his absolute best on this one, early Bowie best for me - I love every song on here, still have my vinyl copy, that I played yesterday with all the crackles 🤩
This is one of my favourite albums of all time, every song is incredible and just screams Bowie in the best way. Just wish I could have seen him live.
Better than expected, still not great
#273/1001. Hi David, it's you again in this list. Yet again you managed to put out an album, which has some classics, some boring songs better forgotten and some quite nice ones I don't remember hearing before. At least there is not too much theatricality. This leaves me in the same position with you as before: I won't be selling the few Bowie albums I own, but I don't have a reason to buy new ones. In another words: I've grown over the phase where you or your music impressed me. Luv, an-ex fan.
It's fine, Bowie singing over some OK 70s pop/alt rock, or something like it. A little hard to pin down. Some decent music and guitar playing.
I didn't realize David Bowie did Changes. Not sure if this is a cover but kinda sucks. “I believe Britain could benefit from a fascist leader. After all, fascism is really nationalism.” - David Bowie as The Thin White Duke at a press conference after a tour concert in Stockholm, 1976. Snippet from Far Out Magazine's website: Bowie was held by Polish customs officers for carrying Nazi paraphernalia in his luggage, along with books about the prominent henchmen of Hitler, Joseph Goebbels and Albert Speer. Here's a link to this article https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/david-bowie-fascist-1970s/
9.7/10
best bowie album i've gotten so far. definitely understand the hype.
Undeniable quality
It was fine, some songs lost me, but Life on Mars? Is great.
I adore this album. Literally moving today so my vinyl is in transit, but I will dig the album out and spin it. Queen Bitch along is worth the price of admission. Song for Bob Dylan is a touch week, but still, five fucking stars.
I'm weird when it comes to Bowie -- and music in general, too, but that's another topic. While I appreciate (and love) early Bowie, I think he flew highest during his "later" period. 'Lodger', 'Outside', 'Blackstar' are my favorite albums of his. That being said, 'Hunky Dory' is the first time Bowie really found his feet, sound wise. I prefer this to the Ziggy Stardust-era, especially loving the lyrical quality of all the songs here. 'Oh! You Pretty Things', 'Changes' and 'Life On Mars?' are all highlights of Bowie's career, 'Andy Warhol' is a genius song, 'Quicksand' and 'Fill Your Heart' are amazing tunes. But there's something lacking here -- maybe it's the sense of adventure that's underlying all the other albums of his that I mentioned above. It's a great pop record -- but nothing more.
Є дуже хороші пісні, зокрема пісня зі Шрека чи Queen Bitch. Подобається, що альбом досить поп-орієнтований, хуки є, приспіви прикольні також. Мені десь на 3.5, ближче до 4
Черговий альбом Боуі, чергова трійка від мене.
6.5/10
Favorite Track: Life on Mars?
Hadn't listened to Hunky Dory in a long time, but returning to it reminded me of just how wonderful this record is. It might actually be my favourite of his early 70s records as it's just a perfect blend of art, pop and rock. You've got catchy hooks, weird little diversions, and the epic sweep of Life of Mars
not my type of music, the first tracks are good the last ones are too alternative
Experimental and good
Second half is pretty good but pales in comparison to the first. But that’s because they’re some of the greatest songs ever written so oh well.
One of my top albums.
Barely a month into this album a day experiment, and I just got my second Bowie album. In my past experience, I like Bowie radio hits, but not a fan of Bowie albums. Listening through Hunky Dory didn't really change my mind. The songs here didn't really grab my attention, I found myself wandering away. Ultimately, I liked Changes, I was already familiar with that track. Queen Bitch near the end was also really good. The rest of the album was meh to ok.
não fez minha brisa
Listened on the way home.
Fun/light pop album that repeatedly references Nietzsche and Crowley.
Bowie if Bowie was The Beatles! I like Bowie.
I really liked this. This has my favorite David Bowie on it - Life on Mars? I also knew Changes.
давид крутой начало альбома пиздатое дальше чет хз
This is good! Some real gems. Bowie sings and writes with this supreme confidence. Like he's just this effortlessly cool dude gliding over the tracks with ease. Fav tracks: Changes. Life On Mars, Queen Bitch
Better than ziggy ?
Just fantastic from start to finish.
Some ups and downs on this one. I like it more than some of the other Bowie albums I've had on here, but it makes me feel restless and untethered.
