David Bowie - ★ (Blackstar) ALBUM REVIEW [R.I.P. BOWIE]

Listen: www.theneedledrop.com/articles...
Entertainment icon David Bowie turns his death into an awe-inspiring concept album.
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FAV TRACKS: BLACKSTAR, LAZARUS, 'TIS A PITY SHE WAS A WHORE, GIRL LOVES ME, DOLLAR DAYS, I CAN'T GIVE EVERYTHING AWAY
LEAST FAV TRACK: SUE OR IN A SEASON OF CRIME) ...IF I HAD TO PICK ONE
DAVID BOWIE - ★ / 2016 / COLUMBIA / ART ROCK, GLAM ROCK
9/10
Y'all know this is just my opinion, right?

[@rileyschmedeman652]

“bowie had cited death grips and kendrick lama-“ THENEEDLEDROP 9/10

[@alphalax7747]

And also sounds like swans

[@zackzallie8735]

it's great that even in his last moments, Bowie was inspired by modern artists like Kendrick, Swans, and Death Grips. He was a goat.

[@zackzallie8735]

@JAY CHROM3 Yep. That what made me a Bowie fan.

[@fromtimesinkingdoms9144]

@@zackzallie8735 swans isnt a modern artist.

[@R-H-B]

@@fromtimesinkingdoms9144 they’re still making music to this day tho

[@Shercko]

I think it's named Blackstar after an actual black star; the theoretical end point of a star's life when it has gone through all its cycles and ends up a dark mass of electron-degenerate matter. A black star still exists, it's still there - it's just invisible to the naked eye, and no longer emits heat or light. Kinda like David Bowie now.

[@TehKola2]

That would be refered to as a black dwarf, not a black star.

[@Shercko]

Have you seen the artwork in the vinyl folder? It proves my theory 100% ;)

[@gusmiller8708]

just my belief and from ancient texts, etymology, astronomy, masonic teachings its the eclipse Rahu EL. He is talking about the third eye and the journey to the underworld. Talking about who is siting in the seat of God aka the third eye. Talking about EL blue moon and Ra Red Son/Sun...

[@gusmiller8708]

he talks about the villa of ormen and the salutary candle that is the third eye. His spirits journey through death and the salutary candle guiding him through it. Every wondered why they carry the olympic torch and it must not be put out. The eternal flame. Check out lifting the veil if you wanna see a detailed explanation on the third eye/pineal gland. Truthiracy3 has a good explanation of the different ages on the zodiac wheel. Look up the 88 creation code. The illuminati are obsessed with it. God bless :)

[@God-mb8wi]

@@gusmiller8708 Your interest in the occult and esoteric knowledge is fun, because that sort of stuff is fun. However, your belief in an 'archon' parasite (and your subsequent and willing, idiotic destruction of your hearing), your belief in a flat earth, and your belief in the illuminati and aliens are evidence of your impotence and your idiocy. The very fact the information you espouse about esoteric knowledge directly conflicts with your views on aliens and the illuminati is proof of your idiocy.

[@leonthesleepy]

You didnt give it a 10 because you havent died before

[@freshmeat2501]

on his deathbed, fantano will think of this album and breathe one last review score change before motionlessness overtakes him as he reaches finality. returning to nothing.

[@thoonalia]

​​@Elijah that's what I'm saying

[@mdaily318]

If you check his RYM this is now rated as a 10, yet no other Bowie albums like station 2 station or ziggy are 10s somehow.

[@morse8026]

@@mdaily318 That's the single, not the album which is still a 9. Also he hasn't rated those Bowie albums, or indeed many others, so who knows what he'd give them.

[@Daniel.Barret.Official]

@@morse8026compared to many of the other 10s he’s given, Low, STS, SM, Outside, Heathen and Blackstar should all logically deserve 10s imo

[@moonflow5133]

> A life dedicated to music. > Holds open the jaws of death until his last album releases. >Can't even get a 10 from Needledraps.

[@KendylTV]

The "WOULD YOU HAVE GAVE THIS A 10 IF BOWIE DIDN'T DIE IT'S AT LEAST AN 8 OR 9" comments would've came in strong.

[@moonflow5133]

tru facts

[@egwgsdgwegfqweqwrfqwef9877]

@@leodebatin2667 Bowie was in Classics week which are essentially 10s.

[@hendrystevo]

MOONFLOW since Bowie died, if he gave the album a ten it probably would’ve been turned into a meme

[@spamsingles5948]

He gave Ziggy Stardust a 10 in "What is a 10?"

[@syn4588]

This is the best way a musician has ever gone out. It's introspective, and isn't the same old stuff. Even on his last album he's experimenting with new sounds. It's amazing that he's influenced by underground artists like Death Grips. It really shows his love for music. David Bowie is the real king of pop

[@TheMinecrafterandrew]

experimental music existed way before Death Grips, are you aware of this?

[@syn4588]

TheMinecrafterandrew .... I never said it didn't?

[@FloydPinkerton]

+TheMinecrafterandrew He's not saying it didn't, but the fact that Death Grips influenced the album shows Bowie's appreciation for underground, experimental music.

[@flower5185]

***** Bowie's always had an appreciation for underground, experimental music. Heroes was originally going to be recorded with Neu! as the backing band.

[@ajjingunia]

+evilmanimani bowie took inspiration from tpab and jenny death

[@TrebuL]

Probably late as fuck, but just noticed the star shapes at the bottom of the album cover spell out "BOWIE."

[@dieyounger1657]

Holy shit! woah! woah! bowie shows why he was the best

[@LukeHerbertPlus]

Damn it does!

[@SegaCDUniverse]

+TrebuL Quite abstract, but I see what you mean. Very cool.

