David Bowie: Worst to Best | Albums Ranked

[@3mlnelson]

Fantastic ranking here, and I love your descriptions. Really glad to see Scary Monsters at 1, and also that you ranked Outside pretty high. Always felt like Outside should one day be recognized alongside the classic run of 70's albums.

[@classicalbum]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@michaelslavin894]

@An Armchair - Good shout on Can

[@ivankaramasov]

@@GCKelloch The songs were not written by an algorithm.

[@curly_wyn]

It shouldn’t. It’s not a very good album.

[@mr.perfect223]

For all the people who want a particular album review. Or want it structured. Here you go: 1:09 Never Let Me Down 2:00 Tonight 2:44 Pin Ups 3:35 Hours... 4:33 Reality 5:46 David Bowie 7:01 Earthling 8:01 Black Tie White Noise 10:00 Heathen 11:24 Blackstar 12:38 The Next Day 13:59 Space Oddity 15:47 Outside 17:25 Lodger 18:46 Lets Dance 22:33 The Man Who Sold The World 24:30 "Heroes" 26:32 Diamond Dogs 28:15 Aladdinsane 30:32 Station To Station 32:48 Hunky Dory 35:21 Ziggy Stardust 36:55 Low 38:37 Scary Monsters (and super creeps)

[@samdoherty2284]

20:46 Young Americans

[@tonybates7870]

My subtitles say *The Latin Scene* rather than *Aladdin Sane*. Dullards!

[@davidbowieglamour5477]

Blackstar at number 16! WOW. Its a masterpiece!

[@jamescarpenter6585]

Have to agree...what a gift to leave us with!

[@IJBiermann]

It is. But maybe 15 others are as well. Not many artists in music history have left us with such an incredible body of masterful work.

[@scottdavidson7719]

no doubt Blackstar is #1

[@oswing]

I would say Black Star N° 5 not 16. Scary Monsters is good but does not deserve number One, not at all. Ziggy n°1, Stationtostation n°2, Low and Heroes 3 and 4. Hunky Dory 6, Young Americans 7, Lodger 8, Scary Monsters 9 (with the "Heroes" clone, "Teenage Wildlife") and Heathen 10. Following might be The Last Day and Reality (for New killer Star and its gorgeous riff). And to end up with, 1.Outside. I know it's very good but it is not sexy. I don't like deranged people. No melody on it.

[@IJBiermann]

@@oswing I never thought Ziggy's Bowie's best album - unless one was a teenager in 1972... (I guess). For a music lover like me who entered the Bowie later, there are many albums in his impressive catalogue that are much more accomplished, musically and artistically

[@VVeltanschauung187]

For me, it's Station to Station

[@zackzallie8735]

Yes. The bridge between his soul records and his Berlin Trilogy is what makes STS a wonderful hybrid.

[@georgedoughly8682]

I love Station To Station!

[@wmhhealth2018]

Me too

[@antonilesniewski8071]

"Yeah, I made a concept album, concept is, I do cocaine."

[@lucienberton4538]

The live versions of STS and Stay blew my mind!

[@tillwesenberg1178]

I remember crying on my way to work on the grey January morning, when news came on the radio that David Bowie had passed away. They played Space Oddity, which was the first song I had ever heard him sing live, and I was surprised by the deep sadness I felt, confronted with the reality, that from now on I would have to live in a world without David Bowie in it, and that one of the greatest, most recognizable and unique voices of all time would sing and speak no more. I heard the news today, oh boy. He is an artist whose work I returned to time and time again over the years, and whose strange metaphors and detached poetry would spur my own imaginaton in many different ways with each new listen. He has created a musical universe of his own, that somehow never became dated or irrelevant, predictable or boring, And he performed his art with an unmatched elegance. I would have hoped he would return for at least one more brilliant farewell tour after some kind of mysterious miracle cure involving alien blood transfusion or some occult ritual. To me he was one of the greatest artists, singers, and performers of all time and I miss him dearly. I very much like your descriptions, but Let's Dance and Outside above Space Oddity? Come on!

[@bellce0]

I miss Bowie more than ever.

[@thelazychefuk4410]

I too was surprised at the deep sorrow I felt when he went, he was the soundtrack to my life but I was never they type of person to have heroes amongst any type of artist or 'celebrity'. I realised when he died that Bowie was much, much more than that. He got me through so much of my existence and the shock was palpable. I still miss him like he was a family member, a soul brother I suppose. There is a huge hole in the universe without this humble and beautiful man.

[@lordslothrop365]

His passing was the only time I wept over an artist.

[@hoibsh21]

I felt the same way over his death. It's rare for a performer to have all these decades' worth of material, so I wanted him to keep exploring because his musical adventures were so fascinating.

[@WilliamKinsey-dx2dn]

🥺 For years I fell into a deep dark gloom but the love people demonstrated with endless box sets and tributes has revived me. But even now I'm in tears🥺

[@vinnym5607]

I think "Heathen" is incredibly underrated, but good arguments for all.

