SCARY MONSTERS (AND SUPER CREEPS)

After the Berlin trilogy, Brian Eno went back to his home on the moon. Bowie was now off drugs and needed some new musical partners. So he decided to give Robert Fripp a call, and the rest is history.

Ok, he didn't play on every song on the album, but I have to admit, his presence on this album is quite noticeable. And who better to take Bowie to new levels than the dark lord of King Crimson.

One of the best qualities about this album is it has a very other worldly quality. The sounds that are produced on this album are at times like something from another planet. This may be due to Eno's influence or it could have just been Bowie's interest in weird noises and such.

Musically the album keeps the art rock sounds from the Berlin era and adds more modern touches. Due to the death of Punk in the late 70's, the early 80' saw the birth of Post Punk, with the punk image and style being replaced with experimentation, goths and actual talent. Bowie being the godfather of the genre does take it under his wing with great care.

Lyrically the album shows Bowie being rather angry and confused. Having kicked the drugs, Bowie seems to attack the modern world and support individuality, which probably explains why he's dressed like a clown on the front cover.

The album opener and closer "It's No Game" has to be one of the most stand out moments on the album. The first part, with random Japanese dialogue and Robert Fripp's screaming guitar sound is one of the oddest but most effective album openers. The album closer takes the theme and gives it more of a soulful feel.

One of the most stand out tracks on the album, the title track "Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)" has a very almost comical approach. The vocal effects on the chorus are one of the most memorable moments on the song. Nothing sound better than David Bowie with a fake cockney accent and a darlek effect on his voice.

Even though I stated that "Life On Mars?" is one of my favourite songs of all time, there is another song that Bowie has made that does top that song or even compares with it. "Ashes To Ashes" is one of the most unique sounding songs I've ever heard. A brilliant composition with some incredibly odd arrangements and uses of instruments. The lyrics are also some of the most memorable you may ever hear.

The longest composition "Teenage Wildlife" is what you expect from Bowie when he composes a long track. A lot of music development and build ups, but its pulled off so well, with some very impressive vocals from Bowie.

While listening to "Scream Like A Baby" again, all I can think of is the current goings on in Russia (with gays and gay rights protesters getting killed, beaten up and tortured). In many ways the lyrics show similar situations, which kind of makes me think

In conclusion, pointing a gun at my head, this would have to be my favourite Bowie album. While I like and love the others, this one just stands out to me. On this album, Bowie was able to have the perfect mix of experimental and good songs. He has gotten close to this in the past few years, especially with his most recent album "The Next Day", but in my opinion, this will always be the best.

9/10