Reviews (page 11 of 11)
This sounds like the Berlin trilogy albums so the cover is appropriate. I've given Bowie so many 5 ratings that the slope is steeper for him. I like the sound of this album although the songs don't have the originality and aren't up to the admittedly high standard of the Berlin trilogy or cocaine trilogy albums.
This sounds like a Bowie LP that could have been released in the late 70s, and if it came out then I would have been all over it. I like the sequence of songs that starts with The Stars Are Out Tonight. The ballads are especially good, as is the guitar work in the more up-tempo numbers, and the signature horns, led by baritone sax, bring back memories of his early seventies’ material. I’m sorry I completely missed this when it was released in 2013 but at the same time, I moved on from DB 30 or so years earlier with Let’s Dance. I’m glad his 25th album could top the charts in so many countries.
I’ll admit to being a Bowie fanboy, but only for his music from the 60’s-80’s. His last few albums ie The last day and Darkstar have a very different sound though and nothing really jumps out and resonates with me like his earlier work. Also, I’m quite disappointed in the album “art”, which is basically Heroes with a large portion whited out by a large square, wtf?
Idk, David Bowie's music is just so forgettable to me. Probably a bad take but it's so BORING
Okay, so I love Bowie, I acknowledge his vast musical genius and all that, but I don’t blindly worship everything he does. This record is lukewarm at best. Just nothing about it grabbed my attention or surprised me. And Bowie has so many entries on this list already, is this one really necessary too? Really? I don’t think so. It’s a middling effort at 2010’s hipster rock with Bowie’s gigantic name attached. Meh.
Love me some Bowie! Not his best album for sure but still not bad! Like the self titled song! Dirty Boys reminds me of a Tom Waits song which is pretty cool! All around not a bad listen!
This record is unreal
Not Davids best album, but good for a listen through. You can tell that he put a lot of thought into each song on the album, and they are interesting to study more than to listen.
Wow. Loved this. Bowie’s journey through the years with graceful elegant and passionate music.
Knowing the gentle nature of lead single Where Are We Now, I was surprised to find this very much a rock album sounding similar to the funk rock songs from the famed Berlin period. This will delight fans of Bowie’s late ‘70s period. Good.
hey david!
Always love Bowie. Not one of his best, but I could hear hints of Black Star in a few of the tracks
I hadn’t heard Bowie’s last few albums. Was not disappointed.
Great record. I love it.
Enjoyed a couple of listens. Some throwback sounds, some hints of Blackstar.
De fato, esta jornada de conhecer e escutar todos os discos da lista é bastante didático. Nesta sequência estou mais evolvido para reconhecer, além da qualidade das composições, as versões originais do David Bowie. Não fazia questão de escutar um disco na totalidade com a ideia que sempre ia preferir as versões das músicas deles. O disco é interessante e flui bem para me agradar os vocais, inclusive.
I have to admit I don't recall hearing these tracks before, and although I might have been aware at the time that David Bowie had recorded and released this album, I don't remember being so. Either way, what a treat to listen to this album all the way through for the first time. These songs and the whole album are superb. An artist in his sixties being able to create and craft such a strong offering...wow. Inspirational! Such a treasure, David Bowie, such a treasure. You are missed. Sleep well, Sweet Prince.
This was OK. I can't think of much more to say.
The Next Day is immediately striking with it's album cover. Taking Bowie's most iconic album art from Heroes and blocking out his face with a white square for this album's title: The Next Day. It's provocative, and instantly memorable. This is doubly true when you consider that this is Bowie's first album in a decade. Following 2003's Reality and the supporting tour, Bowie was faced with health problems that led him to largely withdraw from the public. It was only until the early 2010's when he was ready to record again. During this time, recording was done in secret, with very few people knowing there was a record in production at all. What resulted was a collection of tight rock songs that happens to show Bowie's age. Compared to Blackstar which embraced Bowie's aging voice and artistic vision, The Next Day feels like an attempt to return to form. Results are fine though, just not amazing. As good as these upbeat rock songs are, I don't feel like any of them blew me away. It's as if the album is largely being tied down. Not to say that it's bad, just restrained. I hate to compare it to Blackstar but that album would largely overshadow this one. Being a more definitive statement on Bowie's life and career, Blackstar is easily the better late-career album of the two. That being said, You Feel So Lonely You Could Die and Heat are incredible closing tracks and shows just how much talent Bowie had at this time in his life.
Again, just can't get into David Bowie. I don't know why... Tough to digest. 2/5
Great album. Thoroughly enjoyed.
3.5
1. The Next Day: not much for me to like about this song, seems a bit all over the place. 5/10 2. Dirty Boys: much better than the first track, liked the vibe of this song and nice transitions. 7.5/10 3. The Stars (Are Out Tonight): great track, really enjoy this one. 8.5/10 4. Love is Lost: really nice song, great chorus and buildup. Verses are smooth. 8/10. 5. Where Are We Now?: love this soothing vibe. Absolutely beautiful song. 10/10. 6. Valentine's Day: really nice song once more. Falsetto is really nice. 7.5/10 7. If You Can See Me: nice beat, strong vocals. 7/10. 8. I'd Rather Be High: harmonization in the chorus is great. 7.5/10 9. Boss Of Me: nice track. 7/10 10. Dancing Out In Space: instrumentals sound fun, captures the mood well. Funky. 7.5/10. 11. How Does The Grass Grow?: overall nice track, ending does it for me. 7/10. 12. (You Will) Set The World On Fire: nice vibe, strong instrumentally. 7.5/10 13. You Feel So Lonely You Could Die: great song. 7.5/10. 14. Heat: not my fav of this album but still decent. 6.5/10.
