ALADDIN SANE

I have a different approach than the preceding two collab reviews, both rating Aladdin Sane five stars. I'm not arguing if this is considered to be an Important Classic. I recognize elements of innovation on this album, and as the follower of the famous Ziggy Stardust album (which must have laid some pressure for the next release) it finds Bowie once again expanding his artistic expression. There are three standout tracks for me: 'Aladdin Sane' with its fiery, insane piano work is amazing piece of art rock. 'Time' is one of my favourite Bowie songs, very theatrical and quite progressive in structure. It's all too little-known gem in Bowie's discography. And the closing song 'Lady Grinning Soul' I also like a lot. These tracks represent the more artistic side of the album, with some sort of continental Cabaret feeling. Interesting, because this album was mainly written in the United States (during the Ziggy tour), as the city names following the titles reveal.

Personally I'm not very fond of the other material. 'Drive-in-Saturday' comes close to the better side but it has too sticky chorus repeated too much towards the end. 'The Prettiest Star' - written for Angie, best known as Mick Jagger's sweetheart - is otherwise a nice little song but I hate the way it repeats the phrase in the end. Which is followed by nothing else than a Rolling Stones cover 'Let's Spend the Night Together'. I couln't be less interested. (Well, I do like SOME of the Stones songs but definitely this one is not among them.) The remaining tracks are mostly rocking and not up to my taste. So please note that my rating is highly subjective. If the whole album was as great as the highlights, I even might consider five stars.