Reviews (page 10 of 14)
I love Bowie so much.
As far as Bowie albums go, it's not my favorite, but it's still interesting.
Mid-Youth Brittannia. Red hot, pop funk, rhythm and feel and all that's true and real and a 48-K Beatles cover snuck under the covers. Delightful
This was never a fave Bowie album of mine growing up, though I always loved Win & Fame (duh). However, it's grown on me more as I oldify, particularly Right, so giving up a 4.
I've never actually listened to a David Bowie album in its entirety before this morning. It was a nice listen, with just a song or two that I already knew - the perfect amount. I liked this just about as much as I expected to.
Let’s face it here, David Bowie had better music when he was on drugs. This album could have been written by Stevie Wonder as in it has a very Stevie Wonder funk sound. Solid musicianship, typical Bowie lyrics, great delivery. I really can’t sit here and explain a Bowie album. Everyone knows who he is and how he sounds. Choice cut: Fascination
Definitely not Bowie's best work, but certainly not a bad album. Middle of the road stuff here.
I'd describe his voice as drunken or bored - it depends on the song. The only song I liked a bit is "Fame".
Couldn't finish. Started OK but felt like the same song.
Young American // Fascination // Right // Somebody Up There Likes Me // 4.5/5
Best David Bowie album so far but still not quite for me
I didnt like this album. Young American and Fame id heard before but they're just ok. What the absolute fuck did he do to Across The Universe?!
This album’s fine. I’ve always found it to be one of Bowie’s most overrated. His venture into R&B and soul was daring and was pulled off well, at least through the instrumentation. Where the album fall short for me is in the songwriting, which in my opinion gets tedious with several tracks on here. Don’t get me wrong, there are some sure standouts, a couple of which are some of my favorite tracks Bowie ever made, specifically the final track “Fame.” I also adore his cover of Lennon’s “Across the Universe,” which is a perfect example of how Bowie took his sound, as well as the common sounds of the time, and transformed it into something that felt new, yet natural. However, aside from those two songs and the title track, there isn’t a lot to note of the rest of the tracks. “Win” stays pretty stagnant through its runtime, and the same goes for “Somebody up There Likes Me.” “Fascination” and “Right” have groovy riffs but just like the other two songs I mentioned, they definitely overstay their welcome. While I’d like to say this record is a little inconsistent, I almost can’t even say that because it sticks to and commits to its sound very well, even if the end results are a little bit of a mixed bag. All in all this is certainly not a bad album, and it’s a sound Bowie improves upon in nearly every way on his following record. This was a respectful experiment, even if it’s not a personal favorite
David Bowie has a very large presence on this list. Maybe one of the highest number of albums of any artist. But after hearing 4 of them, including today, I think that presence is well justified. Few artists have as diverse and varied of a career. So each major project he released has something worthwhile to hear in it. Except for most of the 80s. Instead of continuing with the glam rock he had been making almost his entire career so far, he decided to switch things. And considering he was nine albums deep at this point, maybe that change was needed. Another thing I’ve learned about Bowie is that he always seemed to be a little bit ahead of the curve. I really think he was just that forward thinking of an artist. So instead of glam rock, we get funk and soul. I’m not really sure why this received so many mixed reviews upon release. It doesn’t seem like its reputation has improved over time either. In my opinion, this album slaps. At first I almost couldn’t even tell the lead singer was Bowie, but his vocal delivery sounds slightly off compared to other albums I’ve heard. And the backup vocalists, who I believe are on every song, do an amazing job. Bowie really showed off his inner Prince here. Or maybe some Parliament too. Maybe not as funk focused as you could be led to believe, but it’s that genre with a Bowie pop twist on it. Except when you think about it, Prince’s first record hadn’t even been released yet. So you could argue that this album really was the precursor to a lot of Prince’s music. Soul and funk are also obviously genres that get associated with black groups and musicians. And Bowie was one of the first popular white artists of the time period to involve himself with that musicianship. I think it turned out great. Just more examples of him being ahead of everyone else. Bowie himself wasn’t even a huge fan of this when looking back. That hurts, because it’s a blast from start to finish, and just as good as the stuff he was making earlier in the 70s. Rating: 8/10
Nothing stood out to me but it was enjoyable
Another classic.
..
Not fan of Bowie
good one. might buy
Iconic
**Young Americans by David Bowie: An In-Depth Review** **Introduction** David Bowie's ninth studio album, *Young Americans*, released in 1975, marked a significant departure from his earlier glam rock sound, venturing into what he termed "plastic soul." This album is a notable experiment in genre, showcasing Bowie's versatility and willingness to push musical boundaries. Here, we will delve into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, providing a comprehensive review of its strengths and weaknesses. **Lyrics** *Young Americans* is lyrically rich, reflecting Bowie's astute observations on American culture and his personal experiences. The title track, "Young Americans," serves as a social commentary on the disillusionment of the American Dream. Bowie paints a vivid picture of young love and the struggles of the working class, encapsulating the era's socio-political climate. Lines like "Do you remember your President Nixon?" evoke a sense of historical context, anchoring the song in a specific time period. "Fame," co-written with John Lennon and Carlos Alomar, critiques the superficial nature of celebrity. The lyrics are both cynical and reflective, exposing the darker side of fame that Bowie was intimately familiar with. The repeated refrain "Fame, makes a man take things over" highlights the consuming and often destructive power of stardom. **Music** Musically, *Young Americans* is a blend of soul, funk, and R&B, a stark contrast to Bowie's previous rock-centric work. The album features lush arrangements, with prominent use of saxophones, provided by David Sanborn, and backing vocals, most notably by Luther Vandross. The title track is a prime example of Bowie's foray into soul, with its smooth rhythm, soulful backing vocals, and a saxophone solo that adds depth and texture. "Win" showcases a more subdued, introspective side, with a dreamy melody and melancholic tone. "Fame" stands out with its funky groove and innovative production techniques. The song's syncopated rhythm, combined with Bowie's distorted vocals, creates a unique sound that was ahead of its time. **Production** Produced by Bowie and Tony Visconti, *Young Americans* is a testament to meticulous studio craftsmanship. The album was recorded at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia, known for its "Philly Soul" sound. Visconti's production is polished, yet it retains a raw edge that adds to the album's authenticity. The use of innovative recording techniques, such as the varispeed effect on Bowie's vocals in "Fame," showcases a willingness to experiment and push sonic boundaries. The production quality is consistently high, with each track offering a distinct auditory experience while maintaining a cohesive overall sound. **Themes** *Young Americans* explores themes of identity, love, disillusionment, and the search for meaning. The title track delves into the complexities of American identity, juxtaposing idealism with reality. This theme of duality runs throughout the album, reflecting Bowie's own experiences as a British artist immersing himself in American culture. Songs like "Somebody Up There Likes Me" and "Can You Hear Me?" explore love and relationships, but with a sense of longing and melancholy. "Fascination" and "Right" delve into personal introspection and the quest for self-understanding. **Influence** *Young Americans* had a profound impact on both Bowie's career and the broader music landscape. It marked his successful transition from glam rock to soul, expanding his artistic palette and demonstrating his versatility. This album influenced the evolution of the blue-eyed soul genre and paved the way for artists blending rock and soul. The collaboration with John Lennon on "Fame" not only yielded a hit single but also symbolized a passing of the torch between two of rock's greatest innovators. Bowie's influence on the post-disco era is evident, with many artists drawing inspiration from his ability to fuse genres seamlessly. **Pros** 1. **Innovative Sound**: *Young Americans* showcases Bowie's ability to reinvent himself, embracing soul and R&B influences to create a unique sound that was both contemporary and forward-thinking. 