A really good album, although it takes a few listens for the songs to seep in. Quite an elegiac feel overall and the best tracks - the Next Day, Where are we now, Valentine's Day - are all quite haunting. Not one of his absolute best, but as good as anything he had released in the previous 20 years
A very bowie album, felt simple in compositon but got deep at times.
I like at pretty well. I sort of have to be in a mood for Bowie. There were a few notable songs. I liked it I think I'll be listening to it again in the future.
It was better than the last David Bowie album we got, I'll give it that. None of the screamy stuff. So that was a pleasant surprise, but in the end it's still David Bowie. 🤣 2-3/10
I was actually pleasantly surprised with this album - initially I wasn't too thrilled to pulled a second Bowie album in the first 6 days of this journey, especially one so recent. However, it has a different sound than I was expecting and to be honest, doesn't really sound like what I think of when I hear 'David Bowie'. The songs seemed unique enough that it kept my interest throughout. I didn't actually add any songs to my playlist, but it definitely warrants another listen soon. 6.5/10
I always love Bowie. Was a great easy listening for work.
Varied, sounds like Bowie. But slightly more modern and refined. Good as background music, but I like older Bowie more.
This is fine as it goes, and even quite good in sections ("Where Are We Now?" and "Valentine's Day" and "You Feel So Lonely" are right up one's alley) and sets the stage for of Blackstar, which has genuine power but was also overrated (perhaps somewhat understandably) in the sentimentalist backlash of his death and the overdetermined contrivance of its release. But as ever with Bowie, questions about the reaching for relevance and synthentic-performative and forced feel of things can't be overlooked. What's with the hard rock open on "Set the World on Fire"? Who thought that was a good idea for an artist who otherwise seems to be aiming to age gracefully. And again, 9 Bowie records – which is 4 or 5 too many, when one considers that is more than the Beatles, 50% more than the Stones, 3x more than Elvis, 9 more than Chuck Berry, 4 more than Springsteen, and Zeppelin, and more than Radiohead, U2 and the Replacements combined. It's just laughable. At least the editors had the good sense to drop (-ex) it, but really it should never have been here in the first place. Among 2013's much worthier choices were records from Jason Isbell, The National, Waxahatchee, Neko Case, Vampire Weekend, Janelle Monae, and Bill Callahan, plus probably some hip-hop records one doesn't feel quite qualified to identify. Whichever of the editors is the unabashed fanboy might consider a new title: Roughly 800 Albums That Are Worth Your Time, 192 That Are Definitively Not, and Nine Bowie Records, A Few of Which Are Worthy But Several That Are Not, Really? I mean, why not include Tin Machine? Shouldn't one hear the worst albums of all time before one dies? And, again, to be clear, this is a decent record. The issue is with the editors who do the overrating, not the artist whom they overrate.
Every time I listen to an album of his I feel like I am seeing his soul and life on display, like the essence of a classic novel. This one has a perfect sound, remarkably on point production giving Bowie a modern feel. I felt that the runtime took away a bit of the effectiveness but there is too much good here to not give it a 4.
Good, surprisingly modern and Slringsteen-esque sounding album by Bowie
Hard to see what the fuss is about - did not enjoy this album greatly. Sounds very generic for Bowie
This album didn't stick out to me, as much of his recent work has (other than Blackstar). I listened while working and none of the songs truly stuck out to me unfortunately.
Didn't like the energy that much
Nice mix of "disjointed" sounds coming together to make cohesive songs, most songs have a clear musical focus. The drums fit in nicely in the tracks and they stick out when they need to. Great drum tones, different sounds/tunings that fit very well with the songs. Nicely builds up tension and resolves it in a very satisfying way, beautiful chord progressions that are clearly thought out. Very distinct vocals changing according to what suits every song best. I like that some songs stray away from typical rock to be a little more experimental and weird like "If you can see me" The sequencing feels somewhat jarring at times, feels like a collection of songs sometimes rather than a cohesive album. The bass does a nice job of driving the songs forward without being too distracting. Whenever the brass pops up it fits in with the songs very well, it adds alot. Very well made, but all in all it's not really my taste. It's a little too "monotone" for me, without a lot of musical shock value.
I never expected to find this so genuinely and thoroughly lackluster.
This is actually my first time listening to this one. Two songs in and I'm really digging it so far. Kinda hate the cover though! Goofy cover aside, this is a great album. Quite a statement after a decade off from releasing albums and out of the public eye. I'm looking forward to more time with this one.
Tyvärr Bowie. Den här får knappt godkänt.
meh. no idea if this was good or not, maybe another listen would help but i'll probably never get round to it.
