Reviews (page 8 of 14)
Álbum que se tiene que escuchar completo. R&B
How many more Bowie albums are there? It's enough already! The above my my initial reaction. This is actually a very funky, listenable album that I enjoyed a lot! I love David Sanborn's little signature exclamation points of sax on the end of Bowie's sentences. Liked Songs Added: Young Americans Fame
Very good! Timeless. Great vocals. Catchy tunes.
i def wanna listen again sometime
nice in the background
My favourite Bowie so far. But that’s mostly due to nice funk and soul instrumentals. Bowies singing is often weirdly low in the mix.
Classic and would def listen to on my own.
Bowie has so many great, groundbreaking albums, but this is not one of them. Beyond the hits, nothing sits and sticks around.
Not one of my favourite Bowie albums. Listening all the way through I was reminded of its quality. What a guy. Most consistently brilliant artist of the 1970s?
I've never listened to a Bowie record...so glad I did!
Звук показался ужасно архаичным в плохом смысле.
I know Bowie is considered one of the all-time greats, but Young Americans just didn’t do it for me. I can respect the shift into “plastic soul” and how experimental this was for him, but most of it felt flat. “Fame” is alright — probably the only track I’d revisit — but the rest just kind of blends together in a way that didn’t stick. And I have to dock a star for his version of “Across the Universe.” Some things are better left untouched, and that cover didn’t do Lennon/McCartney any favors.
It's a Soul album from Bowie! Mostly it's surprisingly Sax forward in a way that I don't think works entirely. I get the mixed reviews. Musically "Right" is pretty fun and funky, as-is "Fame" (best track on the album for me) and the title track is a single for sure; but while there's a cohesive vision, for me it ends up being a great artist producing a mediocre soul album. I take the point about its influence on white artists collaborating actively with Black musicians, but I don't think I'll listen to it again.
Not the best Bowie
Some good tunes, familiar and not, but not a greatest of all time for me.
Bowie's love of music brings out the best of himself and every musician that contributed on this record. A ray of light that warms the soul.
Not his best work although there are a couple of decent songs on it
I loved this album, it was very beautiful and soulful. For the Bowie albums we have listed to its the one that made the most sense and flowed the best. Is it a little more commercial? Yes, but it also made sense.
I didn't get this album at first. Then my wife explained to me that it's a soul album. ooooooohhhh... that makes sense. Great instrumentation and playing. Dig the sax and the funky guitar riffs. Great backing vocals and I especially like Bowie's vocals on Fame. Can't "imagine" any one else singing that song.
Young Americans is seemingly a tribute album to John Lennon. John shows up in several ways: the background singers in the title song singing “ I heard the news today, oh boy” which comes from the Beatles song ‘A Day In the Life”, David later covers John’s song ‘Across The Universe’, and then to cap the album off, John co-writes ‘Fame’, sings backup with David and plays the main guitar riff. They were clearly close friends at this point in time. I always wanted to love this album but I just don’t. Other than the title song and Fame, these songs lie flat. Bowie is a true artist, so the intent here is great, and it’s not for a lack of trying. This album certainly has plenty of love thrown its way. I just prefer so many of his other albums from the 70’s to this.
This is my favorite album we've had of Bowie's so far (still haven't gotten Ziggy Stardust so that could end up taking its place, but for now this is tops!) Bowie's vocals, while perfectly fine, might be the least impressive thing about the album. I love all the backing vocals and how much richness and life they add to the songs. The instrumentation is all so lush and funky too, and the songwriting is solid. Everything just works incredibly well together. Fame is such a classic, and my new favorite discovery is Fascination, that song is amazing. Really loved the whole album!
I guess I can like plastic a lot, in the right circumstances.
Solid pop album.
Pretty dull, I expected more
6/10 - good all around album with the right amount of funk and classic rock vibes
Really enjoyed Bowie does soul. Fame is an absolute all timer
Solid album. Bowie has such a cool blend of styles and vibes. A really good album
i hate david bowie
Can't go wrong with this era Bowie. Props to him for covering two of my favorite Beatles moments: "Across the Universe" is a great cover of a Beatles song (even if the original is better) and during "Young Americans" he says "I heard the news today, oh boy" which is a tribute to "A Day In The Life" (one of my favorite Beatles songs). This is a fantastic album. So many fun moments. Solid 4 for sure. The instrumentals are so great and this is a top tier Bowie album. "Fame" is legendary. Fun Fact: John Lennon co-wrote "Fame" with Bowie. Additionally, Lennon played guitar and sang back-up vocals on "Across the Universe." Ironically, Lennon said he liked Bowie's version more and said it was "great because I'd never done a good version of that song myself. It's one of my favorite songs, but I didn't like my version of it." Note: Lennon famously was egotistical and never gave compliments, so this is high praise. Liked Songs: "Young Americans" , "Right" , "Somebody up There Likes Me" , "Across the Universe" , "Can You Hear Me" , "Fame"
liked songs: Fascination, Fame Not a big fan of the cover of Across The Universe. This is an ok Bowie album. Far from his best. 3
i enjoy this but it’s not amongst my fave bowie sounds. FAYYMEEEEEE!! however, is absolutely iconic!
Nothing really caught my attention with this one.
Average
Kind of disappointing. I was familiar with the two big tracks: Young Americans and Fame. Of course I know the Beatles song Across the Universe, though I didn't know Bowie covered it. And it's neat that Win was sampled by Beck on Debra, though I like Beck's song a lot more. The rest of album has parts that remind me of the Rolling Stones and parts that are closer to 80's pop. But it's not an especially good album.
Fame is one of Bowie's Top 5 for me, and Young Americans and the Beatles cover hold their own. But a lot of this is either surprisingly forgettable and even occasionally cheesy in a way I presume isn't deliberate. Sax party!
