The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars — 1972

Bowie's glam-rock concept album about a doomed alien rock star turned him into a superstar and changed what a pop performer could be. The songs are tight and theatrical, the playing sharp, the whole thing over in 38 thrilling minutes. The essential entry point to his catalogue. The one in the run that sometimes gets overlooked — don't let it.

On vinyl: A heavily reissued catalogue — read the remaster reviews before committing to a pressing.

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More from David Bowie — where to go next

If you have The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, these are the David Bowie records worth reaching for next.

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