My Favorite David Bowie Albums: A Deep Dive

David Bowie is a name synonymous with innovation in music, and his catalog is rich with memorable and iconic albums. From the early days of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders from Mars to the more introspective and experimental offerings like Low, Bowie created a substantial discography that continues to resonate with fans and critics alike.

What are my all-time favorite Bowie albums?

Well, there are some great albums from Mr. Bowie’s canon. Many people go for the Ziggy Stardust long-player as their favorite. For me, it has to be the Low album — recorded in Berlin and an album of contrasting sides… The second side reflects the tensions of living in Berlin close to the Wall. It’s a slow burner — and I have friends who don’t get it, but I would say it is worth the time.

The Impact of 'Lets Dance' Album

I also have a special place in my heart for the Lets Dance and The Spiders from Mars albums. For Lets Dance, it was the album that got me into Bowie. It has a very strong and consistent set of tracks: Lets Dance, Cat People, Modern Love, and others. Ziggy Stardust came much later, and it was years before I fully appreciated the majesty of the songs. The sound is very big and doesn’t sound like anything else that was out at the time.

Delving into the 'Low' Album

Low is one of the greatest albums of all time in my opinion, and my absolute favorite from the Thin White Duke. The mood, the melodies, and the post-punk-before-it-was-cool sound everything scream “masterpiece.” The album features the perfect post-punk song with the perfect sound—"Breaking Glass". The bass, the drums, the riff, and the keyboards all come together in less than two minutes. The team behind this masterpiece includes David Bowie, Brian Eno, Tony Visconti, Jerry Alomar, and other talented musicians.

Other Album Picks

Ziggy Stardust

Second favorite: Ziggy Stardust. It took me a while to appreciate it in full but now I can’t picture my life without “Five Years,” “Starman,” “Lady Stardust,” and “Rock n’ Roll Suicide”. The whole album is astonishing, but these four tracks are a gift to humanity.

Lodger

One album that people often mention as the worst of the "Berlin trilogy" is Lodger. However, I take issue with this label. It is quirky and eccentric, and I simply adore David’s vocals on “Fantastic Voyage,” the solo on “Red Sails,” the guitar fills on “Look Back in Anger,” and the social commentary on “Repetition.”

Other Album Picks

Aladdin Sane: First and foremost for the piano solo on the title track. Diamond Dogs: “Sweet Thing” sends shivers down my spine. 'Heroes': “Joe the Lion” is the punkiest Bowie ever got. The second side is a gem, and the title track rules the roost. Hunky Dory: I don’t like it that much anymore, but it contains some amazing music. Station to Station: The title track and “TVC 15” rule the roost. Scary Monsters: The first side is very strong with underrated gems like “It’s No Game” and “Up the Hill Backwards.”

Listening to David Bowie’s music is both a journey and a reflection of his incredible talent. His music continues to inspire and move listeners, and his albums remain some of the most beloved and influential in the world of rock and pop music.