Reviews (page 7 of 13)
So, yesterday I had 1999 by Prince. I don't really care for Prince. I do love David Bowie, however, and upon listening to Young Americans, I felt that 1999 took a lot of influence from Bowie. I don't know how to feel about this. Good album, but not my favorite of his.
Really enjoyed this album, great melodies, loving the bit a jazz and even better when not expecting much
Soul multiinstrumentado, con típico aire ya ochentero, adelantándose ya a su tiempo, y con un saxo que recorre todo el disco que no sé si me encanta o lo odio. Buen trabajo, se escucha y se disfruta muy bien.
David Bowie does soul. This has to be a full album experience. Definitely has some good grooves on this.
I definitely vibed with this one. I think my fave song was young americans...?
Zitten schijven bij vooral right was een toffe ontdekking
Never been my favourite Bowie album but it hit right today. Except the shit Across the Universe cover
I adore "Across the Universe" in its very many forms by the Beatles, but I have to admit this version took a bit for me to get used to. I think Bowie's vocals are just so distinct that they don't always work super well with everything. Regardless, this album was pretty damn good. The instrumentals were extremely solid and I enjoyed the listen.
Not my favorite from Bowie but it is a great reinvention of soul and my favorite song on the album was “Fame”.
Classic
Great album!
Favourite songs Young Americans and Right
Second Bowie record for me on this list and I really enjoy the funky and soulful approach he took. Great sax solos and catchy tunes.
good album, had heard a few songs. I generally like Bowie.
Enjoyable listen. Couple of tracks I immediately loved, #1 and #3. This might be the start of a long, beautiful friendship with Bowie albums!
Of course it’s good it’s bowie but it doesn’t compare to the earlier heights of hunky dory/ziggy stardust/aladdin sane. 4/5
I mean yeah this is great, feel the soul and funk and 70s influences and takes you on a journey as an album. There's a lot of Bowie in this list but this one is justified. strong 4
Young Americans is actually one of the only Bowie albums I'd already heard before this list. (Lodger was the only other one) There's a lot I appreciate about this album. It's really well paced. There are a few all time favorites and a few new favorites this time around as well. Across the Universe was already one of my favorite Beatles songs and I totally forgot he covered it here. It doesn't get much more solid than this album. Will absolutely buy it on vinyl. 4.5
Favorites: -Young Americans -Somebody Up There Likes Me -Can You Hear Me?
Listened to in the car to Vermont. Will listen again
Un altibajos de canciones de bowie, donde los altos son altisimos y los bajos zafan. La primera cancion me bolo la cabeza. 7/10
Not a big Bowie fan, but this has to be his best album right? It’s definitely my favorite. If I had to pick one of his for this list, it’d be this one.
Lovely listen!
Trip. Awesome experience (81%)
Not my favourite Bowie album and the original is better than the remaster but still a solid 3.5 stars
Bowie is generally overrated as a musician, but this album shines with it's R&B sound. Young Americans, Fame, and Across the Universe are enjoyable. The Blues/Rock feel on a few others is fun as well. And Luther is apparently on this album too!
david bowie is always top, personnaly i prefer hunky dorie, and ziggy stardust, but this one was also adorable
There's a freshness to this album that wasn't on Diamond Dogs. It sounds modern and forward thinking, even in 2023. The change of location clearly worked. Bowie was such a sponge for soaking up whatever was around him at the time. The album sounds like a time lapse. It doesn't appear to have a start, a middle or an ending. It carries you along without plodding. This would be five stars, but Fame has always dragged ever so slightly for me.
OK, I get that this is not one of Bowie's exemplary works. Despite that, I couldn't help but enjoy a majority of the LP. Soul and funk is a different angle for Bowie, and some of it doesn't quite work out ("Can You Hear Me" and "Right" were fairly average inclusions), with the backup vocals throughout the LP being a question mark. Bowie himself assessed it as “Plastic Soul,” and his assessment is mostly correct. In most senses, this album is a poor interpretation of American soul music. Needless to say, the title track is a fun intro, "Across the Universe" is a quality cover, and "Fame" still goes hard. I would return to this, despite enjoying it probably more than I should given Bowie's labeling of his own work.
It’s good, not perfect. Young Americans is great, Fame is an awesome tune, Across the Universe as well. Right is definitely about butt stuff though right? 3.5 stars
Superrr
As someone who is not an enthusiast of either Bowie nor soul music as such, I don’t care much for the debates around authenticity that surround this record. All I know is this album fucking slaps. Bowie settles surprisingly well in the soul/funk genre, which was slightly jarring at first. Like I say, I am not Bowie’s greatest fan. But to make a statement like this, such a radical departure from what his fans were expecting by this point, and do it successfully is testament to something truly enigmatic. “Fascination” and “Fame” are standouts, but overall I just love the way Bowie streamlines (some would say “dilutes”) the sometimes pedestrian structures of soul music. It’s not a masterpiece to me, but it is significant in the trajectory of this most unique artist. Finally, a Bowie record I really truly like.
Dit was erg tof!
Lekker swingen met David! Love it.
Good album, class first 4 songs. Bowie always bangs. Pas mal. Young Americans song slaps
Yup
70s Jazzy-Funk Bowie isn't my favorite, but it's still Bowie. Fame is my favorite off this album with John Lennon on backup vocals.
De l'androgyne rock extrêmement bien exécuté. L'album dressera un tableau ultraréaliste d'une jeunesse américaine prise en sandwich entre le soda et le baseball. Très sympa.
All killer with no filler! They're all great songs and a fantastic version of the Beatles "Across the Universe" 1975 didn't sound any better ;)
Yet again Bowie shows he was years before his time. Such a change from RAFOZS and only two years in between. Fame is just top, top tier. Got to say though, I really don’t like the Across The Universe Cover, but he’s allowed a slip every now and then.
