The Next Day is the 25th studio album by English musician David Bowie, released over several dates in March 2013 through his ISO Records label, under exclusive license to Columbia Records. It marked Bowie's return to recording after retreating from the public due to a heart attack on the A Reality Tour in 2004. Co-produced by Bowie and longtime collaborator Tony Visconti, the album was recorded in New York City at the Magic Shop and Human Worldwide Studios between May 2011 and October 2012. It featured contributions from new musicians and returning contributors, including Gerry Leonard, Earl Slick, Gail Ann Dorsey, Steve Elson, Sterling Campbell and Zachary Alford. The sessions took place under complete secrecy, with all personnel involved signing non-disclosure agreements. Musically, The Next Day is primarily a rock album, featuring elements of art rock. Numerous commentators highlighted references to Bowie's prior works. The dark lyrics were partly inspired by the artist's readings of English and Russian history, and cover different types of conflict and topics such as tyranny and violence. Meanwhile, the characters vary from soldiers, assassins, school shooters and street gangs. The cover art was designed by Jonathan Barnbrook and is an adapted version of Bowie's 1977 album "Heroes", featuring a white square containing the album's title obscuring his face and the "Heroes" title crossed out. The debut single "Where Are We Now?" and news of the album were released online with no prior announcement on 8 January 2013, Bowie's 66th birthday. Within hours, he made headlines around the world, surprising fans and media who had assumed he retired from music. Preceded by a viral marketing campaign, The Next Day topped charts around the world and debuted at number one and two on the UK Albums Chart and US Billboard 200, respectively. It was his first UK number-one album since 1993 and his highest charting US album since 1976. Several singles with accompanying music videos were released throughout 2013. Outtakes and additional remixes appeared on The Next Day Extra in November. The Next Day was met with critical acclaim and was regarded as a return to form for the artist and his best work in decades. Many highlighted the performances of the band and Bowie himself and invited positive comparisons to prior works. However, some felt the music lacked innovation and found the album overlong, a sentiment echoed by Bowie's biographers. Among the first surprise albums of the 2010s, The Next Day was included in the 2014 revised edition of Robert Dimery's book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.
There’s some strong stuff on here, and it’s Bowie after all, but it sort of highlights my continuous gripes about this list giving some artists too many spots. If you’re boiling down Bowie to a “must hear before you die” list this obviously doesn’t make the cut in my book.
While I'm not surprised to see a Bowie album crop up, I *am* surprised that it's an album from 2013. Sadly, this album feels like the work of an aging artist who's lost his edge. There wasn't a song on this album that caught my ear, and I have to imagine that there are at least 1001 albums out there better than this one. The fact that it's Bowie doesn't automatically mean it belongs on the list.
Because I'm familiar with Bowie's great albums, this is very much a dissappointment. There's nothing special or moving about this. I hold Bowie to higher standards than I would any other artist, so I'd expect better from him. I'm glad blackstar was so much better than this, what an awful thing it would be if this had ended up being Bowie's last studio album.
Likely no other artist will go out like Bowie did: surprise release two great albums relatively close together and then promptly die without any warning. A true king.
Wasn't expecting contemporary Bowie to be this good, not sure why I'm surprised that it's on the verge of masterpiece territory
An exceptional return to form, reminds me of his early / mid 70s stuff. What a talent we lost.
I never expected to find this so genuinely and thoroughly lackluster.
I like David Bowie, and he has a lot of classical in his musical history, but how is it possible to create a whole album that does not have fails? This is one of that rare cases where there is no single bad song in the entire album. This is impressive. Interesting to note some "new" things applied to some songs here for the first time that will follow his career until "Blackstar."
Definitely a highlight of the late stages of Bowie's career. Incredible that he could keep this level of innovation and songwriting quality throughout. Perhaps also one of the most accessible and thoroughly enjoyable Bowie albums out there - which is certainly not a bad thing. 'Where Are We Now' really is magnificent.