Nice
too musical theater-y 2.5
3.5/5. Suprisingly good, not typically into this style of music but really enjoyed it, especially the piano/bass work. Hard to believe this album is 55 years old. Favourite track - The Bewlay Brothers
I liked this! The second half was more my speed than the first, but there were standout tracks on each half. Life on Mars?, Andy Warhol, and Queen Bitch were my favorites. The lyricism in everything is undeniably amazing, and I love Bowie’s voice. 3 ⭐️
Peak Bowie. Just on another level as always. Nothing has been the same since he left us.
Fantastic record. Bowie has better
Best song is Changes.
Already a fav
I like this project because it has got me to listen to artists I have heard lots about but never really dove into, besides singles and hits. This was a fun, strong album! The standout track for me was easily "Changes". Good energy lyrically and musically throughout the whole record. An easy 4/5 stars from me! I am excited to listen to more David Bowie later on.
great album. Already heard before (listened to every david bowie album) but still i enjoyee it a decent amount. The thing is, I've tried really hard to LOVE bowie, but idk its never much more than appreciating and thinking its good, never truly makes me feel something strong, other than "Heroes" that song is just amazing
When it comes to Bowie’s glam rock era, this is easily one of my favorite albums. He strikes a great balance here, making music that’s accessible to a wide audience while still keeping his experimental edge intact. “Changes,” one of his most iconic tracks, is a song I still enjoy hearing to this day. One standout detail is that this album features Rick Wakeman on piano and keyboards. Not long after, Wakeman became more focused on his work with Yes, and his collaborations with Bowie tapered off. Still, the two stayed on good terms, which adds a nice touch to their story.
love david
I don’t really connect with this album emotionally at all. Maybe I need to listen to more Bowie, but I feel like I’m missing something that’s obvious to everyone else. Favourite tracks: Life On Mars, Quicksand, The Bewlay Brothers
Awesome
My introduction to Mr. Bowie! I love every song!!!
“Changes” and “Life on Mars” are essential, of course. And the rest of the album, though not quite on the level of those two songs, keeps your interest. So good.
First time listening to a full Bowie album. Not sure if this is something I'd return to often - it's a bit quaint and jangly, but you can't deny the big songs like "Changes" and "Life on Mars" bring anything other than utter timeless classics.
Entertaining and different than I expected. I've never listened to David Bowie before, so this was a good first impression. I liked a few songs. and appreciated the creativity and experiments that other albums in this time period never had. 7/10
i like it :)
quem diria q o bowie é bom né kkk adorei os vocais
everyone says that david bowie is one of the greats, but i hadn't really checked him out prior to listening to this album. of course, i knew one or two of his songs, but to actually sit down and listen with intention is different. after listening to this entire album, i can see why there is so much hype around him. i love how every song is unique in its own way yet still cohesive with the album; he has a distinct sound without creating the same song over and over again which i appreciate a lot. upon first listen, i liked almost every single song on the album. i really wish that this website had half star ratings because i think i'd give it a 4.5 / 5 star rating if i could, but 4 / 5 stars will have to do.
I love David Bowie
I love this record -- so many great moments! oh you pretty things, the smooth crunchy guitars, beautiful ethereal vocals and piano, the otherworldly exploration.
tough choice between 4 and 5, some great songs on here and great album, but a couple of clunkers makes it a 4.
Less cohesive than I was expecting... a few quirky (and not great, TBH) tracks. I guess that's what Ziggy Stardust is for. :-)
This was the first early Bowie album I listened to, having got into him via his singles plus especially the Earthling album. This was thus the album that made me appreciate his earlier stuff. Also, listening to this 10 years after Bowie's death, I realise it makes perfect sense that Bowie's last public performance was of a song from this album (Changes, at an event organised by Alicia Keys). It also makes sense that Lorde's Brit Awards tribute was of Life on Mars? another sobg from this album. Let's not talk about Kooks (which is only okay and thus stands out like a sore thumb) and just call this what it is, a great album.
A classic of course - should be on any self-respecting music lover's list
The opening one two punch of Changes into Oh! You Pretty Things is truly something else. Then you throw in Life On Mars? and Queen Bitch and you've got some of Bowies best. That said this isn't the Bowie album I normally reach for but after playing through it today I think I might do so more. Not everything here works for me but the majority of it does I'd probably give this a 4.5 if I could and it might be a rating I come to change in the future. Playlist track: Oh! You Pretty Things.
I thought this album was fine. I really enjoyed the song Changes, but everything else was kinda just there. I enjoy other Bowie songs more than the ones on this album, but I also wouldn’t be mad about it being played.
