Reviews (page 4 of 11)
A fitting album to receive now, only a few days before the 10th anniversary of Bowie's passing. I know it's tempting to rate this one a little lower. Bowie has the most solo albums on this list and "The Next Day" is arguably the least interesting one. Surely in any list of his best work, this album wouldn't have cracked the top 5, maybe even the top 10 for most fans. But a 4 star Bowie album is still worth 5 stars compared to most other music out there. "The Next Day" is more interesting than a lot of people will give it credit for initially. Obviously, it was overshadowed by his incredible final album, "Blackstar". But Bowie's swansong makes more sense when put into context. This was the album that came out of nowhere. Bowie had a resurgence of popularity in the early 2000s and seems to be unstopped. Until a heart attack stopped him dead in his tracks. All at once, he stopped touring, making music, and existing in public life at all. It was a remarkably human moment for a man who always seemed so otherworldly. Then, as abruptly as he stopped, he made a surprise return nine years later with this excellent album. Bowie always seemed to struggle with nostalgia. As such a forward looking artist, that was his strongest skill. The attempts to look back were some of the least interesting of his career. "Pin Ups", his cover album of his influences was an unusual miss in the middle of the famed Ziggy Stardust/Aladdin Sane period. "Toy", his lost album and attempt to revisit his own past songs, was shelved by the record label. But "The Next Day" manages to touch on nostalgia in a really interesting way. It sounds like classic Bowie without sounding too similar to any other release. The lead single "Where Are We Now?" recalls his time in Berlin. The album cover repurposes one of his most famous albums but updated in a jarringly modern way. This is to say nothing about the other, dark themes throughout the album. I could go on, but here's my main point. I've given 5 stars to the last 8 Bowie albums I've received in this challenge. I was tempted to give this one 4 stars, just in principle, to even things out. But I love this one too and I can't do it. Bowie gets a perfect score on this challenge from me. Because it's Bowie.
Again, not my type of musician. Too repetitive and monotone. But it was okay
Insane I’d never heard of this. Absolutely classic Bowie with a mature edge.
It’s not everyday you get to listen to a David Bowie album for the first time. Not to mention one produced by Tony Visconti. When this album was first released, I honestly thought it was some deluxe edition of Heroes and unfortunately neglected it until now. The opening track got me thinking that Bowie was slowly turning into Johnny Rotten, but then he quickly settled into those familiar dulcet tones. I enjoyed the swampy funk of “Dirty Boys,” the tender “Where Are We Now?,” and the adolescent bop of “Valentine’s Day.” Nice little allusion to the “Five Years” beat at the end of “You Feel So Lonely.” There were a few tracks which kept me from giving a 5-star rating, but I’ll definitely be returning to this one.
Another slow burner....gets better as I go along.... The meditative feel of “Where Are We Now?” brings light to an older, more somber 66 year old Bowie. The repetitive guitar riff on "I'd Rather Be High" starts the overdriven vibe that I really enjoy. "Dancing Out In Space" and "How Does The Grass Grow?" are two stand outs from this listen. It's an impressive release, as artists tend to get more predicable as they age. While this album is certainly a "Bowie album", it's not "just another Bowie album" know what I mean? 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
Never gone deeper than the hits with Bowie, so this was my first listen to one of his albums from start to finish. It was really good! Didn’t know what to expect with a modern Bowie album, but there were really good songs on this, especially the title track, ‘Valentine’s Day’, and ‘Dancing Out In Space’. It’s a very approachable album for an artist like Bowie, but he still managed to keep it distinctly Bowie, if that makes sense. A fun listen, a solid 4/5
Great cohesive album. Favorites were The Stars (Are Out Tonight) & Valentine’s Day.
Another above average Bowie album
Enjoyed more than expected - not delved into much of Bowie’s later work but think it definitely has its place.
Great album, very actual still.
I think that Outside and this one are the only truly convincing Bowie's albums after Let's Dance. For sure it's not particularly original but at least very energetic. My favourite pieces are Valentine's day and You will set the world on fire, which are the most powerful and, not by coincidence, two of the few where Earl Slick plays.
hadn't thought about this album in a while!
I love David Bowie and the is album was funky and weird and I liked it
- mysterious et mélancolique, VERY nostalgic feels - un album que t’écoutes vrm plus pour les paroles que les beats - Bowie c’est un king mais c’est vrm pas mon album pref de lui - meilleure chanson: dancing out in space, i’d rather be high
2 Stars because it’s Bowie…
Seems somewhat plain these days. Must've been different back in the day.
Seems kinda mid.
Bowie coming back sounding energised. My favourite of the final two albums, this one has a real bounce to it, and a boozy sax running through the album.
If I could give this negative stars I would
Really liked it, lot of great songs, would listen to again
Repeat
Accidentally listed to heroes instead. Was good
Kind of sucks honestly
Really better than I was expecting. There's some tracks here that are dragging
Never knew this album existed. I like David Bowie but this was just a very mid album. Still got his distinct sound and style but nothing really interesting
Instrumentally still genius, voice maybe not so strong as in the 70's, but it's still Bowie with 70's in the heart.
Great album. Good playing seems like he was inspired and not chasing any trends on this album Nods to his past while also looking forward. The music on The Stars are out tonight looks back to Moonage Daydream and China Girl while still being modern. There is a vulnerability in his writing that maybe he was hinting at his end. It’s easy to read into the lyrics now after his passing.
Shockingly same-y, also a touch bizarre hearing Bowie in such a contemporary tone. Broad takeaway would be "forgettable". It's easy to leave on, it's hard to remember it's playing.
Last.fm says I've listened to this album at least 18 times, so I'm pretty confident in my score here Eclectic group of songs, mysterious and literary lyrics, maybe a little too long for its own good.
Still Bowie
Not my taste. I feel like earlier Bowie albums would be better. Song I liked the most: Valentine's Day Rating: 2/5
Nei, ikke for meg.
Decent but blackstar-lite
Look, I don't think we'd have this album on this list if it were d Bowie on it.
I looove Bowie and I love this album
This is the third David Bowie album that has been suggested to me as part of this project, and the third that doesn't blow me away. I'm sure he has some great albums, but “The Next Day” isn't one of them. It sounds a bit like an aging rock star in his 60s recording a few more songs—and that's exactly what it is. It's not bad, but you're not missing much if you haven't heard this album.