How David Bowie got his groove back. I'm not usually a fan of blue-eyed soul but Bowie proves an exception in a lot of things, including this. Fun to hear a random Beck sample (used pretty appropriately given Midnite Vultures was also Beck's sexy lounge album) and while most of the songs aren't as strong as 'Young Americans' or 'Fame,' it was a largely enjoyable listen.
title track holds up, the rest is mostly fine. but that across the universe cover is a war crime.
Não é o meu álbum favorito do Bowie, mas muito consistente
An interesting genre experience. It is quite conscious of its own "plasticness" which I find intriguing, but aside from Fame I found it just alright.
Not my kind of Bowie but it was good and it was funky!
Early Bowie
Great Bowie album
Classic Bowie, sounds like bowie. Not my favorite of his albums, but still has his heart and soul. Fame and Across the Universe are the best songs on the album
aquest àlbum és colega meu. Bowie desquiciat (i alliberat del personatge)
Couple great songs on here but Bowie never really speaks to me. Enjoyed listening though.
A couple good songs but I still just don't get the hype.
ja goed, lekker begin van de 1001 albums
C'est bien, mais je pense que ce n'est pas mon style de musique. En première écoute j'y donnerai un 5/10
82% Best: Fascination; Right; Somebody up There Likes Me; Fame Must-Hear? Sure
Not the best or most important album Bowie has made. But hey, he worked with John Lennon, covered the Beatles and made it all sound fresh and new, again. But no, it's not really my thing.
Heeft Bowie eigenlijk slechte albums (waarschijnlijk wel, kan niet anders met zo'n carrière)? Dit is er alvast geen van! Fame en Young Americans zijn uiteraard één van zijn topnummers. De rest is ook niet slecht. Zeker eens de moeite! 3.6
Great album, can't really go wrong with Bowie. Top notch production and performances. Rating: 4.0
Quite good but nothing to throw me out of my chair 3.6
Bowies’s tip of the hat to American r n b. A few good songs but also some very generic and forgettable songs. Fame, Young Americans are classics and Fascination stuck out for me.
Any Bowie day is a good day! And this one has its good qualities. David Bowie, as always, was ahead of the curve - this time digging into funk/soul influences well before more other non-black musicians would do so. “Young Americans” is awesome, but my highlight here has to be “Fascination” for how much it stuck in my head and how forward-thinking it was. Bowie shows the Beatles a lot of love on this album as well, the cover of “Across the Universe” is super solid, and yet another shining example of how much he sells out on his vocal performances. At the same time, I had a hard time grasping some of the melodies and ideas in this record. All the pieces are there, excellent performances left and right. Just not the most memorable/sticky Bowie albums. I hold him to a very very high standard. Great by any other artists standard, good by Bowie standards
Alltså är ju david bowie men denna är verkligen minst märkvärdig från hans gyllene tid
Good album. Didn't blow me away but good easy listening. I enjoyed the jazzy bits, wish there was more of that. Standouts: Somebody up There Likes Me Rating: 3.55/5
A couple of great songs on this album, but I'm not a big fan of David Bowie's soul era. Much prefer the glam rock side of Bowie.
Kedvenc/Favourite: Fascination Jó volt, néhány szám rajta különösen jó. Ugyanakkor szerintem vannak jobb David Bowie albumok, ez még kicsit kiforratlan. Néha elhúzódik egy-egy dal, vagy olyan háttérzenéssé válik, de amik nagyon jók rajta, azok tényleg lenyűgözőek. It was good, some songs on it were particularly good. However, I think there are better David Bowie albums out there, this one is still a bit undeveloped. Sometimes songs drag on or become background music-ish, but the ones that are really good on it are truly impressive.
On top of everything else, includes the truest ever couplet - Took him minutes, Took her nowhere...
A fine album.
the sax on this album absolutely FUCKS Bowie is doing everything he can and I'm loving it ++ little surprise beatles cover
I liked fame and are you listening, but overall just not a fan
Definitely a fun album with a nice vibe, but at the same time, that's nothing especially interesting or exciting about this. I enjoyed listening to it, but nothing stood out, and I don't think I'm going to return to it. 7/10
Two Bowie albums within a week. Uhm, it was good.
My first Bowie album and it's a somewhat contentious one that some like and some dislike. I feel as though this is quite hit and miss. Some decent to very good stuff and also some stuff which is just a little slow, plodding and boring. The title track opens this up and it's catchy, upbeat and cheerful. 'Fascination' for me is the best song on the album. It has a real funkiness to it, the bass is great and the electric guitar has the little frills and licks as well as the saxophone. The backing vocals really add to the song too. The next track 'Right' follows in the same vein. 'Somebody Up There Likes Me' really builds to something great during its six and a half minute runtime. Another really good bit of sax in this one. The closer 'Fame' is another very funky track. So to summarise. Eight tracks. Three very good ones, two decent ones, and three meh ones. Three stars.
Great great
Bowie has secret normie chops but I prefer him a little weirder.
I've tried but I don't think I'll ever like David Bowie. Just not my thing
6/10
There are better Bowie albums. There are better soul albums. This is unnecessary
Fuck yeah, funky and rocky
Yet another very OK David Bowie Album.