This was really good. The saxophone was sexy.
I really like this album. I seem to remember it didn't get the best reviews but maybe that's not true. It was a surprise release and just popped out one day. I really like the title track The Next Day, it's one of my fave Bowie tracks. I really like the darker nature of this album, bit scary in places, such as on Lost is Love
I only really got into Bowie just before Blackstar came out, so missed the hype around The Next Day when it was first released. I'd always dismissed it, thinking it probably only got the acclaim it did because it was such an unexpected return But nope, it's also pretty damn good
I found some songs fascinating, and was really into some of the slower beats. The yearning in his voice always compels me.
Again, just can't get into David Bowie. I don't know why... Tough to digest. 2/5
Ok
Im sorry but new millennium Bowie isn’t great
A few good songs, but nothing particularly noteworthy. Confused how thisade the list.
01) The Next Day - 8,0 02) Dirty Boys - 7,5 03) The Stars (Are Out Tonight) - 9,0 04) Love Is Lost - 7,5 05) Where Are We Now? - 8,5 06) Valentine's Day - 8,0 07) If You Can See Me - 7,5 08) I'd Rather Be High - 7,5 09) Boss of Me - 7,5 10) Dancing Out in Space - 7,5 11) How Does the Grass Grow? - 7,5 12) (You Will) Set the World on Fire - 7,5 13) You Feel So Lonely You Could Die - 7,5 14) Heat - 7,0 TOTAL: 7,71 (77/100) The surprise release was cool, I remember it like it was yesterday... I wasn't really impressed by the album when it came out, I felt like it was too artsy for me. It's a 3 and a half stars from me, but as I am always generous with the marks, I will give it 4 stars. Favorite song "The Stars (Are Out Tonight)".
I can specifically thank this website for getting me to listen and enjoy Bowie. I wasn't a fan until this website gave me the suggestions and I'm really digging his music. This isn't my favorite album. A bit low energy for me, but still great writing.
There is very little to say about this, which is disappointing for a David Bowie record. It's basically fine as a rock record, but it's not pushing any boundaries. Rating: 2.5/5 Playlist track: Where Are We Now? Date listened: 22/06/22
𝘈𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 Bowie album? I find it absurd there's eight or nine David Bowie albums but only three Pink Floyd albums (the famous "Dark Side Of The Moon", "Wish You Were Here" & "The Wall") that made the cut. Is 1001AlbumsGenerator implying that "Young Americans" and "The Next Day" had a greater influence on music history than "The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn" - which pioneered psychedelic rock - or is it simply arbitrary? I've heard "The Next Day" before and I can safety declare that, excluding "Valentine's Day", the album lacks any depth and warmth, and we could've gone our whole lives without exhausting David Bowie's entire catalogue. Really makes me question the intention of whomever chose these albums.
Boo. Realizing more and more that Bowie's the kind of artist you have to "appreciate" even though his music doesn't do anything for me. Very boring stuff overall. He's grossly overrepresented on this list, why the hell do we need this album from 2013? He was past his shelf life here. Favorite tracks: Love is Lost. Album art: A square superimposed over the cover of one of his better albums. Would rather listen to the song "Heroes" on repeat for an hour than listen to anything on here again. 1.5/5
23rd December 2022 Listened in the morning while heading to Cheltenham for last minute Christmas shopping. Chilled evening. The return of Zavid. Sounds like he never left.
Never listened to the newer stuff before, good work Dave
Love this album. I remember it well as the first Bowie album I listened to in its entirety back when it came out. It seems to be overshadowed by Blackstar in terms of late career Bowie, but it’s an incredible album with no real weaknesses. Favorite tracks are Where Are We Now? and The Stars (Are Out). I’d Rather Be High is an interesting anti-war song. It’s a great listen from start to finish. Underrated among Bowie’s catalog, I had it as one of my 10 favorite albums of 2013, an especially strong year for album releases.