Hmmm not bad but I didn't like it😭😭
Solid Bowie but not my favorite
Like it a lot. A bit more chill than some of the huge singles. Good stuff
2.5 out of 5.
Some bangers here. Strong entry in the final phase of his output.
I'm a little biased for Bowie. Love the theatrical way he sings. The album as a whole is a very easy listen with some highlights like The Stars (are out tonight)
not sure I'm a Bowie guy
He's really just hooting and hollering huh. I feel like he's just having fun with his later albums. Some of these songs feel like Bowie's taking me on a journey and some of them feel like he's soundtracking a Scooby Doo villain in a low budget movie I love it. I'm confused and intrigued. He has a song genuinely called I'd Rather Be High. I don't even think it's about weed but rather the industrial military complex. I'm actually starting to think this entire album might be about the war in the Middle East. This is about something for real I just have no idea what I'm into it. I love Bowie but I'm kinda a fake fan I just listen to his older more popular stuff but I'm into this. Favourite: The Stars (Are Out Tonight)/Boss of Me Least favourite: If You Can See Me
David bowie was aight back in the day, but this album is his version of celtics shaq
I like David Bowie and this is a great David Bowie record.
I hadn't heard of David Bowie, though I've heard a lot of his popular songs. I'm not so sure, but I feel like this shouldn't have been the albun that represents him on this list. Especially for a 2010s record, and especially for a very experienced artist, this didn't interest me at all. felt disorganized
I assume this only made the list because Bowie. An absolute meh.
BOWIE!!!!
Yeah I really liked this. Just has such an atmosphere to it that I can’t explain. It almost is eerie but there’s glimmers of hope in it. Definitely feels like hes trying to convey that he’s leaving the pop star David Bowie behind. I loved most if not all of the tracks, standouts being The Next Day, The Stars, Valentine’s Day, Dancing in Space and Set the World on Fire.
Bowie reaching the late stages of his career which is where I think his entire art form and ingenuity really started becoming really impressive, and becoming something bigger than himself. This isn’t my favourite Bowie album but it’s moving, emotive and there’s something about his aging voice which really lays the words in. 4.5/5.0 Best Song: I’d Rather Be High
It’s my least favourite Bowie album we have had so far. I liked a few songs, but this isn’t one of my favourite Bowie sounds if I am honest. Best song: Heat
Not my favorite bowie, but some good stuff
🔥
I'd rather be high too David... This is my first official full listen to a David Bowie album. Fav Songs: I'd Rather Be High Boss of Me Love is Lost
This one was weird for me. I didn’t know he had a later stage record other than Blackstar so I got distracted by over analyzing it.
A couple songs almost good enough to like (on spotify) then a couple that I had to skip. Surely David Bowie has better albums than this one…
Han vet hur man gör musik och skivan är bra. Kanske får omdömet en liten extra puff av att det ändå är Bowie.
excellent album, with just a few weaker songs towards the end starting with "Boss Of Me" (but not including one of the very best "You Feel So Lonely You Could Die"). Absolute standout remains "Where Are We Now"
Right off the bat, this album just feels like the end of a long amazing career. Everyone falls off at some point, and honestly this sounds like a fall off. I'm not well versed in David Bowie, and I know he is a legend, but I'm not feeling that with this album. I really really hate it...
great rock record, reminds me of pink floyd a lot. i enjoyed pretty much every track.
Bowie kind of fell off with this one I can't lie. Everything sounds so similar I didn't even realize when the album started looping.
Brilliant album!!
One of the more tolerable Bowie albums I've listened to.
It's OK, nothing really stood out.
Pretty solid late era Bowie. By tapping some of his most famed collaborators, Bowie crafts a record that both comments on and updates his past.
Heard a song from it before. Uh it'd be a pretty solid album if only it wasn't so long. It feels like heresy giving Bowie a low score but 2/5
Some good songs but nothing groundbreaking
This is just a standard run of the mill David Bowie. I didn’t find it innovative nor did I particularly dislike any of it, it’s a fascinating experience.
Another album from his later career work. Was this work polished? Yes. Does he still have his voice on this album? Yes. However, nothing particularly special is delivered in this set, and it feels like a lot of noise at times. Very much a musician's album.
er, probably great
When Bowie is great, he’s great. But he’s not always great.
Not listened to this start to finish before. Understated and stripped back
I, uh, don't think I like this. Most of the album (through the first 5 or 6 songs) has mostly been a miss for me, but there's some good songs hidden in here (see the Favorite Song(s) below). But this album is so unpredictable. It alternates between bad, mediocre, and good without really much warning. Bowie's old man voice is maybe the worst thing on the album though, which I believe was also how I felt about Blackstar. The music actually generally slaps. Okay, actually, my opinion on this album turned around quite a bit. The start still isn't great, but it's littered with enough good songs to give hope for the back half of the album, which actually delivers. I don't think that is a great album. It does absolutely save itself from the mediocrity and song whiplash of the beginning, but I also think that the best songs were in the first half of the album. It's good, and maybe borderline great. Worth adding to this list due in part to Bowie's fame and longevity. Favorite Song(s): Love is Lost, Valentine's Day
A nice listen. Very 80s. What I would expect with David Bowie.
It bowie
"We set out to change the world ended up just changing ourselves." "what's wrong with that?" "Nothing, if you don't look at the world" This album is the 2010's for me. Simultaneously hopeful and disillusioned with the state of the world. This feels like Bowie grappling with his own legacy.
Not a standout for me
The world was robbed of Bowie’s final act. That work started here with the fantastic Next Day. Even in his later years, Bowie continued to push his sound to new and strange places. The album is a bit top heavy, and definitely overstays its welcome towards the end. But it’s a thoroughly memorable listen for me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
1/5
first full playthrough of a david bowie album for me. hits and misses, but i get it.
David Bowie was an incredible artist. I would offer this was for him just an average effort.
Hell yeah! Ziggy!
David Bowie. That's it. That's the review.
so far its so cunty and delicious. havent heard this album in particular before but i do love bowie and well wow. its raw and its creative and also soulful and grungy!!! ughhhh yessssss!!!!
Already listened to this classic. A staple in music library immediately upon release
Weirddddd
A bit dull
I tried to like this and do like Bowies earlier works... but no. Had to really struggle to listen all the songs.