Never heard fascination before, quality song. Only the 2nd bowie album i've listened to other than compilations, disgrace. Fame as the final track was boss.
Bowie is the man He’s a fucking alien I bloody love him Haiku for the Starman
Quite a good Bowie album. I didn't know he co-wrote Fame with John Lennon until just now. The funk influences are strong. I liked it.
I hate that I liked this. You lot knew I would. 3.5, rounding up to 4.
not the kind of bowie i really dig but bowie’s gold even when he’s not
Bowie could do anything, including this funky music. Ashame of the raping of Across The Universe and no Blackstart/Ziggy/Earthling but 4 stars easily.
David you are not American
like it was good, it just wasn’t anything special in my opinion
Some classic sounds
4.5
8/10
Young Americans (the song) has a great upbeat start with the funky sax. The chorus is great on that one. Overall I liked the feel of this album. It's a great album to lift your mood
Mixed feelings when I drew this one. I’m sure David Bowie loved a lot of young Americans. It was pretty good but I didn’t listen to it to deeply, and I feel like I should listen again.
Great tunes, but just over played in my opinion
I really liked this album. It may be heavily influenced by real soul and r&b artists but I still found Bowie's interpretation technically excellent. The Beatles cover was a weak point in an otherwise strong album.
Finally a Bowie album that I really enjoyed.
Young Americans sees David Bowie leave glam rock behind and fully embrace funk and soul. This album is explosive and fun, showing Bowie at a transitionary period before he fully launched his experimental phase with the Berlin trilogy. John Lennon’s contributions are noteworthy, but Bowie’s chameleon like nature is what makes this album great.
Young Americans is like a sandwich where the bread is just absolutely delectable, enchanting. Not that the insides are bad, but just that by comparison, the bread of this album—being opener "Young Americans" and closer "Fame" in this half-baked metaphor—are out of this world. Some of the best bread I've ever had. Seriously. This album is also great because it's got Bowie exploring deeper into funk and soul and then weirdly, simultaneously manages to be a strange Beatles crossover album with John showing up on Bowie's rendition of "Across the Universe" and of course (famously) on the ever-groovy "Fame." Young Americans also boasts Bowie's sexiest appearance on an album cover. I feel like he was doing a bit with this pose, but damn does he look good. The sparkle in his bracelet, the hair light, the thin plume of smoke from the cigarette...so good. There are other highlights in this sandwich for sure. "Win" is weird and groovy. I do like where he takes "Across the Universe," but wouldn't necessarily listen to it over the original. "Right" is super funky. And "Somebody Up There Likes Me" is fantastic. Not his best, but certainly a classic.
Opens with one of the greatest songs of all time. Ends with a great song. Some very good to passable material in between. Truly, a sandwich with some fucking family heirloom sourdough starter bread right there. Let's go back to the first song. This is one of those songs that packs the same punch as an hourlong session with your long lost childhood therapist. Whenever I hear that drum intro and piano glissando I am on my feet and ready to play the air saxophone. Beyond a 5 star song, elevating the whole rest of the album.
Somebody!
I was excited to see one of what I would assume are multiple David Bowie albums on this list! The thing about being a legend is that your great songs sound just good next to the brightest gem. That is what seems to happen in this album. It's good, but it's not Bowie's best - I'd say say far from it, but I was pleased by the consistent sound (the background vocals really help with this). I was also shocked to see Fascination, one of my favorite Bowie songs, as one of the songs with fewer listens!
Should be more critically acclaimed
- Heard this before - Nowhere near my favourite Bowie, but it's 70s David Bowie so it's an automatic 4* - Fav songs: Young Americans, Right, Fame
Yay more Bowie.
Good Bowie album. There’s better but good the title track stands out the most
i love it
Pretty Iconic stuff. Great grooves and social commentary
I have always though of this as a tribute to Philly International. As with most tributes, there is the line between homage and appropriation. People spend a lot of time discussing Bowie's shifts. The move from Diamond Dogs to what was referred to as "plastic soul" was so abrupt that many focus on the shift as opposed to the music. At times Bowie seems to be doing this himself - showing off in a way. Removed from that narrative, the music is very good. I prefer Station to Station as a whole, but the high points here are exceptional (Fascination, Fame, Young Americans).
David bowie har swag!
I was ready to rag on this for being inessential Bowie and not needing to be on this list but, as it turns out, it’s actually a good album. Still didn’t need to be on this list
Helt trevligt att lyssna på.
It’s not the Thin, White Duke’s best, or even top 5 album.
Tres cool album, du coup je suis allé écouter plus de sons de lui et il est vraiement trop fort 4.5/5
Was a really good album to listen to, musicalities where sometimes really funky but also sometime chill. Also the vocals made it seem like it was not a bowie's album which was refreshing. 4/5
Fascination Fame Across the universe
Good listen
the mid sections isn't as strong as the beginning or end song but as a whole is real groovy
Mira, no es mi favorito de DB, pero tiene a Fame y Young Americans, así que 4 estrellas.
Thoroughly enjoyed. Always loved “Fame”. After hearing “Win” now I know where Beck got the inspiration for “Debra”.
Our 6th Bowie album!
Never listened to it in full before but really enjoyed it
Good and funky
A very high 4
Not my favorite Bowie album, probably my fourth or fifth favorite album from 1975. Highlights are the two hits, "Fame" and the title track. Lowlight is the unnecessary "Across The Universe" cover. 3.5/5 (rounded up to 4).