The next day I woke up to find David Bowie naked, confused and blubbering his eyes out. I couldn't help but feel an enormous sense of pride, however his whimpering and tears clouded this with guilt. Over the years this feeling has gnawed away at me and I now wonder if I did do something wrong. David never spoke to the police and it certainly didn't feel wrong at the time, but now we'll never know.
David Blowie
10/10 Bowie, you mad man
Sorry Dave – much as I love you, this just felt long! I can see that this has been shoehorned into a genre called Art Rock.. And it does feel very artsy-fartsy. I presume it was picked today for the song entitled ‘Valentines Day’ but there was nothing lovey-dovey about this record. It seemed lachrymose and rueful. Not necessarily a hard, listen, but the songs did seem to go on and on. I know this must’ve been a lot of hard work for him coming back after being ill and a nine year hiatus but it didn’t grab me. Poor love - as I was singing along to ‘Where are we now?’ the answer was a mine of pathos.
I first found this album in 2021 but probably haven't listened to it since. This is a great album and has all the weird elements that I love about Bowie. David Bowie produced with help of Tony Visconti is a great combo. Bassist duties being shared by Gail Ann Dorsey and Tony Levin is another reason for personal bias toward more stars. This album needs to get back in my music rotation. I don't think this album got the necessary playtime here in the USA to get the love it deserves. This one is between a 4 and 5 but my lack of familiarity causes it to fall to 4 stars.
I listened to the first song and thought that this was not going to be a good album. Then the second song gave me hope. And that’s how the rest of the album continued, they were highs and there were lows. The highs were never fives and lows were never ones. Some of the lyrics were just plain bad, but it’s still David Bowie.
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.
First things first, I don't think this is an album you need to hear before you die. Dude has 8 albums on this list, this seems like an easy one to cut. So, minus one star from me (though that's not Bowie's fault, but whatever). As far as the album itself goes, I had never heard this before, and I liked it. It definitely has a late-stage-artist-comeback feel to it, which to me means it reminds me of his earlier, more vital work, but it also offers up new sounds and ideas. This isn't a cash-in album at all, and Bowie clearly wasn't done being a creative force. I did feel like the album was lacking a bit of energy, though I think that may be more to the production and arrangements than the songwriting or even Bowie's vocal performance. It kind of felt like there was a gauze over the whole thing. Anyway, there were some great songs on here and several I would have chucked. Then again, very few Bowie albums are great from beginning to end, so I guess it's merely another rock-solid Bowie album. Which is cool. (Also, I loved the album art.)
Not super my thing, but nothing glaringly bad.
A disappointing contemporary outing from Bowie. The man sounds tired on this one, and while he's still putting his soul into every lyric, the overall performance just doesn't land satisfyingly. A large part of this is the dollar-store instrumentals that sell out the usual Bowie flair in this department, but it doesn't help this is some of the most repetitive and clichéd songwriting Dave has produced.
Very solid for a record so late in one’s career. Usually by this point records are pretty bad.
It was okay, black star is better
This is an okay album by Bowie. The saxophone provides a nice jazzy element that makes the album feel older than it is. Overall I didn’t find this album too remarkable as I do other Bowie albums. It didn’t seem to have any notable songs that I would return to. Still good in comparison to most albums on this list but for Bowie it was just okay. 6.0/10
wuzzzz
There's obvious musicality throughout, and while a few are duds (for me), the majority of the rest ring true.
Not my favorite Bowie, but a really good listen this deep in his career. I appreciate this album, but no song really popped for me enough to add to my playlist.
Enjoyable Bowie
Not too cool as the old ones, but still worth listen it.
Eh, listened, really did not hear something that stood out.
Très bon album. Assez sombre et crépusculaire.
Estilo David Bowie, que no me ha gustado especialmente. Bastante parte cantada. No destaca especialmente en nada. Sin ninguna canción reconocida
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
Odd
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
I found this bland and forgettable. I think I prefer Bowie when he's doing more cringeworthy stuff, because at least he's trying something new.
just ok
All in all a torturous experience with one random good song thrown in
It just felt like it went forever
Not really good but got its moments. 2.4
This was dope, but same that happens, can't find the point
Amazing!!!
Doesn't hit the high's of his classic 70's albums
Where are we now - classic Bowie track
Good
This feels like it's just on here because it is a Bowie album. It really isn't anything more than mediocre, especially when you compare it to the body of work that Bowie is known for. Just let the good Bowie albums speak for themselves and don't focus on the mediocre albums.
This one kind of blends in with later Bowie (besides the amazing Blackstar). There are some songs here that make me think of "musician's music" from the 90s, like very clean production with some kind of "snappy" bass playing. There are some gems here (valentine's day in particular) but this album has always kind of eluded me. I do enjoy the Scott Walker-esque "Heat" a whole lot. "my father ran the prison."
Disappointing and honestly totally average album, which went on for much too long. I think the same, old style of Bowie's songs was there, but they lacked some spark, of that substance to it. Also, Bowie's voice was unfortunately not up to task, or more like wasn't in the same shape as in the highest point of his career. Which isn't a problem, age works it's thing, but it's definitely something different than we used to listen to years ago. There is a chance, that this album will grow on me with time, but at the moment, there is nothing in it that I particularly enjoyed.