When I first heard, Young Americans, I was already a fan of David Bowie, I love the albums with his band, The Spiders From Mars and Diamond Dogs was a good effort. He took it a set further with Young Americans, abandoning the glam-rock sound of Ziggy and the apocalyptic themes of Dogs for an American, white-boy Philly Soul sound that seemed worlds away from his previous albums. I guess, that's what set Bowie apart from the mainstream, he went beyond what might be considered a comfort-zone and explored music he had interest and passion(?) for, as the Soul Man, his next persona. My first thought when I heard this record was that I didn't like it, it felt forced and I questioned it's authenticity of soul and funk. I didn't hate it, but I avoided listening to the title track and Golden Years for years on the radio while struggling with Bowie's ever changing sound in the 70's and 80's. As time has passed, I've eased up on my non-interest in music that wasn't purely rock or punk and have come to appreciate and actually enjoy this phase of his career. Young Americans has some decent tracks on it, but a lot of it blends together (blandly) and doesn't stand out or have the impact of the "hits". I still think there's a lot better soul and funk options out there that should be listened to instead of this, but you have to credit Bowie for trying new ideas and bringing attention to this genre to the mainstream. I admit that "Golden Years" is a great song, maybe one of his best.
Meh!
Not too bad. But nothing really excites me either. Was fun listening on my way home. I knew this album was old, but the production was a bit disappointing? At some point I found it almost impossible to hear his voice. I remembered I turned up the volume couples of times but still can’t hear him clearly. (I was comparing it with Boston by Boston - 1976) Musically, I think the album is beautiful and refreshing. A nice 3 star.
Torn between a 3 and 4. It’s not Ziggy Stardust but I suppose not all albums can be. Fame is both weird and haunting and groovy, right in Bowie’s sweet spot. I wasn’t blown away by the rest though I did enjoy it. It’s just sometimes I fucking love David Bowie and I didn’t really get that a ton here. I’m going to go with a 4 because I think I love his hits so much that it’s skewing my perception of how much I like his other stuff. Def going to relisten
so, i've never actually really given David Bowie a good listen through. I get that hes big, I mean he's David fricken Bowie. dude is cemented in music legend and was one heck of an artist. I think the only album I dabbled in before this was Ziggy Stardust, which fun fact was his 5th album (released in 1972) and Young Americans was his 9th album, released just three years later. all this to say... this album is just fine for me. i enjoyed listening to it, but it didn't blow me away. even with the preconceived notion of Bowie being the weird spaceman and having this alter ego, i kept that aside for this album and just as a album released in the mid 70's... its aight. i can have it on in the background and really enjoy it, but just as easily listen to something else. I do hope we hear more Bowie, as I think he's such an important musical figure that I personally don't know a lot about... but I probably won't seek out his discography on my own.
I guess I’m only a David Bowie hits kind of guy. Even the cover of across the universe was much worse than the original. Was hoping I would like it more.
Couple good songs but a lot of not good songs. 2 stars.
Better than our first Bowie album, but still not a lot to take away from this one. Fame is by far the biggest hit, and the cover of Across the Universe isn't bad by any means, but the rest is mostly unremarkable. I appreciate the more R&B sound of Bowie, but so far, both albums have not been the masterpieces I expected with how people hold him and his music with such high regard.
I'm not the biggest Bowie fan, but this was definitely my favorite album of his that I've heard. Really easy to listen and a constant sound. The sax throughout was great, and ending on "Fame" was a cherry on top.
Not my scene
This was actually the first full album by Bowie that I heard, thanks to my friend in college showing me some of it and me just loving it! So this album had a special place in my heart, it's such a good chill vibes out album and I can just sit around smoking s joint feeling like I'm there! Good songs! Great artist endless listening!
Amazing book ends of Young Americans and Fame. And some quality in the middle too.
Ending the album with Fame is crazy work. Another solid album from David Bowie, still haven't gotten my favorite but always an enjoyable listen.
Taking heavy inspiration from RnB/Motown/Soul, as apparent by the album title. I think this type of sound was perfected by Prince but I think there's still some bangers. Fame, Young Americans and Somebody Up There Likes Me are my favs
Didn't really click for me. I didn't know Fascination though, warra tune
Decent album but I’m not sure how often I’ll go back to it
Feels weird giving Bowie a 2
I'm quite a fan of David Bowie, but I didn't feel like there was much on this album beyond the two most well known tracks to return to.
6/10
Are entitled and lazy.
A master at the absolute peak of his craft. God knows how many different drugs he was on and this may be one of the albums he has no memory of recording but it all produced magic.
THINKIN: Go white boy go. PERSONALLY: on one level it’s a 5 out of 5 for sentimental reasons, but on this listen through I found I couldn’t stand the Across the Universe cover. ALT TITLE: Rubber Soul
Middle of the pack for Bowie, which still means it’s great.
Lovelyyy
geht so
Solid album but not one I'll listen to again ant time soon. Fame is great
Liked how he was able to take the pop music of the time and make it his own.
Superb. One of my favourite Bowie (and therefore favourite overall) albums.
If you are a fan of the glam rock scene this is an album for you.
Non mi ha colpito
Would be 4.5 if i could do it
HELLLLLLLL YEAH
Love me some bowie. Some great tunes on here. Some not so great tunes on here. All in all though a great listen
Highly overrated.
I enjoyed it but nothing is really go back to and listen again. Points are more for being David Bowie
First listen ever. Really good. The Beatles cover blew me away.
Now we’re talking, discos que son los que dan ganas de hablar. Classic bowie epic pero mucho más smooth. Temas lentos, largos, con muchísima onda. Patrones súper pegadizos con sonidos gordos, hermoso laburo de texturas por lo fino y por el espectro. La percu y los coros le suman mil y Bowie canta increíble en todo el puto disco. Punto extra por el amor compartido a los beatles
The album was okay...not my kind of music, but it was decent to listen to.
J’avais déjà écouté l’album par le passé sans être grandement impressionné, mais cette deuxième écoute m’a convaincu que Bowie peut aussi être un soul man. Voyons voir si ma troisième écoute lui garantira un spot dans les 5 étoiles
fame was prolly the only song i had heard before
Holy funky soul. And.. R&B?? In my Bowie album??! A side of the man I've never experienced before, and I LOVED it. Sax reminded me of Springsteen's Thunder Road. Now that's a model Young American.