Great album. Feels like older Bowie but is newer Bowie. Faves: Dirty Boys, The Stars (Are Out Tonight), Valentine's Day, I'd Rather Be High
My first Bowie album on the list, and it’s one of the few Bowie albums I haven’t listened to previously. This one was fine in my opinion, but far from my favorite of his.
We all know Bowie is a great artist, and this certainly isn't bad, but surely there's more worthwhile stuff of his to listen to than this? When he has about 7 or 8 other albums on the list, throwing this in the mix as well feels a bit excessive.
Well this is great. Only in the past few years have I dived into Bowie's discography, but I hadn't reached The Next Day yet. I don't remember anything about its release, but we gave it a glowing review at the AVC, and it landed on our year-end best-of list. With good reason. Wikipedia says some critics complained that it's overlong, but this is the rare hourlong album that could've kept going for me. I'll definitely come back to it.
I had never heard of this album before. Definitely have the highest respect for David Bowie as a musician, songwriter and general icon - his musicianship if anything is underrated. Some interesting moments and tunes on here, but a little jagged and intentionally pricky for my taste.
I could be wrong, but I think this is our first THREE-time artist appearing in the list? I don't think I have ever heard anything off this album, so let's jump in... This is fine. Sounds exactly how I would have expected late-era Bowie to sound. The last song ("Heat") and a few other moments on here reminded me a lot of Blackstar, which makes sense.
No hits, but a solid album
A pretty good modern Bowie offering. Not my favorite album and slightly inconsistent song to song, but still pieces to enjoy. Again would have benefited from song selection editing. Top tracks: Where Are We Now?, If You Can See Me, I'd Rather Be High
Next, please.
It was OK. I'm glad I listened to it because it's a privilege to listen to anything by Bowie but I probably won't deliberately listen to it all again (apart from a couple of songs).
It’s difficult for any person to imagine what their voice sounds like out there in the world proper. It’s why we all sound strange when we hear our voices played back to us – invariably higher pitched than we’d expected, and, if you’re unlucky, more nasal. It seems like Bowie’s memory of his late 70s output – the stuff most closely recapped on The Next Day– suffers from the same phenomenon. Only here, he’s hearing himself as Ian Dury. A song like “How Does The Grass Grow?” – which begins with a swirling guitar that summons but never quite welcomes “Heroes” – sounds like Dury and his Blockheads jamming The Shadows with the muppets. The PR strategy might have been the real headline matter – did anyone ever better understand that the medium was the message than Bowie? – but The Next Day is still a perfectly serviceable pop rock record. For some (Mark Fisher, especially) it might be a shame that the “art” of Bowie’s “art rock” migrated from the music and into the promotional strategy – but I’d be tempted to take a more sanguine view. Maybe that’s admitting defeat, to some extent. Or maybe it’s just letting something else win. I can hear a lot of love in these tracks; for being among his favourites (Visconti and Slick, especially), for still being around, and for anyone still listening. Can’t fault that.
I agree with one of the music reviewers on Wiki: “strong songwriting amid non-innovative but enjoyable music.” Other reviewers noted there were too many tracks, making the album too long. However, in this era of streaming music, length is up to the listener. There are flashes of Bowie brilliance here, but otherwise nothing outstanding in my opinion.
This Bowie guy sure has a lot of albums. Even though he has a unique voice (which I usually like), I kind of... don't love his voice? I feel like I'd like these songs more if they were sung by someone else. Maybe I'm just in a mood. Good energy, though, and interesting lyrics. I thought 'The Stars (Are Out Tonight)' was gonna be space rock but it was just celebrity rock. Overall I enjoyed it, maybe could be a 4 if I listened a few more times. Highlights: 'Valentine's Day' (supposedly about a school shooter, but I assumed it was about a lil squirrelfriend), 'I'd Rather Be High', "remember the dead / they were so great / some of them" Lowlight: rhyming "road" with "Road" and "night" with "tonight"!!
#199/1001. The story didn't really go like this: 1001 album book critics talk to the editor: - "You know Bowie died, right? We should include all his work in the book" - "All? I mean he has already 7 albums on the list" -"Yes, all of them" -"Even the boring ones?" -"Yes. Even them" - "Even the newest ones?" -"Well we first thought no, but it has to be all of them. He is David Bowie after all." -"You got a point there." My new nickname forhis work is David Bowring.
Helt ok, men varför?
Sorry, he was at least 30 years past his prime when this album came out.
Überraschend gut!
Hör mir auf . Verstehe den Fame überhaupt nicht
Swauve, makes me smile
Exceptional and accessible. I wouldn't consider this an essential David Bowie album by any means, but it's still very cool that he was making music right up to his untimely death. This is the sort of album that I would play for my kids to give them their first taste of Bowie. Favourite tracks: The Next Day and Where are We Now? (WaWN? sounded the most DB).
I was (pleasantly) surprised to see this one here. It got lots of attention when it landed, but was largely forgotten and overshadowed by Blackstar. I had to listen twice to be sure, but imma go ahead with FIVE stars. It has been a while but remember all these songs. They are all distinctive but fit together as a collection. Kind of like a “best of” collection but with all brand new songs.
This endeavour to listen to all the albums has taught me one thing; I’m not a huge Bowie fan. I know that’s on me. None of the songs stood out as bad or goo. And I don’t love his voice on the album.
It's fine, but there's enough Bowie on this list, so this one makes absolutely no sense. You can die fine without ever listening to this.
Some cool tracks, some awful, but seemingly not anything near the best in his career. Shouldn’t be on here.
2. doesn't compare to earlier stuff.
Umslagið er töff yfirlýsing en mér finnst frummyndin samt of flott til að hylja hana. Að öðru leyti er platan frábær. Ég hlustaði ekki mikið á hana nýja, sem er ótrúlegt í ljósi sjálfs míns, en ég renndi henni fyrir ca. ári og fann þá þörf til að heyra hana aftur og aftur. Svo er enn ástatt.
Had Bowie not just popped up out of the blue after a ten year hiatus, I'm not sure this record would have resonated that much. On the face of it, a step up from 'Heathen', but essentially a collection of dark, art rock tracks, which in places hail back to his late 70s output, without seemingly offering much in the way of a coherent experience for the listener. It's on my shelves, rightfully so, but not his best work. Heard before ✅️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit ✅️ ★★★☆☆ (6/10)
Not my favorite Bowie album by far. That being said, I love how he was always recreating himself and pushing into new territory. Never afraid to take risks. This one didn’t quite pan out to my liking, but I can still appreciate it.