[@gmdille]

I saw it too! Love the cover

[@FionaAppleAddict]

Saw it, too, yesterday. Beautiful creative idea! :)

[@bobrolander4344]

*"Where the fuck did Monday go? Sung by someone who passed away on a Sunday. Surreal beyond death."*

[@louisjeon97]

+Bob Rolander true genius.

[@louisjeon97]

Kirk Landau david bowie IS a genius, though

[@louisjeon97]

Kirk Landau oh thats interesting. i think i know what you mean, but can you give me examples of other greater musicians i can check out perhaps?

[@louisjeon97]

Kirk Landau i understand your point. I just think that David Bowie was a genius as a solo artist to be the inspiration, role model, and the epitome for the pop stars nowadays. Yes, those musicians and bands you have mentioned are brilliant, but I just think that David Bowie's work truly influenced the contemporary pop musicians like Lady Gaga, Lorde, Beyonce, etc.

[@louisjeon97]

Kirk Landau Like, I am speaking from the perspective of the pop listeners. If it was not for David Bowie, there would not be Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and so on. Just, conveying my opinion.

[@ZaraFerzauli]

"Entertainment icon David Bowie turns his death into an awe-inspiring concept album" That's the most Bowie fucking thing ever

[@FrankJavCee]

I gib dis revue ★★★★★

[@nicchaney2893]

Hey i fucking love you we messaged the other day x

[@mihkelv6487]

+FrankJavCee Epic memes man.

[@csm3535]

Dudee I'm still waiting for your "how to" videos, I'm dying , I like u, pls love me back

[@skizzofrenetik1249]

+FrankJavCee funny

[@MeowMeow-my4fl]

Is this meant to be a joke? I honestly can't tell. >_>

[@vallytine]

Doctor: Mr. Bowie you have 6 months to live. Bowie: Get me my microphone and guitar, doctor.

[@hickorymccay2994]

And piano. And drum machine. And sax. And Tony Visconti.

[@maxineoneill2586]

why would a doctor have a guitar and microphone?

[@Spudcore]

@@maxineoneill2586 It was Doctor Hook.

[@LSPig]

Him and Freddie Mercury really gave it their all until the end. What fucking legends.

[@spoonptsd]

They would say Mr jones

[@alexmeechan15]

How the fuck has Bowie been gone for nearly five years, I want to cry

[@lomstair7546]

We've got five years, that's all we've got...

[@TSITheSixIdiots]

@@lomstair7546that song always makes me cry now that he’s gone.

[@SuperDuckPro]

Seriously though guys, memes and hype aside, this album is a masterpiece.

[@zackzallie8735]

Ikr, the best swan song by anyone.

[@CrystalMannequins]

Very correct sir

[@cboisandlin9601]

@@zackzallie8735 except for actual swans

[@MrSpunkletrumpet]

The thing that hit me on this record is the quiet anger of it all, the sense that he felt he had more to give and feels cheated in death comes across strongly, to me at least.

[@joelakat]

+MrSpunkletrumpet I feel like he says that explicitly with "I Can't Give Everything Away." He didn't have the time to do it.

[@SROGEuan]

Honestly the best album he had made in decades... what a way to end a career (and I came to that opinion before he died, for all you naysayers! Not that it matters)

[@Joela393]

how if he died two days before the album?(unless it was leaked)

[@cowjuicy]

+joel alicea (Soap fiend) 2 days after. Friday (his birthday) release, Sunday death.

[@soren710]

+joel alicea (Soap fiend) died 2 days after

[@HitmanJenkins1]

+joel alicea (Soap fiend) It got leaked. And I'm pretty sure he died two days after it was released, not before it was released.

[@Joela393]

+oopsIdidasuper oh ok

[@shea9223]

"Literally Bowie is facing death on this album," there is no better summery. That's how I felt listening to every track. Bowie knows he's dying and there is no turning back. I think that's what makes this album all the more brutal to me. It's like hearing your favorite, most charismatic, most beloved uncle, talk about all the things he has to do before he dies. It makes you so sad for the life you haven't lived, yet to live, and the fact that one day you will die. It is relentless. It is beautiful. It is an insanely fitting, no more perfectly written, end to a man we never thought could exist.

[@nooser664]

Summary

[@Yaboi2190]

Although it’s harder to face the fact that a few months after re-recording the album, Bowie expressed interest for making a follow up, so it’s chilling knowing that when he went to record these songs, he didn’t know it was going to be his last album sessions

[@breakingmadeline3063]

This might actually be the best summary of the album.

[@DanBlabbers]

Bowie didn’t know his diagnosis was terminal until after the album was completed. He created the music video for Lazarus when he knew it was terminal.

[@HandsUp12100]

Yeah, this album is one of the realest things ever made. He carefully planned this shit. It's nuts.

[@apothecurio]

Sean Byrne most good albums.... are carefully planned.

[@Craicfox161]

Apothe Curio more of a legacy thing though man. Bit different.

[@shellacSOUP58]

One of your best reviews ever, dude

[@cowsdubstep]

true

[@jamestattersfield8400]

love quasimoto

[@an8ropos100]

lord quas

[@hudsonhopeartcollective]

looord quaaas g

[@robruitenberg4064]

Yup

[@thatllputmarzipaninyourpie3117]

This album was already getting raves before he died. I'm glad he got to see the response before he left us.

[@KendylTV]

That's what I'm thinking whenever somebody asks "Would it have been received well had he not died?" It came out on his birthday, two days before his death, it had an 86 on Metacritic, I believe. Even Pitchfork, who usually shit on older artists, gave it best new music and chose Blackstar and Dollar Days as best new tracks. Even if you ignored the overall themes, it's a solid sounding album and definitely Bowie's best regarding sound quality. But his inevitable death does add a depressingly greater quality since that's it's major centerpiece. Had he died two days later or two years later though, it's still a great album and easily his best in decades.