Bowie has a base level of competence but I'm not going to return to this. It's not surprising that Fame and Young Americans are the two songs which have entered the Bowie canon.
Another classic album that I know 2 songs from (title track and Fame, well of course I know Across the Universe but never heard Bowie's version). This album is OK, I love the title track, always have, Bowie's soulful free form on the outro is unmatched. And he shows a lot of that throughout the album, focusing heavily on soul stylings. But unfortunately, not much of it really grabs me.
Young Americans and Fame
Nothing special.
I can’t like anyone who’d fire Stevie Ray Vaughan from his band and toss his instruments off the bus onto the side of the road.
This foray into smith R&B feels weak, aside from Fame the songs feel mired in style while lacking the essence of what makes R&B pop fun.
It's Bowie
està bé, m'esperava més
Great album my first David bowie and not my last
You can definitively tell he was inspired by soul and funk for this album, but the execution isn’t great in my opinion. I think Bowie has much better albums :) the only track that was genuinely funky was Fame (which is amazing)
Bowie was always cool!
Somebody, please make it stop. It’s just too much Bowie. There are NINE David Bowie albums on this list, more than any other artist, but good news! You can trade out FIVE of them for albums of your choice. Think of it like taking a mental health day at school, or a personal day at work. Enjoy some of your favorite music today - whatever you choose - since this is not among the four Bowie albums you actually need to hear before you die. It has a couple hits, and “Young Americans” is a good one, but this is not an essential album. No, it is not.
I feel like Bowie just gets a pass. He does have some great albums, and he is great - he even can create hits upon demand... none of all that is evident on this album. Yes, Bowie, you are great. This album is the like the unrelated jobs you had that you only keep on your resume to avoid uncomfortable time gaps in your timeline.
I really enjoyed the title track to this, which was a great start because I had an idea in my head that I don’t really like Bowie from what I’ve heard before. This sounded so much different to his other stuff I’ve heard initially, then his typically odd shit creeps in, but thankfully not to the extent I feel it usually does I enjoyed the song ‘Right’ too. Fame was proper cool. Felt like a black man in the 70s wearing flared green trousers and stomper boots with them big star shopped sunglasses when it was just the beat. Then he started singing and those green trousers suddenly became assless, and rather than the glasses seeming all groovy and jive, they suddenly represented more of an Elton John aesthetic. But still, didn’t mind it tbh. Up and down this album for me, but not to the extent I loved anything or hated anything… Even though he’s rocking a proper Donald trim on the artwork, I’m giving it a harsh 3
The style and arrangements on this sound very soul and motown influenced. You can imagine Stevie or Smokey singing Young Americans. Great funky riffs, girl group backing vocals, sharp snare sound, cool basslines and saxophones going off the rails. Yet again another testament to Bowie's ability to wander between styles from one album to the next. Not my favourite, and the Across The Universe cover was bad, but a respectable 3.
A bit bland. 2/5
- Another in a string of great releases ... he was a blessing to us... -
Pretty solid album throughout, with a few standouts
This was an enjoyable Bowie album - my favorite from what we've heard in the project so far. The songs were fun and interesting. I did find it note worthy that the songs often felt more aligned with disco than other Bowie work I'm familiar with.
As much I appreciate this album for the versatility it displays - Bowie can sustain a basic soul/pop record w/o weirding out all that much - I find it thin if I'm being honest, as well as incoherent: 'Fascination, takes a part of me'; 'Fame bully for you chilly for me / Got to get a rain check on pain.' It's not that he can't be soulful - he certainly can be - it's that if he was going for 'plastic soul,' he got something closer to the real thing, and just didn't quite make the cut. 'Young Americans' has an undeniable chorus, his cover of 'Across the Universe' is capable, and 'Fame' is a justifiable favorite. But I don't know what to do with: 'Can you hear me? / Can you feel me inside? / Show your love, love.' If it's sincere, it's bad; if it's ironic, what's alleged?
Typical David Bowie tunes. A good album overall with a couple of memorable tracks.
It’s pretty good, but I honestly can’t stand the cover of Across the Universe
Really fun soul vibe on this one. Super accessible.
Groovy
Loved it love Bowie
young americans 5/5 win 3.5/5 fascination 4/5 right 4/5 somebody up there likes me 4/5 axross the universe 3.5/5 can you hear me 3.5/5 fame 3/5 76/100
Hat sehr viel Spaß gemacht
this is pretty middling compared to the rest of bowie's catalog for me. i'm tempted to give it a 1 for the awful across the universe cover
I love David Bowie.
Definitely not the best of Bowie.
interesting, I love the classics on this album, but this isn’t bowie to me. feels like bowie trying on a style that is not his, and feels out of place. I can appreciate him branching out, trying on soul and funk, but I need him in glam.
In the eloquent words of my beloved friend, Emma, this album was: Ok
Ok
Gostei de Young Americans. Achei interessante o cover de Across The Universe, e algumas outras músicas. Bom álbum
8/10 It’s heretical to say, but Bowie is probably overrated as an album artist. Having said that, this might be my favourite of his. Glam soul. Well played, great vibes, great voice, great backing vocals. Love the sax. Doesn’t all set the heart racing, and some of it is under produced or over long. Best: right
Fame is a banger, this one is funky throughout.
Bowie. Solid 3.
Not my favorite Bowie. Lots of saxophones, I mean a lot. But it’s still Bowie.
Bowie does blue-eyed soul. Idiosyncratic and brilliant.
Day 88 - Feb 16th, 2025 Call me a homophobe, but David Bowie is so fucking mid
This could definitely get to 4 stars on more listens, but for one listen Bowie's interpretation of Philly Soul/R&B is a 3.5
Some good songs here.