I do love the fact that this was a secret recording and surprise release, but the majority of songs just didn’t quite do it for me. Best Track: Where Are We Now?
Poppy bowie! Very chill and kinda under the radar for me!
idk what it was, i just could not get into this album :(
I don’t need these second to third tier albums. He has such better stuff. 2.5 rounded up because Labyrinth.
Not bad. A bit haunting at times. Very artsy, even for Bowie. 3.5⭐️
Pretty damn approachable Bowie album. 4.5 stars because it seems to drag at a few points.
I liked more of the other albums of his, but still enjoyed this.
Easy one for me! Loved this album right from the first listen and still remember “Where Are We Now?” being débuted on very early morning radio in 2013. What a great surprise to wake up to! 4.5 stars.
Amazing, Classic Bowie. It’s like an up tempo Blackstar
Pretty good. Bowie is great, but this album is kind of kind of.
There’s some Bowie I really love. This is just so-so.
Despite the rating, I am unconvinced that this belongs on this list. Bowie is the most represented artist in the list and, honestly nobody deserves 9 albums. I could see giving Bowie 3 or 4 or even 5 albums. This album doesn’t make that cut. It’s great, but doesn’t live up to his all timers.
Pas son meilleur je dirais
I’ve heard enough of Bowie’s back catalogue and this (which was massively overplayed on release) to not need to care too much when this was playing. It was on. I’ve listened to it, but didn’t really need to. I’ve heard enough Bowie on this list already.
A couple of good songs, but not worth the rest of the album.
Gotta respect the man, he was not resting on his laurels. Solid rock album. Some hints of what was to come on Blackstar. 53 minutes felt a little long. I definitely prefer my Bowie coked up.
He still got it (had it)
I really like old Bowie. This isn’t as good as blackstar but give me this over young Americans every day. 3.5
For the Bowie completionists I guess. It's fine enough. It's more a 2.5 but I'm giving a PROTEST one star at the excess of minor David Bowie albums.
It's a fine album musically, but I think it gets a bump for what it represents: an aging rocker, trying to re-create his past music, but coming up a little short. It's a bleak album, and a little long, but there's some funhouse mirrorness to his earlier works.
My second Bowie album. I’m not a fan of him and his voice. Can’t really put into words why. But something about this record struck a chord. It’s a dark, fatalistic album. I appreciate the richness and depth found in songs like Heat to name just one track. I actually liked quite a lot of the songs.
I didn't know what to expect, but the title song goes HARD. But then afterwards it kind of all blended together for me. At times it just sounds...old.
7/10
Love me some David Bowie, but I was fully prepared to think that maybe 9! Bowie albums is a bit much and that this one was perhaps expendable. Then I remembered this is a fantastic album. World class songwriting, innovative and distinctive, arrangements and performances exquisite and music that you believe is made by people who deeply care about it. All it "lacks" is a distinctive narrative like Blackstar or cultural/historical context that locks the listener to a time and/or place long since gone.
This list will not make me like Bowie but there was some nice guitar lines and vibes in this album. I don't think I will revisit this album though. 2.5
3.5. Liked listening to it but with 14 tracks, I find a few hard to recall. No huge highlights either, just good songs.
The production is good, the vocals are great, but the songwriting fails to grab me. A few moments of brilliance but overall quite forgettable.
Unexpected but satisfying!
This is actually a good listen which went under my radar at the time. Probably because it was after 2004 and I had bagged a wife by then.
OK, good, but tends to be boring ...
A couple fine songs, but quite boring.
One of many peaks in Bowie's career - calling back to the tension of his Berlin trilogy, and it also has some glorious melancholy
... wen david bowie gefällt ...
Name alone doesn’t do it for me.
It’s unique. I can see why there is a cult following but it’s not for me.
Ima mi boljih njegovih albuma i imam osjećaj da je malo isforsiran broj njegovih albuma na ovoj listi, iako je iconic. 3/5, 5/10
Ik voel me altijd heel dom als ik David Bowie luister want ik snap de appeal gewoon echt niet. Ik kan horen dat de muziek objectief goed in elkaar zit maar het klinkt allemaal zo vergelijkbaar. Bowies stem vind ik onaangenaam, zijn boodschap snap ik nooit meteen en het klinkt zo preachy/schreeuwerig. Misschien snap ik de culturele relevantie of de Zeitgeist toen het uitkwam gewoon niet zo maar zijn muziek voelt altijd als een mix van Pearl Jam en Bob Dylan. "Simpele" Rock met een moeilijke boodschap. Helaas is dit album niet besteed aan mij. Als ik door het album heen scroll kan ik van geen enkel nummer bedenken hoe die ging of wat ik er bijzonder aan vond. Ik heb het idee dat dit album onbekend was gebleven als Bowies naam er niet aan verbonden was maar waarschijnlijk ben ik gewoon niet slim genoeg om de nuances en boodschap te snappen die deze muzikale legende probeert over te brengen. 2/5 sterren Beste nummer: I'd rather be high Minste nummer: Valentine's day
Not a big fan, I guess I also don’t like David Bowie that much and this album didn’t really impress me. I can imagine it’s also not one of his better albums maybe, though I don’t know. Kind of forgettable.
Bowie heeft een mooie stem maar dit album geen nummers die blijven hangen.
As I was listening to this album, I realized that this was the first full album of David Bowie's that I had ever taken the time to listen to. I heard some of his music on the radio, but I just thought he was okay, so I never took the time to listen to his albums. While I was listening to this album, I thought it was pretty typical of David Bowie's work. It was pretty amazing that he would go back into the studio after approximately seven years away and at the age of 66, and if I had been a fan, I don't think I would have been disappointed in the album; however, I still just think he is okay. Best song: "You Feel So Lonely You Could Die" and worst song: "The Stars (Are Out Tonight)".
