THE RISE AND FALL OF ZIGGY STARDUST AND THE SPIDERS FROM MARS

David Bowie was a musician that adapted all popular styles of the moment during his career and during his early seventies period this led to some progressive rock related releases. On Ziggy Stardust he had a sound that could be described as a hybrid of advanced pop, art-rock and light psychedelic rock. His vocals are slightly psychedelic, or just 'strange', at times. As a front-man Bowie portraits himself as a daring artist that perhaps didn't invent new kinds of music, but he did a great job on moving the borders of the pop-music of the day.

On this album the musicianship is very professional and the recording is quite brilliant for it's years of release. You won't hear me cheering to much when I'm listening to a polished recording like this one, but I can imagine it must have been quite a thrill at the time (just as it was with Dark Side of the Moon).

The main reason this album is attractive for many people (besides the great sound) is perhaps the song-writing. Though I wasn't convinced at first spin, I must admit I really got to like some of the songs on this album. Five Years is a great opening track with a daring string section that is harmonically challenging for pop music. Soul Love has it's own catchy ways, but Starman is really a great track that deserves recognition. On side two there are many other good songs, but Rock'n Roll suicide stands out as the most powerful song.

Conclusion. This is a very professional sounding slight psychedelic pop album with some great string arrangements and daring vocals by David Bowie. Though not extremely interesting from a progressive point of view, it does feature some interesting traits that will make listeners of progressive rock feel like they are treated properly. Three well deserves stars. Recommended for fans of art rock, light psychedelic rock and those who want to know their rock-history.

Share this DAVID BOWIE review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to friso
• Report this review (#446169)
• Buy DAVID BOWIE music online with PA partners
• Show all DAVID BOWIE MP3/Stream
• Go to DAVID BOWIE page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for DAVID BOWIE related discussions