[@robertgraham5486]

I would have rated heathen at #15 minimum

[@lunarvision]

Slow Burn and Afraid are classics.

[@robertgraham5486]

@@lunarvision afraid is great,think I’ll listen to it right now

[@AReallyLongAndUnremakableUser]

His cover if his own song, 'conversation piece', is awesome!

[@thejoin4687]

Heathen leaves me cold....but in a good way. It's haunting. It's like a Sunday afternoon in winter, when the dark is drawing in and you get that awful feeling that you've wasted the weekend and possibly more. Sunday is of course the first song. Then the final song really brings that image home --- the rays of twilight as the sun fades, perhaps for the last time for some... "Have I stared too long??" But then, with that drum beat at the end, there's a feeling of...acceptance? Yes, I have lost the day...but there you go. Also, the bridge on I Demand A Better Future kills me every time.

[@mikevieira8583]

I don't agree with every ranking, but love your descriptions.

[@vinvanveen]

The older I get the more I like Bowie's '90s output. I wish he'd made more albums in the vein of "Outside" and "Earthling."

[@davidfisher8821]

I agree, Outside has weathered very well.

[@OAlem]

@@davidfisher8821 So has Buddha of Suburbia, imho.

[@markshadows3667]

Outside is so underrated

[@lonobl7575]

Eno and Bowie had initially planned for a trilogy of Outside albums

[@Watcher4111]

@@lonobl7575 yeah it's such a pity that Bowie didn't finished this trilogy... Outside is a masterpiece

[@paulayers1111]

Awesome ranking!! Here’s my top 10: 10. The Man Who Sold The World 9. Diamond Dogs 8. Ziggy Stardust 7. Aladdin Sane 6. Hunky Dory 5. Scary Monsters 4. Lodger 3. Heroes 2. Station To Station 1. Low

[@paulayers1111]

Lodger has always had a close place in my heart. Hence why it’s #4

[@daviddockery8962]

That is probably my list too

[@Watcher4111]

Wooow you don't like Outside?!

[@wmhhealth2018]

Great list

[@martinpepperell8424]

@@wmhhealth2018 70s man - I get that too.

[@marktaylor6491]

The nice thing is. We will all have different favourite David Bowie albums, and at different times too. Am very much 'Station to Station' currently.

[@classicalbum]

I agree

[@jonathanmarsh5955]

Exactly so!

[@hartmutpeter215]

This ranking is excellent. My favorite album is also Scary Monsters. This album is iconic, a masterpiece. My favorite song is "IT's no game "part 1and 2. The disharmonic scream is unbelievable and on part2 the japanese voice is great . David Jones was an awesome artist, musician and songwriter. A very long career with a lot of excellent albums. He leaves a big void. R.i.p.

[@meatfruit1123]

Same here ....followed by Teenage Wildlife

[@ivankaramasov]

The screaming and japanese voice are both on part 1.

[@hartmutpeter215]

@@ivankaramasov quite right

[@majortomthemoonboys1533]

Agreed! In fact I just did "It's No Game Pt 1" at a show a few weeks ago! ("Major Tom" here;) Bowie forever! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZnViHtvj9Fsn6c

[@lunarvision]

It’s No Game is still fresh, angular and hip - while firmly in place in early 80’s emerging love affair with Japanese pop culture.

[@kolchak357]

Ziggy is number 1 for me. One of those perfect albums imo. In my top 10 albums of all time (any artist). Bowie had a magic about him. Even his weaker albums have something of interest for me.

[@marymarsh2564]

Agreed, utterly perfect album.

[@alann5003]

Agree. for me his best and one the greatest albums OAT. Solid from start to finish.

[@ElliYeetYT]

I’m Gonna be honest. I believe that “Blackstar” is his best album.

[@JohnCran]

I think you may be right. It delivered the final new character that has to last us forever and I think he delivered. Everytime I listen to it I find something new.

[@SebDangerfield-yu7cm]

Interesting, because my favourite is The Man Who Sold The World and when, upon Bowie's death, I obtained and played Blackstar, I was beside myself with joy that (to me) his final album seemed to mirror TMWSTW and I consider Blackstar to be my favourite "runner-up" album, as a result. I really do feel that Bowie, intentionally or otherwise, effectively ended almost where he had begun.

[@iancunningham5576]

I consider Blackstar in his Top 5.

[@ktpinnacle]

I wouldn’t argue with very many opinions. People have different musical triggers. Bowie hits an awful lot of them. I don’t know that I really have a favorite. I get fixated on different albums at different times.

[@richardrobertson583]

Blackstar has to be Top3. Maybe even #1

[@RonG40]

Even a less than stellar Bowie album, for me, has a gem. ("Thursday's Child" hits me where I live.) He was a chameleon, and I thank him for being that. Also, 'Stay' is the jam of all jams. I still warm up on guitar to that opening riff. Come back in a year or two, and I get a feeling your list will change. He was that clever. His work will always be reconsidered. That's his genius.