Good album by an older aged David Bowie. Some Musicians age like milk and others like wine, and Bowie was able to age gracefully by putting out an engaging crooning work like this Specially liked “Dirty boys” and “Boss of me”. Showing that no matter the age, the thin white duke still has it
Best: "Valentine's Day" Worst: "Dirty Boys"
David Bowie is an icon. I get it. I’m also not convinced that we need to have nine of his albums on this list though. After several listens my take is that The Next Day is a good, if not great album. There are some really good songs mixed in with some decent songs. The production is solid, perhaps too slick? I can only speculate about why it made the list, but perhaps it has to do with this album marking his return to music after a 10-year hiatus? I have deep respect for Bowie and his contributions to music. I’m glad he came out retirement, but I think Black Star is a superior example of his later period.
slow album but i enjoyed a couple of songs probably not as good as his older stuff (have only listened to starman and that's okay) + he apparently came off 10 years no music so give him some time/credit
Fine album
It's a classic
This is Bowie album number 4, so 5 more to go... Blackstar got a 2, but this is a bit more coherent IMHO. It somehow drags on, and although it was his first album after a 10-year hiatus, it felt like a farewell album.
I get why this was included on this list - it looked for a moment like this was going to be Bowie's swansong, and it's important to remember that this came from out of nowhere after a decade-long disappearance, and it was a definite improvement over his torpid albums of the early 2000s. I also get the resentment of its inclusion. It is the least significant of Bowie's NINE albums on this list. Even in his own catalog, Scary Monsters and Super Creeps and Let's Dance have a better claim. The former was a stellar album, the latter was one of the best pop albums of the 80s. The lead single, Where Are We Now, is sluggish and reminiscent of his least interesting early 2000s work. And Blackstar is so much better at being an act of closure on an amazing career. But upon listening to it again here, so many of the songs are just really good. A few are excellent. Pretty incredible that we debate whether or not Bowie's eleventh-best (maybe twelfth-best?) album should be on the list.
Me perturba un poco empezar a escucharme albumes de Bowie que no sean los mas viejos o los de su prime, pero igual me gusta que salgan y curtirme. Me cuesta un poco adentrarme en las vibes tan particulares que tiene pero de a poco me va enganchando Favs: The Next Day, The Stars (Are Out Tonight), Valentine's Day, I'd Rather Be High
Otro de GODwie porque todo lo que ha hecho es imprescindible para la historia de la música. Me asustaron las primeras canciones porque pensé que iba a ser un disco a más puro estilo rockero, pero luego se le empieza a ir la pinza y a hacer canciones corny, gracias David. Muy buena mezcla de instrumentales de la época con su inconfundible voz, hay canciones que realmente se han quedado conmigo después de la escucha (The Stars y Valentine´s Day). Además, hay algo de la música de este señor que cuando la escucho me emociona profundamente, sean canciones emotivas (You Feel So Lonely) o no (How Does The Grass Grow) Además de esas, me gustaron mucho: Love Is Lost, Where Are We Now, Set The World On Fire, Heat
Not my Bowie Album
Meh. Uninspiring.
Bowie is Bowie
Great late career album by DB
Decent
This is so mid
Très bon, malgré que, comme la plupart des albums de Bowie, je n’embarque pas totalement. Plusieurs très bonnes tounes lors de cette première écoute. Mérite d’être réécouté plusieurs fois.
He’s great but this is too much of one guy
Well, I don't know what to make it and how to rate it. No matter how I tried to get into David, he does nothing for me. Nothing bad, but nothing good either :|
Day 88 Definitely one of Bowies stronger albums imo, lots to enjoy on here 8/10 Highlights Where are we now? Valentines day
Easy listening. Didn't love David Bowie but good exposure to some of his music. 2/5
Decent, nothing spectacular though.
Very good.
The Master....... ......reduced to this!
I can remember exactly where I was when I learnt about the release of this album. Not that it was a JFK,Twin Towers or Princess Diana moment but I its own way was a significant moment. The first Bowie release for some time. Not that anyone’s interested but for the record I was in Finkel Street, Brighouse outside the High School picking up my son from that school. It was announced on BBC 6 music on the Radcliffe and Maconie Show. It was a big deal to them but I was unimpressed as they played the lead single Where Are We Now? That was more or less my only involvement in that album until today. Bowie is very much a controversial artist for me whether or not this process highlights it as so. Think I like the album more today than I did back then and that single is very much a grower. I’m sure in the same way, that continued listening will reveal more and more. So I will do just that and thank for the 1001 God’s for bringing this album to my attention again. Really like the album cover concept. That is truly unique and an extra star for that. 3/5 8/11/25
David Bowie nin geç dönem işlerinden biri olmasına rağmen beğendim zaten ben kimim ki puanlayacağım o beni puanlasın.
David Bowie in the 2010s is somehow much more David Bowie than David Bowie was throughout most of the 80s and all of the 90s
Bowie is a great artist, but this wasn’t his best work.
Pretty decent, though I don't think it should've been included, especially when there are 8 other Bowie albums on this list. 7/10 Favourite track: The Stars (Are Out Tonight)
Very solid Bowie album, hear some early musical experimentation that sounds like his final album, Blackstar. Like all Bowie albums, I don’t think the first listen through will give me the greatest appreciation, so forgive my possibly low rating
I am not the biggest fan of Daid Bowie's voice, unfortunately. :( This album was packed with incredible guitar and drums, I loved the instrumentation of the songs so much.
Stars Are Never Sleeping 1001 Albums Generator 156 (11/06/2025) I was surprised to see this album on the list. My understanding of David Bowie's career was that sometime in the 80's, his quality dipped hard until his final great artistic statement, Blackstar, which came out in 2016, right before he died. So color me shocked when an album from 2013 comes up. I really don't like this album cover, which is just a white square on top of the wonderful Heroes, but the music inside is actually pretty good. Some of these songs, such as The Next Day and Valentine's Day lean into almost a punky side of Bowie that I have never heard. If You Can See Me is a chaotic, experimental piece of art that hints at some of the genius that would be seen on Bowie's following album. The second half of The Next Day is a little bit weaker, but it's honestly surprisingly good overall and I came away feeling that this album is very underrated in Bowie's catalogue. It features some sounds and styles that are really unlike anything else that he did and it's one of the most energetic albums I've heard from him. I really just wish that some of the glammier cuts, like Boss Of Me and You Feel So Lonely You Could Die, were left off, and I really don't enjoy I'd Rather Be High. However, The Next Day is a worthwhile listen that I could see myself coming back to. 3.5/5, rounded up to a 4. Favs: The Next Day The Stars (Are Out Tonight) If You Can See Me Least Fav: I'd Rather Be High
I've always viewed The Next Day as the one before Blackstar more than his grand comeback into the 2010s. While I don't find this as grandiose and emotionally melting as from what I've heard from the later release, The Next Day proves that Bowie still had it at this point In his career. I was greatly impressed by how atmospheric this record sounds. I think Bowie (and Tony Visconti) just have that power to make it sound like we're floating in space. But I think Bowie's entire career was based on being high within some force or some substance. Space Oddity (high with the stars), Ziggy Stardust (high with the aliens), The Thin White Duke (high on cocaine), Let's Dance (high on euphoria), etc. Fitting enough there's a song on here called I'd Rather Be High. The main statement is that even if it gets overshadowed by Bowie's farewell, this record still served as a well-managed check-in from an old friend before he faded out (8/10, 4/5 on this scale)
Haven't heard this Bowie side before. Surprisingly with a lot of rock elements but staying true with his lyrics and way of singing. A return to form that I'd both inspiring and acclaimed. Very good.