Meh. I hate to be that guy, but I like his earlier stuff more. This was just average.
unexpected
Eclectic mix of styles, from jazz to prog to radio pop rock. Amazing guitar tones and vocals, and unexpected chord progressions and vocal harmonies.
A masterpiece. I miss him.
A few ok tracks, nothing great or even good to be honest. I was kinda glad when it was over.
Another sort of ho hum record from Bowie. Nothing really new or unique sounding here, the songs don’t feel especially inspired.
Not sure what i was expecting. Seems like a more personal record. I liked it but I can't point to a best track.
All Bowie past his Ziggie days seems to be sort of the same. It's fine, but nothing I would consider groundbreaking or must listen I do need to relisten to Blackstar, though, as I think that one was a little more poignant.
Its Bowie.
Quite good, I like Heroes better. Has really great stuff! Some "We get it Bowie!" stuff. As an album whole I justify a 4 as a three feels short for the good songs.... also This album has alotta names!
I mean. It’s fine. It’s impressive it’s his 25th album but he sounds like an old man 2
I only heard a few songs from the album but I recognized them!
3.5/5
Ei Bowien paras levy, mutta ei tylsinkään. Välillä sen ääni kuulostaa vanhan miehen ääneltä, mikä melkein liikuttaa minua.
Mulla meni hieman pidempään oppia tykkäämään tästä levystä kuin Bowien muiden levyjen kohdalla. Ehkä se johtui siitä että vanhemmat sukulaiset ja omat vanhempani luukuttivat tätä aivan älyttömästi silloin kun tää ilmestyi. Onpahan tämäkin hieno, mutta ei nouse välttämättä sinne kaikkein suurimpien Bowie-klassikoiden tasolle mielestäni. 3/5
Perusvarmaa, mutta silti oikein vetävää Bowieta, 4/5.
Bowie-kimara jatkuu. En ollut tästä levystä erityisen innoissani (siis Bowie-levynä) mutta kyllä se 4 varmaan pitää silti antaa. Kertonee jotain artistin keskimääräisestä tasosta.
Reminiscent of early Bowie: layered, experimental and with unforgettable hooks. His age and experience still shines through.
Meh. More discordance, vocals almost declaimed rather than sung, and drums way too high in the mix. It feels like he's run out of ideas and new melodies so he's taken his chopped-up lyric-writing technique and applied it to the whole song structure. Apart from 'Where are we now' I didn't enjoy this much. I'm a huge fan of 1970s Bowie but haven't really liked anything between Let's Dance and Blackstar.
The wikipedia snippet about this album got me very excited to listen to it, as well as the fact that it's David Bowie, whom I've always been a fan of. I was disappointed however in how often I found myself forgetting I was listening to the album and my mind would go elsewhere. The music did little to pull me back in. They weren't inspiring, but they weren't bad. For Bowie, it wasn't that great, but for just another album on the list it was alright. Nothing special, but it certainly wasn't bad. Some songs were alright, but overall just sorta disappointingly boring. 3/5
3. Bowie albúmið á þessum lista var ágætt. Ekkert sem ég set aftur á fóninn samt.
Solid, muscular rock from David Bowie near the end of his career. You can hear echoes of his past music but it doesn’t feel nostalgic. Overall a strong batch of songs. The inclusion of horns on a lot of these tracks is awesome. “If You Can See Me” is a really good one. That menacing bass (or is it a synth?) is fantastic.
Awesome Bowie album. It's a little bit straightforward(?) for how diverse his sound can get, but I think that that's more of a compliment to have eclectic he was as an artist. Overall it's very enjoyable, easy to listen to, and tightly packed with good ideas and songs.
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.
3.5 rounded down because I'm being harsh! This was solid, but I listened to it back to back with "Heroes" and one of those is a 5 and the other is not lol. Might revisit, but Bowie tends to be one of those artists I really like that I'm rarely in the mood to listen to a whole album of. And if I am, there's gonna be a better choice than this one.
With the exception of a few songs, I've never really been able to get into David Bowie
I like Bowie. Cool voice. This album wasn't amazing for me though. 3.5 I think is fair for me.
Thank goodness that's over. I (still) really can't get into Bowie. A few of the songs on every album are really cool, but maybe he should have thrown those songs on like 4 albums and not put out 25 weird-for-the-sake-of-weird albums. I do understand the appeal though. I appreciate it. I just don't like it.
meh. idk where his good songs are, but they seem to be missing from this album. 2.
Had never heard this and it was surprisingly excellent. So many good songs that grabbed my attention by being either fun to dance to or just having excellent musicianship.
Ningún megahit. Un 4.
Bowie through and through. 4.5
You know, I like Bowie, but I feel like he was in need of a friend who could tell him he needed a rewrite on some of these songs.
Dobar album cover, svaka čast. Nisam ga nikad slušao (album), općenito novije njegove albume, nisam previše ulazio u te sfere. No, zvuči dobro, nekako mi je čudno vidjeti njegov album koji je iz '13. Nije mi četvorka, 3.5/5 je, ali pošto vamo nema te glupe polovice, dajem ipak 4, to je ipak Bowie.