Are all of Bowie's albums gonna be here? Yay soul! Yay title track, tay Across the Universe cover, yay "Somebody Up There Likes Me". More sax if you can afford it.
came around on it after a couple listens. Learned that his voice sounds so low in this one because he was doing so much cocaine that it fucked his voice
station to station is a better version of this imo
funky melodic bowie
Fame doing a lot of heavy lifting on this album
Plenty good, not earth-shattering. Fifth Bowie album so far.
Fun vibe a couple of bops. Fame is crazy!
Classic
Any David Bowie album is 5 stars with me. Legendary artist. Words left to describe his everything haven’t been created yet
Feel the same as any other bowie. Good production, dislike everything else
Every track is awesome.
This has been one if my favorite Bowie albums so far.
Not a Bowie album I was familiar with outside of a couple tracks, but overall very enjoyable. Lots of sax and soulful tunes. Fascination is my favourite on the first side, a toe tapper with an infectious bassline, but Right is good too. On the back half, it's Across the Universe and the beautiful Can You Hear Me. Then we have Fame, and I do kind of love when an album puts its biggest hit at the end. It's got an interesting stop-start rhythm and a twangy guitar riff. There's probably better Bowie, but this is a comfy **** album.
Just a great album all the way through.
love it
-wow a fifth David Bowie album and not even 1/4 done this… they really gonna have me listen to this man’s whole catalogue -I actually kinda liked this one even though it apparently gets a bad rap.. it’s not amazing but it’s much more interesting than The Next Day at least. it’s a different yet largely abandoned direction from Bowie, and there are some decent songs on here -Favorites are Young Americans and Win
3.5
Yeah maybe he's copying black soul music, but I just like it
something i’d dance to and is very interesting 👍
this sounds like it’s from the 80s when it’s only from ‘75.. i think that says it all i’m more of a heroes person but i love something about all of his music that i’ve heard before (everything pre 90s), i LOVEEE fascination it’s my favourite track and i just don’t know what else to say, it’s bowie he’s the definition of icon x
not for me
Smooth
You get jazzy funky fun Bowie, crooning emotional weirdo Bowie, smouldering intensity soul Bowie, and boldly venturing into R&B Bowie too! It's an ever shifting sonic kaleidoscope of tones, moods, and styles that blend together with effortless cool. It's about as buttery as Bowie ever gets; we need a biscuit to sop him up! The perfect album for a night owl summer cruise on a hot sticky night with the windows down and nobody else on the road.
En del goa låtar, med rätt tydligt Bowie-sound, en del tråkigare låtar och nån enstaka 80tals-saxofon-konstighet. Det mesta går att lyssna på men det är bara Fame som sticker ut för mig
If you are looking for a classic 70s sound that is stereotypical of the vibe of the decade and psychedelic sound, this album fits. Not my cup of tea.
Pretty good. Funky
нормалек.
Bowie's most underrated album from his golden 70's run. To shift so easily from the apocalyptic Glam Rock of Diamond Dogs to the plastic soul seen here demonstrates his seismic talent. Helps that the songs are great as well. Young American's, Fascination, and Fame are the standouts, but Win and Somebody Up There Likes Me and Right are all great as well. I also recommend you listen to the song Who Can I be Now which I believe was replaced by Fame on the Album, but arguably still deserved a spot. I went into this already a fan expecting to give it a 4, but it's only a 4 amongst his other works. Against everyone else,this is a 5. Befitting Album cover as well.
Young Americans and Fame are highlights for me, but the rest is kind of meh to average.
I didn't love this.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8/10 I'd understand the low ratings if you are expecting a soul album. However, as someone coming in blind, this is a hell of a yacht rock album. Reminds me of Steely Dan. Great, its sad that this jazzy pop sound isn't popular today anymore, would've loved it if more artists were able to make music like this.
I knew the beginning and end of this album, but didn’t realize the whole thing was funk. Great cover of “across the universe.” David Bowie could truly do any genre.
No lo tenia. Magnifique
Bowie does his best attempt at soul without abandoning his glam/pop rock sensibilities. Relative to all music, Young Americans is fun, short, and inoffensive. Bowie takes a back seat in favor of the music, and to his credit the instrumentation/orchestration is well done. However, I think Bowie's contributions get overshadowed by the other vocalists and performances. It is nowhere near the best that the genre has to offer, and, frankly, what Bowie has to offer. Can't be a hater if this is an album you really enjoy, but I was largely unmoved. A+ album cover though. 3.5/5
7.5/8 some great tracks and decent cohesion of the album, but not quite a 5 for me
I like "Young Americans" plus the nice saxophone tunes on this. But even the second well-known track "Fame" is not my favour. It is a shame to say - but this album from his Bowieness doesn´t convince me at all.
Good album. Give Bowie credit where credit is due: he never rested on his laurels. He always tried different things; from his ever-changing personas to tackling different genres of music. I think he is a little over his skis on some of these songs on this album and he struggled a bit with his take on soul. However, he has a nice voice and it is a very listenable album.
Ich mag seine Stimme sehr, die Musik an sich plätscherte eher vor sich hin, nervte aber nicht aktiv, die Songs waren etwas lang und gingen alle in die gleiche Richtung. 2 1/2, runde auf.
I don't like Bowie as much as the author of 1001... does, but this was pretty good Bowie
Good album, not Bowie’s best 4/5
Solid album and the saxophone really adds a lot to it. One of the better Bowie albums on the list
Bowie!!!!
My first full Bowie album. “Young Americans,” “Fascination Road,” and “Fame” were the stand-outs to me on the first listen. I appreciate the soul sound, inventiveness, and pure musicality throughout. This sounds fresh and exciting 50 years on.