Damn! Those opening notes are just so damn iconic. I assumed that I've heard this album in its entirety but yet all the songs in between Young Americans and Fame were unfamiliar. How in the world have I reached this age and not known Bowie did a cover of Across the Universe!? And Luther Vandross on this album! Also no idea. Hearing Bowie's Beatles' cover was a real joy for me. Bowie's interpretation and intonations reminded me again why I love that song so much. Everything in between Young Americans and Fame is just OK. Hard to say if it's just OK because those two songs are just so damn great. I can't rate this a 3 because it's Bowie and because of the bookend songs. I'd probably give it a 3.8.
This is a fun album! My favorite Bowie so far, still missing a special something that I can’t put my finger on. I dig the American though
i was slightly disappointed by this album, and i’m not really sure why. bowie is always good, and i liked his use of soul music, but there was something missing. i didnt love the beatles cover, even though that seems to be the focal point of the album. it’s a 4, but a weak 4 for me
ikkje da besta av bowie men ikkje da versta heller
I will forever be a Bowie fan. This is probably one of his most accessible albums for new fans as well.
Young Americans is an all timer
Bowie's genre break album, an outstanding interpretation of his own for soul music.
Probably the 'least best' of Bowie's mid- to late-70s albums, but still far ahead of most other artists of the time.
I only ever knew Fame off of this album, which is still such a bop. But the rest is still really groovy. Across The Universe is so good.
I swear his voice was at its peak here. Nothing like a mountain of cocaine to add character. His Beatles cover is in the running for worst of all time, although I think that accolade goes to John Farnham for his histrionic attempt at "Help." Despite the critical love for the boring Berlin trilogy this is his last good album until Scary Monsters. I was debating whether it was 4 or 5 stars, but that dismantling of "Across The Universe" knocks it down a peg.
"Young Americans" is the ninth studio album by David Bowie and was a transition to more soul and R&B from glam rock. It was called "blue-eyed soul" or as Bowie put it "plastic soul." The album was recorded at the end of "The Diamond Dog's" tour in both Philadelphia and NYC. Bowie recruited musicians and singers with two of the more prominent ones being Luther Vandross and guitarist Carlis Alomar. It also brought back producer Tony Viscoti who last worked with Bowie on "The Man Who Sold the World." The album got and still gets mixed critical reviews. "Young Americans" starts the album with horns and prominent background singers giving it definitely a soulful feel. The lyrics are great tongue-in-cheek with trying to attain the great American dream - Ford Mustangs and a Barbie doll and all you get is a divorce and alimony. "Win" has more of a soulful, jazzy and smooth feel, something Bowie would fully realize on "Blackstar." This sounds like an early 80's Prince song. "Fascination" takes it in a funky direction influenced by a Luther Vandross song "'Funky Music (Is a Part of Me)." Horns, the funky keyboards, background singers, Bowie's vocals: this is where the "plastic soul" totally works. "Right" starts off taking a middle ground between the last two songs with respect to funk and jazz. The song really starts to work the longer the listen and really gets the groove going. My favorite song on the first side. "Somebody Up There Likes Me" begins the second side with strong sax by David Sanborn. The song has a darker tone with lyrics appearing to be about fame and its repercussions. Bowie really goes all out with soulfully-stressed vocals. I am not sure Bowie added anything to the Beatles' cover of "Across the Universe." Although, John Lennon is in the backing vocals. The extended jam ending the song...Why? "Take It In Right" Is a song Bowie had written for Lulu and then recorded it as "Can You Hear Me?" after she failed to use it. Great strings, background vocals and sounds like a late 70's R&B pop single. The album ends with "Fame" and a great guitar riff by Carlos Alomar; this is where Bowie and Visconti really succeed with that funky groove and production. Apparently, contributions from John Lennon as well. This ends the album with the same way it started and the disillusion of fame and success. I don't know where I'd rank this album in the Bowie catalog. It's highs are great with "Fame," "Fascination" and "Young Amercians" and pretty low to me with that Beatles' cover. This is one of those albums I'd have to give more listens and time for a final assessment. Hats off to him for going after that soulful and R&B album which mostly succeeds. And with most Bowie, at the very least, it's an interesting listen!
This is a Classic. Smooth and assured- Jazzy and cool. Neatly framed by the two hits.
Having laid Ziggy Stardust to rest, David Bowie turns his exacting gaze to the world of blue-eyed soul. Full of swagger, biting lyrics, and a loose jam-like atmosphere.
I love David Bowie. This album is very enjoyable.
This was my introduction to Bowie. This album feels Paul McCartney-like. The songs are a bit longer than usual pop songs. The first song feels very generic, but it does switch up a little in the middle. It also has a Beatles reference. It's nothing complex. It's easy-listening. I like the "hints" of saxophone. The effects on the sax on track 3 are neat. Fourth track has a clavinet on it, the funky bastard. The track is groovy as hell even if it only uses two chords. David knows how to build on one song. The fifth track has a strange chord progression. The string synth plays quite a strange melody in the "chorus". Probably the most progressive song on the record. The sixth track is a melancholy bluesy-country song with an acoustic guitar. It's a song that sticks out of the album the most. The chord progressions are just wonderful. The second last song has real strings. Sounds like it would have been played at the end of a prom night. It has key changes in it which sound pleasant. Also the sax is appreciated. The "take-it-in-right" has a nice upward melody, first sung later played on the strings. This is the first and only song which doesn't fade out. The album ends on a very funky note with a song that has a distored electric guitar, which doesn't really take control of the song, instead it gives it texture. Also there's some experimentation at the end with pitched vocals and a reversed piano. A very swingy song. It's a decent, funky record. The timbres on the album are well chosen. I was never a fan of songs fading out. The album is nothing extraordinary in my opinion. If you like Paul McCartney and funk, you should like this.