2. **Strong Production**: The album benefits from Tony Visconti's polished production and the top-tier musicianship of the session players, resulting in a rich, textured sonic experience. 3. **Lyrical Depth**: Bowie's lyrics are sharp and insightful, offering a mix of social commentary and personal introspection that adds depth to the music. 4. **Versatility**: The album demonstrates Bowie's versatility as an artist, successfully transitioning between genres and styles. 5. **Cultural Impact**: The album had a significant influence on the music industry, contributing to the evolution of the blue-eyed soul genre and impacting future artists. **Cons** 1. **Inconsistent Cohesion**: Some critics argue that the album lacks a cohesive sound, with certain tracks feeling disjointed from the overall theme. 2. **Mixed Reception**: At the time of its release, the album received mixed reviews from critics, with some feeling that Bowie's venture into soul was inauthentic or "plastic." 3. **Commercial Performance**: While it produced hits like "Fame" and "Young Americans," the album's commercial performance was modest compared to some of Bowie's earlier and later works. 4. **Nostalgia Dependency**: For some listeners, the album's heavy reliance on nostalgic elements of American soul may come across as derivative rather than innovative. **Conclusion** *Young Americans* stands as a bold and ambitious chapter in David Bowie's illustrious career. The album's exploration of soul and R&B marked a significant departure from his glam rock roots, showcasing his ability to adapt and innovate. While it received mixed reviews upon release, its influence on music and culture is undeniable. The strengths of *Young Americans* lie in its innovative sound, strong production, and lyrical depth, which offer a rich and textured listening experience. However, its inconsistent cohesion and mixed reception at the time of release highlight some of the challenges Bowie faced in this artistic transition. In retrospect, *Young Americans* is celebrated for its boldness and its role in expanding the boundaries of popular music. It is a testament to Bowie's restless creativity and his perpetual quest for reinvention, solidifying his status as one of the most influential artists in music history.
Really good
My perspective as a Middle Aged Canadian commenting on a 20-Something Brit's album Young Americans is...not bad man, not bad.
I was feeling Somebody up there likes me, Across the universe and of course Fame. The backing vocals and percussion adds to the soulfulness of this record.
I never really listened to David Bowie as a kid. I didn't think he could sing, and he was weird. Amazing what almost 40 years will do to you...ha ha. I thoroughly enjoyed this album. So many great moments, and the album opener and closer are just fantastic.
Rock, Pop, 1975 -> 3
3.5
Young Americans Fascination Across The Universe Fame
his best
FAME
пойдет под фон
Ironically, Young American is the worst song on this album lol
Album #2 Full disclosure, I’ve never actually listened to much David Bowie before, glam rock was never really on my radar. This is not the best representation of Bowie, but let’s see what his take on funk and soul is like. Always interesting for a non-American to be singing about Americans. [Young Americans] is kinda fun ngl, and a good start to the album. It’s a vibe. [Win] starts and what strikes me is just how good the musicality is (impressive session artistes here). And then Bowie’s semi talking semi warbling come on….perhaps it’s just me, I don’t get Bowie’s voice. Perhaps this album isn’t the right representation, I’ll have to go listen to his older stuff. Ah, this was his US crossover effort that explains the album title. The [Fascination] with the funk sound is very intriguing. Speaking of, the bass line in this is fantastic. I enjoy funk, but this seems….insincere? Also every time Bowie’s voice comes on I feel like it’s someone doing a jokey karaoke rendition. [Right] brings in a funk staple, the trumpet/saxophone. Really like this number. Has Prince vibes. Bass line is sublime. Considering his career, Bowie’s absolutely right in saying that [Somebody Up There Likes Me]. Another strong saxophone based intro, that I wish would go longer. Actually scratch that, somewhere along the chorus the vocals became….good? Ironically, the cover of the Beatles’ [Across the Universe] sounds most like the Bowie I’m familiar with. I’ll need to pay a listen to the original, but in a vacuum this is definitely one of the songs in this album. No, I didn’t miss a word there. I cannot stress enough how enjoyable the musicality of this album is, with [Can You Hear Me] starting with an almost ethereal drum, before going into a very RnB style ballad (though it sounds like it’s sung but a punk rock bands lead singer. Or Weird Al. It’s almost caricature, perhaps satire. Another song that reminds me very VERY strongly of Prince, the riff of [Fame] is very familiar. Probably the best song in this album, so Bowie clearly saved the best for last. I understand the importance of this album in helping to build the Bowie mythos, so that probably makes it deserve at least 1 listen. Would I reach for this record again? Very honestly no. If I want to listen Bowie, it means I want to listen to Bowie, and not Bowie trying to channel his inner Prince. There are better funk albums out there if I want my funk fix. 2/5
Young Americans Can You Hear Me Fame
não é ícone a toa
Gear: Fostex TH610 Artwork: cineastisch, verträumt, besonders wertvoll Mix (2007 Remaster): detail- und abwechslungsreich Musik: leichfüßige Soul, RnB & Funk Ära. Bowie bleibt ein faszinierendes Chamäleon. Wertung: 🚬🚬🚬🚬(🚬)/5
Ehh not super into it. The change in style with this album was not for the better in my opinion. The instrumentals are interesting at times but overall a snoozer.
Not Bowie’s best, but not bad. Super funky
Fav: Can You Hear Me Least Fav: Young Americans
I'm not above just automatically granting every Bowie album I get a 4 or a 5. Not my favourite record of his but definitely shows off his drive to experiment and I admire his effort to dip his toe into a new genre. Highlights: Fame, Can You Hear Me, and the Across the Universe cover.
Brilliant, and still far from his best work!
Bowie always has a way of drawing me in. I’ll start by saying that I somehow never knew that Young Americans was by him. I’d definitely heard the song before, and after listening now it is so very obviously his voice, but I guess it just never clicked before. I enjoyed all of this album, but there were definitely some tracks that stood out more than others. It stays interesting throughout though which I definitely appreciated.
David Bowie's Young Americans is an overindulgent album marred by excessive saxophone use. The title track starts strong, but the album soon loses focus. Songs like Win and Fascination are burdened by jazzy instrumentation that overshadows Bowie's vocals. Although the harmonies add richness, they can't save the album from its bloated sound. The production is sleek but feels superficial. Fame, co-written with John Lennon, is a standout with its funky groove and sharp lyrics. However, much of the album lacks cohesion, wandering through genres without clear direction. The ambitious blend of soul, funk, and rock results in a mixed bag of tracks, some memorable and others forgettable. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 1 STAND OUT TRACK - Young Americans
I find this to be one of Bowie’s less interesting and necessary albums. It’s got a couple of good songs (Fame and Young Americans are great), but overall I just don’t find this as particularly stimulating, notable, or memorable. It feels less inspired than other albums. The hooks don’t wiggle into my brain. Bowie’s vocal performances are still strong, just not impressed with the album as a whole.
