Today we have David Bowie's fourth studio album Hunky Dory. Released in 1971, the album was praised by critics upon release, but it was not a commercial success because the record company didn't distribute it. It wasn't until the wide spread success of Bowie's next studio album Ziggy Stardust that Hunky Dory became a commercial success as well. Unlike his previous releases, this album was mostly composed on piano.
Like Neil Young's After the Gold Rush and Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run, the piano at the basis of the album has unveiled Bowie's brilliance at songwriting--the lyrics are unique and evocative ("Eight Line Poem"), the music is as vivid and colorful as the album cover ("Life on Mars?"), and Bowie's voice beautifully serves both ("Oh! You Pretty Things"). In addition, the new direction keeps Mick Ronson's guitar contributions subtle, used mostly for added texture. Although I dislike the sentiment expressed on "Song for Dylan," the three tribute songs--"Andy Warhol" most especially--nicely wrap up his only worthwhile and excellent album so far. A-
(this is my 100th post!)