[@davidkearnes9623]

I've always thought Hunky Dory was Bowie's best album and Scary Monsters was my favorite album. One thing Bowie was very shrewd about was hiring exceptional musicians. I won't list them here but often imagine how things went in the mid 70's and early 80's: Bowie records Heroes and Robert Fripp plays a huge part in its success with his unreal guitar work. Bowie hires a then little known guitar player, Adrian Belew for the tour who was tasked to replicate Fripps multi track compositions but live with only one guitar....he pulls it off. Bowie uses Belew on Lodger and gives a new meaning to avant garde guitar playing. Bowie hires Fripp for Scary monsters and Fripp says: "Here, hold my beer..."

[@bonetattoo]

Then fripp and belew connect and work wonders. I love musical lineage ☺

[@southpawtarot7890]

I LOVED Pin-Ups. Good review buddy!

[@classicalbum]

Thanks for dropping by.

[@tovasstalin2927]

David Bowie - Low, very underrated album in these days, and you put it right

[@jacobjenneiahn6540]

I love your approach to these lists. Even when we disagree on the placement of some albums, you wonderfully display what you love in the overall music. Keep up the superb work, sir

[@classicalbum]

Thank you so much!

[@cindy68780]

Fair ranking, pretty close to maistream opinion. There is so much good music to listen to we don't need rankings, every album has gems. There are no bad Bowie albums and about 10 excellent ones that can all be no 1.

[@paulmurphy5547]

Hunky Dory is no 1 for me, still after all these years my favourite album of all time! Still sounds like it was recorded recently!

[@kide9747]

Hunky Dory, Scary Monsters, Station to Station, and Earthling are some of my favorites. But it's hard to choose an absolute number one. Great video!

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

"Time Will Crawl" on Never Let Me Down is a great track.

[@FlubbedBunion]

Finally, someone said it!! It was one of Bowie's favourite songs of his aswell.

[@imano8265]

I think so as well.

[@7BlueDodger]

I definitely wouldn’t put Let Me Down as the worst album. Time Will Crawl, the title track and Shinning Star are incredible songs.

[@elagabalusrex390]

"Incredible" is a bit strong. They're good songs, relatively to the rest of the album, but there is a reason Bowie never played any of them live again after 1987.

[@ARIZJOE]

Okay, Pinups was an album of covers. But it was a well made album, and the energy just flew off the needle. It was also a Spiders album, more or less. And it was integral to the historic "1980 Floor Show." Probably in the top ten.

[@Watcher4111]

I love Pin ups. For me it's better than Ziggy. It has up beat, rock n roll feel and Ronson really shines on it

[@blackmore4]

One of the best covers albums ever made. All the tracks are amazing but his slow 'I Can't Explain' still shocks me (in a very good way) with how downright filthy it is.

[@mikepanick9362]

Best cover LP ever

[@stevenmaclean1900]

I agree, best cover album ever, Mick’s guitar tone is stunning.

[@eltatoyo9211]

Pin Ups did the impossible in matching if not surpassing the originals. It's full of energy. the production is fantastic and the interpretations flawless and although true to the originals. Brought new and exciting elements to the songs. Deserves to be on the top 10.

[@spiritualarchitect4276]

1. Ziggy Stardust 2. Aladdin Sane 3. Outside 4. Station to Station 5. "Heroes" 6. Low 7. Diamond Dogs 8. Earthling 9. Heathen 10. The Next Day/Extra 11. Scary Monsters 12. Black Tie White Noise 13. Buddha Of Suburbia 14. Reality 15. Young Americans 16. Let's Dance 17. Lodger 18. Blackstar/No Plan 19. The Man Who Sold the World 20. Hours 21. Hunky Dory 22. Pin Ups 23. Tonight 24. Never Let Me Down 25. Space Oddity* 26. Debut * • Never heard his first two. (PS: You did a Great job describing the albums)

[@velvetclaw2316]

I also think Diamond Dogs is a masterpiece - so rich and dystopian and otherworldly

[@Scaadoo]

Absolutely

[@Firebrand1967]

Tin Machine was and still is one of my fave Bowie albums that gets much play in my car.

[@fenderfetish]

I’ve never been able to get into Tin Machine, which is a real shame. It seems like a great part of Bowie’s body of work ✌️

[@Peppers19781978]

His two Tin Machine albums are sooooo underrated. Way better than stuff like Tonight, Never Let Me Down Again and Black Tie White Noise.

[@gavinreid5387]

@@Peppers19781978 critics hated them but they sold well.

[@FreeBrunoPowroznik]

I agree. Baby can dance, Pretty Thing and Video Crime are awesome songs.

[@stevecowder4774]

" Ziggy " and Station to Station were clearly 2 of his best, but I eventually grew fond of " Let's Dance " mainly because of the SRV addition, a legend in the making.

[@classicalbum]

SRV... a sad loss

[@wiseonwords]

What an intelligent, thoughtful, and articulate survey of David Bowie's musical oeuvre! I may not agree with all of your rankings, but I was entertained and intrigued throughout all of your commentary. I liked that you presented summaries of the contemporary reviews while presenting your own judgements.