Better than the last one. Still feels like a whole lotta bowie these past few weeks
It's a good album (I mean it's Bowie so it's got a very good chance of being good to great) but do we need another Bowie on this list? I get the feeling that this is only on here as it was his "comeback album" and it was good rather than... well, shit, but was this one really needed to be heard before you die? Nope. Best Tracks: The Stars (Are Out Tonight); Where Are We Now?; Dancing Out In Space
This was a nice surprise when it was released because we all thought he was retired. I remember even talking to my wife about a possible tour. Sadly, that's not how things played out, but I'm glad he was a creative force up until the end.
Enjoyable but not my bag
Nothing super special but decent release from Bowie that I had never even heard of before.
Incrível
Ehh
3.5/5
even a king can miss
A pretty good example of Bowie's brilliance as a musician and his ability to adapt and change his approach to music. I thought this was a little more mainstream sounding than some of his earlier albums. The production was super well done. I do think polishing his sound somewhat takes away from the Bowie charm and sporadic chaos the he was somewhat known for.
The Next Day feels like one of the more accessible Bowie albums. On most of his albums he's trying to explore new territory: krautrock on Low and Heros, soul on Young Americans, industrial on Earthling, pop on Let's Dance, etc. The Next Day doesn't really feel like it has the same direction; it's not Bowie trying to shapeshift into something else. It just feels like Bowie wanted to make an album for fun after his time away from music and I can't fault him for that. Knowing Bowie, he probably had a ton of material collected and written from his time out of the spotlight. All that said, there are some hints at what's to come on tracks like If You Can See Me, which honestly wouldn't feel too out of place on Blackstar. The Next Day isn't my favourite Bowie album, but overall I do enjoy it and it's impressive how he was still firing on all cylinders so late into his career.
While The Next Day certainly is a collection of great Bowie Tracks, and I like them, his albums feels like an unnecessary addition to this list. All who love Bowie shouldn't sleep on this album, even if it's for from his essential. It pales in comparison to Blackstar, the true all-timer from this Bowie Era.
It's still good, but ya can not be on this list easily. There's enough Bowie already that this is not essential listening Will I listen to again: 75%
I don’t think it’s a bad work, but personally I found it a bit drawn-out and occasionally sleep-inducing. The album might resonate strongly with longtime Bowie listeners — it seems to be full of references and echoes of his earlier work, and its impact is amplified if you’re familiar with the context of his career. For someone unfamiliar with Bowie like me, I feel there are other albums that might be more essential to hear first.
Always love David. Said it before and I'll say it again, that bulge in Labyrinth was traumatic when I was a kid
When this is at its unhinged best, or at its most tender, it really is great and worthy of its place in Bowie's catalogue. This felt like something of a "full circle" album calling back to Bowie's 1970s stylings, whilst sounding contemporary and fresh. Most impressive is how he was able to capture the sprawling, expansive feel of an album such as Station to Station within much more condensed track lengths, knitting them together into a collective piece that truly takes you on a journey. There were a couple of lesser events across its running time which didn't leave as significant of an impression, but they formed the minority of what is broadly a strong album.
I do like Bowie but this wasn't my favorite album. Still good, but not 'great'
Mediocre.
Less wow moments than the album from the other day, with more commercial songs and sounds. Still high level. "Where are we now?" is an amazing ballad
A good but more generic album. Bowie has better albums than this.
Not Bowie's best album, but it's still far better than most albums. It's also very easy to listen to.
Täitsa ok
I really like the overall vibe of this album, even when the songs don't hit for me. If You Can See Me sounds like Rush. It may lack the strangeness of Bowie's peak, as lots of these artists once they are older tend to aim for an inoffensive middle ground, but the lyrics are really cool. Panicked, grieving, wistful. It keeps things interesting. Highlights: The Next Day, Valentine's Day
Nothing here that would draw me back again.
Great stuff. Probably underappreciated Blackstar's shadow is so large, which is a shame.
Mid 4 Great sound and exciting tracks
2.5 stars When this album was announced I didn’t listen to it. I had determined that older music acts releasing things in their elder years was always a disappointment, so I skipped it, even with the hype. Same with Black Star. But I listened for this and was interested. I was glad to hear Bowie sounding so energetic and like he was having a great time. It made me wish he had toured one last time and I had seen him live- but he may not have been in a condition for that to go well. That being said, while this is “good” by the standards of elder rocker late album, I think it is much to say it’s an album anyone must listen to before they die. I enjoyed it but can’t see myself returning to it unless it’s for a chore like this.
Just way too many Bowie albums on this list
IT's Avid Bowie. Of course it is amazing.
This must be Bowie's least iconic album cover. The music itself is pretty good, but drastically overshadowed by its predecessors and Blackstar. Still the beginning and a lot of the middle was outstanding. 3.4/5 - 3/5
A solid surprise comeback album from Bowie. And yet little did we know that what he really needed to do was get weirder, go deeper, and get darker (much like Blackstar would). You can hear pieces of that future already falling into place musically on The Next Day. But it's not sharp and sure enough of itself as a whole. Bowie needed one more ruthless pruning to shape the album into a bolder artistic statement. It's hard to listen to this record with the 26th studio album not too far off and knowing that one will be his last. But if I push all of that out of my mind and let these ears hear #25 in as much isolation as possible, there's much to recommend here — even if it's too sedate in places or goes light when it should go dark like a black star.