[@spookypen]

Making music up until his dying days, how can anyone not respect that. Class.

[@cheekybananaboy3361]

not only that, he was making music ABOUT dying

[@P-diddykong]

@@cheekybananaboy3361 And then he dipped 2 days after the album was released. Like he managed to hold on to his life and when his swan song was released he managed to let go. What a lad. A true artist

[@Rubberfooted]

On "Lazarus", Bowie wails about being "up in heaven" and having "scars you can't see". It's so unbelievable and stunning to think of him anticipating his death (on Monday too, like the lyric "where the fuck did Monday go?") and his scars being cancer. There is nothing quite like this, and I honestly believe that "Lazarus" will be considered as one of his finest tracks, simply for its emotion, passion, and vulnerability. This is truly a work of art and an incredible swan song, and the track deserves incredibly high praise.

[@MrHoefnix]

+Zach Litchman You're wrong. There are other albums of artist releasing something as close as Blackstar anticipating their own death. Just listen to Joy Division's Closer. Talking about a swan song.

[@MrTinkotin]

+MrHoefnix Closer was released after Ian's death and his death wasn't a complete inevitibality. It would've been avoided had he not had a horrible bout of depression. While still an incredible final release, It wasn't planned out in the same way as Blackstar was

[@MrHoefnix]

Hubert C. We don't know if Bowie 's death was inevitable on that particular Sunday. It could have been a chosen death or euthanasia. Who knows? Btw Lazarus does sound like a lost Joy Division song, including Peter Hook style bass playing.

[@MrTinkotin]

MrHoefnix I'm not saying Bowie knew he was going to die that Sunday, he just knew he wasn't going to last much longer, 18 months of cancer take its toll I guess. Lazarus makes me think of Joy Division a little bit as well, if only because everything about it seems to be filled with dread and misery on some level and it's kinda cool.

[@MrHoefnix]

Bowie has always been the epitome of cool. Remember vividly when I was 8 years old and saw him for the first time on tv in 1973, doing The Jean genie. He scared the shit out of me with his junkie from outer space like glamrock appearance.

[@Mr061099]

The "dated" harmonicas in the last track come from an old song of his, they actually make the song even more powerful knowing this.

[@andrewczornyj9045]

I noticed that as well. The harmonica melody is the exact same as 'a new career in a new town' from low.

[@gregorxd6]

+Mr061099 reminds me of a new career in a new town. this what youre thinking of too?

[@grandarson1145]

+Mr061099 wot sang ?

[@Moistflap]

+Mr061099 Thank you, he should have known that it was obvious.

[@Mr061099]

Adrian Ohlfs a new career in a new town

[@arad7613]

Bowie has another album where the theme of death is very central. It is Heathen from 2002. The opening track was written, according to Bowie, when he was sitting and looking at the sunset and suddenly it hit him that he was going to die one day. Not something he thought about when he was younger, but at age 55 it suddenly became palpable. He was crying as he wrote the song. The song is called 'Sunday'. He died on a Sunday.

[@bencarlson4300]

Both Blackstar and Heathen feel darker and heavier than any other Bowie albums, but neither loses anything musically due to the more dour tone. It's sad to think that he wrote his best material while in bad situations, but considering his mental state and drug usage in the 70s and his meditations on death during Heathen and Blackstar, it's true.

[@whysatanwhy]

this review: 9/10 Blackstar: 10/10

[@TheInformation]

Very solid review, Anthony. Just one little nitpick: 11:56 "it's almost an hour long." It's only 41 minutes. In fact, the brevity of the album is very important and a notable contrast to its nearly hour long predecessor.

[@theneedledrop]

Ah, know what, the addition of the Blackstar music video in my iTunes track list threw the album runtime off. Sorry about that.

[@0nzer0]

+theneedledrop Fucking amateur

[@jamesgoodman5102]

+theneedledrop plz have some professionalism anthony youre embarrassing yourself

[@OrthoSebastianLopez]

+0nzer0 lol

[@temporaryfreedom785]

+Jam Goodman Oh shush trolling.

[@hombredecobre]

Honestly, i would've given this album a 10. I mean, this is probably the best concept album ever. I don't think anyone has gone as far as Bowie.

[@MrKillfield]

Please have Cal review the Shrek 2 sound track next Anthony

[@IkHouNietVanKaas]

+rand42Studios fuck off stupidface

[@Gilbertify1]

Cal looks like the type of pleb to go to Smash Mouth concert.

[@marcelhidalgo1076]

+Nick Masini I want this to happen

[@Craytonex]

changes was in that movie : (

[@schoolboyq9658]

+rand42Studios That's pretty deep bro. Never thought of it that way.

[@paullucky1118]

“There’s a Starman, waiting in the sky, he’d like to come and meet us, but he thinks he’d blow our minds”

[@hsmileyface8308]

he’d like to come and meet us cause he thinks he’s so alt-right

[@rapabsinthe786]

Let the children lose it Let the children use it Let all the children boogie

[@phaustho]

I just realized that the small star fragments on the bottom of the cover art SPELL the name "Bowie". The B is too cryptic compared to the other letters, but yeah, I hadn't figured it out before.