[@classicalbum]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@shawnykidsmusic]

My Own Personal Top Ten: 1. Station to Station 2. Ziggy Stardust 3. Hunky Dory 4. Low 5. Blackstar 6. Scary Monsters 7. Aladdin 8. Diamond Dogs 9. Heroes 10. Outside

[@daryl7531]

1. Scary Monsters 2. Lodger 3. Station to Station 4. Diamond Dogs 5. Blackstar 6. Young Americans 7. Heroes 8. Heathen 9. Aladdin Sane 10. Let's Dance

[@aladdinsane848]

1. Heroes 2. Scary monsters 3. Low 4. Station to... 5. Hunky dory 6. Ziggy 7. Lodger 8. Diamond Dogs Cheers❤️

[@johnsummers9660]

The first Bowie album I ever heard was Station and it was because of a Poppy Z. Bright novel.

[@TooSkinnyKenny]

you and I have the exact same first 2 choices. When I listen to Station To Station's bracing funk rock it makes me feel as coked out as Bowie was when he made it while Ziggy just defies description.

[@kylelavery1520]

This was an unbelievable ranking. I am so glad to see that you placed Low as high as you did (my personal favorite). I have watched a lot of Bowie ranking videos and yours was (in my opinion) high above them all. Such a wonderful outlook on his catalog. The first Bowie album I purchased was Outside when it was released. I retroactively traveled back in time to enjoy his previous work. Thank you for the stellar review. Absolutely subscribed!

[@classicalbum]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@jamesevans7796]

Hunky Dory is a masterpiece, Rise and Fall is sublime. Personally I'd put Blackstar in my top 5. Probably rounded off with Station to Station and Low

[@classicalbum]

'Black star' is an album I perhaps need to aquaint myself with more.

[@ShinDSER]

My top 5 would probably be the same, maybe swapping Station to Station with something else.

[@blackmore4]

Kudos for not kicking the first 1967 album. I'm sure its dodgy reputation has been down to the rock critic hatred of anything outside of rock's limited ingredients (r&b/country/folk/blues). Hopefully your insightful review will help others grapple with their by-the-book music hall horror and see it for the masterpiece it is. I think his (19 year old) genius is as potent on it as on any of his other monumentally brilliant 70s albums.

[@budfoon]

Lodger was his best, the rest of the Berlin Trilogy is awesome, Station to Station was epic, and Outside brought me back to him. Still parsing Blackstar - but it's more than intriguing.

[@2wayplebney]

I am also a Lodger booster.

[@sspbrazil]

That one is up there for me and Adrian Belew’s guitar playing is fantastic on this album.

[@dannymiles6503]

Lodger is stunning with Belew the standout with Davis's drumming. The run of songs from Red Sails thru to Repetition is intellectual rock of the highest level. Added to that are the videos of DJ, Look Back In Anger and Boys Keep Swinging. If I Pray Ole made it on rather than just missing it would of propelled Lodger to the heights it deserves.

[@2wayplebney]

@@dannymiles6503 If I Pray is not a track I have heard, but I will watch out for it. Regardless, Lodger is up there with the Fripp albums. (Thanks, Adrian.)

[@2wayplebney]

@@dannymiles6503 I found it. Excellent track. Why did they not use the 1.5 hour format of the cassette to expand albums?

[@craig8542]

brilliant study. well done. all music fans have Bowie running through their musical listening and you have covered all the bases!

[@Gershom.]

Thank you. Your efforts and eloquence are appreciated.

[@classicalbum]

You are very welcome

[@PianoVampire]

I thought this might be miles away from my own choices, but not far off at all. I would probably have Low as number 1, Aladdin Sane and Outside a bit higher up - but we are pretty close!

[@chuckmartin2220]

Wow. You've got me going through my Bowie collection and pulling out quite a few to reexamine. Great job! "fourth album of the Berlin trilogy."

[@bellce0]

Great work on reviewing Bowie’s discography. Glad I discovered you by accident. This Yank definitely needs to use the captions to follow your discussions. The details you provide are most impressive. Cheers!

[@classicalbum]

Thank you for watching

[@jayhoughton4174]

Hunky Dory is my number one, I'm sure it was 72 also, but if you say its 71 I'll take your word for it. Not sure that low or station to station would be in my top ten, and while I loved ashes to ashes when it came out, and bought scary monsters on the back of it, it was of its time, and I'm not sure it has weathered well, whereas hunky dory has remained a classic for me. Maybe its because I never really listened to his later work (I no longer have a deck to listen to records properly) that I generally agree with your placement of those albums, I kept feeling I was missing something when listening to blackstar although I really liked it, it didn't do it for me. Perhaps I need to listen to it through the voices drifting out of the open window, whilst lying in the garden on a summer's evening trying to watch the stars as they're spinning above me, or perhaps that's why hunky dory is my number one, we attach times, places, smells and people to songs and I doubt the 70's will happen again in my lifetime.

