12 essential David Bowie albums every music fan should have in their collection

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As a seasoned gamer with a lifetime of musical adventures under my belt, I can confidently say that compiling this list of David Bowie’s albums has been nothing short of an epic quest. From his glamorous beginnings to his final, poignant farewell in the form of “★ (Blackstar),” each album is a testament to his unparalleled creativity and versatility.

David Bowie is undoubtedly one of the most influential figures in contemporary music, spanning numerous styles and subgenres. Throughout his impressive catalog of 30 official albums, along with various live recordings, compilations, and more, he has tackled a wide array of genres – from psychedelic and standard pop to glam, R&B, funk, torch songs, ambient, and hard rock. Remarkably, Bowie not only dabbled in these genres but mastered them to the extent that even some of the more recognized artists in those fields aspire to achieve.

Indeed, some of his albums might not fully live up to his own high standards, but even in those lesser ones, you’ll often find standout tracks that would make many other artists blush with envy.

Because it’s so challenging, selecting a baker’s dozen of his official albums is one of the toughest tasks out there. However, these are the ones that every thoughtful collector must possess to complete their desert island collection.

12 essential David Bowie albums every music fan should own

The Man Who Sold The World (1970)

As a gaming enthusiast might put it: Delving into the third self-titled Bowie album, I found myself traversing uncharted territories. This time around, David presented a fresh take with a haunting undertone that would later define his musical identity. Notably, this was the stage where the shape of his legendary Spiders from Mars band began to emerge. Among its many masterpieces, it was the title track “The Man Who Sold The World” that truly stood out as one of Bowie’s unforgettable hits.

Hunky Dory (1971)

Gradually, all pieces seemed to fit perfectly together, with Bowie emerging as a truly innovative musical presence in contemporary music. His album continues to stand out as one of the finest examples of modern music.

The album Hunky Dory was not only a significant milestone for Bowie, but it also gave him a tremendous surge of popularity. He remarked that it provided him, for the first time in his life, with a genuine audience – people who approached him and expressed appreciation for the album and its songs. It turned out to be much more than just a well-received album.

The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars (1972)

This album catapulted David Bowie into his role as a true rock legend, significantly contributing to glam or any contemporary rock genre. Notably, this wasn’t Bowie’s first step; he was already gaining momentum with outstanding songwriting and backed by the Spiders from Mars, one of the most cohesive bands at that time. It proved to be a remarkable artistic expression in modern music and is widely regarded as one of the greatest concept albums ever made.

Diamond Dogs (1974)

To certain reviewers, this particular album didn’t quite meet expectations. Labeled as a concept album inspired by George Orwell’s ‘1984’, it still managed to be another outstanding work by David Bowie, featuring tracks like “1984” and “Rebel Rebel”, which joined the ranks of Bowie’s timeless classics. It also marked the end of Bowie’s glam era, as the artist ventured into new territories with this release.

Young Americans (1975)

Known as one of the most versatile musicians in contemporary music, Bowie adopts a soul/R&B style, introduces a new band capable of handling any genre, and boasts an extensive roster of famous collaborators ranging from John Lennon to R&B sensation Luther Vandross and jazz saxophonist David Sanborn. However, it is Bowie’s songwriting prowess and exceptional vocal delivery that truly sets this album apart and elevates it to the status of a timeless classic.

Station To Station (1976)

This album represented a shift in identity for Bowie, as he adopted the new persona known as the Thin White Duke. Notable performances were given by Bowie and his band, with standout contributions from guitarists Carlos Alomar and Earl Slick. Bowie’s songwriting peaked during this period, showcasing a diverse range of styles, including progressive rock (the title track), funk (‘Stay’), and an exceptional rendition of “Wild Is The Wind,” originally composed by Dimitri Tiomkin.

Low (1977)

In the initial stage of what’s known as his ‘Berlin period’, Brian Eno collaborated with David Bowie, who ventured into electronic pop and ambient music. This collaboration was documented (though not in Berlin, but France). The album was rich with inspirational moments, showcasing a diverse array of instruments that Bowie skillfully handled, ranging from a simple instrument list to one longer than his own arm. Moreover, Iggy Pop was introduced into Bowie’s musical circle during this time. While some critics viewed it as Bowie’s authentic ‘European’ album, its influence extended far beyond Europe and became globally recognized.

“Heroes” (1977)

The second installment of David Bowie’s “Berlin trilogy” stands out as not only the strongest among the three, but also as one of his most remarkable works, entirely produced in Berlin itself. The recording studio was situated near the Berlin Wall, which provided Bowie with inspiration to address the cultural and political disparities prevalent during that time. In essence, this album encapsulates the spirit of its era while foreshadowing future transformations, making it a powerful statement with a universal resonance.

Scary Monsters… And Super Creeps (1980)

As we stepped into a new decade, this album served as a comprehensive reflection of Bowie’s career and musical accomplishments thus far. It blended various music styles, ranging from the glam/prog influences in the title track to the funky pop tunes like “Fashion,” along with the ever-popular “Ashes to Ashes,” one of his most successful singles (and arguably among the greatest).

Let’s Dance (1983)

David Bowie’s most successful album during his lifetime was characterized by some critics as overly pop-oriented, but it embodied the essence of the ’80s pop scene, shaping the decade and serving as a blueprint for countless other artists to imitate. Featuring exceptional songwriting and backed by musical greats like Nile Rodgers and Stevie Ray Vaughan, its impact remains undeniable.

The Buddha Of Suburbia (1993)

This particular album, sandwiched between “Let’s Dance” and the soundtrack, has been relatively underrated. Both critics and the public seemed less enthused about Bowie’s Tin Machine era, as some of them weren’t particularly fond of this stage in his career.

Instead, this wasn’t just a soundtrack, but a collection of tunes influenced by a BBC television series where Bowie appeared, and to some extent, it functioned as a semi-autobiographical album. The album’s merit can be attributed to its personal touch.

★ (Blackstar) (2016)

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but reflect on a moment when time on our planet seemed to run out for an extraordinary artist. Just two days before he bid farewell, the legendary David Bowie gifted us one more incredible masterpiece, as if he was racing against the clock to share his genius with the world.

One might expect that the process was heavy and filled with depth, yet strangely liberating, as Bowie produced some of his finest music not just in recent years, but across his entire discography. This poignant creation serves as a heartfelt goodbye from a musical mastermind.

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2024-09-25 13:00