It pains me to give Bowie only 3 stars, but here we are. Despite a couple of classics, most of the songs on this album were kinda forgettable. I did not enjoy the Beatles cover. His voice juts felt wrong for it.
relaxant, cu clasicul Fame care m a trimis direct in clasa a 9a pe guitar hero
Already listened to this, potentially my favourite Bowie album (between ziggy stardust, aladdin sane and blackstar). There's just something about it that I can't quite explain.
He got better but this is still very good Bowie.
Bowie goes funk Favorite song: Fame
The first 3-star Bowie album I’ve listened to. “Fame” is awesome, but the other songs just feel sterile. Why cover “Across the Universe” if you can’t improve on it somehow?
Some bangers in here, but far from Bowies best imho.
A thoroughly unimpressive rendition of other soul/funk/R&B of the time. Most of the tracks are forgettable other than the singles (which really aren't that good). Not his best work. 2/5
I don't like this as much as station to station or Ziggy Stardust, but its still quite good. Quite similar to Ziggy Stardust but just a little bit more dated. Favourite songs: Win, can you hear me, who can I be now. Overall around 7/10
first track is a banger, groovy album overall
niet slecht... maar ik raak meer en meer overtuigd dat Bowie meer een singles man is ipv een album man
old is gold
What a perfect day to jump in! There are definitely better Bowie albums, but I love hearing him start to play with funk. It's clear that this was a transition album where he was trying some new things (new for him at least), but it doesn't sound entirely derivative. It feels like a genuine attempt to find a place for his voice in the realm of soul/funk/r&b, and even if it falls a bit short I'm not mad at it. Fame is obviously a shining moment. Admittedly, I'm a bit biased when it comes to Bowie.
I think Bowie is officially in the Queen tier of their singles being really good but for the most part I don't care for their albums 6/10
It’s good. I have heard it a long time ago.
Soul-Bowie is better than the other ones.
It piqued my attention
david bowie does blue eyed soul. count me in
Love a bit of Bowie.
Never my favorite artist
title track is brilliant, rest is disappointing
Bowie was brilliant. But after perfecting his own incredible sound, his subsequent dabbling in other genres (electronica, Philly Soul) produced some mediocre albums. Bowie's vocal stylings were always more Joe Strummer than Donny Hathaway. Excepting the bookends, which are incredible tracks, his punk-rock vocal instincts simply don't work over the lush, beautifully recorded (if occasionally by-the-numbers) Philly-Soul tracks. Had this album been sung by any of the backing singers, Solomon Burke, Hathaway, Darryl Hall or one of a thousand other Soul singers, it may be worth listening to. With Bowie's voice it isn't. Definitely another of this list's mediocre albums by a brilliant artist, joining Metallica, U2, Bruce Springsteen, the Cure, the Black Keys, Smashing Pumpkins, Sonic Youth, Paul Simon, Prince, Miles Davis, and the Go-Betweens. Given the GREAT music that those acts are responsible for, It's remarkable. A whole start for the title track; the rest earns a D.
Disco Dave ain't bad
Starts strong and finishes with a bang! The Beatles cover is unnecessary and frankly bad. Right is absolutely amazing and a highlight of the album. Not his best work but always worth a spin!!
I can appreciate the music for the time it came out and the artistry. However, I find myself listening to this similarly to how I listen to jazz. It’s great to have on and I thoroughly enjoy it when I focus in, but a majority of the time it doesn’t keep my attention and acts as really good background music
1001: I think this may be album 5 or 6 for Bowie so far and I'm at around the 200 mark. Hopefully there are plenty ahead on this journey. Another Bowie album, another genre. I've really come to appreciate his versatility and adaptability from decade to decade. His calling this style " plastic soul" is perfect as it starts to be more funky and soulful than the earlier rock style. I've also started to rate some of the more prolific artists on this list more against themselves than the other artists, and I will say compared to the other Bowie albums I didn't quite like it as well. Kind of like how the Across the Universe cover may not be my favorite, but does enough to distinguish it as a unique version. I think the overall genre for this album may be thing that is getting in my way. Fame does it's best to save it as a great album, but it's just not the absolute top tier I've heard from him before. Is it still better than a huge percentage of the others here? Sure, but that's not really fair to them. Against Bowie's others I'm going to give a 4/5 Favorite track "Fame" 4/5
Tremeeeendo. De principio a fin es una experiencia que se disfruta bastante.
I guess I judged David Bowie without actually listening to his music, as I didn’t have high hopes for this album. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the niceness of his music, especially with the background vocals. I liked the first song especially.
Young Americans is David Bowie's ninth studio album, and his break through LP in the United States. This was a departure from his previous work; with Young Americans, Bowie wandered into "white soul," his version of American R&B and soul. The album includes "Fame," Bowie's first #1 single in the US. Amongst Bowie's extensive catalog, this is not regarded as his best work. However, Young Americans is a significant milestone in his career, not only for the success in the US, but also for the beginning of Bowie's career as a musical chameleon. His exploration of sounds and styles - beyond his early "Ziggy Stardust" phase - continued throughout his career.
This record doesn’t match the absolute greatness Bowie is capable of. I would be lying if I said it was shit or that I didn’t enjoy it, but the whole time it felt like something was missing, I really didn’t feel Bowie’s character in these tracks at all. The call-and-response Bowie does with the back vocals is hilarious at times, and sometimes it does work… when it’s not awkwardly placed. However the quality is still there and the album does have its moments, if you take it just for what it is you get a very good, very enjoyable soul record, but, for me at least, not a very good Bowie record. Best: Young Americans, Fame, Fascination Worst: Win 3/5
Meh, wasn't super memorable, no standout songs apart from maybe young American
One of the masterpieces of the master. 5!
Lovely. Some of the less famous songs fade into the background, but the whole album sounds great because Bowie sounds great. [(3/5) Previously listened.]
