Back catalogue: Rock

Review: Celebrating its 50th anniversary, this pivotal moment in Bowie's career emerged from his fascination with Philadelphia International Records and the disco-infused sounds dominating dance clubs. Recorded at Sigma Sound Studios mid-tour, Bowie's pivot to "plastic soul" was both a bold departure and a reflection of his adaptability as he morphed out of the Ziggy Stardust persona. The album features collaborations with important figures like guitarist Carlos Alomar, whose funk riff would anchor 'Fame', and a then-unknown Luther Vandross, who contributed backup vocals and songwriting. 'Fame' and the title tracks became standouts, blending funk, soul and Bowie's unique flair. The reimagined 'Fascination' and dreamy 'Win' showed the album's versatility, while covers like Lennon's 'Across the Universe' help balance out the album while highlighting Bowie's willingness to experiment. Though the album is daring as Diamond Dogs or Station to Station, it holds its own with a mix of hits and enjoyable fillers, solidifying Bowie as a trailblaser in blending genres. This half-speed mastered reissue revitalises the sound, bringing clarity and depth to an album that remains a iconic album in Bowie's catalogue.

Review: David Bowie's seminal debut album remains one of the greats which is why it now gets, courtesy of Decca, a vibrant reissue on coloured vinyl, featuring some exclusive tracks that will appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers alike. Praised by critics upon its original release, decades on and a long time after the man himself has left us, it still stands up. Listening back now you're struck by the creativity of the then 19-year-old Londoner all over again.

Review: David Bowie's live shows were as unique as his recordings. This one from his time in Japan captures him at work on May 16, 1990 as the legendary performer was at the height of his Sound+Vision Tour, a celebration of his greatest hits and a farewell to older material. The Tokyo Dome show showcased Bowie's magnetic stage presence as he worked through his repertoire and blended theatrics with masterful musicianship. Featuring timeless tracks like 'Space Oddity' and 'Heroes,' the performance highlighted Bowie's unparalleled artistry all backed by a dynamic band and cutting-edge production which makes for a great listen all these years on.

Review: This special reissue of David Bowie's Young Americans album drops on the exact day of its Golden Jubilee. It was the late, great creative maverick's nine studio album and as always found him broadening his musical horizons. He embraced what he described "plastic soul" and it worked as this album gave him his first ever number one in the US with 'Fame' which was co-written with John Lennon and Carlos Alomar, who at the time played guitar with Bowie. It has been remastered for this reissue and cut at half speed so you can really luxuriate in the details.

Review: David Bowie's first LP, released in 1967, remains a fascinating collection that offers a glimpse into his future career. Tracks like 'She's Got Medals' showcase early gender-bending themes, while 'Please Mr. Gravedigger' and 'Uncle Arthur' delve into dark, quirky narratives unlike anything else in his discography. 'We Are Hungry Men' foreshadows dystopian themes, depicting a world driven to cannibalism due to food scarcity. While some songs highlight human frailties with sharp observations, others like 'Love You Till Tuesday' and 'Maid of Bond Street' are irresistibly catchy despite their family-entertainment style arrangements. This album stands out in Bowie's catalogue for its uniqueness and the clear divergence from his later, more rock-oriented work. Now reissued on green vinyl, this LP invites a new generation to appreciate Bowie's early artistic exploration.

Review: It's 50 years since Diamond Dogs was released and it still sounds way ahead of the game. Not long after 1972 and the shock dissolution of the Spiders From Mars, this is the sound of Bowie discovering and developing both his most experimental side - see the spoken word dystopian opening 'Future Legend' or the sludgy spacerock workout 'Sweet Thing (Reprise)'- and a new groove-laden funkiness evident in the triumphant title track, the funk-inspired '1984' and the album's biggest hit, 'Rebel Rebel'. Bowie at the very height of his game, a place he would stay for quite some time after this tour de force.

Review: David Bowie's Rock 'n' Roll Star! chronicles the boy from Bromley's transformative journey that culminated in his Ziggy Stardust masterpiece. Spanning from February 1971 to the recording of 1972's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, this compilation presents 14 rare and previously unreleased tracks that trace Bowie's artistic metamorphosis. From early Ziggy Session takes to alternative versions and outtakes, this vinyl release offers an intimate glimpse into Bowie's creative process. Each track reveals a different facet of the artist, from the proto-glam of 'Hang On To Yourself' to the soaring balladry of 'Holy Holy.' The album culminates with two iconic performances: an energetic Top Of The Pops rendition of 'Starman' and an alternative version of 'John, I'm Only Dancing' that showcases Bowie's diverse musical talents. Mastered at half-speed, this black vinyl LP provides an immersive and nuanced listening experience.

Review: David Bowie's Diamond Dogs is a seminal album in his career, released in 1974 amid the glam rock era. The album plunges into a dystopian world, with Bowie adopting the persona of Halloween Jack, a feral survivor in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Songs like 'Rebel Rebel' and 'Diamond Dogs' capture the album's raw energy and cynicism, while '1984' reflects Bowie's fascination with George Orwell's novel. Diamond Dogs remains a very important record to Bowie's artistic vision and musical prowess. While many remember the album as the transition period between Ziggy Stardust and The Thin White Duke, the music is equally as memorable. Its themes of alienation, rebellion, and survival continue to resonate with listeners today, making this anniversary edition a valuable addition to any Bowie fan's collection.