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David Bowie - Young Americans CD (album) cover

YOUNG AMERICANS

David Bowie

 

Prog Related

2.85 | 251 ratings

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ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer
2 stars CH CH CH CH CHANGES

Bowie has been very diverse so far. Folk, hard-rock, glam-rock or just simply rock. The fans have been through these musical genres. Which direction now?

We've seen him deeply influenced by the US during "A Lad Insane", and to a lesser extent "Diamond Dogs" as well. Some soul-ish atmosphere could already be felt while listening to "1984" and Rock & Roll With Me". And he will (deeply) pursue in this style. Which marks a drastic change, not only musically but in terms of look as well.

From now on, David will surprise his fans with almost each of his release. Lots of them won't understand this dramatic swap (I belong to these, as far as "Young Americans" is concerned). During the post "Diamond Dogs" tour, Bowie starts a "Philly Dogs Tour" to present his new musical orientation. In November 1974, in front of an unprepared audience the new show is taking place.

As an opening act, his band is playing some soul anthems à la "You Keep Me Hanging On". On top of this, the band seems unprepared and even the great Carlos Alomar couldn't save the bill. The reactions are rather mixed to say the least.

During the final mixing of the album, he will invite a few fans who were waiting for an autograph outside the studio (in Philly) to listen to a couple of songs and give their first impressions. According the legend, David was rather anxious after having heard the comments. I bet you!

I have never been into soul nor funk, so there were basically no reasons at all why I should like this album, except my admiration for the man. But it was not enough. You know, the no more heroes syndrome I guess.

The only bearable song to my ears is the title track. A political observation of the US as they are in these mid seventies. And the three bonus tracks available on the remastered version won't change my mind. The extended version (almost seven minutes) of "John, I'm only Dancing" is totally indigestible.

Bowie's sole number one hit in the US is the co-written Bowie-Alomar-Lennon (yes, John). The funky "Fame". Lennon was even surprised to be mentioned as such;he would even declare not having had a lot of influence for this song.

David is also busy with his actor career. He will have a major role in "The Man Who Fell To Earth". Sounds as if the movie was written for him.

In those days, Bowie is fed up with the rock scene. He declared: "I'm not interested in rock'n'roll any more. Rock'n'roll is completely dead. It looks like a toothless old lady".

David is severely under heavy drug influence (like his old friend Iggy) and some of his extreme right declarations will be inputed to his drug addiction.

The album will fall short of the first spot in the UK. But it will still peak at a very decent second place. My rating is two stars. Sorry David.

ZowieZiggy | 2/5 |

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