Artist: David Bowie Album: Pin Ups

Year: 1973
Duration: 40:21

A Critical Review of the Album Pin Ups by David Bowie

David Bowie, one of the greatest artists of all time, has not only contributed immensely to the music industry, but also to film and fashion. With a career spanning over five decades, Bowie's music has been highly influential in the world of rock and pop. In this post, we will critically analyze one of his albums – Pin Ups. Released in 1973, this album was part of Bowie's transitional phase between glam rock and soul music.

Pin Ups is an album comprising of cover versions of some of Bowie's favorite songs from the 60s. The album primarily consists of tracks originally recorded by British bands like The Who, The Kinks, and Pink Floyd. The album is a tribute to the British Invasion bands that influenced Bowie's early career. The album reflects Bowie's love for rock and roll, while also showcasing his ability to experiment with sounds, genres, and artists.

One of the best tracks on the album is the cover of The Who's 'I Can't Explain'. Bowie's rendition is infused with punk energy, which adds a new dimension to the original song. Another standout song is the cover of Pink Floyd's 'See Emily Play'. Bowie's version is haunting and chilling, with the vocals and instrumental arrangements creating an eerie atmosphere.

Pin Ups is an innovative album that features Bowie infusing his own style and sound into covers of songs he admired. It's the perfect example of Bowie's ability to take inspiration from his musical heroes and make it his own. The album has been highly influential to generations of musicians, as it showcases how creative liberties can be taken with cover songs.

Pin Ups, however, has not received universal acclaim from critics and fans alike. Some have criticized the album for coming across as a half-hearted tribute to the British Invasion bands, while others have criticized Bowie's vocals on some of the tracks. Regardless of the criticism, Pin Ups remains a significant album in Bowie's discography.

In conclusion, Pin Ups by David Bowie is a nuanced album that pays homage to the British Invasion bands while showcasing Bowie's ability to experiment with genres and sounds. While it may not be one of Bowie's standout albums, Pin Ups is still an important album in his discography. If you're a fan of Bowie or 60s rock, Pin Ups is definitely worth a listen. It's an album that showcases Bowie's creativity, influence, and impact on the music industry.