Middling album perhaps more fondly remembered due to the proximity to Bowies passing. Some lovely Bowie style tracks though.
I made notes for this that didn't save, sad. Its like a 3.5. Gonna go 4.
Wasn’t a fan that day
Listened twice and thought it was bang average.
Really grows on you after a bunch of listens
Forgot how good this was.
Liked a lot. Maybe not quite as high of highs as Ziggy stardust but about the same enjoyment for me on average.
Best ok, maar geen mega hits. 3*
Really enjoyable all the way through, not a single song that I would consider to be a dud. I love the instrumentals and feel like there's a lot to appreciate in the lyrics, and that I'll just keep finding more to like the more that I listen. Will definitely add this to my library and try to revisit in the future. Might regret not giving this a 5, but given this is my first album of this challenge, as well as my first Bowie album ever, I know both probably have a lot of incredible music to offer and I don't want to jump the gun and hand out a perfect score too early!
3.75
Classic. Questionable lyrics but they were different times.
Bowie staat garant voor prettig gestoorde funky deuntjes. Maar niks op dit album grijpt echt de aandacht. Dus dit eindigt in de middenmoot.
In het begin van het album een Bowie die met zijn tijd is meegegaan. De heer lijkt er gewoon nog steeds zin in te hebben. Later komen toch wat saaiere nummers langs en aan zo aan het einde is het album ook echt wel weer genoeg. Leuk om een keer gehoord te hebben.
De hoogtijdagen van Bowie liggen al ver achter hem en toch blijft de beste man muziek maken, letterlijk tot aan zijn dood. Dat valt te prijzen, al staan de meeste albums in de schaduw van zijn eerdere werk. Ik zie niet helemaal in waarom dit album dan ook in de 1001 lijst zou moeten, alsof er niet genoeg van Bowie in staat. Verder een degelijk album moet ik zeggen, met afwisselende songs. Heb me er toch prima mee vermaakt.
Another artist where I'm more familiar with their singles than their albums. And other than listening to Blackstar once, I don't really have any experience with Bowie's more recent work. Really enjoyed this album, especially the beginning and ending tracks.
Some good tunes but not my favorite from Bowie.
Let's be honest. Every Bowie album is at the very least good. Most are great to exceptional, which explains why he has so many on this list. But The Next Day is one one that doesn't merit consideration. I for one would replace it with Bowie's own Let's Dance, and it turns out this was indeed an album that was excluded from a later edition of the list. Again, this is a good album. It's just not upper echelon Bowie and is a bit overrated.
quite good
As usual, his albums are interesting, inventive and fun to listen to.
Me likey
In the context of Bowie's career at this point, it's an incredible album. It was widely believed that he was more or less retired. His release of a full album of new material was considered a bit of a surprise. The fact that it's full of bangers was nothing short of a miracle. That being said, divorced of its context, I think this album is merely very, very good. It's not nearly as good as Black Star, nor is it anywhere as good as a lot of his earlier triumphs. But it's still a Bowie album that's not Don't Let Me Down.
Meh....not a huge Bowie fan.....
9/10
bowie was one of the few to make consistently interesting rock music that pushed the edges musically and lyrically without being a massive bore
Quite a stripped down guitar album, more than I was expecting at the time. His voice was showing some age, but still lots of variety
good
Once again, David Bowie and me just don’t click.
I love the cover concept. That's fun. And I want to love this album, but it doesn't pull me in at all. This feels like some talented people fucking around in a studio, seeing what they come up with. This doesn't feel like recorded a ton and the cut it down to the gold. I'd rather listen to this than Slipknot, though, that much I've learned.
Late career Bowie, all quite second- or third-rate stuff. The lyrics are crap and the Thin Grey Duke is blowing on the uptempo numbers. Never been a big fan of Earl Slick's guitar scrawl neither. Ho hum. It's just interesting and arty enough to scrap and grapple its way to three stars.
Very pleasant surprised by this one. In fact, I’ll dare say I kind of loved it. There’s energy and interesting ideas from start to finish and things sound like songs to my ears instead of experiments. Also, it straight up sounds like a Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds record at times. “My father ran the prison. I can only love you by hating him more.” C’mon, that’s gotta be a Nick Cave lyric! Well, it’s Bowie’s here and it closes the album. Which is another thing I really appreciated; I think the back half is just as good as the front. “(You Will) Set the World on Fire” is a pretty great track for the 12th one on an album. Solid. Let’s roll.
Not even in the top five Bowie albums, is it?
Actually really liked the album Suprised he didn’t change too much even in 2013 Where are we now: 5 years X creep Valentine’s Day: crazy guitar solo loved it I’d rather be high: hilarious name plus nice drumming
I was surprised how much I liked this one, given how late into his career it was. The songs started to sound a little samey towards the end, but otherwise it was good.
