HUNKY DORY

This album in many ways was a slight breakthrough for Bowie. After 3 albums which failed to breakthrough to any real markets or niches, Bowie released this album, and wouldn't you know it, 4th time's a charm.

If you do listen to this album, you can really see why this was a big success, and in my opinion, one of Bowie's best albums. I think overall it is definitely his most pop orientated album and even though weird splatters are heard throughout, the album is a lot more cohesive and radio friendly.

Musically the album is a lot more piano orientated, with Rick Wakeman (pre Yes years) showing brilliant piano and keys playing. The hard rock edge from "The Man Who Sold The World" is heard at times, but the real sound of the album centres around folk rock and early baroque pop.

Two of the albums biggest singles "Changes" and "Oh!You Pretty Things" are just perfect examples of Bowie's brilliant songwriting ability. Being able to take a catchy chorus, but still not taking away the power and brilliance of the songs themselves.

Even a simple song like "Eight Line Poem" is an incredibly brilliantly arranged song, with some really beautiful guitar work from Mick Ronson.

"Life On Mars?" is my opinion is one of Bowie's best, one of my personal favourite songs of all time and one of the greatest compositions ever. Even to this day, the song still astounds me, with the soaring chorus and rather strange lyrics. I'm still confused about the meaning of this song, but the more I listen to it, the more I understand of it. But I will never truly understand it.

The albums 3 tribute sounding songs "Andy Warhol", "A Song For Bob Dylan" and "Queen Bitch" are also massive highlights and rather comical moments on the album. "Queen Bitch" in particular, which is supposed to be influenced by The Velvet Underground, does better them a lot, especially with Bowie's ability.

The albums 2 longest compositions "Quicksand" and "The Bewlay Brothers" show of Bowie's dramatic side. With soaring strings and rather odd arrangements, they really hold your attention throughout.

In conclusion, this album reminds me a lot of Cat Steven's "Catch Bull At 4", they are basically, to me the pioneering albums of the 70's and really proved that in this era, some of the world's greatest songwriters where emerging out of the wood work. One of my personal favourite Bowie albums, with a little bit of something for everyone. If anything, this album proves that a toned down image and simpler songs really do bode well for Bowie. Sadly, things for him would become way more complicated.

8.8/10

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