Review - what a classic classic album. A lot of his best known early songs all here (Life On Mars?, Changes, Oh! You Pretty Things), but a lot of the deep cuts are gold too (Queen Bitch, Quicksand). One of the better ones on the list I imagine. Rating - 8.5/10 Need to listen? YES
Ch-ch-ch-changes
Only half the Bowie albums on here actually deserve it, but this is one of them.
The album started of strong but couldn't keep up with itself. Couple good songs followed by a bunch of stinkers.
This album is better than I expected. I am not really a big fan of Bowie. This album is really good though. I didn't dislike any songs on this album and it never really got boring. Altogether, really good.
Prototypical Bowie
le daría 4 estrellas porque no he estado muy atenta pero muy chulo la verdad, me he guardado muchas canciones.
Not my cup of tea. Already sounds very 80s although produced in 1971. Creative songwriting. Would not listen again.
Amazing album, this is the first Bowie album ive listened to all the way though and pretty much every song is great, even the not so great ones are still good songs I wouldn't skip. Definitely will play again, Well done Davy Lad!
not god himself can make give this less than a 5 this album makes me want to get my life together at 2am, sense of hope and wonder and all the above you feel
Some really famous songs on this album that I really like, but wouldn’t listen to the whole album again.
Didn’t want to listen after the first song. Haven’t finished and probably will not finish
As much music as I’ve consumed in my life, I have never listened to a Bowie album. Life on Mars? is the obvious standout, but each song is great. I was most surprised by the sense of humor he showed in several songs. Great album.
Oh David Bowie my love. Changes is and will always be that girl. Take me back to 2020. This one's for you Sophie. Bowie I miss you every day. This is deep. Life On Mars? I was unfamiliar with your game hello?? This is insane. What is gracing my ears right now. Oh David you're a genius. Holy shit. He's so funny and whimsical. Lowkey just hootin and hollerin I'm a big fan. Cunt a gem pure class. Not my favourite from him but still so good. Favourite: Life On Mars? Least favourite: Andy Warhol
Hot take: det här är ett bra album
Bästa Bowie ändå.
Ibland väldigt bra, nästan allt känns välgjort men inte tillräckligt många låtar som är toppen imo.
Han är mysig den där Bowie
Bowie bäst!
Det här behöver vi inte diskutera
Kooks is fun and silly. I forgot about Changes too! It's interesting to hear an earlier work of his, even if it wasn't my favorite overall. 6/10
According to Wikipedia, David Bowie was a fan of Lou Reed and Velvet Underground. He was one of the producers of Reed's Transformer album. Listening to Bowie's Hunky Dory, I could hear the influence. The difference in the sound between Reed and Bowie, is that Bowie's is more cohesive, they all worked together. What Bowie was saying worked.
Love this album and the feelings it gives.
More than a few bangers. Brilliant pop. 5
One of my favorite albums of all time.
can never go wrong with bowie
Heard Before? Only "Changes" and "Life on Mars". Notes: - what glorious perfect production. so dry and crisp with perfectly separated instruments. a masterclass. - every single use of background vocals was brilliant. - all the arrangements are well-considered and the songs are lovingly structured even when they lack hooks. - I'm not always much of a lyrics guy but I did notice that "Andy Warhol" was intentionally funny, and "Bob Dylan" was unintentionally much funnier. - this list has an embarrassing lack of several things, especially females and piano. at least we get lots of great piano here. - I much prefer the Tiny Tim version of "Fill Your Heart". - "Brothers Bewlay" was overstuffed and pointless. Verdict: Typical Bowie. Tries a number of new things, succeeds at most of them due to sheer talent and smart collaboration. I can see why people love him. Listen Again? Probably not. Every time I try to get into Bowie I listen to one album a couple of times, and then move on to other things. He could do almost everything well, but I always end up wanting to hear the people that did the same thing better.
Ah fun music, how I’ve missed you There’s some good ones in here, Changes is great and I liked the last 3 songs on the album quite a bit as well. I definitely liked it more than Low. I’d say I was slightly disappointed with this one considering a lot of people have this as a top 50 album of all time and I don’t think I absolutely loved any songs on this one, but every song is above average.
Guys I think I might like David Bowie Also I can definitely how influential he is because there will be a sound or a specific lyric and it makes me think of a lot of modern artists I like today. Like, "Oh there's Will Wood. That's Jack Stauber." It's a little more commercial than Low, but the songs were lovely. I especially liked Life On Mars?