[@brandoaj2833]

Adrián González proud of you for realizing this 4 years after the album released

[@BrandonCuringtonOfficial]

Oh hi me too thanks

[@kuziecurry7046]

o cool so i guess dat means the album cover would technically say "black star bowie" meaning bowie is calling himself a black star 😳😳 he can say the n word now 😳😳😳

[@neverafrown6308]

kuzie curry he can’t as his vocal chords don’t work anymore

[@LBP15]

It's been hard to listen to this record without getting choked up. While I think David Bowie was a fantastic human being and his body of work is similarly excellent, I am not as big a fan as many, who, like my father for instance, grew up listening to his music. That said, this record is so goddamn painfully transparent and human that I can't help but get upset listening to it. What a courageous work. Wonderful end to an esteemed life. Rest In Peace, David.

[@nic5250]

UO1994 yikes daddy issues

[@SlothhhKinggg]

The song Lazarus off this album is so fucking powerful and moving it brings me to tears

[@frogthetoad6773]

Stop changing your username. >:(

[@wollclark]

"Where the fuck did Monday go?" Shit, man. ;_;

[@joelakat]

+ayy that struck me as I listened to the record on Monday too. Just wow.

[@confi0721]

+ayy Most poignant irony/coincidence ever

[@bobrolander4344]

+ayy He died on Sunday.

[@Goctagon]

+ayy Almost as if...he knew it would be Monday. He even died Sunday night in which he would've normally awaken on Monday, which unfortunately he did not leaving him questioning..."Where the fuck did Monday go?" Crazy stuff here, man.

[@xyzpdq1122]

+ayy YES, damn

[@rashotcake6945]

I think this is eerier and scarier than a lot of metal albums simply bc it's honest with its lyrics. Like you feel like he's serious when he writes these dark lyrics while with a lot of metal albums, yeah the lyrics are dark and gory but they're exaggerations and hypothetical. The realism in this album just makes it so much more ominous

[@jaidsalgado]

Rashotcake This album fucked me up, in a good way. One year later and came back to watch the review like you lol

[@nolanboatright9544]

"this is a followup to his previous album"

[@dummytree]

+Nolan Boatright Water makes me wet.

[@lam8820]

+dummytree you make me wet;)))))))

[@rockstopsthetraffic]

Some records are meant to break from their predecessors. It's not as stupid as it sounds.

[@DavidMaloneyProductions]

Not every album is a followup to a previous album.

[@user-yk1ke8xv4k]

David Maloney Productions what

[@samwoodson9603]

who else cried at the final email Bowie sent to Brian Eno?

[@Gilbertify1]

Me ;_;

[@HandsUp12100]

+Dick Pepperfield Yep

[@jaywrights]

+Dick Pepperfield Where can we read it?

[@sirpwned]

+Joseph James ‘Thank you for our good times, Brian. They will never rot.’ And it was signed ‘Dawn.’

[@TheDiagnoser]

I didn't read it but isn't Brian Eno a producer for Coldplay?

[@osmaniqbal8354]

Mos Def and Talib Kweli have really changed their sound

[@potatochipeater8565]

🤣🤣🤣

[@nerusonsanzenin2786]

This is the only album Ive heard that I could ever rate a straight 10/10

[@Elderscrolls403]

Does anyone else think the mention of "that bluebird" in Lazarus could be a reference to Velvet Underground/Lou Reed's Candy Says, "I want to watch blue birds fly"? Considering their relationship, similar status, and Reed's recent death, I could see Bowie thinking about his old friend during the making of this album. Maybe I'm reaching, but it makes a lot of sense to me.

[@BrassNukes11]

+Andrew R hmm. That's actually a really good observation.

[@burnsfactor]

+Andrew R That's a great catch. I think it's very possible Bowie was alluding to Reed's own lyrics.

[@mikes262]

I think both David and Lou were referencing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". Judy Garland was a gay icon and David already referenced that song when he wrote "Starman". Check out the Starman Over the Rainbow bootleg.

[@hsmileyface8308]

i think it’s from a poem

[@PasteurizedLettuce]

It’s from bukowski

[@nepesilva2284]

Brilliant review. You opened my fucking eyes to a lot of details I didn't catch when I listened to it the first time. This is easily one of Bowie's best albums and definitely his most unique. Rest in peace, Ziggy. Jose Cintron. Blackstar. 9/10. Forever.

[@dieyounger1657]

Up there with Ziggy and Hunky Dory

[@nepesilva2284]

+Die Younger definitely

[@SantosLHalper33]

+Die Younger (And Low and Station to Station and Heroes)

[@nepesilva2284]

+Rolands L and Scary Monster and The Man Who Sold the World

[@bobrolander4344]

+Jose Cintron The life of Major Tom: Space Oddity, Ashes To Ashes, Major Tom (German New Wave Song) ... Black Star and in the Lazarus video the skull is on the table where Bowie writes his very last lyrics.

[@gw7389]

Everyone saying what would he rate this without his death: context is everything

[@ss-iz9px]

yea lmao his death was apart of the album

[@joelakat]

+Jpavlack jr exactly... it gives it an entirely new context. It's like his death was the missing piece of the album that made it complete. I can't think of another time an artist so-successfully made their own death a work of art. One last blast of brilliance.

[@Alex-gy2kn]

Yeah, it's one thing for an artist to create an album and then die from a drug overdose or gang violence or something, and for that album to suddenly get higher reviews. It's another thing for an artist to create a swan song while facing their impending death, giving the album context once they die.

[@quinnlewis2003]

Exactly, Bowie's death is a massive element to this record.

[@longhairhiggins]

"Harmonica on the closing track was dated." clear reference to A New Career in a New Town (1977)

[@ajaj5452]

This might be your most important review ever. This album must have been hard to review. Honestly, this has classic potential. I think it's one of Bowie's greatest albums, and just the whole concept of it. It's revolutionary. When you think about "concept" albums, this takes the cake as the most hardcore. It's funny, before he died, I knew by the lyrics this would be one of his last works. Just listen to the lyrics on the final track. And then when I heard the news while listening to the album, it was shocking... but it made sense. I immediately realized the album's actual concept after reading he was suffering for 18 months. Seriously, he could have chosen to lay low and relaxed in his final months, but instead he chose to both complete a musical and one of his greatest albums. He chose to make his death art. And he enjoyed it. What a badass.