Liked it, as I imagine I would like a lot of Bowie albums. Good beats, interesting turns and his voice making it feel familiar and exciting. 6.5/10
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.
only knew one or two songs off of this album but David Bowie is already one of my favourites - maybe its the nostalgia of him but it just brings me back to being 10 years old. This album feels like Bowie's way of saying: "even though its 2013 and im "past my prime" I can still produce an album to blow you all out the water". Cant think of one song that felt out of place... my favourites were: 'you feel so lonely you could die', 'Valentines Day' and 'where are we now?'.
I understand why people love Bowie and I'm glad to have listened to his last two albums because of this challenge. However this just isn't my style of music. I like some of his bigger well known hits but this album i didn't like how his voice sounds or was recorded. Sorry Bowie fans.
This definitely felt like a David Bowie album. It wasn’t as memorable as his classic stuff but it was still an alright listen. Moments stuck out to me but not entire songs really except the last one which stuck out as not good.
Doesn't quite live up 70's Bowie, but everything the man touches is a work of art.
A few good songs, but nothing particularly noteworthy. Confused how thisade the list.
This is a dense, varied album that demands multiple listens to get the most from.
Pretty good
Sounds like Bowie in best way, I didn't enjoy it as much as classic Bowie, but still great
Good record for his later period, but still much prefer earlier stuff.
Didn't care for it.
Really didn't expect the first Davie Bowie album up to be less than 10 years old...
This is the worst Bowie album I’ve heard
Im sorry but new millennium Bowie isn’t great
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.
I love David Bowie. I realized that he takes a while to grow on me though. It definitely sounds like Bowie. Nothing stood out as amazing, but it all sounded like Bowie. Listened to it three times. Maybe just not for me or maybe it just needs some more time to simmer
Now THIS is one of the David Bowie albums of all time.
A David Bowie quite in a good shape but the following "Black Star" is slightly better and for the British genious this record is quite forgettable. But this means that this album remains undoubtably good.
This was fine.
I never knew this album existed, so was surprised with how good it was. It’s probably since been overshadowed since black star was released. That and the use of the heroes album cover is probably why I have missed it in Bowie discovery. That was a mistake.
this is a boring rock album. i do not like it. it is very average 5/10
Some very solid Bowie. I don't think it has quite the extra special prowess of, say, Heroes or Ziggy, but it was still a very strong showing from him.
Standard Bowie, which almost comes across as too predictable in a vacuum. Almost. But it was still pretty good stuff.
That late stage haunting Bowie sound.
Very good. Will listen to again
Bon... je me suis vraiment mis dans des conditions où j'avais pas vu qui était l'artiste pour donner une note sincère à l'album.. et franchement c'est pas ouf. Rien à retenir. Bon c'est un 24 e album studio, ça peut pas tout être bien
I'm having a hard time keeping track of all the Bowie albums especially relative to one another.
Our 7th Bowie album! 2.8/5
Great artist and great album. Wish we could get more.
David Bowie is without a doubt a legendary artist and he should be in the list of 1001 best albums. Not sure if this is the album that should be in here.. The production is great, the songs are not. They don’t get to me.
The context of this album was incredible. A surprise launch after years of silence from one of the all time greats. This is a good album but if it wasn’t Bowie and out of the blue would people listen to it over and over? I suspect not.
As magical as his first albums. It’s solid, each track fitting and perfectly performed
Wow what a beautiful album. I've never given this one as much attention but actually has my fave newer Bowie song "where are we now". As ever the classic Bowie chord delights, never predictable but always amazing
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 jus dont rly like david bowie man
Pas mon préféré, pas mauvais pour autant
The bittersweet stand-out 'Where Are We Now' and the bold album cover itself promote an imprecise nostalgia that's more slippery and certainly more thoughtful than most other sixty-six-year-old former-glory rockstars are capable of creating. Bowie moves on and I'm a big fan. Favorite songs: 'Love Is Lost', 'Where Are We Now?', 'Valentine's Day' (three great tracks back to back)
Highlights: Valentine's Day, How Does The Grass Grow?, (You Will) Set The World On Fire
The songs are well written and have some interesting sentiments, but I can’t get over the old man vocals. I think I enjoyed his older records because of the emotion and energy his vocals brought, but that has all turned to a calmer delivery with age. 5/10
What the hell. I've never seen this before hahahh. Good stuff.
Legen
Yet another late-career Bowie album I just can’t wrap my mind around… Bowie’s singing is amazing on this record, but the arrangements just feel kind of tacky. I don’t know. I’ll figure it out one day.
pretty good.. interesting album cover... with the edited Heroes album cover 2.5 for me but I'll round up to 3
I did a deep dive into DB discography a while back and he's got a million albums and most are not that good. This one was solid but clearly not the best out there. Nice work though!
I mean, it's a solid album, but nothing groundbreaking. 3/5
Bowie only makes classics. Where are we know is one of my all time favorite Bowie songs. The dude just got better with age. I think I’ll go 4 just because I zone out at some times but give me dark star next because that a 5!
This is a solid album. I love that Bowie had everyone convinced that he'd retired from music when he released it. 66 years old and he still had it going on.
Glam rock
Not reallyMy thing
Really good stuff. I remember when this came out and it was a complete surprise as he hadn’t hade an album for 10 years. Bangs out 2 albums with 0 warning they were coming, then exits this mortal coil. Legend.