I don't recall hearing any of these songs before and what a joy of discovery. Faves: The Next Day, If You Can See Me, Dancing Out In Space
I love Bowie - when I saw this was next record I was apprehensive as I don’t know any late era Bowie. This album is amazing. I love it. The Stars is a highlight, Dirty Boys is terrible. Overall Classic Bowie sound. Very entertaining. Time to read up on this one more.
Loved it.
Great opening song of The Next Day. I like the more sombre feel of Where Are We Now and the tune of Dancing Out In Space. Love David Bowie in general, he does so many good songs.
Wow, das war jetzt ein ganz besonderes Erlebnis in dieser "One Album a day". Gerade dieses Album von David Bowie kannte ich noch gar nicht. Umso schöner hat es mich umgehauen. Es war bis jetzt unumstritten das beste Album dieser Reihe. "The next Day" von David Bowie ist ein meisterhaftes Rockalbum. Gerade seine Stimme fällt hier in besonderer Art auf: gebrechlich, schwermütig, frech, bestimmend Oh, Gott, was für ein Erlebnis. Auch sind die Songs sehr unterschiedlich, schnell, rockig, zart und irgendwie hat David Bowie unterbewusst, seine Musikstile aus seiner bisherigen Geschichte einfließen lassen. Mega Cool. Wenn man dann auch noch liest, dass Toni Visconti mitgewirkt hat, dann wundert man sich nicht mehr, dass dieses Album ein super Album ist. Danke.
Well, yay, this was worth the wait! This felt like an album of the kind of David Bowie songs I love, always interesting and always enjoyable and totally listenable again and again.
Top notch! Loved it.
Enjoyed the songs: where are we now, dancing out in space, how does the grass grow? I'd rather be high
As magical as his first albums. It’s solid, each track fitting and perfectly performed
One of my favourite Bowie albums.
Love Bowie, I listened to this after the coldplay album and it really showed that an album needs variety -- I just love his voice too just great stuff.
Great
Thought this was brilliant, really modern sounding for an artist from the 70s, not sure if anyone else would be able to adapt like this. Reminded me of a lot of angular indie, talking heads, blur, lots of stuff I wouldn't associate with Bowie. It was a bit too long I'd say, probably needs trimming by about 25%, but I'll listen to this again. 4.5
Bowie has his highs and lows in his career, but this is definitely a high. A very good album and shows just how good Bowie was considering he was more than forty years into his career when this released.
Really Solid album. I unexpectedly like all the music even though I suspected this wouldn't be my kind of music. I'm kinda impressed
So good. Do not go to target and listen to it’ Especially if you’re hungry… i bought too many snacks
a perfect prelude to the perfect ending
I love this album. Some of the songs I hear a return to his love for themainland European song tradition of Jacques Brel and others. Good comeback.
Its Bowie. Its so special
Deze rock-kant van Bowie kan ik zeker smaken. Toffe plaat
Bowie Accidentally posted this under talking heads so adding this one on bottom too. Cool album. Kind of has an 80’s rock vibe with som modern production. Favorite songs are the last two : “I’m so lonely you could die”and “Heat” The title track is cool kinda reminds me of the talking heads (I thought it may have been a David Byrne colab). Other favorites are “ If you can see me” and “Dancing out in Space” Feels hard to rate this after listening only once. 5 Talking heads Cool album. Love the wacky guitar parts and the grooves. The repetition and constant backbeat really helps the songs flow into eachother but it also has good contrast between sections. His voice gets to me after a while. They totally have an original sound and I dig the talking heads thing. 5
9/10
Awesome!
Damn, he was really going through something. The fact that this wasn't the darkest album he would make in his final years really says something.
Wow so many great albums and they’re all different. Never heard of this one but so good. So many cool layers and textures masterfully woven together. It never feels too busy and always serves the song.
25th studio album. It’s incredible. I can’t pick a favorite song.
A masterpiece. I miss him.