Funky. Calm. Good vibes. Sexy. Like it
Noice
Love Bowie.
first real listen to any of bowie's stuff in a meaningful way. really have no way to contextualize it in his discography or the time period but it bangs, some songs i didnt care for but the ones i did bridge the gap on the project more or less
Hard-hitting bass lines, layered vocals, and Bowie's usual charm deliver nearly 60 minutes of groovy soul-funk-art-pop goodness.
Call this whatever you like. A blue eyed soul phony. A sell out. An experimental transitional period. Regardless of your thoughts, this is another excellent entry in Bowie's prime. Not a masterpiece, but Bowie gives an excellent performance, the production is fantastic, and I find the gospel back vocals and funky instrumental to be interesting and never too generic. We also have the famous tracks "Young Americans" and "Fame." Nowhere near the best or my favorite Bowie album, but nevertheless incredible.
Not my favorite DB, but thanks to 1001 albums I have discovered that I really like his music.
Young Americans é clássico. Fame tem um baixo bem gostoso de ouvir.
Fabulous album. Would have first heard the single young americans when I was 13 and liked it then (although probably liked his glam stuff more). YA plus Fame still sound great, I really like the cover of Across the Universe (never heard this before) and Right and Someone up there likes me are also worth a repeated listen
listened to again it's good
er ikkje så glad i young americans songen
Some Bowie is hit or miss. This was a hit!
Great record
Olis varmaan pitäny antaa Ziggy Stardustille 5/5, kun tääkin on nyt 4/5 mutta sitä huonompi. Pehmeää Bowieta, toimiihan tämä.
David Bowie pourrait faire un album de pets et j’aimerais ça. 😂 En fait c’est comme un exercice de style mais sa touche rend le tout intéressant. Ce n’est pas son meilleur album, mais ça s’écoute très bien. Young Americans et Fame sont des incontournables.
Hmm, 5 Bowie albums and this is my first as I continue my journey backwards currently at 199. 5 in the first 200 albums. I do enjoy Bowie and Young Americans and Fame are great tracks. But this album doesn't fully grab me.
What's this?? Me not immediately slapping a 5 on our first Bowie album? I ADORE this album, there are bops from start to finish, attempting to sing all of the bits from Right all at once is one of my favourite past times, songs like Young Americans and Fame are absolutely top tier, BUT!!! I think it's just a little bit off from the other Bowie albums on this list! (also the cover of Across the Universe has always grated me a little bit, perhaps I've been spoiled by the Fiona Apple version which will always be my favourite version)
Awesome!
Bowie's Funk/Soul record. I love the singles. A pretty good listen all the way through. Not my favorite Bowie record.
Some brilliant tracks, not quite 10/10 for me though.
Few can make a sax sound cool on a rock album, but by jove Bowie’s done it!
Great album! Who doesn’t like Fame. Why didn’t the album start with that song? Also, Bowie makes saxophones sound good unlike Springsteen.
It's Bowie! - First in I am sure a list of. Didn't really care for the cover of Across The Universe, Young Americans and Fame are just standard classics now but I like Win quite a lot as well.
Not sure why i was surprised to enjoy it so much. Great stuff
When this album came out I would have given it 5 stars. But now that it's been out 47 years the novelty has worn off. The high lights out weigh the mediocre here. With the worst song being "Across The Universe" Other wise a splendid time for all
Another solid David Bowie album. This one is more pop heavy and nothing too crazy but it’s succinct and enjoyable. A good cover of a Beatles song and a couple of classics on this. Bowie is pretty special when it comes to consistent albums. 7.9/10
Bowie's "plastic soul" album was overall just a fun album to listen to. You can hear the R&B and Soul influences, and yet it also sounds very Bowie. There isn't a track on the album that feels out of place! Definitely recommend listening!
Amazing album by Bowie.
There's so charming about this record. Not this best, but pretty solid. Bowie can't miss!
A much stronger album than I thought. There's four or five really first-rate songs on the two biggies plus fascination, win and Right. 4 🌟
Nobody did it better than Bowie. 4.5/5
A few amazing songs, but feels flat in a lot of places
Classic Bowie
Oh hell yes. Young Americans is a GROOVE. This whole album is a great reinvention of Bowie out of the glam and into soul. again proves that Bowie is the ultimate musical chameleon. The Across The Universe cover is killer. Fame is a great funk closer.
Better than I was expecting. Kind of funky, bits of disco, and not as cheesy as I thought. Beatles cover not for me though...
"Have been the un-American? (ooh) Just you and your idol sing falsetto (ooh) 'Bout Leather, leather everywhere, and Not a myth left from the ghetto Well, well, well, would you carry a razor (ooh) In case, just in case of depression? (ooh) Sit on your hands on a bus of survivors Blushing at all the Afro-Sheeners Ain't that close to love? Well, ain't that poster love? Well, it ain't that Barbie doll Her hearts have been broken just like you" (Young Americans) "Wear your wound with honor, make someone proud Someone like you should not be allowed To start any fires" (Win) No es de los discos de Bowie que más me gustan, pero sigue siendo estupendo y yo me voy a pasar pensando en la cita de "Win" el resto del día.
Can't go wrong with Bowie. "Young Americans" is such a good song. I might actually like this album more than Hunky Dory. I can't choose which song is the best. "It's Gonna Be Me" Is actually so good. Need more time to think about this one. High, high 4
Album gustoso. David magnetico.
It might not be his greatest, but it's very good
I have loved David Bowie since I was a child (he’s my most scrobbled artist at over 8k) and the Young Americans album has only gotten better with time. It is a frequent go-to for me. Also, “Fame” on great headphones is an experience.