This was a phenomenal album. I don't typically go for this one, but I'm going to be putting it on the go-to list. I loved it.
David Bowie continues to be a little boring for me? I can see what's going on, and why people may like it, but it's not doing it. There's a lot of instruments, a lot going on musically, and good variety in the songs, but none of them really manage to capture me. I really don't enjoy his voice or style of singing very much, and it never feels like a song pulls me in. I wouldn't listen to this again, sorry David. 5/10
Jævlig bra
This sounded a bit forgettable on first listen, but hit me hard on subsequent plays. Perhaps not quite as 'out there' as some of his other stuff, but it's solid. Favourite tracks: Young Americans, Fascination, Right, Across the Universe (that damn offbeat snare that kicks in around 3:15 is sick), Fame
Bowie ranked 5?
I love this funky Bowie stage..
Decent Bowie. Not my favorite of his stuff, but I’d listen again.
Not the strongest Bowie album but still pretty good. Fav Songs: Somebody Up There Likes Me & Fame.
Fame and Young Americans are all timers
4/5
It’s Bowie I mean duh
A rewarding and interesting album. I didn't now Bowie at all before doing this list. The transition to blues/soul from glam sounded great to me. Others seem to be mixed on it. Once again, the arrangements and production stand out and excellent backing vocals.
Solid Bowie. Not my favorite but got a few classics and it catapulted Luther Vandross's career, so that's nice. Also, the groove on "Fame" is the only groove I have ever heard James Brown shamelessly rip off, so respect!
Nice to get a classic David Bowie album (especially right after a classic Aretha Franklin album)! I'm really impressed at how solid the collection of songs is, both the ones I've heard before and the ones new to me. Very entertaining, great band members, and a lot going on in each song (and fun to have the John Lennon collaboration with the "Across the Universe" version). I know it's not really fair to try to cast David Bowie's ever-evolving style and sound over the decades, but this album sounds very much like the classic sound that I associate with David Bowie (apparently self-described at one point as "plastic soul"). And now having read the Wikipedia entry for this album, I realize my impression is more a statement on my unfamiliarity with Bowie's body of work than an accurate description of Bowie's "classic" sound. But I still enjoyed the album quite a bit, even if it's more of a tangent to David Bowie's career.
love this album, smooth laid back soul sound which is a little different from the Diamond Dogs and Ziggy Bowie and still terrific. Young Americans and Fame are especially awesome and Fascination is also great.
I don’t really like Young Americans. It falls pretty flat as a soul-type song. Win is also pretty meh to me. I like Fascination a little more, but not by much. I’m not sure Bowie is really suited to this genre - I like his rock a lot better. Right is a little better again, and again with Somebody Up There Likes Me. But I can’t help but feel that these songs would be better with a big bombastic soul vocalist instead of Bowie. Across the Universe is meh to me but I can see people having fun singing along to it. It really drags on for me, I don’t think it needed to be 4+ mins long. I can see Can You Hear Me as a soundtrack song in a sad romantic scene in an old movie. I think it works in that context but still doesn’t fully stand on its own for me. That said, I do think it’s the best song of the album so far. Fame - oh!! I actually know this one! This feels more Bowie to me; I think on a different album I would enjoy it well enough. I like the funky guitar riff and syncopated bass + drums. I wouldn’t seek it out but it’s easily the best song on the album. Who Can I Be Now? is okay but I don’t really vibe with it. It’s a pretty fun ending song for the album.
I honestly can't think of a single redeeming thing to say about this album.
If I could give this album more stars, I would. Truly one of the greatest artists to ever live and this album exemplifies his musical versatility and willingness experiment with new sounds. Obviously, Young Americans and Fame are the standout tracks, but this album has no misses.
Solid album, bookended with two big hits and some uneven material in between. The two big singles from this album, Young Americans and Fame, are also the best songs, but I have a soft spot for the cover of Across the Universe which is one of my favorite Beatles songs and Bowie's take is interesting, even if I like Fiona Apple's cover more.
not my favorite bowie album but "fame" alone is worth the price of admission
A few hits that are obviously great, and the non-hits are interesting and moving. Great example of Bowie's ability to morph his sound.
Handful of 10 star tracks with some standard Bowie croons...which is still 5/5
First Bowie album I’ve heard so nothing to compare it to. I really like the band’s groove and every song had something to offer. Fame is a great climax to the album and if only it had a few other real bangers this would be almost perfect.
Bowie is so consistently good
I liked the album. I can understand Bowie's own description of his music on the album as Plastic Soul. I am always impressed by his voice. Overall, this album is not one of my top favorites, but it was still good to listen to. 4/5
Plastic soul era David Bowie, they could never make me hate you. An imperfect album that I've always had a soft spot for. The "Across the Universe" cover is unfortunately Not Good, and Bowie is often out-sung by the backup singers. (Which, to me, is fine, because they sound fantastic.) It is helped tremendously by its title track and, of course, "Fame": an undeniable, all-time, knock-out banger. Highlights: Young Americans, Fascination, Somebody up There Loves Me, Fame
Favourite song - fame
Solid album, it’s not anything special, but it isn’t really trying to be. The Beatles references were cool and the genre switch was also interesting and handled well, it just felt like it didn’t have a lot of depth, especially with the 40 minute runtime (2 minutes longer than Ziggy stardust).
it’s decent not the best bowie
Bops all the way down! This isn't my favorite Bowie era but the album is still solid as hell.
A solid Bowie album, not my favorite of his, but it's still a classic. More groovy than a lot of his earlier work, and certainly stands on it's own in the middle of an incredible run of albums (Ziggy was less than 3 years prior with Aladdin Sane, Pin Ups, and Diamond Dogs between them!). Just on the topic of sheer output, Bowie released at least 1 album a year from '69-'80 and not a flop among them. Young Americans gives you the title track and "Fame" as the 2 massive singles, an interesting take on the Beatles "Across The Universe", a fun collab with Luther Vandross in "Fascination", and in my opinion, not a skip on the album. 4 out of 5 only because by Bowie standards, it's not his best and most influential album that he's released, but that's hard to do with his catalog surrounding this album.
I’m sad to say I don’t seem to like David Bowe
Generally garbage. YA is almost acceptable and Fame is original, but why? And why on earth did anyone think Across the Universe needed to be covered. And covered so badly. Couldn't even get the tune right.
Classic Bowie! Fame is probably my second favorite song of his.
Nice, but nothing outstanding
The first of a million Bowie albums in this project. And it’s soul, average soul, with way too long songs and an awful Beatles cover. The title track is the only decent song here
Obviously there are some true classics on this album, and I really enjoy it, but I honestly don't feel any special affinity for it.