Legen
That was definitely a different experience than older records but, at the same time, felt comfortingly familiar. And yet, it's still pushing boundaries and challenging expectations for a new Bowie album. It's got a delightfully dark vibe like early, Berlin-era Bowie but it's so much more mature both in writing and performance. "The Next Day" feels like what it is: the return of a master to his chosen art form. It's Bowie coming out of retirement to show the young guns how it's done. I'm trying not to come off as a total Bowie fanboy because I'm not but I've got nothing bad to say about it at all. It's just really good.
Hadn’t heard it since the release.
Very original and contains a ton of interesting musical ideas. There's a lot of bits that makes me go "I wonder how I could use this idea in a different context?" Just inspiring stuff.
eu não esperava algo tão bom e com a cara do bowie estampada, ate porque a capa é reciclada, mas olha... isso bate forte. groovy, pesado e esquisito do jeito que só o bowie sabe fazer.
Ég fíla þessa plötu svo vel, ein af mínum uppáhalds frá sl. áratug.
J'ai écouté cet album souvent, et je pensais que ce serait 4 étoiles. Mais en le réécoutant, après tout ce que j'ai écouté jusqu'à présent dans ce périple, j'ai été marquée par la recherche musicale, les arrangements, les textes... J'ai une nouvelle appréciation de cet album et je lui décerne 5 étoiles
Loved it !
I knew there would be some Bowie on this list, am kind of surprised to have it be a more recent one, but that just tells me there are more on the way. Apparently this is the 25th?! Album from Bowie. I feel like I don't quite know enough about his career and just maybe the 20 biggest hits, so it's hard to properly get all the context and proper frame of reference for a proper rating, but i do have a ton of respect for Bowie's career and the backstory of this album being the first in a decade, and ultimately being his penultimate album. The story of the secrecy about its recording and release are really interesting, and I wish I was paying closer attention at the time. I kind of view this album in the same light as Ozzy's recent recordings. You can tell the effects of age on the voice, but the creativity and spirit is in tact. The title track comes right out rocking and is a bit chaotic. "The Stars (are out tonight)" kind of kind of centers things out and there are quite a few standouts like "(You will) change the world" I also dug into the EP and all of those were great too . "Atomica" and some of the remixes are really great. While listening to that EP and the album again after reading about it, the lyrics, the controversy, and thinking of other artists that put out albums into their 60s+ all just made me realize how special Bowie and this album are. If you listened to this album and didn't catch the Next Day Extra EP, make sure to check that out. It is incredible and helped solidify this as a 5/5 album. Favorite track "The Stars (Are out tonight)" 5/5
The first Bowie album I got for this project was Aladdin Sane, about a week ago, but before I listened to that, I listened to The Next Day. The two albums he released before his death felt respectively like a consolidation, and a push forward. The discussion of the push forward will come when I get Blackstar, but it couldn’t have happened without The Next Day’s attempts to solidify Bowie’s sound and reputation for the 20th Century. I’ve always found it interesting that after a certain point in an artists career, the intricacies of their sound and subgenre are put aside, and everything just gets labelled something generic. The Next Day, according to all sources, is a Rock album, plain and simple. But it isn’t that simple. The first single, the excellent Where Are We Now? is Jazz tinged, with maybe a touch of Trip-Hop, If You Can See Me foreshadows the manic electronic Jazz percussion of Blackstar, Valentine’s Day and (You Will) Set The World On Fire hark back to the harder Glam of Aladdin Sane. It’s all very eclectic, much like Bowie’s whole career, and, paired with his best set of lyrics since the late 70’s, it feels like a well earned return to form, pointing the way for potential albums in the future. It’s a shame that we only got the two late career albums, but man what great albums
So I can’t say I’ve listened to every Bowie album from beginning to end, but I’ve listen to a lot of them from beginning to end, and unfortunately this one slipped through the cracks, but this is definitely worth a listen. It’s just a consistently good album from beginning to end. This was towards the end it his career but this album just goes to show that he was able to stand the test of time, and even make good solid music that was enjoyable towards the end of his life, and the end of his career.
hugely missed
Another Bowie album, another 5 stars. It's just such an obviously great album...again. I'm struggling to think of people who I'd even put in the same stratosphere of talent as him. He could have picked any genre of music out of a hat and made a great album based on it. And I don't think any other artist could make a similar claim. Favorite track: (You Will) Set the World on Fire
This record is unreal
I’d sacrifice so many of todays artists to have Bowie back
He really came back with this one.