Well it is certainly obvious the stark themes of Bowie albums. This is certainly funk and soul and I certainly liked it a lot and enjoyed listening to some news ones to me. A couple blurred in a bit for me, hard differentiate, which is why its a 4*
classic vibes
Ofboðslega góð plata ! Kom mér eiginlega á óvart hvað platan í heild sinni var góð!
It's ridiculous really... Any other artist, and this would be a career high. With Bowie it might just scrape the top 10 (better than Heathen, worse than Earthling...) It's a bit fixed in its tempo, too much sax, not enough invention. It's almost as if cocaine affects quality control. However, with Bowie this means a four star album - if you compare with Oasis or the Stone Roses who went from 5 stars to 1 in the space of an album for the same reason it's a testament to his talent! Ultimately, the only track I'd make my first choice to listen to off this album is Fame. There's more great stuff on there, but that's it - Bully for you, chilly for me.
Yndislegt stöff <3
Classic and amazing.
not my favorite bowie album but its great
Cool smooth Bowie with very little lowlights. Fame is an absolute banger👌🙌
Everything sounds like goodbye moonmen
First Bowie album since I've started. The Sax player and the backup singers definitely earned their paycheques on this album. Opens with Young Americans, closes with Fame, and then in between are songs most people may not be familiar with. Overall this album is less "weird" Bowie and more songs that would be considered traditional 80s jazzy/soulful rock ballads. Didn't like the Beatles cover, the original has a great dreamlike tone and this one there's a lot of force behind which I don't think translates well. Overall good album.
I was never a big David Bowie fan, but I can't deny he was a musical genius. This album is from his "plastic soul" days, but I think the plastic soul label is a bit misleading as these songs are quality work. Didn't care for the cover of Across the Universe, which is one of my all-time favorite songs, but otherwise good stuff. Play that funky music white boy! 4 stars.
Not peak peak Bowie, but still peak Bowie.
A great Bowie album. I enjoy the foray into plastic/blue eyed soul.
Bowie does "plastic soul"? Yeah, I'm here for it! I do love an artist that explores different genres, and Bowie's somewhat of an archetype in that area. Fave track - "Fame" is awesome, obvs. The overwrought cover of "Across the Universe" is good for a laugh. "John, I'm Only Dancing" is a bonus track, but it's great, so I'm mentioning it...
I’m a bigger fan of the Thin White Duke than other Bowies, but Luther Vandross was a backup singer on this album. I mean, damn.
I love Bowie. This one is a good one, can't wait for his next in the list. He was just showing off on this album. What an artist.
Fame was the outstanding track for me but I did enjoy the album so low 4*
This was pretty good
It's David bowie. It's a 4 event if It's garbage. This one is not garbage.
grande bowie
Man, there' s a lot of juicy sax on this album. And a trippy Beatles cover. And even a John Lennon collab. This is about as 70s Bowie as it gets.
Not one of my favourite Bowie albums (except for the title track, which I love) but still better than most albums or there.
Good!
Surprisingly loved this one.
Bowie in transition. Always surprised he didn't stick with this sound for a couple more albums being as it was successful commercially, but he just kept on mutating. This is like a sort of musical palette cleanser between main courses/phases of his career. Also, definitely worth pairing this with the "Gouster" outtakes of the same period from the "Who Can I Be Now" box set.
Bowie doing Philly soul? What's not to like?
Love Bowie but prefer Diamond Dogs.
Love a bit of Bowie, sounds quite experimental for its time. Not my favourite album of his but still got some great tunes on there.
This is a different type of Bowie album. It is still really good.
Very enjoyable. Title track is great, other songs are slightly below it quality-wise but are still quite good. Overall good album I will definitelly return to.
If you refer to my Heroes review you’ll note my assertion that Young Americans is one of my fave Bowie albums. So now you’re thinking, ‘alright big shot, pull down your kecks and swing it for us.’ The real charm of this is the whole thing is so damned fun. It all feels like a big old celebration. There are some beautiful soul like backing vocals across the whole thing. It’s hella 80s but doesn’t feel stuck in the time or formulaic. I’ve gotta be in a certain mood to stick this on so it doesn’t make a 5 as I believe 5s must transcend moods.
Always interesting and the title track is all timer. Demented cover of Across The Universe also a positive
Never got into all of Bowie's stuff but his hits are timeless.
Canvi de paradigma per Bowie, que malgrat les novetats i la influència de les drogues continua inspirat al màxim i en plena època per emmarcar dins la seva carrera. N'hi haurà millros discos abans i després, però continua sent dels més reivindicables de la seva carrera
I was a little disappointed by this compared to Ziggy Stardust, but it was still a very good album. 8/10
Even though this isn't the genre I typically listen to, the energy of this album made me want to get up and dance. Particularly liked the trumpet/brass instruments and the powerful vocals.
It's not one of his most iconic albums but but I do like a bit of Bowie. Nothing mindblowing but a solid, enjoyable album that I'd probably buy if I came across in a charity shop
Fame is my favourite song, I think I might do it for karaoke. Maybe not. But I love the lush American glam vibe Bowie has in this album of the late 70s. V sexy.
Classic, not one of my favourites but I love the sound of this Bowie era.
Can’t go wrong with Bowie
Cool. Bowie exudes cool throughout this whole record. Lots of funk, soul and jazz influences on every track. Plus, we get a Beatles cover AND a Beatle!
Not my favourite Bowie, but still good Bowie
It's Bowie, what more can you say
Bowie does soul. Solid album! “Fame” is a banger and a half!
Certainly a solid Bowie album. 8.4/10 Best Tracks: "Young Americans" "Fame"
Really liked this, love the title track and Fame. Didn't like the cover of Across the Universe, but the drums on it were good
Good. Not the best Bowie has to offer course- heavily funk influenced some songs were forgettable though
Not my favorite entry of Bowie's, but blue-eyed soul Bowie is more than a novelty. He does the genres justice, and I think blends R&B, Soul, and Rock typically deftly, even if the songwriting isn't on par with previous or subsequent records. I love it, but it's without a doubt a cocaine-driven transitional record between the Ziggy era and the Berlin Years-two iterations i prefer to this one. Fascination stood out to me as a forgotten bop.