[@njmccormackgmail]

Hunky Dory definitely 71, just checked my vinyl label.

[@EasyActionTV]

as a 60 yr old bowie fanatic since 1972 i found this 40 minutes to be a jolly good watch ..i might not agree in places but enjoyed listening to someone who clearly has put thought & effort into the content of this film . I will never forget the moment i got home with my copy of Low on the day it was released and thought ...huh ?? being a bowie fan one should be ready for the unimaginable but The Speed of Life was a sit up and take notice moment..but i played that Lp every day and fell in love with the odd songs on side one and and sailed away in my own imagination to the instrumental pieces ... Low replaced Hunky dory as my fave... nice one dude ! stay safe Carlton

[@eduardovega2877]

My top 3 are: 1) Blackstar 2) Heroes 3) Ziggy It was painful to see Blackstar at 16. It's a religious experience whenever I listen to it. It's just so incredibly emotional.

[@doncampbell7303]

Great review as always. Absolutely loved the rush and Jethro Tull reviews you did. I grab something to drink and a dictionary, if you know what I mean, and listen contently.

[@classicalbum]

Awesome, thank you! After this Bowie list, I'm pouring a glass of JD and watching a movie.

[@doncampbell7303]

@@classicalbum : enjoy, and greetings from San Diego, CA.

[@aladdinsane848]

In 1979 I was 11 years old when my 5 year older sister brought HEROES from a trip to London. This moment, first hearing heroes, changed my world. In this days I have never been to Berlin before, but I felt this is how this city sounds like. Within 2 years I discovered his whole catalogue. Now I'm a musician, actor and speaker.... It's because of him

[@coloneldecker]

True. I've been to Berlin a few times and I always have Low and Heroes in my head as I walk around Kruezberg.

[@hiridavidfeign]

I could quibble about a few things in the middle, but overall I'm in agreement. For a lot of us though, we have attachments based on when we discovered the albums, memories of the time, etc. that add a subjectivity to our opinions. The LP of "Heroes" was the first Bowie album I bought. When I brought it home and listened, I wanted to return it to the store. I just didn't get its abrasiveness (I was a pretty sheltered teenager). But I loved the title track and the second side, and over time it became my favorite album of all. It rewarded me through many re-listenings. Then Lodger came along and challenged me even further, and I love it too because of how it inspired me as an artist. But every Bowie album from Space Oddity to Scary Monsters (minus Pinups) is his best album while I'm listening to it. This was really fun and I enjoyed hearing your critiques. Thanks.

[@jossecoupe446]

I've only just started sifting through Bowie's albums in chronological order, just got to Station to Station and it's pretty darn great.

[@classicalbum]

Station to Station would easily make anyone's top five Bowie albums - it's a wonderful pre-cursor to the Berlin trilogy

[@jossecoupe446]

@@classicalbum I've heard many great things concerning said trilogy, and with Station to Station being called a "pre-cursor" I have great expectations. Looking forward to the vid👍

[@cubbykovu8955]

@@classicalbum Station To Station didn't make my top 5 XD it was in the top 10 though :)

[@humandroid53]

@@classicalbum not mine. 😏

[@chopsueykungfu]

Brian Eno denies Lodger is part of the ‘Berlin Trilogy’. He says it consists of The Idiot, Low and Heroes. On another note, the studio recording of Hunky Dory and ‘Ziggy’ albums is only 3 weeks apart. Ziggy was delayed months to be released the following year.

[@philips.4502]

How in God's name can a person rank a master such a D. Bowie

[@edwardwhite7959]

Here here been a fan since 1970 you can't beat that x

[@classicalbum]

with much affection and respect

[@MrMojoRisin]

Awesome ranking, Barry. Great pick for number 1. Bowie was such a wonderful artist in every way. He was a trailblazer in music with so much talent. Loved this video so much that I’ll watch it again. 1. Ziggy Stardust 2. Hunky Dory 3. Diamond Dogs 4. Scary Monsters 5. Low 6. Alladdin Sane 7. Heroes 8. Let’s Dance 9. Lodger 10. Young Americans

[@phillipanderson7398]

I have so many multiple copies of his albums up to and including Diamond Dogs ( 1974) . It's the " glam" Bowie for me.

[@martinpepperell8424]

Thank you I enjoyed this as I'm getting to know his full range of work - surprised to see Scary monsters up there- and nothing wrong with that. Great perspective on that one!

[@classicalbum]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@brettclark3885]

I really think Blackstar is a top 5 album in any Bowie ranking. There's not a weak song on it and it's deep, dark and sensory. Sort of shocked Scary Monsters outpips Low too.

[@curly_wyn]

Actually, every song on the album besides the title track, Lazarus, and Dollar Days is pretty weak.

[@deanmorier5353]

Nice review of the studio albums by Bowie, and I now want to do some deep listening of some of these albums. I cannot remember where I read the review, but when Low came out the review was titled "How Low can You Go?" though I cannot remember the details of the review. Heroes and Aladdin Sane have always been my favorites.