I remember hearing Young Americans at the end of Dogville by Lars von Trier. It fit so well with the film because it felt like a sharp commentary on American life (much like Dogville itself). Young Americans feels so snarky and feels like it is almost making fun of the black backup singers and the soulful music. I didn't expect to learn that Bowie loved that sound and was basically making an entire album in that style. And then I find out Luther Vandross is one of the backup singers. And the Across the Universe cover actually has John Lennon playing guitar and singing backup. Oh and Lennon helped write Fame and plays on that as well?! Insane. Those three songs are probably my favorites, but while listening I also enjoyed Win and the titular Right. I'm honestly not keen on the soul, R&B sound Bowie was emulating but I definitely understand it's place in music history. It's just not my style. But there are enough songs that either seem snarky to the style or are just bizarre enough for me to enjoy here.
Lovely bit of GTA San Andreas nostalgia with "Somebody up there". That Saxophone <3 Rest of the album pretty solid too.
decent but not my favourite bowie
Puh. Nee. Langweilig.
beter dan verwacht, meer nummers dak al kende dan gedacht ook: 2,5 of 3/5
70’s
A string of mid songs, closed out by one quite good song (Fame), does not an essential album make.
Fame stuck out from the rest but apart from that this one didn't wow me. 3/5
Bowie!
Somehow still never appealed to me, David Bowie. R&B I normally like, but this is something slightly different.
Good funk.
hay algo con él que no puedo terminar de quererlo lo siento tantísimo. 7,5 porque me encantaría quererlo pero no se da
Okay
This was a new Bowie album for me and for whatever reason it just wasn't hitting. A few enjoyable tracks on here but not really enough to push my rating higher than 3.5.
This was okay, but it just felt kind of ~off~ to me, like Bowie is going out of his way to try an entire genre on and see if it fits him (it doesn't). The result is an album that reinvents a sound that didn't need to be reinvented, and is sort of an awkward elephant in the room for everyone else. i liked the two songs that felt the most unique and well-done on the album (both of which i had heard before). i also really enjoyed the bowiefication of the beatles track, though a lot of reviewers here seem to despise it. the other tracks just last too long and don't go anywhere special for me. favorites: young americans, across the universe, fame
Easily one's favorite Bowie record, largely because the posturing/affectation factor is way down, as it would have to be to do soul music and/or hang with John Lennon. Title track is an all-timer and “Win” is very good, too, and the other cuts are pleasing and satisfying throughout. The subtle sax flourishes are a consistent highlight, especially on the surprisingly authentic and affecting “Can You Hear Me” – who knew Bowie could be so raw and relatable? “Fame” is not a favorite and doesn’t mesh very well with other tunes. “Across the Universe” is the only blemish, but even that is way less offensive than the god-awful “Let’s Spend the Night Together” from Aladdin Sane. (What was his motivation to cover Beatles and Stones songs? One wonders because it's rather unlike one so obsessed with fashionable originality -- who seems to equate the one (fashionability) with the other (originality) in fact. There’s a certain tiredness about the proceedings, which translates to him not trying too hard, and dialing back on the abstraction, role-playing and high aesthetic ambition. In this case, less is very much more.
I was expecting to really like this, but I was disappointed. I really love 'Fame' though! 3/5
Not my favourite Bowie album
Not my favourite Bowie album
Scant history with Bowie: I've listened to Ziggy Stardust a couple of times, been exposed to some of his biggest hits here and there throughout the years (of which I've listened to Space Oddity quite a bit, out of my own volition), and listened to The Man Who Sold The World (the song) an endless amount of times. Outside of the latter song, I've not quite been smitten, and remain relatively cool about the artist even after this album. 1 listen (plus some repeats on the standouts). Best songs: Young Americans and Fascination. (The album's Disco-Funk-Gospel fusion is arguably at its best with Fascination, though I probably prefer Young Americans. On the other hand, I don't think that the overt funkiness of Fame vibes well with the contents of the lyrics at all.) Right is good but a little anticlimactic. Otherwise, despite how busy the album's soundscape is, that busyness is relatively "same-y" across the board. Not a big fan of Bowie's strenuous vocals here; his rendition of Across the Universe, with the overwrought vocal inflections - particularly the "sonorous" parts - feels a bit comical in particular. And on the aforementioned best songs he is outmatched by the backing vocals. Admittedly not entirely in tune with his usual themes, so lacking that context probably doesn't help.
Schon gut produziert. Aber es gefällt mir einfach nicht.
I didn't have particularly high expectations given the last 2 David Bowie albums (and there's 6 more??). The songs on this one have a lot of stuff going on, so it took repeated listens to enjoy most of the tracks. Interesting listen, his vocals and instruments took some getting used to, background vocals were nice. Giving it a low 4.
I enjoyed this more than some of the other Bowie albums I think. I’m still not a huge fan of his music, appreciate it but not totally my thing and I don’t know why. 7/10
Good! Felt more grounded and less out there than some of his other stuff. 8/10
7/10 - I was going to say the best Bowie album so far in the first half but the second kind of let me down. Young Americans and Fascination were both great, but fame was not my favorite. I think Bowie albums are going to be about the same level of goodness for all of them.
Some really good songs, some weird ones though
Another mid as hell performance from Bowie. The original across the universe performed by the Beatles is a pretty good song, but it sounds like ass on this album.
This app has transformed me into a BowieHead. He can do no wrong and everything he touches turns to gold. PRAISE BOWIE
I like this album. It's not his best, his most influential, nor his most popular but I think it's a weird, jacked up album.
A mostly forgettable-but-solid outing immortalized by two all-time-great singles in Bowie’s catalogue bookending the record. Enjoy the sound, but lacking in substance. Young Americans and Fame are fantastic tracks though.
Young Americans, fascination, and fame are so good it almost warrants a 4
Great album.
I feel like I’ve been listening to this album since the dawn of time but I’m somehow only 3 songs in.
Fame and Young American are both real good and Across The Universe is a nice tribute. Not Bowie's best but that bar is really high.
Love David Bowie. Fun to hear this album all the way through.
Classy bit of blue eyed soul from the thin white duke. Includes classic Bowie tracks like Fame and Young Americans as well as songs like Across the Universe which showcase his unique vocal style
Not the best bowie
- Die Platte bestätigt mal wieder, wie wahnsinnig vielseitig David Bowie war - Ich kannte lediglich 2 Tracks (Young Americans, Fame) - Dass es sich um eine Soul- und Funkplatte handelt, hätte ich vorher nicht vermutet - Trotzdem haben die meisten Songs natürlich einen klaren Bowie-Einschlag - Mega, dass Bowie hier an zwei Songs mit John Lennon zusammen gearbeitet hat, bei seinem Cover des Beatles Songs "Across The Universe" sogar zusätzlich mit Paul McCartney. - Als Beatles-Fanatic ging mir bei besagtem Song natürlich das Herz auf - ich wusste von diesem Feature nichts. Und ich finde die Version muss sich vor dem Original echt nicht verstecken. - "Fame" ist einfach ein absolut geiler Track - Insgesamt ganz anders, als ich es gedacht hätte und doch hat es mir doch gut gefallen. - Dennoch gibt es einige Bowie Alben die ich deutlich lieber mag und viele Elemente, die ich an Bowie so schätze fehlen mir zeitweise auf der Platte Rating: 3,5/5
- Leider konnte mich auch dieses Album von Bowie nicht überzeugen. Das führt jetzt nicht dazu, dass mein Respekt und Anerkennung gegenüber Bowie verloren geht, aber das Bild, dass der einfach nicht so wirklich meine Mucke gemacht hat, verfestigt sich mehr und mehr. - Ähnlich wie beim ersten Album, was wir von ihm gehört haben, dringt kein Song, keine Passage und der Sound im Allgemeinen nicht wirklich durch. 2/5
- fand ich ganz gut - entspannt
David Bowie.