[@jaidsalgado]

ajaj545 And recorded more projects for after his death... Legend

[@cheekybananaboy3361]

i haven't heard a single person mention this album in years and despite how much i used to love it i literally forgot it existed until now

[@anabellelei8540]

@@cheekybananaboy3361 Wow, I listen to it probably weekly. It's been mentioned a ton in top 10 albums of the decade.

[@Muskateering]

@@cheekybananaboy3361 might be because it's too difficult to listen to given the extremely heavy concept, too painful. That's why I find myself returning to his late 70's early 80's output when he was a BRIGHT star.

[@yestho7743]

@@Muskateering Bowie's 70s run was incredible

[@MrWolfy43]

For people saying Anthony gave the album a higher score because of Bowie's death: of course his death affected the score! It very much increases the emotional depth of it and I'm proud of Anthony for FEELING the album. One of the reasons why I love Sufjan Stevens's "Carrie and Lowell" is because of the emotion. Sure the album is simple at times, but in the best way, and the best part of the album was the emotions by far. That's why I was a little disappointed that Anthony didn't get impacted as emotionally as I did. So I'm glad he felt this album's emotion.

[@jaidsalgado]

MrWolfy43 It was a little too simple at times but I agree man.

[@AnyoneCanSee]

Purposely "simple." I would actually say stripped back, not simple. I think if the production and instrumentation were more overblown it could not have been as immediate and moving as it was.

[@IvefoundthetruthonMay]

@@AnyoneCanSee Agreed

[@zackzallie8735]

@@AnyoneCanSee Damn I fuckin' agree. Like A Crow Looked at Me.

[@ss-iz9px]

the lazarus video was very creepy

[@FANKANable]

+James YourNan oh

[@ss-iz9px]

+James YourNan i know that's what made it creepy

[@KOsyndicate]

+ss140 not so much creepy as it was anxiety inducing

[@matiasflores9043]

+ss140 It represents how in his last moments he desperately writes this album :(

[@kelechic.jemelumba9981]

not as creepy as blackstar, especially the meaning behind them , well my interpretation anyway

[@celticbird2398]

I think this album deserves a 10. Not because he died, not because i'm "caught up in the moment." This I feel deserves a 10 simply for the pure emotion I went through listening to it and because we will NEVER see anything like this album ever again. RIP David, your planet of Mars awaits you.

[@Adyman182]

I knew it was gonna be 9/10, anything below would really be weird given the circumstances and the album narrative. With that being said, I think we just got the album of the year in just a couple of days of 2016.

[@sorrowfulsatchel679]

A.K. Bottomless pit

[@ALIBABA-qr6ih]

Danny brown

[@eliotkersten2073]

Blonde would like a word

[@Ar-nx8ci]

@@eliotkersten2073 if futura free was cut off and nikes wasnt pitched up it would definetly be AOTY or decade to an extent in my opinion

[@Sacksalot]

Eliot Kersten blonde wasn’t even a top 10 album of 2016

[@Guercinator]

Great review Anthony.

[@vantablack6288]

*blackthony startano

[@SalamanderTrash]

Oh wow it’s you

[@frozec8568]

Oh wow it is you!

[@vernie_in_hell]

ayeeeeee

[@scottowen3022]

You da GOAT brah

[@Dousch]

I'm listening to this in a pitch black room and 9 minutes in I'm genuinely horrified. Fantastic narration in this one. Really paints a dark, haunted picture of this album and its deeper meanings.

[@Keyz-pz5xy]

Adam I'm totally trying this

[@suvrat.sharma]

@@Keyz-pz5xy now I have to too

[@Chabascus]

That’s how I discovered Bowie and it’s always the best way to listen to me

[@Grosstradamus]

7 years later and this album is still perfect, will be a classic and one of Bowie very best.

[@thoonalia]

Given the context, I think it might be his best although it's debatable

[@GenXJay670]

My favorite after Outside.

[@diosdedrogasblancos9198]

Bowie I believe died a very humble death. Even though he realized where his health was going, I think towards the end he accepted and came to terms with it.

[@MichelLinschoten]

He already was in acceptance in all reality I think he never feared it

[@ardien.535]

fucking chilling

[@jonjon11882]

+Ar die Colin!

[@ardien.535]

+Jonathan Vazquez-Perez hey! We're almost done with lp9 btw, don't tell the other boys

[@jonjon11882]

Ar die You got it! ;) Lots of great new music this year! hope you're excited as me "Colin".

[@petewadesays12]

Bowie almost never repeated himself, nor did what was expected. Rest in peace. Enjoy your trip back to your home planet David Bowie

[@silentstream8787]

I'm 62 years old and I've been listening to Bowie since I was 15 or 14 I was very very sad that he died but I was happy that he lived a full life and and enjoy doing everything that he was involved in no matter how controversial he was just being himself he didn't care what anybody else thought he took his life and ran with it which is pretty awesome I2 love this album in fact I give it a ten,

[@sauce8767]

Weird to imagine Bowie listening to death grips

[@Kidzelda0]

He was always a champion of the underground, though

[@AIOctober]