[@barrycardiss4851]

Due to being part of my youth Ziggy Stardust, Alladin Sane, Diamond Dogs all special to me..Hunky Dory is a classic... . I am more rock rooted and never really travelled into his dance, funk years although many singles like Young Americans, Golden years etc are great....

[@garrydaniel5210]

What a wonderful review. Makes me want to dig back into Bowie again. Your number one is a great choice.

[@classicalbum]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Vaeren222]

Blackstar is an album that pushes the envelope and I think many people are to conformed to see it's genius. It's like Death Grips. The music is too ahead for its time. Some people love it and most people hate it. In the future Blackstar and Death Grips will be praised and the new generations will recognize its genius.

[@siltom1962]

Bowie brings back many memories. At the time I remember Low and Heroes got tepid reviews and ended up in delete bins, were subsequently sold in cheap "valu" editions. It took a LONG time for them to find their rightful place.

[@hauntological]

Good selection there. As a huge Bowie fan of old, it always puzzles me that people always rate 'Never Let Me Down' as his worst album. I also believe a fair few people haven't even bothered to actually *listen* to it and dismiss it because Bowie himself slated it and the music press crucified it on release. While it's not up there with his best - and it does sound somewhat made to cater for a certain type of 80s crowd (in part) - I don't find it his worst album. The production is superb and the different styles/range of Bowie's vocals on here are nothing short of staggering. He uses a lot of reverb to his advantage on the vocals (especially 'Zeroes'). Additionally, Peter Frampton lays down some incredible guitar on the album, which seems to have gone overlooked by many. Admittedly, there are one or two throwaway cringe moments (Mickey Rourke doing vocals is a stand-out no-no) but overall, I rate it much higher than 'Tonight' and listen to it far more than 'Black Tie White Noise', 'Hours...' and 'David Live'. It was never going to make the grade of the absolute masterpiece that is 'Scary Monsters' and frankly, nothing ever will but I believe it deserves much more credit than it gets. But hey, at the end of the day, it's all subjective and comes down to personal opinion.

[@elagabalusrex390]

It's not his worst - that would be it's predecessor "Tonight". That Beach Boys cover is just...no lol.

[@philanderson5138]

thanks.. a great summary of bowie. i've never clicked with him, like everyone you have favourite songs but it is hard to access when there is so much out there, but you have given me some good suggestions of where to start.

[@edwardwhite7959]

Hi "The little Bombardier " definitely gives you a start

[@shanewright2772]

The greatest thing David Bowie left us was the idea that there could be a David Bowie The second greatest thing David Bowie left us was the knowledge that there could never be another David Bowie The third greatest thing he left us was Station to Station. Oh, and extra credit for not falling for the Blackstar narrative.

[@SlainOracle]

Actually I feel like Blackstar (the song, not album) directly disagrees with your second point.

[@shanewright2772]

@@SlainOracle I'm not sure I take your meaning.

[@SlainOracle]

@@shanewright2772 something happened on the day he died Spirit rose a metre abd stepped aside Somebody else took his place, and bravely cried I'm a blackstar, I'm a blackstar Bowie said it himself, there will be another Bowie. There will always be another Bowie. He's an idea, shared by freethinkers and outcasts around the world and throughout time

[@shanewright2772]

@@SlainOracle well, it's coming up to 5 years and I'm not holding out much hope.

[@SlainOracle]

@@shanewright2772 don't worry my album comes out next year ;)

[@henriktronstad7050]

Nicely done, mate. My top three, nostalgic and autobiographical picks are; Aladdin sane, Let’s dance and Blackstar. But at least half of his albums are stellar.

[@babettesfeast6347]

Am I the only person on earth who loves his Tin Machine project? Heavy rock, grunge, and blues with brilliant vocals-

[@Scaadoo]

I've grown to love it

[@xtstevie]

One of the best videos this & loved your observation on every album beautifully worded as always..... My Bowie Top 5 1 - Station To Station 2 - Ziggy Stardust 3 - Hunky Dory 4 - Scary Monsters 5 - Blackstar... RIP David.

[@DavyDredd14]

My Favorites : 5) Scary Monsters 4) Hunky Dory 3) Heroes 2) Low 1) Station To Station

[@alive-bs7ng]

Nice informative ranking! My List: 5. Young Americans 4. Low 3. Hunky Dory 2. Ziggy Stardust 1. Station to Station (in my top 10 all-time albums)

[@Mrbluesplayer43]

Interesting order, but of course Ziggy is, and always will be his no. 1 album, and quite rightly so. It's simply unbeatable, and one of the greatest rock albums ever made if not THE greatest. Rolling Stone readers survey and many other polls got it spot on. The sound, production, songman-ship, and performance are untouchable, aided with the fabulous guitar playing and arrangements from the late great Mick Ronson. Most songs achieved in 3 takes or less, it still has a largely live feel, with not a hint of overproduction and every track a winner.

