Artist: David Bowie Album: Low

Year: 1977
Duration: 38:50

A Critical Review of David Bowie's Low Album

David Bowie is undoubtedly one of the most important musicians in the history of popular music. His career spanned several decades and his music has been an inspiration to many artists. In 1977, Bowie released his album Low, which is widely regarded as a seminal work in the history of electronic music. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at this album, examine its historical context and its legacy, and offer a critical review of its songs.

To understand Low, we need to look at the cultural and musical context of its release. The late 1970s was a period of rapid change in music, with the rise of punk rock, funk, and disco. Bowie was always one to innovate and push the boundaries of what was expected of him, and Low is a perfect example of that. He had recently moved to Berlin, and the album was influenced by the city's underground club scene, as well as Bowie's interest in German electronic music.

The album is divided into two parts, with the first side featuring shorter, pop-oriented songs, and the second side being more experimental and avant-garde. The standout tracks on the album are Speed of Life, Sound and Vision, and Heroes. Sound and Vision is perhaps the most famous song on the album, with its catchy melody and creative use of synthesizers. Heroes, on the other hand, is a more contemplative song, with Bowie's vocals taking on a more melancholic tone.

Low is a groundbreaking album in many ways. It was one of the first records to use synthesizers heavily, and it paved the way for the rise of electronic music in the years to come. It was also a departure from Bowie's earlier work, which was more rooted in traditional rock music. The album's experimental nature was a reflection of Bowie's willingness to take risks and challenge his audience.

However, Low is not without its flaws. The instrumental tracks on side two can be challenging for some listeners, and the album as a whole can be difficult to digest in one sitting. Some fans of Bowie's earlier work might also be put off by the album's departure from his more traditional sound. That being said, Low is a work of art that deserves to be listened to in its entirety.

In conclusion, Low is a masterpiece of electronic music that deserves its place in the pantheon of Bowie's work. Its influence can be heard in countless artists who followed in his footsteps, and its avant-garde approach to songwriting and production was a bold move for an artist of his stature. While it may not be for everyone, Low is an important album that should be listened to by anyone with an interest in the history of music.