I'm really glad this wasn't Bowie's last album. He's always been an artist that, to me, is hit or miss. When he hits, it's truly amazing, but when he misses... ugh. This fell into the latter category. Unlike his last album, Blackstar, this one feels like what happens when many older famous musicians release new music; it comes off tired and uninspired. The amount of folks who fawn over them in their personal and professional lives can sometimes make them lose perspective of the quality of their work. Look at what Paul McCartney's released in the past few decades. I think this falls into that trap somewhat. I'm so grateful he was able to get back true to form with Blackstar. Because this just isn't it. And of the Bowie albums that deserve to be on this list, there are far better ones to choose from.
I understand why he was a big deal but not my type of music. 3.5 star if I could give a half.
I might not like every David Bowie song, but every song of his are worth a listen. As an artist there are few I respect more. A legend worth his title
It very much hast that okay late career album vibe. I'm assuming it was added to the list pre blackstar, because wow is it not as impressive
Not at his best, but a good listen regardless.
Not my go-to Bowie album, but everything he did reflects a time and a place and is interesting through that lens.
It has some good songs and forecasts what is going to be in my opinion his best album in Blackstar. It's a bit bloated and not every song is amazing. 6/10
This sounded clunky to me. The arrangements are plodding and none of the songs stuck out to me. I've only listened to Bowie through this list, and I think this is my fourth. It's by far the weakest.
favorite song from the album: Where Are We Now?
Love this album so much <3
Not a Bowie fan.
I imagine there's more Bowie on this list but it's so interesting this made it. It feels like he's older and has slowed down. The inventiveness and what made him so unique is there but there's a spark seemingly missing.
Bowie is so consistently ahead of his time that I got into the habit to listening to his new work, then coming back to it 5 or 10 years later. I invariably find that while I had issues with his current works, when listening later I appreciated them much more. However this one is a little easier as it appears to be referential to his past catalog in many ways, like a tour of earlier works including Tin Machine, which is surprising. Such a good album. The stars in the firmament dimmed when he passed from our world.
I like this album, better than Blackstar, to be honest, and it feels like that actual final statement of the David Bowie I loved over the years, though of all his catalog, its not one I'd put on this list.
A little torn here. While I am firmly in favor of having multiple Bowie albums on this list, and I very much like this album, I’m skeptical that both of his final two studio albums merit inclusion (we’ve already reviewed Blackstar and Low, and I’m hopeful that Ziggy Stardust, Heroes and maybe Station to Station and even Aladdin Sane are coming up). You can praise it as a brilliant comeback after a decade out of the spotlight, but then you discount the more sonically adventurous and conceptually cohesive Blackstar. So I’ll give the album itself 4 stars — it sounds dark and urgent, like the dam broke on a lot of material and things he’d been wanting to say — but 3 stars to the decision to put this on the list. So it’s 3.5 stars, but hell, I’ll round up.
so the "what the fuck is this?" tic started after I had a dream back in 2018 or 2019 where this white cat that was in the living room I was in would shout in a high pitched voice "what the fuck is this?" I bring this up because this album reminded me of that dream, just one... long.... what the fuck is this?
I love Bowie but like much of his post Let's Dance material, this was not memorable and there's no reason it should be on the list.
I feel like they should limit each artist/group on this list to 1 or 2 albums. This is obviously a late career album of an influential artist from an earlier era. If this had been made by some other lesser known group it wouldn't rate being on this list. Now, as far as Bowie goes, I can't deny his influence and creativity, but I've just never really gotten into his stuff beyond Space Oddity.
Great album
Not a bad album but not one I really ever go back to listen to. Another odd choice for the list.
Cynically, I see reusing the “Heroes” artwork as a marketing gimmick rather than an artistic statement with any depth. Something that gets people talking about this album in the same breath as Bowie’s best work. If it is then it worked - it got the album in this book. Take Bowie’s face and name off this and it’s hard to imagine anyone describing this as ‘must hear before you die’. A couple of decent songs. Many forgettable ones.
This is not a great album. I really don't know why this one made the cut for Bowie.
Good old David…
Wasn’t a fan of this album. Don’t mind David Bowie but not this album. I originally thought it may be an early album of his.
different from the old Bowie stuff but not bad! reminded me a bit of newer solo paul mccartney stuff, a bit weird but obviously with the underlying classic talent
At least 12 great albums in a row, I stopped listening to new Bowie albums after two duds. So many of those 12 I started by hating or at least meh ended up on my best ever list, so I was hoping a couple weeks listening would give The Next Day a higher rating, but for now it's still a 3. It's by far the darkest I've heard, which is fine, he does dark great, and I love the crash smash guitar assault right up there with Lodger and Scary Monsters, but I can't find any of the wit that's always in his work. Still, new to me Bowie is great to hear.
I really like David Bowie but this album doesn't stand out to me much. It's a totally fine album, but doesn't seem remarkable enough to belong on this list tbh. 6.5/10.
This was definitely not the best bowie album. I really don't get why this is on the list.
It was ok. I think it liked it better than Black Star??
It's Ok. Definitely not the best of Bowie, but nothing terrible either. Strange choice for this list. Even Blackstar is better. So it's not just old Bowie is better. I really can't point at at any winners or losers. Going to give it a 2 because it's about a 2.5, right in the middle, because there's nothing great or horrible about it. I guess if I was in a Bowie mood, I could include it in rotation, but, kinda doubt it.
The Next Day: boring ass dad rock Dirty Boys: cool groove cool vibe but it's just okay The Stars (Are Out Tonight): literally this is a suburban dad jamming with his golf buddies in the garage. like local worship band level uncool Love is Lost: starting to accept that this album might just be ass. why does the mix feel so empty? it's doing the song that's there a disservice because it sounds like cheeks and nothing is hitting with any force Where Are We Now?: his vocals sound nice on this. it's just a cheesy piano ballad but I'm not mad at it. reminds me a little bit of Shakey Graves' more recent stuff. Valentine's Day: first song I actually like, nice hook and the extra little guitar riff after the chorus is gongeous. catchy If You Can See Me: this shit is corny as fuckkkk. The Mars Volta for even lamer people I'd Rather Be High: hate this Boss of Me: I like this one. something about it feels off-kilter in a cool way. Dancing Out In Space: definitely was into it when the song first kicked in but the vocals nuked that entirely How Does The Grass Grow?: ummmm yaaaaa ya ya yaaaaa ya ya yayayayaaaaa (You Will) Set The World On Fire: it's just so unremarkable. sounds like it's from a musical You Feel So Lonely You Could Die: extremely decent song, sounds like some of his older stuff. cheesy ballads are 2/2 on this album Heat: love the spacey hypnotic atmosphere but it just doesn't go anywhere interesting enough to suit me _____ SCORE: 3/10 ADDED TO PLAYLIST: --
More rock-rock than glam rock like the stuff from the 70s/80s, not too bad overall
Not my favorite Bowie album, but even a sub-par Bowie album is still rather decent. Some highlighted tracks, in my opinion, are: Valentine's Day, and The Next Day.