A couple of hits. It's condescending to suggest he crossed the color lines in music and broke through those barriers when we're3 talking about a wildly successful white musician working "down" while ignoring everyone in black culture who were breaking through going "up". Weird album, but this whole list is biased toward Bowie. I won't be surprised if I listen to his entire discography before I'm through.
This was never my favorite David Bowie album but as I get older, I like it more every time I listen to it. I could do without the “Across The Universe” cover though.
This is my fourth Bowie album I've been handed so far (and I believe there's still more to come!). I love the man. I love a lot of his music and I love the fact that he never let himself be put into a box and labeled. He did his thing when he wanted to do it and wouldn't let anyone tell him otherwise. This was such an interesting choice for him. The overall sound of this album is tough to describe. It's hard at times, floaty in others, but it always has these incredibly strong backing singers attached to it, almost always has horns involved, and it always finds a groove. I really didn't need his cover of "Across the Universe." It's kind of a funky, gospel take on an otherwise thoughtful and hopeful song. I don't think it worked, personally. I don't begrudge him for trying, but I don't think it added much to the album and I don't think it was necessary. This was such a weird offering from Bowie. It definitely isn't one of the ones that stands out from the pack of his I've heard so far, nor will it be at the end when I've heard all his entries on this list, either. But it's still Bowie, and there are some damn fine grooves on this album. Three stars. Standout Tracks: Young Americans, Fascination, Somebody up There Likes Me, Fame
Upbeat and original without being too weird. Only thing I didn't like was his cover of Across the Universe.
very funky album. never had experienced his music before, it was unexpected. but i liked it
Not Bowie’s finest imo but enjoyable all the same. Can I please have something that isn’t late 60s-Mid 70s tomorrow please
Three or four songs are ok.
Banger! Love this era of Bowie
豪，说不上哪好听
David Bowie rock, nothing really stood out
Iconic title track feels timeless. At the time of release it was a shock after the glam rock period and it took time for this new Bowie period to sink in. Listening over the years it's become one of my favorite Bowie albums. Full of great songs and great Philly soul grooves. Great performances all around, especially the back-up singers who almost outshine Bowie throughout the album.
5/10. Not many highlights. he just has better works
I wasn't a big fan of this Soul / R&B / Funk period in David Bowie's musical evolution, and have mixed feelings about the title track. However, the final track, "Fame", (written in collaboration with John Lennon), is one of my favourite Bowie tracks. Even with the collaboration of John Lennon, I'm not overly impressed with the cover of "Across the Universe", but that's possibly because I'm so familiar with the original version by The Beatles.
Okay, David Bowie today. Happy New Year. I high key might dive into more DB after this. I’ve always wanted to, and never have… even though I’ve seen Labyrinth. This album was made in 1975 and for me that’s personally ironic because I just watched the first episode of SNL ever and that was done in 1975… and it kinda just makes me feel there was this dope sort of anti culture thing going on in the mid 70’s. Also the intro track’s intro sounds like it was the intro theme for SNL (and still is). Like this jazzy upbeat joint. The rest of this album reminds me how much DB must’ve hung around niggas. The song “Fame” I think we all know.
I’ve like lots of the Bowie albums from beginning to end. This album feels like it was before its time. It was at the front of disco and some of the songs feel that way. I like a couple of songs…don’t love the Across the universe cover very much. It’s an okay album, just not on par with some of his other stuff.
Really enjoyed this album more than the ones I have previously listened to this album.
Side A is sublime, side B is so disappointing, especially with that horrendous cover of Across the Universe. Still giving it a 4 because the first side has some of Bowie's best work on it.
Love this album! It feels so different from the rest of his discography. Bowie really embodies the Soul sound on this one!
Ok, the "Across The Universe" cover is awful, but if you forget it, this album is fire. Tasty energetic pop/soul with Bowie's unique magic touch. So many catchy hooks and great arrangements in it.
Better Bowie than most.
I’ll be honest… I found this kinda boring. I’m usually the last to make a problem out of messy production or structures but I didn’t see any of these songs really going anywhere, just kinda fucking about. Besides a strong opener and closer, I just didn’t find this all that interesting.
Favorite Track: Right
Alright music. Great sounds on guitar.
It’s the one with Fame in it
This is where Bowie began to lose me
But jazzy for me to listen regularly but enjoyed and some good tracks
It's incredible to me how Bowie can be such a great musician with incredible albums and at the same time have some pretty mid ones too. Unfortunately Young Americans falls under the last category for me. It's just not all that. Some good tracks weren't enough to change the overall feeling of the album.
1.young americans 5/5 2.win 4/5 3.fascination 5/5 4.right 5/5 5. somebody up there likes me 4/5 6 across the universe 5/5 7 can you hear me 5/5 8 fame 5/5 What can i say its bowie
I understand the plastic soul label, but he does do it so well. The arrangements make this album. The lyricism is right behind. Have to admit really don’t like the song ‘Win’ maybe I will change my mind one day but who knows. Very enjoyable 40 minutes.
was ok but why do all these albums kinda sound similar to each other
Four Bowie albums?!???? I’m only 40 ish albums in! Anywho, love Bowie and I appreciate the gospel and funk influences on this one, but it’s not the cream of the crop, still great
Bowie at this stage in his career managed to pull out timeless classic songs every album, whatever else was going on. This isn't his best, or indeed his most inventive, but it has some great songs and stands up pretty well.
This gets an extra star because the title track and Fame are fantastic, but the rest of it is exceptionally mediocre. I would have preferred an actual authentic soul album to be included here instead (even though it's not my favourite genre personally). Never really got the appeal of this one, even though Bowie is one of my favourite artists.