Blue eyed soul and plastic funk. Best Tracks, Young Americans, Somebody Up There Likes Me , Fame.
David Sanborn really adds a lot to the album from the very first song. His licks in the background make the song so much better. Although I didn’t dislike any songs, so though Win was kind of boring. Fascination is a great funk song and I love the effects on the sax. The cover of Across the Universe is good although I don’t like it as much as the Beatles version. Favorite songs: Young Americans, Fascination, Somebody up There Likes Me, Fame Least favorite song: Win Decent 8/10
The regular hits are great, plus I really like the song Win. Apparently not a well-liked Bowie album but considered very influential.
A Bowie high mark
Released in 1975 it moved away from Glam and you can hear influences from blues, soul mixed with rock origins. Standout tracks for me title track and Fame.
Fine? Spotify didn’t have all of it. Not sure I love Fame from that album
Already have listened❤️
Loved it! Great stuff!
this album straight fucks
Not really my jam, but a couple good tunes
It's Bowie. It's good.
4.2 classic Bowie, 2 songs I couldn’t listen to
Este Bowie es mucho más fácil de consumir y me gusta mucho. Buenos arreglos con el piano y el sax. No todas las canciones son extraordinarias, resaltan para mi Right y Fascination. Young Americans y Fame son las obligadas y eso es la mitad del disco ya, sin embargo el cover de Across no me encanta y las demás están bien. 4 estrellas.
loved his cover of across the universe.
Bowie is always great
Half good
The hits from this album are as big as ever but I’m surprised by some that I hadn’t ever heard. “Right” is great, funky bass and rhythm. No Ziggy on this one. For better or worse. 4.5
Finding out that a) I know more Bowie than I realized and b) he’s got a haunting sound similar to that of Jeff Buckley...
More "funk" than other Bowie. The saxaphone is smooth and not as piercing. Easy listening compared to what I usually listen to..
Good, not my kind of album
Started out this album thinking what is it with Bowie and this kind of jazzy overproduced pop, why is this the huge deal but as a whole it really is such an iconic rock sound of it's era. Superb deceptively simple lyrics too.
Could’ve been a 5 if not for that Across The Universe massacre
Aunque Bowie es raro creo que este disco es el mas raro, su incursión por la música dominada por Afroamericanos es magnífica. Si no fuera por su peculiar voz y estilo ni me hubiera percatado de que era un disco de Bowie. Gran disco y deja claro lo multifacético que era el cabrón.
Es un gran disco que en primer lugar demuestra la capacidad de Bowie de prácticamente cambiar de género y seguir haciendo algo que suena perfecto. En lo personal me gusta más la época de Glam o Rockandroll, pero de todas maneras el sonido de R&B, Soul y Funk que trae este disco es una chulada. Me encanto el cover a Across The Universe porque transofrma una canción que es hippie y con su onda hindú a algo totalmente Soul súperelaborado. Por otro lado, Fame tiene un algo, que no sé identificar, que hace que me caiga mal.
Soulful
Classic.
Funky, cool, classic Bowie.
Favorite so far. Short and sweet, only 8 songs. I'd heard the title track, fame, and the original 'across the universe'. I like all those a lot, otherwise the album was average. More upbeat rock then the other albums I've gotten
Funky, First Bowie listening experience too late in life. Didn't know what to expect but weird, creepy, psychedelic vibes are working for me
My kind of Bowie. You can see where Elastica got some of their inspiration from
This was a good listen but some of the funky tracks were a little same-sounding to each other
This is probably my favorite Bowie album.
7.5/10 Ft: fascination
2/2 Youthful and vibrant. Standout Tracks: Young Americans, Win, Across the Universe
Even though Bowie is kinda overrepresented on this list, all his albums here are fantastic, and this one is no different.
Funk soul melody.... it’s what the thin white duke does best. Top record!!
The first half of the album really didn't do it for me but the second half certainly shined. Don't think it's a must listen but nonetheless it was a fun listen
Probably his weakest of the 70s run for me. Not sure his voice suits the material, and so many tracks have the hallmarks of cocaine-fueled jams at the end.
How could John Lennon let him slaughter "Across the Universe"? Bowie warbles like a doorstop.
Thought I would like this more than I did.
It's good!
a good time until we hit a cover of one of the worst Beatles songs out there. at least the guitar licks are better than butchering the pronunciation of "jai guru deva". anyway Fame is my favorite song here by a mile but i think that's more to do with the quality of that song than the quality of this album
Bowie got pretty funky there. A nice change.
I like Bowie, but this album was kind of boring for me today, even with the couple of radio hits. Fame is an incredible song, but not quite enough for me to boost the album up to 4...
Another day, another Bowie album. Boy this Dimery guy has got it bad for Bowie. Onto the album. Definitely a different sound from prior albums. Half way in, I thought, huh when was this made? It feels later than 1974, which I guess is what folks think he was a bit ahead of his time. The two big hits on the album, Young Americans, and Fame, are clearly interesting and unique. Other than that, nothing stuck me as particularly fantastic. Right has a funky thing that he stole from somewhere I'm sure. There was no reason to remake Across the Universe and he just did it worse than the Beatles.
Not really much to bop to in here but nothing bad either.
The title and final tracks are the standouts of course. I hadn't realized Lennon played on this, and so the repeated, strident denials that "Nothing's gonna change my world" in his cover of Across the Universe seems poignantly prescient. Don't know though, would we call the rest cultural appropriation today?