Under-rate Bowie. Mad cool
4 - I was always a tad worried about this album, because I only know three of the tracks, and one of them I don't really like, that being Across the Universe. But some of the deeper cuts were actually pretty good, I'm happy to say. Across the Universe isn't awful, it just does the thing that I don't like covers doing where the vocals, timing wise, are lagging behind. I get why people do it, but it's always bothered me. But yeah, not quite as bad as I remember. The album definitely has more of a soul feeling to it than I anticipated, but maybe I should've expected that given the two singles? I never really thought about it. It was still pretty solid. I'm always happy to listen to more Bowie.
There is defintely a competition on the 1001 list for albums that include Bowie of Lou Reed. I think this edges David in front for me. It sounds like an 80s record so it's fairly typical of the man that it was released in 1975. It's defiantly the sound of a (very) white man doing soul, but it kind of leans into it. At first I wasn't sure, but I really warmed to it as an album. It all works and feels like a very complete experience. I don't think I loved it, but I now see it in a completely different light.
This album was OK, but I'm really not so keen on Bowie.
It’s a good album. I listened to it 4 times through. David Bowie was a very talented songwriter, musician and entertainer. The album has a soulful sound to it, which I preferred to his earlier albums.
Not his best, but some stuff.
Wow, out of my first 80ish albums listened to, this is the third Bowie album. I actually cannot find fault with that and especially with this choice. I enjoyed this album from start to finish. Sadly, David Sanborn, just passed away and his contribution to this album helps make it special. Of course, kicking of with the song "Young Americans" and ending with "Fame" is something special in and of itself.
A couple great songs. Not what I expected for Bowie.
I like that Bowie was always evolving. I didn't necessarily enjoy every change of style but you had to admire him for never standing still. Here we have soulful Bowie. This album has a lot to enjoy without actually blowing me away. I really like the horns & backing vocals that weave throughout this album. Favourite track is 'Right', I just love that guitar riff. Solid 3 stars.
Classic Bowie. Bit more R&B
Better than the previous Bowie recommendation I've gotten here, but I think this is an artist that I enjoy listening in a more 'random song pops up in playlist' way than sitting down and listening to a full album.
I love David Bowie, never really listened to this album in particular but I will now that I’ve heard it.
way better than blackstar, an album that was so boring and musically uninspired that I considered giving it one star, but this album is still not really to my liking. don't get the hype and am not looking forward to 6 more albums
Jazzier/funkier/groovier than my preference but I respect it.
Love the bowie
David Bowie is always good for a listen.
Pretty good
It was quite fun tho not too much. I'd give it a 3.5 if I could
I think Bowie might be the music equivalent of “you had to be there” Fame was ok but maybe just bc i knew it. If i get another bowie in the first 10 im out
Another marvel out of the Electric Lady studio. The melt of R&B, jazz and rock comes together over the course of the lengthy tracks for only 8 total.
In 1975, David Bowie found himself standing at the intersection of music's past and future, peering into the abyss of Glam Rock's fading allure while simultaneously glimpsing the neon-lit promise of new sonic frontiers. "Young Americans" emerges as a paradoxical testament to Bowie's chameleonic genius, a sonic odyssey that both embraces and eschews the glitter-drenched excesses of its era. With "Young Americans," Bowie deftly navigates the treacherous waters of musical evolution, shedding the sequined skin of Glam Rock to reveal a soulful, funk-infused underbelly pulsating with raw, unfiltered emotion. Tracks like "Fame" and "Young Americans" exude an infectious vitality, capturing the zeitgeist of an era teetering on the brink of cultural upheaval. Yet, beneath the veneer of glossy production and slick hooks lies a profound sense of existential unease, as Bowie grapples with the fleeting nature of fame and the soul-crushing weight of societal expectations. In "Fame," he confronts the Faustian bargain of celebrity with biting wit and incisive insight, while "Somebody Up There Likes Me" offers a haunting meditation on the ephemeral nature of success. As the final notes of "Fame" fade into the ether, Bowie bids adieu to the glittering excesses of Glam Rock, embarking on a daring voyage into uncharted musical territory. With "Young Americans," he leaves an indelible mark on the annals of music history, a testament to his unparalleled ability to transcend genre constraints and redefine the very fabric of popular culture. In the end, Bowie's departure from Glam Rock heralds not just the end of an era, but the dawn of a new musical epoch.
Not sure of context of this album but it just feels like a long meandering jam. Even the fame-ous song (see what I did there) realllly starts to drag. I felt excited when I heard the first track but quickly lost interest and was waiting for this to finish by the end. Still feel that Bowie is one of the most overrated musicians of that era
Bowie makes great music, this pop disco/funk album from the mid-70s rules and is no exception. Also, FAAAaaammmeeeee.
I feel like there are too many David Bowie albums on the list, but that said, I did quite enjoy this one
Favorite Tracks: Young Americans Somebody up There Likes Me Fame
Best Song: Fame Weakest Song: Can You Hear Me Underrated Gem: Fascination Album Score: 7/10
I just don't get Bowie, and I've come to accept this about myself.
I think I liked it a lot more when I was giving through my Bowie phase a couple of years ago. Today it’s just ok. Maybe I’ve become more exposed to other kinds of music and it doesn’t impress me that much anymore. It’s still great that Bowie was trying different kinds of music without being constrained by race especially right after his Thin White Duke era. There are some parts that are a bit cringe though (the sax on the title track makes me think of an intro to a 90s sitcom for example). Nice step away from glam but what lies ahead in Bowies catalogue is way better than this. 3/5
Classic. Pretty good.
couple of good songs, loved the opener but was not a fan of his Across the universe cover. I dont think this is a one listen album. Need more times to truly form an opinion
Couple of good tracks, music is decent but a lot of terrible vocals
Meh
Chill listen this morning.
A few awesome ones and the overall feel of the album was enjoyable. Rating: 3.5
Another Bowie album. This is the second David Bowie I have gotten so far from this list (out of 8!) and once again it's a solid album but I am yet to be truly impressed by his work. Fame is the best and most famous song on this record, but Fascination, Right, and the title track are also quite good. I still feel as if I'm missing exactly what makes Bowie so renowned. Maybe by the time I listen to 6 more of his albums I'll get the appeal.
This album shows what Bowie can do across so many different genres. That said, songs sometimes goes on a bit: Somebody Up There Likes Me witters and whines on for too long. Can You Hear Me is forgettable. However, there are strong numbers, like Fame, and to a lesser extent, Young Americans. Overall, it's an interesting but not essential preface to greater things in Berlin, for me.
