David Bowie
The essential David Bowie records, ranked — where to start and what to reach for next.
-
1Station to StationDavid BowieStart here
Station to Station
A transitional masterpiece between funk and the Berlin era, anchored by the ten-minute title track and the Thin White Duke persona. Cold, propulsive and brilliant. A pivotal record.
-
2The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from MarsDavid BowieEssential
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
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.
-
3Hunky DoryDavid BowieClassic
Hunky Dory
A songwriter's album of wit, warmth and ambition, from the shape-shifting 'Changes' to the tender 'Life on Mars?'. It arrived just before Ziggy made him famous and many devotees quietly prefer it. Piano-led, melodic and endlessly replayable.
-
4Aladdin SaneDavid BowieClassic
Aladdin Sane
Ziggy goes to America, harder and more fractured, with Mike Garson's wild piano on the title track. Glam at its most adventurous. A thrilling follow-up.
-
5Diamond DogsDavid BowieClassic
Diamond Dogs
A glammy, apocalyptic concept record drawing on Orwell, all decadence and dread. Theatrical and dark. A cult-loved Bowie chapter.
-
6Young AmericansDavid BowieClassic
Young Americans
Bowie's 'plastic soul' record, embracing Philly soul and funk. Slick and surprising. The album that broke him in America.
-
7“Heroes”David BowieClassic
“Heroes”
The centrepiece of the Berlin trilogy, its title track one of the great rock anthems of yearning. Eno's textures and Fripp's guitar give it grandeur. Triumphant and strange.
-
8Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)David BowieClassic
Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)
A sharp, art-rock peak that closed his classic run, home to 'Ashes to Ashes'. Angular and assured. Often called his last great album of the era.
-
9Let's DanceDavid BowieClassic
Let's Dance
Bowie's glossy, Nile Rodgers-produced pop blockbuster, home to its irresistible title track. Slick and huge. His commercial high.
-
10The Next DayDavid BowieClassic
The Next Day
A surprise comeback of sharp, classicist art-rock. Bold and acclaimed. A late-career return.
-
11BlackstarDavid BowieClassic
Blackstar
A dark, jazz-inflected final statement released days before his death, mortality woven throughout. Brave and haunting. A profound farewell.
-
12The Man Who Sold the WorldDavid BowieDeep cut
The Man Who Sold the World
A heavy, proto-metal turn with Mick Ronson's guitar to the fore. Dark and underrated. An early sign of his range.
-
13LowDavid BowieDeep cut
Low
The first of the Berlin-era records, split between fractured art-pop and chilly ambient instrumentals co-shaped by Brian Eno. Bleak, beautiful and decades ahead of its time, it rewired what a rock star's album could contain. A grower that becomes a favourite.
-
14LodgerDavid BowieDeep cut
Lodger
The most accessible of the Berlin trilogy, worldly and angular. Underrated and inventive. A grower among fans.
- Life on Mars? from Hunky Dory · on Best Songs of the 1970s, Best 1970s Rock Songs
- “Heroes” from “Heroes” · on Best Rock Songs of All Time, Best 1970s Rock Songs
Tracks we've featured in our best-of lists — tap a title to find it on Amazon Music.