Peak cocaine disco Bowie. Favourite tracks: Fame, Fascination
- Bowie's album that followed Diamond Dogs, the end of his Glam-Rock era, and also preceded Station to Station, I mean, you can see why it was overlooked - This one takes a way more soulful style, focusing on Rhythm and Blues and Funk influences - Turns out Bowie worked with John Lennon to produce the Beatles cover of Across the Universe, and the most iconic song from this album, Fame! - Well, it's a different cover, I think I still prefer the Beatles version - For a first dive into that funky, soulful sound, I think Bowie deserves high praise, particularly because of being a trail-blazer for white mainstream artists to embrace the culture that largely was dominated by black artists
Even though I’m a fan of David Bowie, I didn’t like this album.
Great plastic pop. Will listen again.
3/5
One of his best… but he has so many of those !
It's Bowie, so it's obviously good, but I can name 10 or more albums I like better than this. Good time though.
7/10
sem sal e demasiadamente longo, a primeira e última são as únicas que marcaram e, ainda assim, sinto que vou lembrar de nada
Loved Fame and Fascination
Some ups and downs to talk about here. The album covers is so horrendously low-budget that it wraps around to being kind of good. It's a grainy close-up of Bowie putting on an unconvincing seductive face, two fonts that are ugly and hard to read, and some cheap sparkly plastic stuff from your local dollar store for good measure. The music itself is very strong, though until the final track, the songs feel just a little incomplete somehow. It doesn't help that Bowie's singing is wavery, lazily theatrical (even more than usual for mid-70s Davie), and can barely hold a melody. It's also mixed uncomfortably, sounding both in-your-face and partially muffled by the other instruments at the same time. Anyone who thinks his vocal here sounds better than on Low or Hunky Dory has a very odd taste in vocals. And I know there's at least one of you in the list of reviews here. The album really shines when you focus on all the instruments other than Bowie's voice, as well as the compositions in general. The backing vocals are gorgeous in just about every track. Incredibly tasteful sax solos are sprinkled throughout the album and I'm mesmerised every time they appear. The guitar style and especially the dynamic bass playing are clearly influenced by funk, and showcase the prototype of what would later populate much of 80s funk, pop, soul, and early R&B. This is the first album, chronologically, where Bowie commits to a setlist of jam sessions. I think it works pretty well, though Bowie's voice brings it down significantly. 3/5 Key tracks: Young Americans, Fascination, Fame
solid. not bowies best, but a good sound. didn’t know he covered across the universe. didn’t need to know that either. sorry.
Pre-listening thoughts: I swear I summoned this album into existence. I was JUST thinking yesterday about how much I love the title track of this album SO MUCH but I’ve never listened to the rest of the album (love Fame though) and everyone says it’s mid ☹️ so I’m curious but wary. BUT yall can never crush my love for the title track. It is a masterpiece. Post/during listening thoughts: this ain’t no ziggy stardust but it is 100% better than heroes. I don’t think I’d consider this truly soul music, but it’s an interesting departure from Bowie’s normal sound. There was one review on here that said something like “this album may have introduced white audiences to some form of soul which was cool kind of, but it didn’t do anything to move soul music itself forward.” Which I totally agree with. But this is till a pretty good album. 7.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: no Fav tracks: Young Americans, Fascination, Somebody up There Likes Me, Fame Least fav tracks: Win
Great album. Added a couple songs to my library
It’s Bowie, it’s good. Enjoyed the deep cuts. That said feels like too much Bowie on this list.
• 4/5 • Love the singles (Fame & Young Americans) • Enjoyed the blue-eyed R&B in between, but not really standout tunes • Very adept pivot from the glam rock era
Bowie is sometimes meh
Today it’s the beginning of summer holidays, and we listened to this in the pool (along with PJ’s Ten). Funky! Reminder to check where it slots in with Parliament and Television, which this record feels poised between. I would listen to it again. I don’t feel like I’ve ever totally connected with Bowie, and this wasn’t the moment either. Let’s see what else is in store … (Dot liked it.)
3/5 stars, overall dull but fame pushed it up right at the end
I love Bowie, but soul is not his wheelhouse. Title track is great, the rest was fine. Not offensive, but not particularly captivating.
Music from the 70s hits different. What a cool sound, so rich and funky, and Bowie’s voice is so smooth and powerful at the same time
Not bad. I liked the instrumentals and the vocal work here was better than I'd experienced with "Aladdin Sane" - but ultimately, nothing really grabbed me here. 'Fascination' was my choice for a fave.
3-4
Bowie reinvents himself and comes to America. Strong tracks all the way through. Further proof of the legendary talent and pop
Good listen.
I just don’t get Bowie. Besides “Young Americans” and “Fame,” this was just dull (aside from a truly annoying cover of “Across the Universe”).
Great front to back
Great album that shows how Bowie could bridge the style of glam rock to a more bluesy and soulful record. Great tunes like "Young Americans" and "Fame" with an interesting version of the Beatles "Across the Universe"
I love Bowie's music. I'm glad I got this as today's album so I could sit down and listen to it all the way through (although it is pretty short). I didn't realize Bowie covered "Across the Universe" on this album so that was interesting to hear. Nothing particularly jumped out at me besides "Fame" and "Young Americans", which I was already a big fan of. I will give the album 4 stars, but I wish I could give it 3.5. I rated Songs in the Key of Life 4 stars a couple of days ago and I don't think this should have as high of a rating.
David Bowie is the Best....RIP,you are missed by the World...Ziggy Stardust.....
David Bowie, amazing as always
Fame and Fascination
Excellent
I liked the consistency of this album. Best tracks: Young Americans, Fame, and (new to me) Right.
I was too young for David Bowie’s first flourishing in the early 1970s. He was unapproachable cool in the early 80s in his “Modern Love” and “Let’s Dance” era. I can’t believe I’ve never listened to this entire album before. It is stunning.