A good album, certainly not his best, but enjoyable. Remarkable for being his first album in a decade.
It sounds like Bowie working out what he would later go on to expand and perfect on Blackstar. Not sure I would've included it on this list but enjoyable nonetheless.
It's David Bowie so it's not bad, however this feels like some of his weakest work I've heard yet. Feels like it's a soundtrack to a movie and I'm missing half the plot.
Would give it a 8/10,not a fan of Bowie but i loved the album nevertheless
Bowie rewards those who lister to the end with songs such as You Will Set The World On fire
Mid and eh
Not my vibe. Didn’t like
This had some good singles, but I always found later Bowie stuff was less interesting than the early Bowie music.
It's Bowie, so it isn't crap, but it's also very much an album produced by a man who's muse left him a long time ago
I've never listened to a full Bowie album post-Let's Dance until his final album Blackstar. The occasional song I had heard was decent (i do love I'm Afraid of Americans, but let's not get too far off the subject at hand) but I had kinda just written him off. A once brilliant talent who just released stuff for only the most devoted fans to just "meh" at was the impression that I had. Well, I can't speak for any of those other albums I missed but I was quite wrong about this one. There's a lot of really great songs here performed as well as one would expect from a legend. It's not quite on par with his really classic material but maybe when I inevitably return to this I will have a change of heart. Until then I give this an enthusiastic 4 out of 5.
8/10. Actually quite liked this, but it's still bullshit that there are multiple 2010's David Bowie albums on this list, because it is just not representative of the music of the 2010's.
Yeah it’s decent but it also takes the place of other more relevant post-2002 albums that didn’t get into the book because all the critics that contribute to the list are stuck in the 1970s. 7/10
Some good songs black star was a better later Bowie album imo
Great album.
Just can't get into Bowie
Coolio - a nostalgic album for me...
Certainly not my favorite David Bowie album, but it's definitely listenable
Bowie seems to be hit or miss. This was a miss for me, but the album was still decent.
I enjoy a lot of Bowie songs from the 70s/80s but I've never delved into his contemporary stuff before. This is fantastic so far though!
This album was a spectacular return to form for David Bowie, who released it in 2013 after a decade-long hiatus. I would not have imagined he had an album this good in him at that point in his career, but this album really delivers at every level. Musically, the songs are jagged, artful and frequently intense. Lots of little musical threads that point back to Bowie's past works, which makes this really exciting for a fan to hear. Bowie is in perfect voice and his band is on fire. Loved listening to this today. Fave Songs: The Stars (Are Out Tonight), Dirty Boys, The Next Day, Valentine's Day, Where Are We Now?, Heat, How Does the Grass Grow?
not for me
Really good. Where are we now a highlight.
Not a Bowie fan, very repetitive, but I respect his work
Average music, whiny voice. Could be removed to make way for something that made an impact. Unexceptional in 2013, unexceptional now.
Seems like pretty stand Bowie to me. Impressive considering his age/stage in his career but not massively appealing if you’re not a big fan.
very cohesive, not my fav bowie record but it’s still bowie and very good
Bowie's entree to his phenomenal Blackstar
Just ok. There was nothing great about this , nothing bad either.
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.
Sober more mature Bowie still put out some great tunes. Gonna have to listen to this phase of his music more often. Love me some Bowie.
Another gem from Bowie.
This album has no right to be as good as it is. It's a true return of form, sounding straight from the 70s, mostly glam rock but updated equipment. Super versatile, with sax solos, Eno-esque synths, and gospel back vocals. No half ass effort here. Banger after banger, catchy and energetic. Only complaint is a bit too long, but there's something to like about each of the tracks it feels werd to call any of them particularly weak. Favorites: Dirty Boys, The Stars, Love is Lost, Where Are We Now, Boss of Me, How Does the Grass Grow
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.
Is this a contender for best 25th album by an artist? One of rock’s greatest comebacks. Incredible to return to the stage and deliver this after 10 years of absence. Like so many of Bowie’s records this is best when he steps away from the conventional road and experiments. And while I still find the first album to be strong it’s the second half that really shines!
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.
Favorite song: Valentine's Day. At first I wasn't sure if I was liking the album, but it grew on me as I listened.
Favorite Songs : The Stars (Are Out Tonight), The Next Day, Love Is Lost, Where Are We Now?, Valentine's Day, You Feel So Lonely You Could Die, Heat Least Favorite Songs: Boss Of Me, How Does The Grass Grow?, (You Will) Set The World On Fire Not my favorite Bowie project, but a welcome return to what made him so impressive and interesting in the first place. It really is a modern take on something he may have produced in the early 80s, which only makes the reused iconic 'Heroes' cover photo all the more appropriate; a single of this "what's old is new again" ideology "The Next Day" wants to imply. There's a very unique tone and groove through the whole album even without a consistent narrative or theme. Many of the songs here are triumphant and booming, some are droning and dark, and some genuinely very introspective and deliberately written. I only wish a bit of the fat could be trimmed off here and there, because the highs are so high and the lows so boring.
Easy listening
Great
Hadn’t heard it since the release.
Not a Bowie album I'd heard of before but really good throughout.
