Artist: David Bowie Album: Never Let Me Down

Year: 1987
Duration: 49:02

Never Let Me Down: A Critical Look at David Bowie’s Album

David Bowie is an iconic figure in the music industry, having left quite a mark with his innovative and groundbreaking music. Among his numerous albums, Never Let Me Down is one that stands out, both positively and negatively, in the many works of Bowie. Released on 20 April 1987, it was his seventeenth album and the last album he made before the departure of long-time collaborator and producer Tony Visconti. In this blog post, we’ll take a critical look at this album from Bowie and discuss the music genre, the best songs, and the most innovative parts of the album. We’ll also delve into some criticisms that the album received.

The Music Genre: Never Let Me Down has elements of various genres, such as pop, rock, and soul. Bowie incorporated these elements into the album, which made it commercially successful and allowed it to appeal to a wider audience. With hit singles such as “Time Will Crawl” and “Day-In Day-Out,” Bowie created a striking contrast between the sound and lyrics, making it one of his most commercially successful albums.

The Best Songs: There are some standout tracks on Never Let Me Down. For instance, Time Will Crawl, features a spacey and adventurous sound that's reminiscent of Bowie's earlier works. The song has become an anthem for hope and resilience, and its message still resonates with listeners today. Glass Spider was also a great song on the album that showed off Bowie's creativity and storytelling skills. With its strange lyrics and catchy melody, the song remains a fan favorite.

The Most Innovative Parts: The album's most innovative aspect was the collaboration between Bowie and other artists. Never Let Me Down featured contributions from Peter Frampton, Carlos Alomar, and the jazz great, Laurie Anderson. Bowie fused different genres with creating the album, which made it compelling and engaging to listen to. His use of horns, synthesizers, and electronic beats also gave the album a unique sound.

Critics against the Album: Never Let Me Down received a lot of criticisms, many of which were justified. The album was considered too commercial, and some critics found it to be lacking the edge and inventiveness of Bowie's earlier works. It was also criticized for having weak lyrics that didn't match the caliber of Bowie's previous works.

Never Let Me Down remains a significant work in the late David Bowie's catalog. It did not live up to the artistic standards that Bowie had set for himself, but it still had its appeal in the music industry. Critics may point out its weaknesses, but the album's commercial success and enduring messages of hope make it a fan favorite. The album is still worth listening to, whether you’re a long-time Bowie fan or a newbie. Its mix of pop, rock, and soul make it an engaging and entertaining record to listen to.