Two amazing songs show that experimentation can lead to pop hits and move the genre forward.
Bowie described this album as "plastic soul", which means soul music that is believed to lack authenticity. It's certainly not that often for an artist to be self-critical of their work within a year after its release, and he would later soften his stance while still aware that it was an attempt at soul music from a white man. Having listened to this album, that is exactly what we get. It's not a bad album, as it's aesthetically pleasing and bookmarked well enough by the title track and "Fame". Bowie was helped through the recording thanks to funk guitarist Carlos Alomar, saxophonist David Sanborn, backing vocalists Ava Cherry and Luther Vandross, and John Lennon. But at the end of the day, most of the tracks permeate with this sense of a white man trying to adapt to a style of music that he wasn't comfortable with. From a historical standpoint, this is one of the first notable instances of such a phenomenon. Young Americans as an album certainly has its place in Bowie's discography, albeit as an odd little phase. Make of that what you will.
Bowie tiene muchos primes. Este es muy bueno pero no es prime.
Not bad
Not my favorite of Bowie's, but I appreciate his endless capacity for experimentation and reinvention.
Love when Bowie brings the funk. Starting with Young Americans ending with Fame is solid bookends
Fascinating! The bookends are really good. Some of the middle songs just muddled along. Right and Fascination didn't really capture me. The next three songs were of more classical Bowie style.
Probably the least "challenging" Bowie album i've heard. The funk angle for these songs works, and tracks like Win, Fascination, Somebody Up There Likes Me and Can You Hear Me maintain a cool Bowie vibe would being a bit soulful. Cleary Fame and Young Americans stand out as obviously catchy and cool, but the rest of the album holds its own. Decent cover of across the universe, as well.
David Blowie more like. Good album. The Beatles cover doesn't really work with the vibe, and Bowie is almost overdoing it with the vocals there. The rest of the album though is sleek, luscious, and sexy. The production is immaculate, so many great little details. Best Song: Somebody up There Likes Me Worst Song: Across The Universe Score: 8/10
A couple good songs, but some just sounds like music from a 70’s porno
3.4 My uninitiated take with Bowie is that the great songs are so good it overshadows the B-Sides. You have such high expectations of what bowie should be and some of deeper cuts fall short. Thats how I feel about this album. Still pretty, pretty good
Iconic album sleeve. Great tracklist one of the best ever.
sounds and instrumentals were solid, Bowie himself sounded very out of place. vocal skills weren't great as per usual but definitely not his worst work
jazzity ziggity bop
Dit is een leuk album. Sommige nummers van David zijn erg excentriek, maar dit album is meer popmuziek. ***
Soul y R&B de Bowie. Vinilo.
Love this album. Bought it new, and tore it new grooves. Good choice.
Not bad, not a ton of hits. It I love the sound of it.
Young Americans is my favorite Bowie song and this is probably my favorite album. Admittedly I haven’t listened to a lot of Bowie and didn’t really get Ziggy Stardust, but really enjoyed this.
Not my favorite Bowie album but not awful, a style change from Bowie but like most of his music it’s still listenable
Rating: 8/10 Best songs: Young Americans, Fascination, Across the universe, Fame
Nunca falla
Headed into the center of the Berlin period after this, Young Americans is a great record from Bowie, but for me not one of his upper-upper-tier ones.
The first song and last song are alright, and there are small parts of others that I kinda enjoy, but everything else here is just garbage. I question Bowie for releasing this, and I question the writer for thinking this was essential listening. A spot that would have been better used by another Limp Bizkit or Kid Rock album
It's Bowie. Not my fave Bowie, but good stuff.
not his best, but still Bowie! mellower
I think I missed the essential gay gene that requires you to be obsessed with David Bowie
I can recognize talent, but I’m just not a Bowie fan
Given this a two for the two songs I know and like.
Starts with a classic and ends with a classic. Good album, but I know there's far better Bowie albums to come.
I just really really enjoyed this. I was surprised cos I haven’t really got on with Bowie previously but this is just lovely, Souly, great vibe
On paper I should love Bowie but he always leaves me cold. This one especially boring. Unwise to do a Beatles cover if it’ll end up being the best track on the record. Sorry David!!! I’ll try the other EIGHT albums you have on here…
Funky
3.8 - I really enjoyed some of the songs on this, but wasn't blown away by the album as a whole
Feels like another solid David Bowie album, but missing the big hits. I’m not particularly into Young Americans or Fame. Considering how many entries he has on the list, is this one really necessary? Fave Tracks: Right 3.1/5
While it's not his best work, Bowie still manages to create a cohesive and engaging project in a genre which he wasn't known for. One of his many explorations and a good one at that. Fav songs: - Young Americans - Win - Fascination - Somebody Up There Likes Me -
Always enjoy a bit of Bowie. A decent 3.5 stars, this one.
This album is (one) of the biggest turning point in his carrer, because he not only change his look, but he completly change musicale direction from Glam Rock to soul. The album is self describe by Bowie as plastic soul wich mean soul but whitout a real autenticity as the music genra is more associated with black peoples. Young americans is the title track, it talk about american society with a lot of pop culture reference and show the way to the rest of the album the song being influenced by philadelphia soul. Another terms associated with the album is blue-eyed soul, wich mean Soul perfomed by a white artist Win is very gospel influenced and classical RnB. Fascination have more of a funky sound Right is also a Soul and Funky track, very reoetitie but very groovy and fun Somebody up there like have a saxophone intro and contain lyrics about a futurisitc super hero, almost a messiah (a mix between diamonds dogs and Ziggy Stardust). Across the universe is a cover by the Beatles, with off course a more soul musical aproche, but John Lennon contributed to the album with more than just the writing credit he also play the guitare on this song. I honnestly like more the Beatles version but its always cool to see a Beatles cover especially by Bowie. Can you hear me is another soul song, but i don't find anything special with it. Fame is THE best song of the album by a mille, co-written with John Lennon, with incredible lyrics and musical direction its clearly the best used of funk and soul in the album. The lyrics about stardom and disapointement with his famous status with the incredible funky groove is just magical, and its his first top 1 hit in the US, kinda ironic. The album explore various music genra, primaly black music and i really like it, we still feel David Bowie's talent all over the place, his presence is as important as the music in itself and its enjoyable. The album gave Bowie his breaktorugh in america, it give us incredible songs, it gave Bowie the proof he can do everything and it gave blakc music a major push by a established white artist, and probably help the genra becoming mainstream at the time. But i don't think its one of the best Bowie's album, his peak in music was in the 70's and this album have a lot of good points, but is a bit sterile compared to album like Diamonds dogs, heroes, Aladine Sane, Hunky Dory or Ziggy Stardust.
Not my favorite Bowie album, but not bad.
I'm really digging this Bowie sound. It's different, but refreshing compared to his previous (at the time) works. His work leading up to Young Americans is good, don't get me wrong, I just tend to prefer funk/soul if it's being compared to glam rock. Definitely a prominent sax sound throughout that sounds straight from the 80s. I'm sure most will agree that there is nothing particularly groundbreaking found in this album, but it's still fun throughout.