Bowed
Favourite Songs: Fame
An early Bowie album, not my usual listening appetite but still similar enough to not be jarring. 3/5.
Bookended by absolute classics, the rest of the record is a bit empty. The Beatles cover is fine, but doesn’t quite fulfill the hopes of Bowie covering Lennon.
kIND OF MID WITH SOME HITS.
Over a quarter of the way through the 1001 and I’m only getting my first Bowie now. As a huge fan (he might just be my GOAT) and aware he has 8 albums in the book, this is actually the one I was least looking forward to reviewing. It’s pretty low in my total Bowie ranking, and certainly the one of the 8 I’ll be awarding the fewest stars to. It’s always been so, and I think it’s because the concept should totally work for me (I’m a big fan of 70s soul music too) and because I want so much to be blown away by it. But I’m just not. Today as I listened again, this time trying harder to figure out why it doesn’t grasp me, I probably enjoyed each song a little bit more individually than I ever have done before, but I still came away from the album as a whole dissatisfied. There are some exceptions of course. I couldn’t truly call myself a Bowie fan if I didn’t enjoy the title track. But while I can get off on the vibe of “Fame” I’ve never really been sold on its central songwriting. “Someone Up there Likes Me” is the moment here the idea of the album gels for me; I just believe it more than elsewhere, the moment where Bowie’s self-proclaimed “plastic soul” is least plastic. The sophistication of songwriting is more recognisably Bowie. I straight up don’t enjoy the Beatles cover. I didn’t like much of Pinups either, though I know incredibly well how capable he is of a quality cover (Fill Your Heart, Wild Is the Wind, Cactus, Pablo Picasso). My unpopular take has never had “Across the Universe” as a favourite Beatles song anyway, but on top of that it seems to have little in common with what’s going on elsewhere here. I think the bottom line is that when I’m listening to ‘Young Americans’ I’m hearing Bowie adjusting his writing to what he thinks will suit the surroundings and the outcome comes across as a group of shit-hot musicians doing excellent work but without the quality of material to merit their skills. There’s a good vibe and Bowie’s vocal performances are, by and large, up to his usual spectacular standards, but despite all the positives flying around, I can’t get on board as much as I’d like to. I’ve been glad to give it this much attention today though. Maybe next time I pull it from the shelf, I’ll be finally loving it.
Title track was good, but was a bit bored by the end of the album
Some good songs. Title track and Fame are very good, the rest pretty average.
3 star A proper 3 star Bowie album. Good enough that I own it on vinyl but mid enough that I probably haven’t played the record in the decade since I bought it. This is an album I wouldn’t say anything if it wasn’t on this list, but it’s not bad. The singles are good and the rest of the album is passable as “blue eyed soul.” Except the cover of “Across the Universe” is not great. Can’t believe he got John Lennon to play on that cover.
This reminds me how much I don't really enjoy David Bowie's voice. I do like the switch from his usual glam rock to the more soulful rock sound. I do like most songs with horns. I do not like the "Across the Universe" cover. That's one of my favorite Beatles songs, and nothing is done to really differentiate the song or improve it from the original. Bowie's voice isn't so bad that I dislike this album, but it does curb my enjoyment of the album. There's a couple of fun songs, but in terms of listening there really isn't a whole lot going on here. The style of the album is really the important thing here, and in terms of music history there's some importance to it, but it doesn't sound all that impressive. Favorite Song(s): Fascination, Fame
This cool. a little too poppy for me but it's still great.
Hard to give this one more than a 3. Bowie is great but this one didn't need to make the cut. Love Fame though.
It's commonly called his "blue-eyed soul" or "plastic soul" period. I think it's closer to disco-tinged... either way, it's quite a departure from the glam and glitter rock that he made it with. I'm not a huge fan of his experimental side but I enjoyed this just fine.
oki was not big emotions
It was quite a relaxing album. It encouraged me to clean my room.
Smooth and enjoyable but not fully holding my attention. 7.5/10
Ziggy goes funky soul.
Bowie does soul. Pretty good and an example of his extraordinary versatility.
Young Americans impressed me with how naturally David Bowie could move into soul and funk while still sounding unmistakably like himself. At times, the album barely felt British at all, which made Bowie’s ability to constantly reinvent his sound even more remarkable. Fame was easily my favorite track for its sharp, stylish funk groove and restless energy.
There was a young American i guess
No me gusta como vamos Bowie. No me gusta su voz. Tuve que pasar la versión de Across the Universe
Переслушай
Ok. Glad I listened, but not likely to listen ag6
Ahhhh, my 6th Bowie album so far. C'mon. I'm not going to listen to this but I will give it a middle of the road 3
I'm struck by how some of Bowie's songs sound out-of-time. While much of this album has a cool soul feel, like "Right", which I really liked, "Win" is almost easy listening. Unlike Station to Station, which I listened to recently, there are songs that I've never heard before, including an over-the-top cover of the Beatles' Across the Universe. Each song is interesting in its own right, but there's a reason why I didn't hear them regularly growing up. The title track, and the last track, "Fame" are spectacular, but besides "Right", I don't think I'd return to other songs on this album. 3 stars?
★★★½
7/10
It was good. Nothing special and writing this review a few days later, I don’t remember what I listened to, but the beat and music was fun
This is the coke album. Young Americans and Fame are great tracks but too many tracks drag on too long. Also, not a good Beatles cover on here.
i didn't make much of it. Some groovy tunes.
Dark and funky -
2nd David Bowie out of 9. I understand he was ahead of his time, but not my favorite. 6/10 Top song Fame
It’s Bowie but not my type of Bowie.