Great album.
I had not listened to The Next Day in a few years. It is still great Bowie
Loved loved loved!!! Can’t believe I’d never listened to this one. An absolute standout for me and a new Bowie fav
David Bowie has always been able to make me enjoy the idea of music even more, and he just so happens to be in ne of my favorite artists in any expressive medium. I’ve always seriously admired his work, even since I was little, so it’s no surprise to me the impact this album had on me. Absolutely beautiful. Thoughts: David Bowie Favorite song: The Stars (Are Out Tonight)
This album has some of my favorite Bowie songs, so well made and so diverse, a nearly impeccable record. The cover art is fucking horrible though. But still a 5 star from me for how good the album is especially the second half. Being high also really enhaunces the first half for me
good
Genius
Wow. Loved this. Bowie’s journey through the years with graceful elegant and passionate music.
Before today I had never listened to this album, but I think it’s absolutely fucking class and have had it on repeat since.
What’s not to love about this one. Sounds close to black star but given the times of their release not surprised. Great tunes all could have been on his final album. Where are we now is one of my all time favourite Bowie tunes. Just wish I had got to see him perform.
David Bowie = 5 Stars This is fact.
Solid Bowie.
Not his best effort — Dark Star far surpasses this effort … but still very enjoyable
Great album. Brilliant songs, really good selection. I need to listen to more Bowie!
Increíble, autoridade do mestre com som de qualidade moderna e banda afiada
When David Bowie returned to music in his mid-sixties it shouldn't have been this good. Surprising everyone by dropping a single and announcing an album which no one expected on his 66th birthday was a masterstroke. He was a true innovator the the very end.
Great album. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Prachtig
I like David's music. This album is good.
Another gem from Bowie.
10/10 Bowie, you mad man
I just recently set up a music studio, and when I got my PA all plugged in, this was the album I played (on CD) to test out the system. Big fan of the album, and now I got to hear it blasted through PA speakers and through my little earbuds all within the past 30 days or so. I really enjoyed this listen. Bowie may have lost a little of his range by the time this album came around, but he's in fantastic form. Great songwriting, love the lyrics throughout, nice mix of oddball compositions and arrangements and straightforward tracks. There's a sadness, sort of a somber, sometimes paranoid thin white duke vibe, yet, it sounds to me like Bowie and company were having fun recording it. Moments flash in many songs that speak to a playfulness and freedom going on in the studio. Among my favorite Bowie albums, maybe a little longer than necessary, but now that he's gone, I'm glad he didn't hold anything back.
About as close to perfection as possible. True artistry here, late stage Bowie harks back to classic Bowie yet still fresh and relevant. Above all else, much here is beautiful, thoughtful and contemplative. A true hero.
Meh
Me gustó mucho, el contraste entre la voz y el instrumental, la variedad de sonidos, sonidos clásicos de el pero traídos de una nueva forma
For some reason I’ve always had a perception that David Bowie’s best days were long behind him before we reached the 21st century. Consequently I’ve never listened to his later stuff before But I was very pleasantly surprised by this. It’s a pretty decent rock record. I particularly liked the title track and then I realised I quite liked all the tracks I started off thinking this was a decent 3, then an impressive 4, and ended up thinking it was a surprising 5
cool
Phenomenal- and David Bowie was older at this point.
Always the best
hey david!
This is some dark, dark stuff. The more time I spend with it, the more it feels like Bowie is just operating on a different plane than the rest of the world. Best track: Valentine's Day
Amazing!!!