Really enjoyed this listen, never really thought of myself as a Bowie fan, but this has proved different.
Sounds like the type of music I would put on to start some intimate sex, nice bit of saxophone. Enjoyable
Soul album…
The singles are fantastic. The album tracks are ok. Really, the only Bowie album which has consistently great songs is Ziggy. Fight me. Bowie could do great singles. But his albums tend to be patchy. Wanna try it out? Take out the singles and then sequence the rest. What stands out? Yeah, thought so. Not much. Sigh. 3 stars.
accessible , enjoyable, and rythmic, easy to like. happy party vibes, with 2 especially strong tracks - Young Amercians, and the brillaint Fame. nothing defines him, so this album doesnt either.
This album contains 2 of Bowie’s best post-Ziggy songs. It opens with Young Americans & closes with Fame. Both would have been given plenty of spins in the burgeoning disco culture of the late 70’s - because they are both terrific slow-dance trax. That’s enough to earn the album a gold star. Of the rest, I really like Somebody Up There Likes Me, but am not that thrilled by much else. He really doesn’t do that much with Across The Universe (Laibach’s cover of that is hard to go past). John Lennon not only played guitar on Across The Universe & Fame, but co-wrote & did back-up vocals on the latter. The then-unknown Luther Vandross also provided backing vocals & co-wrote Fascination with Bowie. Jean, one of the Millington sisters from the all-girl band Fanny, a band Bowie admired, also added back-up vocals. But it should have been a 5-star album. Maybe cocaine got in the way that time.
I really dig this plastic soul era Bowie. Young Americans and Fame are two of his best ever songs and the two Bowie songs most likely to get a spin when I'm DJing. It's not his best album or even my favourite, but the band is hot and funky and soulful. There is a cocaine sheen over everything, but I really like 70s soul and so this album fits right into a sweet spot for me. Is it pastiche, or homage, or actual (blue-eyed) soul? Hard to tell, but I can listen to this all the way through very happily any time. The cover of All Across the Universe is the least essential track on the record.
Oh man what a winning streak, yesterday I get The Dark Side Of The Moon, and today I get Bowie. There's very little that makes this album stand out from this era of his music, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. This album is just classic Bowie, through and through.
I like Fame, I kind of like Across the Universe, I almost like Young Americans
Well, I think this isn't one of Bowie's best albums, though I do like 'Fame'.
I find the addition funk / r&b to his glam style interesting and for the most part works amazingly well. There are a couple of instances where his voice wasn't really suited for the song though.
Very solid! As usual I have a hard time with the more stranger compositions, but I can still find enjoyment in most of the tracks
It's Bowie, definitely not his best but good.
#175. I thought Fame was good, but that was really the only one. The rest is just filler 2/5: nope Song added to playlist: Fame I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link
Even lesser Bowie is still better than most music
This album is peak from the real chill and melodic instramentals and Bowie's wonderful voice just brings you in to the album and the listening experience brings you to a new level Idek I just love Bowie 9/10
Despite Standouts in Young Americans, Fame, and Who Can I Be Now? This album doesn't hit the mark for me.
good
Meh.
Not my thing
Fairly low on my list of Bowie albums.
Hverken første eller sidste gang mit yndlingsnummer også er det, der var med på soundtracket til GTA San Andreas! Kan egentlig meget godt lide stilen her, men det er langt fra Bowies mest succesfulde eksperiment. Ret dårligt Beatles cover
Kan godt sætte mig ind i Bowies glam > soul pipeline, men det her er måske stadig min mindst yndlings Bowie plade fra 70erne! Gør mig nysgerrig på hvad for noget Bowie der ellers kommer på listen. Stadig ret fed dog og han går virkelig all in, første og sidste nummer er kæmpe bangers
Fin Bowie plade, men ikke lige de største bangers!
It was good - I liked The Beatles cover and interpolation on the title track, which I'd never noticed before. Out of Bowie's work though, I would probably reach for a different album first.
4/5 One of his best overall albums. (Ziggy Stardust will always be the best.)
Not bad but did not blow me away or anything
I didn't enjoy this at all. 1.25 stars
Meh
Best track is Fame. The rest are sorta meh…
Bowie could do no wrong imo. While not my top Bowie album (Ziggy). Still an excellent album
Pleasantly surprised by this Bowie album. I really enjoyed the more soul/r&b sound on this one. Nice cover of a Beatles song and soulful background vocals.
I don’t know what to say, so I will say I liked the instrumentals
Eh, I'm not a big Bowie fan. I mean his voice isn't awful but I don't love the vibrato. Also it's all just pop stuff. Not really my style. Wasn't bad but I really didn't need to have listened to this before I died, it just was not that good or profound.
I'm not a Bowie fan, but did enjoy this album. enjoyed the funkier/soulful vibe.
Nice production to this one. Gospel and funk undertones. Dig it.
live laugh love david bowie fr tho, i loved this album, i know that when it comes to new songs i have to lissen to just one for a long time to actually start loving it, but i really enjoyed lissening to this album. i loved how it wasnt to long and i could lissen to this on repeat some timees without feeling exausted
Rocking out of glam with mixed results
Not my favourite Bowie album, but still a good album with no bad tracks.
Interesting style shift for Bowie. Some Bowie essentials on this and in whole a fun album. Not sure I like the Across the Universe cover. But overall, pretty good. 3.5 stars.
I don’t know if the world needs Philly Soul David Bowie, but the title track and Fame are killer. Bad cover of across the universe. Fun fact, Bowie gave Lennon songwriting credit and backup vocals on Fame because JL told him he should sing the word “fame” in that weird way
Great Bowie album...just a fun soulful vibe through out the whole thing. Young Americans the song is a super underrated piece in his entire catalogue. 4/5
Thoroughly enjoyed this
3.5! Funky Bowie is not my favorite version of Bowie, but it’s still better than most music! Also, two Bowie albums in one week! Wow!
Fame and John are true standouts. While it’s been derided, it’s not terrible.
Not a fan of this genre, sorry "The Big Bowster". Still pretty good, but not one of his best.
Enjoyed this one. Has a few classic Bowie tunes on it. “Young Americans” is a great song. 3.5/5 Probably will listen again
Vrf e bowie grym på o göra soulmusik?!
This is a tough one to rate. On the one hand “Young Americans,” “Across the Universe,” and “Fame” are, obviously, amazing. Then there was a new to me “Can You Hear Me” which I really enjoyed. Then there was everything else on the album which was so boring I flatlined for a while. I am going to have to give it a 3 only because those songs were so bad and someone should have been brave enough to tell David Bowie hell no.
Fun beach listen! Enjoyed it in the kitchen with dad. A bit boring… Good, but I was waiting for something new and exciting. There were some good tracks! I liked the cover of Across the Universe. Then felt a little bad that my favorite song on the album wasn’t even his…
This was kind of fun. Kind of the hits album with the title track and Fame bookending it. A bit more soul/r&b than I usually like but it worked here. A solid 3.
Cool!