In terms of creative inspiration, David Bowie's one of my absolute heroes so obviously the news on Monday hit me right in the gut. *(The rest of the comment's gonna be a bit long and passionate so if you want the TL;DR: "Blackstar"'s a great album IMO, Bowie's a legend and it sucks that he had to leave us so soon. R.I.P.)* I eagerly bought the "Blackstar" single on the day it was out, on my 24th birthday, and had bought the *album* "Blackstar" just hours after release on Bowie's last birthday. Before his death, I grew to really like the album. It cemented what I was starting to feel with Bowie after "The Next Day" in that he really revitalised his creativity and that 2010's Bowie was looking more and more fascinating and entertaining (and is). Then his death happened and the first thing I did before doing an all-day shuffle of all the Bowie songs I had was play his last album one more time before reflecting back. And suddenly, those lyrics started to make more and more sense. Suddenly the album I heard before his death changed along with the shocking news. Bowie took his sad, horrible, undeservedly-slow death and turned it into the sort of art he was always great at doing. Who knows how much different we'd be feeling if Bowie didn't plan this out so close, or even if Bowie didn't die at all (I would of at least been content with one more album before he called it quits if he didn't die as soon as this) but as it stands, I think "Blackstar" is *the* definitive swansong album and the best "final" album of a solo artist's career I can really think of. Is it the best Bowie album? He's brought out a LOT of "great albums", so that answer isn't so clear-cut. But he took a terrible unavoidable situation in his life and pushed through his illness as best as he could to deliver something special. He didn't have to go through all that effort, he could of told people upfront and retired for good but Bowie just didn't find that as interesting. Whatever you feel about the guy, you can't say he wasn't dedicated to his own art, even despite outside odds. Thanks for 5 decades of great music, David, rest well up there.

[@joelakat]

+bootenhoven yeah, I was thinking it was ironic that an album about death really felt like Bowie's most-vital ALIVE moment in years. It left me excited for the next chapter... I thought he might even release another album to complement this one within a year. When it definitively became his swansong, it completed the picture. It'll be remembered with his greatest albums because, just like those, it successfully pushes boundaries. It's a hell of a way to wrap up an otherworldly career. On to a new career in a new town...

[@Neurozumim]

+bootenhoven We might only know in a few years how important is Blackstar, but for the moment it sounds to me like a very important album, not just as a Bowie album, but as an album of someone facing death almost cold-eyed. In that sense, yes the event of his death adds a lot to the album meaning, even though everyone was already thinking Blackstar the song/video was phenomenal. Because he dealt with occult before and seemed logic that he wanted to conclude the Major Tom narrative, I never imagined that it was going to be so literal. I'm awe-struck, it feels a bit like Mapplethorpe's photos about his forthcoming death, and surely there are other examples I'll remember later, but right now this is the best album of 2016, and I don't even want to even think if another album later could top it.

[@Did6661]

+James Marlon Did Bowie really say that about Grace?! If so, I love the man even more...I suppose you could call it Jeff's final album but as it was also his debut it doesn't sound quite right...

[@ezhnoblue1647]

+Joel Kathrens +bootenhoven Actually in a rolling stone interview with his producer/close friend, Tony Visconti of Bowie's, Visconti mentioned that Bowie had planned making another album after completing Blackstar in November of 2014. Lookup "Rolling Stone post-Blackstar album" on google, it should pull up the article.

[@Etrius10]

a "black star" is an old way of saying black hole. Bowie is referring to being a star and dying in a supernova and being reborn (Lazarus) as a black hole, equally beautiful but an eternal visage of the void of death. Just like you said, he lets us touch death through him. A Black Star forever.

[@cocainaforall4636]

FrikkyDikkyDo Black Star/ Black Sun = Lucifer

[@Divuar]

@@cocainaforall4636 Lucifer has nothing to do with black stars, they call him a morning star as far as I know

[@joshmitchell238]

Lucifer literally means "light bringer"

[@tedstoklosa5707]

I know this is kinda old but the "dated" harmonica on the last song is sampled from "A new career in a new town", which should be noted because of the emotional effect of the sound and original song title is, I think awesome. Maybe it's more ironic and poignant than it gets credit for here.

[@gezimidrizi5653]

After 7 months I came back for this review. I cried then and cried again now. Anthony your analysis is wonderful. Thank you !

[@ghostrider5378]

I read somewhere that Bowie had multiple heart attacks working on Blackstar. Not sure if that's true or not, but this is such a powerful record. Bowie's death really shocked me, but I'm sure he was happy with the reception. His death made me listen to album a few more times over and then I finally picked up on the fact that he knew it was his time. I'm gonna miss him a lot, probably my favorite musician of all time next to Robert Fripp.

[@supernoob17]

123 MOS DEF AND TALIB KWELI

[@turkeymoney770]

best alliance in hip hop y - o

[@freddymain6910]

+Edmund Barry ooohhhh waaaahhhh

[@Janniklasow90]

+supernoob17 It's kinda dangerous to be an emceeee

[@turkeymoney770]

They shot Tupac and bowie

[@Tk-wi5cg]

+Edmund Barry Bowie died due to cancer.

[@atomike87]

Great review Branthony. You're doing good work and I always look forward to checking out your sweet vidz.

[@femon7717]

I still listen to this album regularly, and I still go back to this review occasionally. The harmonica sample from Low at the end of the album just goes to show the genius of the man. He was undoubtedly one of the greatest. Hope that New Career in your New Town is treating you well, Duke. And Thank you for always being so passionate about your job Anthony. Your commitment is inspiring

[@clockWorks10]

In my opinion Dollar Days is the best song on the album and one of Bowie's greatest songs of all of them. That song is perfect in ever=y way. It adresses his early works while still being modern, the lyrics are incredibly sad, and it is just an incredible track especially how it ends in a wash of reverb like he's falling down as he says in the song.

[@ethanoo]

i agree dollar days is a amazing track

[@rogerroger8174]

Incidentally, "blackstar" is a medical term for a type of cancer lesion.