So, so, although Fame and Young Americans comfortably take this into 3 star territory
So here we go again. 3 Bowie albums in (none of them Ziggy era) and I'm generally unmoved. Fame is the standout track. The title track and Somebody Up There Likes Me are ok. But what the hell is he doing with Across The Universe? Beck's Debra shows how much the musical ideas in Win (and maybe the entire album?) could have been improved. Another disappointment from the legend that is Bowie. And without Fame it would have been worse.3*
Not the greatest Bowie album.
Really cool soul album! You could really tell Bowie didn’t hold back with this album and was really himself. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I thought his voice in certain songs was very Hendrix. The beginning of the album was pretty weak, minus the title track. That might have put some people off but atleast it actually got really good by the end! I think this is definitely a big landmark for soul, as this acted like Elvis for soul music; not that he was the greatest soul performer of all time, even though he was great. It’s more that it acted as a door for white people to soul music like Elvis was to rock ‘n’ roll music. Although the black community that started it off is definitely better. I’d recommend Young Americans, Right, Somebody up there likes me, Across the universe, Fame and Who can I be now?
Bowie taking a stab at soul- but couldn't quite make up his mind whether he wanted to be Ziggy Stardust or James Brown. Still quintessentially Bowie but with some good stabs at soul It’s funny if this was done by Clapton I’d hate it but Bowie pulls it off with out feeling like a safari in the ghetto
Funky and still pretty mellow.
Not my favourite Bowie. Not sonically or lyrically interesting to me. But even the worst Bowie is kind of good, no?
cool ig
Not my favorite Bowie album but his butterlike voice is always a privilige to listen to. Although, it might not be the best match for this particular music. The songs are great tho!
meh
There are 2-3 excellent songs, and the genre experiment of “Plastic Soul” is an interesting premise, but the album overall is Bowie’s most uneven since the early folk/ hippie records (prob at least partially due to the miles of coke lines the glittered one was doing at this time, according to the legends).
This is probably my favorite Bowie that I've heard on this. He was clearly a talented guy and able to work in different genres. I think this is pretty decent soul, but it sounds like someone pretending to be a soul artist. I think it works pretty well for what it is.
Eines der schlechtesten bowie alben
Pretty decent but not his best
As a huge fan of Bowie, one who would give many of his other albums a full five stars, I feel I have both the freedom and an obligation to be a little harsher on this record. I don't think the soul thing he's attempting to do here really works all that well. Bowie's strength is in driving, catchy hits, I think, and this album feels like a whole lot of him noodling without getting anywhere. Somebody Up There Likes Me is very good, certainly (and also one of my Grand Theft Auto childhood songs, I now realize) but it feels more like a happy accident in the surrounding context. Still, it's Bowie... his sound /is/ still in there. And it does seem like whatever he was doing here did have a positive influence on his later works. I'm certainly not going to go as low as two stars. Favorite tracks: Win, Somebody Up There Likes Me
bangin
Sounds like it got a three on it though, to me. I heard some funk like David Bowie. It was cool, but can you imagine Bowie in your funk? Ho! W-E-F-U-N-K
Like Bowie still only a 3 starer for me.
the first and last tracks? impeccable. maybe some of my favorite "Bowie in America" songs. the title track, with its irresistible soul pocket and that Beatles interpolation, is an especially high point in this transitional phase of Bowie's career between the glam years and the Berlin era. as far as the rest, it's unfortunately kind of a flatline. most of these songs just make me want to run "Young Americans" back again. Bowie and his "plastic soul" band make their way through the whole middle of the LP with just enough energy to not sound completely dead. that is, except for David Sanborn going absolutely apeshit on alto saxophone in the right stereo channel. it's a juxtaposition that's hilarious in a way I don't think was intentional. proving my personal maxim that Bowie's covers are either impeccable or disastrous is the rocky rendition of the Beatles' "Across the Universe". it's somewhat made up for by the John Lennon collaboration "Fame", a modal funk jam stacked with vocal and instrumental earworms. decent 5/10.
It's fine
Godd but not my style
Sure, there are two outstanding tracks here, but this is not one of Bowie’s best albums.
Good listen overall, but it’s really a two‑or‑three‑song album, and they were smart enough to save the best track for the finish..
el álbum perfecto para una banda sonora de una BUENA película. Sin duda la primera mi favorita, te hace sentir el main character sin duda
It's a good album, I'm not gonna give it a relisten tho, maybe Fame. great overall sounds, there's up and down but still
mais um caso de uma faixa de abertura e uma de encerramento sensacionais com músicas razoáveis entre elas, com exceção de somebody up there likes me. ps: que cover horroroso esse de across the universe pqp
Another average Bowie album with a couple of great tracks and some very competent (but less thrilling) others. He certainly churned them out.....
Bowie ends his glam era with a pivot to soul. It almost feels like a pastiche at time, with a plastic sound, tacky saxophones, and tons of background vocals. But calling it a pastiche ignores the fact that it often sounds very good. The title track and "Fascination" are lively, flowing jams with great vocals. "Fame" is irresistibly funky even if it feels a bit skeletal. Most of the other tracks feel inessential though, without enough going on. The Beatles cover is too similar to the original while also being just different enough to sound off. On his next album Bowie expanded on these sounds and turned them into something new. For an artist of Bowie's caliber, this one sounds a little tame.
Obviously there are really big hits on this album and I love David Bowie, but this record just grated on me idk??? I feel like the songs were endless and his voice was more abrasive and the cover of Across the Universe wasn't good? Idk am I on something? Wouldn't listen again no offence, there's better Bowie.
Good album, but maybe not DB’s best
Fine, don't care much for Bowie
Glad I listened to it for the bangers
Young Americans is one of my fave songs ever but this album isn’t really doing it for me. Still enjoyed, still a classic