STATION TO STATION

Bowie is at his best when he is innovating, and this is one of his more innovative and musical albums. Station to Station follows came right after his American funk-soul album 'Young Americans', where he first developed his lower register crooning style. But on that album he tried to stick too close to the genre. Here he is more selective, taking elements from funk and soul, while fusing them with elements of progressive rock, a bit of Krautrock, while keeping a few touches of glam, and Bowie's sly and quirky sense of humour. The result is one of his most compelling albums. While not technically part of his 'Berlin' trilogy (a partial collaboration with Brian Eno) I see this album as a companion to 'Low' and 'Heroes' (while 'Lodger', the third in the Berlin trilogy, was mostly throwaway). Yet, while very little on 'Low' or 'Heroes' would/could make it onto commercial radio, virtually everything on Station to Station could, it is such a successful and compelling combination. While "Golden Years" would become the main hit (and seemed a wry addendum to the previous hit "Young Americans"), "TVC 15" and "Stay" are close, while "Word on a Wing" is a great slow ballad. But the highlights of the album are the opener (the title track, "Station to Station") and the closing song "Wild is the Wind" - a beautiful cover song. Overall, this is very musical, while also remaining accessible. Simply, it works. For me, this album stands with 'Hunky Dory' and 'Low' as one of the three-best Bowie albums. I give this one 8.5 out of 10 on my 10-point scale.

Share this DAVID BOWIE review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Walkscore
• Report this review (#1698180)
• 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 Station to Station page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for DAVID BOWIE related discussions