[@JEST3R_]

Album filled to the goddamn brim with symbolism, metaphor, and grim themes - 9/10 Kanye going "GAT GAT GATGATGAT GAT GAT OO WOOWOOWOOOOOO" - 10/10

[@beanboy5673]

I see nothing wrong here

[@user-us1wu1gv2i]

You don't like KSG?

[@JEST3R_]

@@user-us1wu1gv2i oh I love the album. Almost the entire thing is in my playlist. I just find it funny how in my opinion blackstar is a better album and it didn't even get a 10

[@oldgriffin4944]

@@JEST3R_ your so nearly there, you even used "in my opinion" yet you still made fun of fantanos opinion, God damn

[@manman-fq4zw]

@@oldgriffin4944 cuz its his opinion? 😂 u thought u did sumn with that huh

[@user-cf8ge1qi7o]

1991 Queen's final album, with Freddy Mercury, Innuendo, was mostly written by Mercury. He wrote it saying goodbye to everyone. Mercury and Bowie are two of the best, (and two of my favorite) entertainers of my generation. They both lived awesome lives and they both knew how to not just leave without saying goodbye!

[@foolishswami3186]

In life a genius, in death a god. Shine on, Black Star.

[@denisepaulsenful]

Thank you so much Anthony for this review. I so enjoyed listening to it. And I think David Bowie himself would’ve appreciated your sincerity and be touched by your reverence and deep respect and love of his body of work when he was alive and as we listen now still shook by his death almost “Five Years” since he sang his swan songs. I’m 63-yrs old, sonny boy. So I was but a teen in the 70’s and saw his appearance in Toronto’s now defunct hockey arena Maple Leaf Gardens. I was 15-yrs old in Grade 10 and my best friend had shocking red hair poker straight and she looked remarkably like him - much like a young Tilda Swinton. But she was a big Bowie fan and I was in tow. It was a fantastic time to be a teenager. Anyhoo Anthony, David is sadly gone. I have enjoyed spending time with you. You’re a delightful young man.

[@DroBONILLA1]

I've heard this album 5 times so far and it still brings me to tears. This really makes you think hard, the words and tones of the album painted pictures. I have been inspired by Bowie for years and now I feel complete. Thank You David Bowie, Thank You for what you have given us.

[@JonahUniverse]

One of my top five favorite records of all time. I never really cared for Bowie growing up but when he released the Blackstar video I fell madly in love. He passed so soon after. I wish I could go back in time but alas!

[@kunichiwax3]

This album left me with the same feeling that I had when I saw my grandma in the funeral home. I fucking loved it

[@sawyerlawler2489]

"I'm having a funeral and you're all invited."

[@Bobanderic]

Your opening statements about musicians and their approach to the theme of mortality and time was so on point would love to have had an entire video discussing that not only in the context of Bowie's Blackstar but other artists that have or have come close to doing the same thing! Great job!

[@LukeExists]

This is definitely one of the best reviews you have ever done. I love it. Awesome work.

[@tommystanford7170]

very nice job on this, Anthony. I think you captured exactly what he was going for, that surreal experience of entering his deathly thoughts, thinking them through with him, in album form. It almost seems that it would've been that much more intense had he died ON the day of it's release, not 2 days afterward. but it neither lessens the message and the mood.

[@_Wakaz_]

The best artist finale album of *all time.*

[@DavidSobelPhoto]

Awesome, insightful review and tribute, Anthony. Can't believe he's gone.

[@this_connor_guy]

This is my first review of yours that I'm watching and I can tell that I will get into a lot of new artists given your references (or new albums by artists that I have heard of but haven't listened to). Love Bowie (even got an Outside tattoo on my left bicep) and I love hearing an analysis of his record and the comparisons to other music.

[@Probablylani]

I have the vinyl proudly displayed on my wall. I remember watching the video upon its releasing and {legally} downloading the digitally format of the album once it came out. I was so impressed and excited. Though once all the pieces came together, this darkness waved over me. I replayed the album so many times I can't even count. Bowie was truly an inspiration and a full-time artist. And even though fans feel he was "taken away" too soon, he never really belonged to Earth. He lives among the stars.

[@rangoonlazy2776]

This album is easily a strong 10 and is one of the best albums from the last 10-20 years don't @ me

[@THEDEADWALK1980]

Listening to this album and watching the videos after the news really got to me, in a very sad but amazing way. What a remarkable way to leave your mark. Such a huge loss to music. RIP StarMan

[@gradysmith9992]

I'm not sure if I've ever heard Anthony sound so emotional in a review. Spot on analysis, thanks for putting my thoughts into words, Anthony. I miss Bowie already.

[@haloljt]

This record is going to be a classic and will be remembered for a long time, mark my words.

[@SantosLHalper33]

The harmonica on "I Can't Give Everything Away" is a sample from "A New Career in a New Town", the last song on Side A of Low. I'm sure there's meaning there.

[@DivineTrash81]

I admit I don't always enjoy your reviews, but you nailed this one. Such a rich album, especially in context.

[@Rachel-tq5vq]

I miss you so much David. Such a beautiful album. Thank you. Rest well.

[@zeadsi]

Bowie's most occult undergoing since the days of his Heathen album. It's a bittersweet farewell but one I'm thankful we received.

[@joelakat]

+SilverVeil I think Heathen was well-received at the time, but has been somewhat forgotten about since. I hope more people find that record now... it's definitely one of his better albums.

[@zeadsi]

Joel Kathrens the average score for it is pretty bad on wiki which I find perplexing. I guess people wasn't ready for that kind of sound yet. Bowie was certainly ahead of his time.