This album was boring to listen to. Just because he’s David Bowie doesn’t mean the music is going to be good.
Bowie is like Prince in that they need a good editor. So many good songs but so many bad songs too. Can’t say I heard a good song on this album.
Started up the truck and Changes was playing, thought.. oh man, Bowie put this out in 2013. Realized I was tuned into the radio. Couple of nice songs but probably won’t listen again.
First time I’ve heard any of the late era Bowie stuff that critics seem to love. Didn’t do anything for me.
Admire his return after 10 hiatus but this album didn’t do much for me.
I don’t care what ChatGPT says. This album is irrelevant. It’s also boring.
Decent album, no songs that stood out but none I wanted to immediately switch.
Lovely production. Never heard it in full before - it's rockier than I'd imagined and Where Are We Now is definitely an outlier. That opening track is great.
a little bored, drifting; my absent mind surely boils down to a long exhausting day (at least in part) but i can’t find myself to be moved in a big way.
Definitely my favorite I've heard from him so far, it was a shockingly strong late career album from him. I think it does a lot of what Blackstar did too, but just a little better. Favorites: Dirty Boys, I'd Rather Be High, Heat
A high 3.5/5 I enjoyed it a lot, I also thought David Bowie died in the 90s Song of the album: (you will) set the world on fire
Not a huge Bowie fan, so we shall see how this goes. Still not a huge Bowie fan haha
While Bowie is a legend, his full length albums just don’t quite do it for me
i don't know it was lkay
It was aight, but nothing stood out to me about it.
Legendary artist - feels like it goes without saying. There were some really intriguing moments on this that I will be interested to return to at some point. Could not really get into it at all as an overall listening experience on this day though.
A proper album with great production well played instruments and a set of excellent David Bowie songs. Definitely better that a lot of other stuff on this list. Not quite his best so just 4 stars.
Solid rock album, but not my favorite. Great music and great voice. For m,e it's an 8.5 out of 10
If you told me this came out in the 80s, I’d believe you. Favorite song: The Stars (Are Out Tonight), Valentine’s Day, How Does The Grass Grow?
An good album with an amazing voice. Nothing else to add Fav song - (You Will) Set The World On Fire 4/5
This was good - I feel like sometimes older artists continuing to make music into their later years can sometimes yield diminishing returns, but this was still very enjoyable. Interesting songs, still very Bowie through and through.
Хорошо
tbh nothing special. but good
didn't find any meaning to it
Good. Not outstanding.
I enjoyed this a lot! This was admittedly not what I expected out of Bowie from my limited knowledge of his work; I was expecting more groovy, funky guitars and beats, and I would instead put this more adjacent to U2 and some of the indie rock of the mid-2000s. Doesn't mean I didn't like it though, but I can tell this was later in his career based on a more modern sound and older voice and mood. My favorites were: "Love is Lost," "Valentine's Day," "I'd Rather Be High," and "Boss of Me." I definitely admire how succinct this album is, too - I don't think there was a lot of fluff and not a lot I'd cut. Maybe, if I had to, I'd cut "Heat" and let the final note this album leaves off on be "You Feel So Lonely You Could Die." Either way, I enjoyed this project, and I'm looking forward to more Bowie in this 1001 adventure.
Rock n roll, Bowie, that's good in my book.
My sweet, old Davy. Das Album isch mer bis jetzt gänzlich undergange, umso happier also das eus das so uf em Silbertablett serviert worde isch. Old Bowie chan sich scho ghöre lah. Chli weniger experimentell, defür chli klassisch rockiger. Me gusto mucho! Vier Vater unser und Rest in Piece
Ja david götschmann Findi sympa und guet aber weghaue dueds mi au nöd. Darum blibed mir uf de next average rating liste und luege öb the next day öpis über oder unterdurchschnittlichs bringt
It's fine. I like Bowie, but this is hardly his best.
Pretty good Bowie. At times I thought it switched playlists and was NIN. Harder than older stuff.
Nothing Amazing
It’s not bad , and it’s def impressive considering the gaps and I’m sure if I was a Bowie fan in 70s ( I wasn’t born) this would have blown my mind … but I think for someone who got this all at once , I prefer my glammr bowie
Hard listen- have to give it a relisten
Hard to believe he still had so much in him to come back with such a strong album. Go, David!
This album is okay but it’s not Bowie at his best. Some of it is catchy enough, but overall it’s not outstanding. I think our Mr Dimery included it because he is a massive Bowie fan, and he perhaps thought it would be Bowie’s last album. As a collection of songs, I enjoyed it, but I don’t think there is anything essential about it. It’s like holding bird, there is something there but there is no substance or weight to it. It also loses its way completely for the least two tracks. As an album to hear this before you die, it’s not one, but it is an enjoyable listen.
I’m learning I’m not the biggest Bowie fan..
I mean, it's David Bowie, what'd you expect?
probably not the best introduction to bowie. it’s still a very solid album but some of it is weird for the sole purpose of being weird, i found some of the lyrics a bit cringe too. there doesn’t seem to be much of a concept to this album either. there’s a couple tracks to bop your head to but it’s nothing ground breaking - this review would definitely be much more positive if this wasn’t a DAVID BOWIE album
3.5 on first listen but i can see liking this more the 2nd time.
Hard pass.
I liked it, but it was kind of bland for a Bowie album
Ah it's ok. Makes sense it was only fleetingly in the book.
With Bowie if there is a perfect marriage of voice, production and lyrics then one does not subtract from the other 2. Unfortunately apart where are we now there is a lot of samey melodies, nonsense lyrics and that cheese grater voice. At his best Bowie is brilliant. This is far from the premium.
Bit of an unnecessary addition to the list but it’s still solid. 8th best Bowie. Valentine’s Day is prob the best song on it