Some of my favorite Bowie songs are on this album.
I was worried about this one because I don’t love young Americans. Win is great, fascination and I dunno it’s just way funkier in a good way than I expected.
12/1001 It's the first Bowie album I've heard and I have to say it's not bad. Good production and good voice performance. I think that at some points it became repetitive but it was not overwhelming and heavy, it was a pleasant and enjoyable listen. I don't think it's perfect but I'm excited to know what Bowie's other works are like. And that Beatles cover is a little weird. Notable songs: Young Americans, Fascination and Fame
2 good songs not good album
Such a fantastically weird album. David Bowie was wild and wacky with his music creation, and it created some truly memorable albums, Young Americans being a great example. Probably not one I'd want on repeat for long periods of time, but it's a great change the pace album. And there's not a bad track on here. 5 stars all around.
4 for Fame
Fame is a great song but not enough to make this interesting
Decent album, but that Across the Universe cover is atrocious and almost lowered my rating to 3 stars.
Funk and R&B filled jams with several gems!
David Bowie, what else is there to say
Ironically, this album would have been an easy five stars before this project jumpstarted a love of soul music inside me. It’s still good I think, but the self-imposed “plastic soul” descriptor is incredibly apt. I love Bowie, but I don’t see myself coming around for this one all that much. Three stars.
Classic
Night and day from that other Bowie album a few weeks ago. So many jams. His Across The Universe is better than the Beatles. Take my $$$
Good, creep
This record is okay. I do love Young Americans and Fame. I really hated Across the Universe, it made me cringe. The real star of this record is David Sanborn on Sax who rises above a crew of legends to really put his stamp on this whole record.
Some hits! Still looking out for my favorite Bowie.
2 days in a row of tapes Dan had in his car when he was 16. I'm a big lover of Philly Soul, David Bowie, and this album. Carlos Alomar on guitar, Michael Becker on sax, Luther Vandross on backup vocals. Legends.
Not a fan of this album of his
A short album, as a biased Bowie fan I do like this album it’s not his finest work but he shows off his usual song writing skills, I would put hunky dory or rise and fall of ziggy stardust over this anyday but this album is still good, the title song is still strong and I could easily see in my playlist.
impressed. i knew Bowie took many stylistic approaches through his career, but this is one that i didn't expected. really enjoyable, hopeful and good to me right now
Didn't enjoy most of it
Just because you can reinvent yourself again and again it doesn't mean that you should.
I am a pretty big David Bowie fan, so I am going to be given all of his albums on this list somewhere between a 4.5 and a 5. I really like this album. I love the way it sounds, the lead vocals, backing vocals, and all the instruments are all great. Young Americans and Fame are easily some of David Bowie's best songs, they are so unique and funky. I love the vocal parts of win especially the deep notes when he sings: "All you have to do is win". Fascination and Right are great funky song, and I love the bass part in Right. I also think that this version of Across the Universe is way better than the Beatles version. My only complaints are that Somebody Up There Likes Me and Can You Hear Me are kind of duds. Not a perfect 5 but it easily rounds up to one.
Fun, jammy soul record from Bowie. Love the sax parts and overall feel. Great, clean, punchy production all over this thing. “Fame” is a great tune. The album as a whole is nothing mind-blowing, but it’s a good introduction to his catalog. 4.5 rounded up to 5.
8/10 It's not among my favorite David Bowie albums, but...David Bowie none the less. 3-1-2024
Loved!!
I am incapable of impartiality with respect to Bowie. He is one of the most gifted artists in the space and time to which I am fortunate to live in.
2024-03-01...
Yeah, not his best album, but there's more good than bad on it. Title track and Fame carry it pretty hard. I'd heard this a couple times prior but it's not clicking all the way yet.
Y'know, I think it's fine. Like, I don't think Bowie did soul music badly, but I know there's better out there—better soul music **and** better Bowie.
Listening to this just makes me want more of Bowie doing soul. Great mix, too.
Stuck with a 3 on this one – maybe something never quite clicked for me, but even though I liked a lot of this album, it either felt like Bowie was holding back a little bit vocally to try and better fit the atmosphere of the record, or that lyrically he got a little too repetitive at times in a way that kind of just distracted me from that excellent top to bottom instrumentation – what a band. I can see what the vision was; a David Bowie soul album, and while I’d say he succeeded, those conflicts between the vocals and lyrics became just a little too distracting for me to completely stay invested in his messaging. It could definitely jump up to a 4 if something clicks right later, but I think for my tastes, a 3 feels right.
Bro not rock again :( His voice sounds like he’s struggling to breathe
In a nutshell: in the words of the man himself "plastic soul". It pains me to say this as a Bowie fan- it's not his best album on the list. Title track obviously rocks. Lots of filler. Fame sounded out of place on the album. Supremely talented musicians and vocalists on this album. Overall: 5/10
This was a nice listen. I'm not a huge Bowie fan, but he HAS been there, putting out good music for most of my life. Of course there's Young American's and Fame, and to listen to any classic radio station, you would think that's all he did. Wish there was a classic station that played 'the rest of' the music.
Eh, I have enjoyed the other David Bowie albums I have heard from this list. I found this one to be not as strong as previous efforts, but even for fear of comparing David Bowie to his other classic albums, "Young Americans" is relatively boring. There is a lot of saxophone and I do not find the music to be terribly compelling. I probably would have left this album off the list, as there is a lot of Bowie and a lot stronger Bowie albums. I found this album to not be bad, but to be very tedious at times.
Souly, R&B inspired Rock
Some good bops.
Solid album. Easy to listen to. Should make it into the rotation.
Good overall. More soul-y. Favourites- young Americans, fascination, fame
It's David Bowie.
Got bored, some good songs though!
I mean, it's David Bowie
Fame is an all-time banger.
I love this phase of Bowie. I like all the saxophones and saucy background singing. Almost five stars but not quite. "Young Americans" is always a banger.
Przyjmene bardzo, znowu 4/5
The titular song kings serious ass. Love a jaunty pop rock song with saxophone. It set really high expectations for the rest of the album that ultimately weren't delivered on. A couple of the songs were nice, but nothing came close to Young Americans, even Fame is which is a more famous song itself.
I haven't really listened to Bowie before except what's on the radio. This is probably not the best album to start with but I kinda enjoyed it. There's likely better soul albums out there but this was fine
This one is good and probably one of his best for me but its only because of the instrumental. I didnt like the title track I dont know what people are praising that one for. Fame was cool af tho. John Lennon doing stuff. Altogether I wish this wasnt on the list and instead we got an actual funk record which sounds just as cool, but no. We need to get the popular white man on here.
1) young americans- I know this song, I faved it 2) Win - cool song, jazzy backup vocals. The breakdown cool as shit 3) fascination - I'm into it, proper cacophony of noise, overwhelming but cool 4) right - annoying, skipped 5) somebody up there likes me - fun, I liked it a lot from the start, bit gospel 6) across the universe- thought this was Bowie but it's a Beatles cover? Cool 7) can you hear me - cool r&B take 8) Fame - what a fuckin banger need I say more Largely a soul record so very cool and influential 7/10