[@ultra_marcus]

A wonderful tour through possibly the best and most varied back catalogue of any artist, you've made me want to give Scary Monsters another chance, something I was never too into beyond it's hit singles. Ziggy and Hunky spoke deeply to my teenage self, however as I got older my favourite Bowie albums shifted to his late 70's work. Thank you for your insights on this seminal artist.

[@siltom1962]

Aladdin doesn't really cohere as a whole, it never really works up any momentum, as such, but taking each track on its own terms, easily one of his best.

[@phillipdavies3735]

Fi stly i will commence by saying i do not subscribe to anything: only my personal viewpoints. I do, however, believe in giving credit. where credit is merited and deserved. I dont actually concur with your ranking list. What i will say is your descriptive analyisis of BOWIES discography is brilliant. You know exactly what your on about; the essence is your delivery and the colourful language used in conveying the detailed analysis. I listen to many reviews on KZbin and yours is without doubt one of the best. Well done sir and keep up the sterling work. My 1st time but will definetly look for more of your reviews. Many THANKS Dude.

[@michelzinger]

I am a Bowie fan from the beginning. In the end, there are two best albums overall : Hunky Dory and Outside. Absolute differents but absolute masterpieces.

[@DornAndGrant]

Fabulous reviews. I wish I didn’t agree with you about pinups and there are others you like which I like less. But love you descriptions and rationale-ta.

[@aprendizdebrujo100]

The man who sold the world is 1970, and it's a great, totally underrated album. some apocalyptic lyrics like "saviour machine", for example, and mick ronson in mode "guitar hero" in many songs like the width of a circle, black country rock, the fantastic Running gun blues... and this "I want to ve mad" of "all the Madmen"... furthermore, I see interesting anticipations of the future alternative guitar sound of bands like Dinosaur Jr, and maybe grunge (and not for the version of nirvana) in a couple of songs. (maybe O'm the only one who think it) Fantastic album. one of my five favourites. and in my opinion, better than diamond dogs. I miss mick ronson in that LP.

[@ZeroMod]

As a lifelong Bowie fan (met him backstage doing Elephant Man) I found your ranking thought provoking. Glad to see "Man Who Sold The World" rated so highly with you - my all time fave.

[@barryoneill1703]

I'm glad that I was born and lived on this Planet at the same time that Bowie was here, "perfect timing, I found him at age 10 when I used run to the radio to hear "The Laughing gnome," and before that at around age 8 they played to us at school "Peter and the wolf," little did I know then who he was and who he would become. I love your rankings but I would of considered "Reality" much higher as I just loved it, Its a very exciting album to me, "Young Americans is one of my least favourite, Brilliant, I really enjoy your posts, Would love to hear your views on "u2" Regards, Thank You.

[@BritPopSnob]

Fantastic and very informative video. You are definitely a natural. Subscribed.

[@classicalbum]

Awesome, thank you!

[@TheBlackHelicopterRevue]

Scary Monsters is absolutely my favourite. Station to Station a close second.

[@ngs2683]

I was taking a trip down memory lane and KZbin recommended me this channel. I loved it. Great video. Very educational, in my opinion. I'll give some of these albums a shot and I'll definitely give Station To Station a second shot, 'cause I tried it once and it just didn't do it for me. I was always more into the Ziggy Stardust era. Anyway, that's some great work you're doing!

[@theelliottline3637]

In 1977, I was 15 and just getting seriously into rock music. I remember 'Low' getting the worst reviews possible (short, dismissive, mocking). A friend of mine had it on cassette and I thought it was the most interesting music I had ever heard. Still one of my favourite albums.

[@dancalmpeaceful3903]

When I got first CD player...Low was my first CD.

[@gavinreid5387]

Its sales were low as well.

[@brucedillinger9448]

And that is why it's probably not in a person's best interest to rely too heavily on "professional" reviews. For if you do you may pass up something that truly speaks to and inspires you.

[@eltatoyo9211]

I was 17, I loved side 1 instantly. Side 2 took some time.

[@Shah-of-the-Shinebox]

Low was WAY ahead of the time. I didnt like it when I first listened to it but I love it now.

[@billcarsonalias]

"Aladdin Sane" is my all time favorite DB album. "Heathen" is very underrated in my opinion. "Let's Dance" is my emotional favorite as it was the album that I became a fan and brings me back to high school and youth. "Blackstar" is an album I've never been able to get into. Maybe one day I'll figure it out. Good job as always, Barry.

[@mikewest1542]

Barry , I agree with you Aladdin is my favourite too, although in the past Station to Station and Diamond Dogs were my favourites and years ago Ziggy or Hunky Dory,. The ones I hate , or I should say like less are Tonight and the Dreaded Black Tie , White Noise. Underrated are Outside and Lodger, all his albums are interesting and he’s never been boring and he has formed my early musical life and much of it there after !

[@grahamtaylor8912]

Aladdin Sane stands out to me too.

[@kaischunemann3018]

"Pinups" and "Never Let Me Down" are my favourites after "Low", "Ziggy Stardust" & "Hunky Dory".