What the actual fuck. There are eight David Bowie albums currently on the list, and this isn't one of them, but why was it ever on the list? Even before it was put in context as a speed bump on the road to Blackstar, this was already being viewed as a middling effort from Bowie; an awkward, bumbling step back into music after over a decade absence. Furthermore, there are a number of Bowie albums not on the list that should have been on before considering this one - The Man Who Sold the World, Diamond Dogs, Lodger, Outside, Earthling, and Heathen are all significantly better albums than this. Hell, I'd say Space Oddity, Scary Monsters, and Reality were all better than this too, and those were all pretty hit or miss. I'm a huge Bowie fan, and this was a terrible inclusion and is a mediocre album.
I really liked these songs. First full listen of a Bowie album. He will be missed
I don't hate it.
Not my favourite Bowie album by any stretch of the imagination, but let's face it. Even a bad Bowie album is a fantastic album. I think I found a few new favourites in this one as this album has none of my regular "go to" songs.
Never head this one before. Seems good. Really need to get to know it better. 3/5
Probably my favourite of the Bowie albums we've had so far. Enjoyed it.
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.
Oh wow what a small indie artist- glad to be one of the first people to ever say that this David man may be good!
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
This is my first David Bowie album, and I didn't find it to my taste. Maybe I will prefer other albums, who knows.
Average for Bowie
Bowie's first album in a decade, produced again by Tony Visconti. Solid, not insanely good but solid. (5/10) FT: The Stars and You Feel So Lonely You Could Die, Next Day
Loved how jazzy this was.
I enjoyed most of this album, especially the instrumentals.
I think the problem for me with randomly listening to an album each day is that for albums and artists I am unfamiliar with it is hard fornme to properly review it. When an album or an artist that I have listened or still listen to shows up I find my listen is usually better. I like Bowie and this album was fine but I feel because I haven't listened to his work enough, I couldn't see why this particular album was on the list. I liked it but can only give it a 3.
I love Bowie, but this did nothing for me.
Ningún megahit. Un 4.
I found some songs fascinating, and was really into some of the slower beats. The yearning in his voice always compels me.
bowie is good. but this album doesn't really stand out to me. it's weird to listen to an album that has creative things that you feel like you should like, but you just don't. for example the song if you can see me, is frenetic and weird. but not my style.
Taavetin musaks jopa ihan hyvä levy. Taustamustana toimiva ja omaan korvaan pesee vanhan hittien ulkopuolisen matskun helposti.
Positiivisesti yllätti. Päällisin puolin menevän toimivaa
This was really good. The saxophone was sexy.
I started off not liking it. It kinda grew on me a the day wore on. Not something I'd listen to all the time but I may play it again
This not my jam.
Han är för tråkig
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."
281225 12:32 3.5
2.5
An exceptional return to form, reminds me of his early / mid 70s stuff. What a talent we lost.
I love it when we get an all-but-forgotten gem. Blackstar was proof enough that Bowie had it going on up to the end. I'll give this record the edge over the one the cover spoofs. Heroes was a one-song album. This has a lot more going on.
Timed well enough as I am watching the original The Man Who Fell To Earth. Never heard of this album and quite liked a few tracks like Where Are Now and I'd Rather Be High
Fucking tired of Bowies CDs. Are you gonna fuckin recommend me all the fucking discography? Dude wasn't that good, for fucks sake
One of Bowie's better later works. Getting back on track after a frankly dismal couple of decades.
Wasn't expecting contemporary Bowie to be this good, not sure why I'm surprised that it's on the verge of masterpiece territory
Bowie is just surprisingly good. I was expecting an album of his from 2013 to sound like washed up old man shit, but this... this kinda rocks. It has a distinct sisters of mercy type thing going on vocally in a lot of places, which I'm sure is coincidence but still floats my boat. This would have been full marks if he'd trimmed it by 15min or so. 4/5.
Pretty boring considering the secrecy of his return. Where Are We Now is head and shoulders above the others, with that powerful, yet fragile, delivery that makes it feel more like Blackstar (which is a far better album).
My feelings towards Bowie's latter part of his back catalogue is mixed. On the one hand, I applaud his experiments with modern sounds- Little Wonder being a case in point- but quite a lot of it lacks the innovation that he was known for in his first few decades. This album just appears to pander to the masses, and on that basis- it was always bound to be lapped up by the massed ranks of Bowie fans. This album is definitely influenced by his own back catalogue rather than trying to push the envelope.
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
It's okay. Doesn't have many catchy numbers, or the musical interest of blackstar
Echt wel een vet album, met goede tunes
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.
Bowie is a master craftsman. There isn't a bad track here, but also -- there isn't a standout. I really wanted to like this more but did find it just a bit bland.
One day I'm going to 'get' David Bowie but this isn't the album to do it. Fine. Why are there only 4 reviews? 🤔
Ok
It is fine, and it is a great example of a quality end-of-career or comeback album, and maybe the book provides more context that's helpful. But overall I don't think this needs to be in here given David Bowie's strong showing with a huge number of other albums represented on the list. Rating is 3.5 or 3 for music, but 2 for over-representation.
love it
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.
Its OK