[@isupposethisismynmw640]

I have to be in the right mindset to enjoy Heathen, but it’s one of my favorites when I am.

[@sammy2nd]

Man, what a way to start off a year in music. I listened to this the day before he died and haven't since, because I couldn't shake the fact that I was literally listening to a dead legend singing about his own death. Bowie is in my opinion the exact image of a true artist, in that he lived for his art until the day he died, and was able to make us feel something up until his last moments. His presence among us was rare, and with his passing I can't help but feel the weight of humanity, knowing that our space invader couldn't live forever, but while he was with us he taught us how to embrace oddity and imperfection, and gave us a lifelong example of how weird and wonderful, and LEGITIMATELY PURPOSEFUL art really is. Thank you Bowie!🚀🌠

[@TheHustonShcarr]

I love how you analyzed the whole record. I literally felt exactly the same. Such a great record !

[@jesse9647]

What a beautiful conclusion to such a career/life.. I'm going to miss him very much. Rest in peace, Bowie.

[@chaosinorderrr]

8:49 - Did Fantano just choke up?

[@bluemcdaniel99]

chaosinorderrr aw man.

[@purgatory8774]

go watch the anderson .paak - ventura review.

[@jonathanstewart1519]

I got a Miller Lite advertisement

[@therealkatdaddy]

Already miss Bowie :( I was really hoping he would tour this record

[@david5577]

Even if he didn't pass away he would be WAY too sick to tour

[@therealkatdaddy]

+David Azmy that is very true! I suppose a better statement would be that I wish he never got sick :(

[@david5577]

+therealkatdaddy For real FUCK CANCER

[@PivotFridges]

+Ghenghis Khan you can miss someone you never met.

[@Skrewz]

+Ghenghis Khan Real comment of the day.

[@Vinnywhufc]

A beautiful review. You've captured the mood perfectly.

[@milkkorea]

I don't know when I'll be able to listen to this record without tears in my eyes. He was somehow like an old friend for me, though I have never seen him live or met him in person. Rest in peace.

[@momparty]

Thank you for reviewing this. I listened to the two singles Blackstar and Lazarus the day they came out on youtube, and I (someone who doesn't know how to properly listen to music) made some stream of consciousness reviews and told myself I'll listen, write what I feel, then put it away and come back. That Sunday I was very busy and didn't have a chance to see the news, but when I woke up the next morning and saw what happened on facebook... I was in my room, half dressed for work, already running late, and I broke down for a solid ten minutes. That day was an absolute blur, and being in the american midwest I found that i seemed to be the only one shook over it. Other than a mention on NPR and a few friends who 'kinda like him I guess' no one cared. It was like walking through a bad dream, I couldn't understand why I was so broken, so deeply in mourning over him and why the earth just kept spinning without missing a beat. The second I came home I listened to the album again, and again, and again, watched video after video on it, freaked out most of my social group by my hysterical reaction to his passing and eventually I had to move on too. But everything that's happened since then has been colored by the context of that day, of that album. Maybe I'm crazy for putting so much of myself into one man I've never met and his art, maybe that makes me one of "those" fans, but I can't deny the influence he's had on my life. Bowie gave me the courage to come out, to be myself and to think my own thoughts and be whatever I felt like being in that moment without apology. After listening to his early albums and learning more about his life I went from being a stuffy old young kid to being a walking talking performance art piece, completely broken out of his shell. This album, I feel, was made for me, was made for the future of his fans, as a sort of surrealist focal point, a place to go back to when the world feels strange and walk around in someplace stranger so when you go back you can put things better into context. I wouldn't call it an easy listen, but it works so well at acknowledging the loss his fans would feel and at giving them something to scream at an insane world. Even ignoring the lyrics, the moods and colors of the music feel like they both understand the powerlessness before the inevitable and offer a cathartic rebellious obscene cry in the face of it. Tl;dr: A crazy queer in the midwest liked the album, and likes that you so mindfully reviewed it. Thank you.

[@kegyeti]

yes

[@timkirsten6184]

So true. Best review I've seen. Still astounded by how perfect his death was.

[@thecatmom2861]

I loved this album the day it came out, and now, nine months later, it still makes me really emotional

[@LukeHerbertPlus]

Blackstar is a fantastic album, I honestly felt so sad to wake up yesterday to the news of his death. I listened to Blackstar again and it really made me sad. RIP David

[@MrSpasticdancer]

the most existentially terrifying album i've ever heard

[@NakedUnderMyClothes]

Late on this but what an awesome album this is, and a good review to go with it. Whenever I think about this album, about Bowie dedicating his life to music and choosing to make his death into such a beautiful album I'm reminded of Aesop Rock's verse:"If you choose to build it you'll die by the tools you built with." I'm not entirely sure if that's what the verse was written with in mind, but it fits. Bowie chose the tools of his life and died bravely by them.

[@ericzimmer2645]

Very insightful review. Thank you!

[@ShameOnANigga98]

Anthony Fantano so far (copied this from somebody in the Benjamin Clementine review and just added bowie's score) 10: 0 9: 1 8: 0 7: 2 6: 1 5: 1 4: 0 3: 0 2: 0 1: 0 0: 0

[@charliewash5272]

+BlameTyrone what is this

[@ShameOnANigga98]

+Charlie Wash his score ratings so far in 2016

[@mooooooooooooove]

+BlameTyrone This comment is the top one in every freaking new video of Anthony, it's basically a huge spoiler...

[@ShameOnANigga98]

+Shinda Haisha true, but if u can avoid not scrolling down the comments before/during the review if won't be so bad, i'm not really gnna be doing this every vid, probably just this one

[@mooooooooooooove]

+BlameTyrone np I just have that habit to look at the first comments on new reviews cuz usually the score isn't in it