[@thedemonnemo]

Well done, very thoughtful. My top 10: #1 Low, #2 Young Americans, #3 Ziggy Stardust, #4 Let's Dance, #5 Station to Station, #6 Heroes, #7 Scary Monsters, #8 Diamond Dogs, #9 Hunky Dory, #10 Aladdin Sane.

[@dancalmpeaceful3903]

I'd rank "Pin Ups" much higher....but that's me. Always a good vid though....His version of "Cactus" is great...Still can't believe you did describe the majesty of the old Bowie classic..."The Laughing Gnome"...... My biggest mistake is that I only saw him 3 times - some people might say I'm greedy....but I wanted to see him at LEAST once more. I had intentions of taking my son...

[@TableNetwork]

Give descriptions for the albums and I was appreciative that you manage to stay as impartial as possible. It’s always hard not to bring too much of your own baggage to the likes and descriptions of albums have a particular artist. Think it’s rather unfair not to include the likes of Buddha of Suburbia but especially Tin Machine. Like them or not it shows a distinctive an important period in Bowie’s career. As you mentioned Tin Machine especially does this. Aladdin Sane would’ve topped my list but I think this comes down to the pure enjoyment I’ve had from listening to it. It must’ve paid for its purchase price more than 100 times over

[@doctorwatson1000]

Although Pinups does have "Sorrow" on it, which is one of my favourite covers

[@blackmore4]

I reckon Pin Ups is one of the best covers albums ever.

[@mikev4621]

Great analysis of each and all the albums

[@jelenastojanovic5984]

I adore Bowie, especially Ziggy, my all time favorite is Hunky Dory!!

[@patxi601]

Brillant and well argumented ranking. I like your point of view and knowledge about DB. My number one and two are zyggy and a lad insane. 😊

[@classicalbum]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@fryksdahlstravel8983]

Pleased to see Hunky Dory rated highly, its the only Bowie record I can listen from start to finish without skipping. Hence its my #1 hands down.

[@mikegray002]

i myself have been a bowie fan since 1974 and i have to say that this is a fantastic review the best that i have seen and i agree with a lot of what you say, and i look forward to watching more reviews from you in the future. (subscribed)

[@classicalbum]

Thank you for watching

[@keithpadden8684]

Heathen one of my favourite albums deserves to be higher in the rankings

[@barrygreenfield4971]

Brilliant throughout Barry. I learnt a lot . My favourite solo Artist , with such an amazing canon . Thank you

[@dschesters]

YES! I always come back to Scary Monsters, i'm in total agreement with this as number one.

[@classicalbum]

Thank you for tuning in and watching my video

[@simonpj145]

Great countdown I really enjoyed listening to that. I would have Pinups a bit higher, it is a key memory from my youth. I’m glad you put Scary Monsters top in many ways as it’s amazing, especially Its No Game pt1 and Up The Hill Backwards. But my go to album and has to be my number one is Ziggy Stardust. It’s perfect, and IMO it has the best intro and closing bars of any album there is - the slow build of Five Years and the finale to Rock n Roll Suicide are just ‘wow’

[@mickylad1]

Love Aladdin Sane his most underrated album raw..Low,hunky dory,and Scary monster'smy favourites..I've always thought that Ziggy stardust and the spiders from Mars is overrated....

[@flaviaalves7455]

Amazing review, thanks for the hard work. I really enjoyed the more musically focused ranking instead of popularity, great video

[@classicalbum]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andrewhart9913]

Call me crazy, but Hours was actually one of my favorites, I always enjoyed it more than Heroes. "Survive" and "The Pretty Things Are Going To Hell" are two of my most favorite Bowie songs.

[@velvetclaw2316]

This is a great and probably the most intelligent review of his canon that I’ve seen. I personally would have placed Heathen and Blackstar higher.

[@classicalbum]

Thanks - do check out my other videos

[@jacksweeklymusicreviews3411]

R.I.P David 1947-2016

[@jimandlizhudson2501]

This was a huge task and so well done.

[@kevinleesmith]

Good job you didn't include the Tin Machine album because it would have definitely won that slot! (Fan since the long hot summer of '76) I rate Hours, Reality, Heathen much much higher. Let's dance lower. I agree on ur no.1. Scary Monsters still makes my spine tingle. Black Star I have not listened to. I am saving it like a 80 year single malt. One day I will open the bottle and judge the genie within. I sometimes wonder if someone could organise a playing for those like me who are waiting to savour the last golden drops of nectar.

[@RobUttley]

What a great list! Station To Station, Scary Monsters, Hunky Dory and Aladdin Sane for me, but on another day it might be a little different - I like Reality and Heathen more than you do perhaps! You understandably left out the Tin Machine project and I'd be interested in your views on it (perhaps a mini piece to camera?) - I really enjoyed the first one and think much of it still sounds fresh and edgy now (probably the last vinyl I actually bought before a 25-year hiatus with the format) but I only recently managed to get hold of the second one, when it was reissued, and I was quite deflated by that one.