Good stuff, especially after the last 2 days. Definitely listenable, and I would say start-to-finish. Changes is a great Opening Track, but unfortunately also the best and most recognizable song on the album, too. Always thought there was a neat Stevie Wonder vibe to the beginning of that song... Interesting references to Andy Warhol and Bob Dylan, though I didn't pick up the messaging on my morning commute. Really liked Queen Bitch for some reason, even though I thought it had a king of Lou Reed or Velvet Underground feel. Again about Bowie, always the chameleon. Not a 4, closer to 3 1/2.
I’m starting to think I like David Bowie. This album is a blast to listen to and I can’t even think of a reason to give this album anything other than a 5. Short review here, but I got nothing else to say other than ‘good album’.
Some of the songs are absolute masterpieces like “Changes” and “Life on Mars”, some are really strong, like "Eight Line Poem" and "Kooks", but there are some that are definite b-sides, like "Fill Your Heart," which I felt was supposed to be more tongue in cheek than anything else. "Song For Bob Dylan" has a guitar feel more like Queen, but still it's pretty good. "Belway Brothers" has a bit of a cartoony end, which is... odd... And then it's over. And you're kind of hoping for a better ending, but no luck. I'm glad that Bowie shifted to more of a piano based album, it really shows how much he expands in his ideas. "Kooks" is one of the songs he resurrects from his very very FIRST album. It still works, too. But ultimately, I can't give this a 5. A 5 is an album I would come back to again and again and listen to it start to finish. "Belway Brothers" and "Fill Your Heart" are just.... not as good as the other songs. And putting "Belway Brothers" at the end like that puts a sour taste in your mouth, like a bad aftertaste on a desert to an exquisite meal. It's a really good album and has some of my favorite tracks, but it's just not great. Did I need to hear this before I die? Absolutely
What stands out about this album is how it showcases several different styles of rock while still maintaining a cohesive sound. The influences on each track are evident, but they still sound unique to Bowie. I'm still not a fan of Bowie's voice, but this is an impressively made album. My favorite tracks were "Oh! You Pretty Things" and "Andy Warhol".
I always thought Bowie was hit or miss, but this is just bland.
Very good album, lots of classics on the album. One of Bowies best.
I mean it bowie
I really like this version of Bowie. The later, more theatrical eras are great in their own right, but Hunky Dory feels more nascent and pure, like you’re hearing the ideas before they harden into personas. The songwriting is front and center here, and it holds up incredibly well. There’s a looseness and curiosity to the record that I find appealing. The piano-driven arrangements give the songs space to breathe, and the lyrics feel playful, smart, and occasionally strange without tipping into self-mythologizing. It sounds like an artist discovering what he’s capable of in real time, rather than announcing it from a mountaintop. What stands out most is how human this album feels. Even when Bowie is being clever or referential, there’s warmth underneath it. The songs invite you in rather than perform at you. That quality makes this one of the more immediately enjoyable Bowie records for me. This doesn’t replace the later classics, but it complements them beautifully. It’s Bowie at a moment of clarity and confidence before the full weight of reinvention takes over, and that makes it a record I’m genuinely happy to spend time with.
honestamente, no me había dado la oportunidad de escuchar a Bowie por diferentes motivos, desde que pensé que iba a tener un sonido muy ambiguo o muy tranquilo que no es de mi agrado, o por los diferentes valores con los que no estoy de acuerdo. Pero ahora que e escuchado este álbum me doy cuenta porque es un artista de talla mundial; no creo que sea su mejor album, pero este me deja unas canciones que para mi suenan increíbles, mis favoritas siendo the bewlay brothers por su parte final y life on mars?. Espero poder escuchar otras de sus grandes obras en el futuro
Took me a few tracks to properly get into it but once I did I liked it. However there was one track that had background noises that sounded too much like my front door and I thought someone was breaking in.
Enjoyable but more purposefully weird.
couple bangers i never really listen to his full albums. i was listening on spotify through my tv and when will saw song for bob dylan he was like omg when did bob die
Very nice. Some hits, some wonderful deep cuts, and a little filler. No complaints
Love Bowie but not always his full albums. This was a good one
I read that this is Bowie's first great album. It's a solid album and it's good to give it a spin once in a while.
Amazing piece, did you know "Changes" from this album inspired the song of Dumb Ways to Die?
Don't normally go for Bowie but parts of this album slap.
5 out of 5. This is where Bowie clicked for me.
Vynikajúci album, ale má aj lepšie, takže 4+
Maybe I just don't like Bowie. I mean, I enjoyed Life on Mars, that's more down to memory than anything. Really couldn't get into the rest of it but, then again, I've had a shitter of a day.
Day 167 Superb album, there’s no one like Bowie. Highlights Changes Kooks Andy Warhol
Wow, just wow. Ground breaking and brilliant.