Blackstar
by David Bowie
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Jan 8, 2016
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 745 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 691 out of 745
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 745
  3. Negative: 36 out of 745
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  1. rodq
    Jan 8, 2016
    10
    He did it again. After a more rocking, traditional "The Next Day", Bowie is back to experimental ground in "Blackstar". This is his most ambitious album since "Outside" - I'm not saying that his most rocking albums were bad, they were just most conventional than this.

    Bowie always experimented with jazz. We all remember Aladdin Sane, Jump They Say, Seven Years In Tibet, the Berlin    He did it again. After a more rocking, traditional "The Next Day", Bowie is back to experimental ground in "Blackstar". This is his most ambitious album since "Outside" - I'm not saying that his most rocking albums were bad, they were just most conventional than this.

    Bowie always experimented with jazz. We all remember Aladdin Sane, Jump They Say, Seven Years In Tibet, the Berlin Trilogy. It's the first music genre he fell in love with when a child. But he never released a entire album of jazz music.

    Blackstar is the closer he gets, but it's not simply a "jazz album": it's dark, experimental, electronic and remiscent of his Berlin trilogy and of his underated masterpiece "Outside". Two songs are immediatly absolute masterpieces: the 10 min "Blackstar", spiritual sucessor at least in structure to "Station to Station"; and the dramatic, melancholic "Lazarus", wrote for his play of same name.

    The whole album is groundbreaking. Even the two songs that we already knew from 2014, "Sue" and "Tis a Pity" are reworked and in much superior versions here. It's a short album, but much like Station to Station and Earthling, it's immediate and without a single bad song. Without even a regular song; every song is damn good, ambitious and different in every way.

    The three final tracks are some of his finest ballads, the atmospheric "Girl Loves Me", the beautiful "Dollar Days" and the message to the fans in the final track: "I can't give everything away". And Bowie is once again right: we don't need everything away. We can cople with the mystery, wait, worry, and then he gifts us with such a treasure like Blackstar

    This album will grow, and grow, and grow on us. Happy birthday, master!    … Expand
  2. ek11sx
    Jan 11, 2016
    9
    On January 8th this album was good, interesting to say the least. On January 11th this album takes on an entirely new meaning. It transcends the meaning of life and death in art as we know it. Masterpiece.
  3. WhiskeyStories
    Jun 20, 2017
    10
    Hauntingly beautiful, excitingly experimental, bone chillingly poetic and eerily prophetic. David Bowie truly made his last album one to remember for the ages. It's a masterpiece.
  4. Nardeen
    Mar 11, 2017
    9
    Initially, when this album first came out I was surprised by the dark and gritty lyrics and symbolism but a few days later I understood why this album was like that, it was a goodbye by Bowie showing us all that he is capable of creating magic even when suffering from cancer. This album is fantastic, every time I hear it reminds me of how influential Bowie was to music
  5. YayoGotAGun
    Mar 10, 2018
    10
    Definitely, one of the masterpieces of Mr. David Bowie, I listened again and again to his album, at first I was slow to understand where he wanted to go, what kind of music was and I felt bad because I did not finish love it. Until one day, I just went to my bed and I put my headphones and listen to the entire album while reading the lyrics. And that's when I understood everything, it wasDefinitely, one of the masterpieces of Mr. David Bowie, I listened again and again to his album, at first I was slow to understand where he wanted to go, what kind of music was and I felt bad because I did not finish love it. Until one day, I just went to my bed and I put my headphones and listen to the entire album while reading the lyrics. And that's when I understood everything, it was his purest form of expression, obviously without stopping to innovate, he opened his heart by making a very elaborate album that maybe everyone does not like but those who do, would love it. Making his death, work of art, that his songs make more sense or make you feel more, knowing that he is in heaven, that he sings to you with all sincerity and that his death is part of the album.
    I give him 10/10 because his album caught me, I have not been able to escape from him yet. All their songs have something that makes me keep listening to it again and again. Bowie has gone like the greats, with his head held high with a masterpiece under his cloak.
    And not to mention how beautiful is the CD and the vinyl, I never seen something so beautiful like that in years.
    No more to add, Rest in Peace Bowie, Ziggy, Starman, The Duke, Aladdin, Major Tom. My Blackstar.

    (Sorry if my English is not perfect, I am not English speaking, I just wanted to write this to inspire people to look for this wonderful album)    … Expand
  6. JessyPowerz
    Mar 9, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Un album que es perfecto para disfrutar en todos sus sentidos. Quiza algunas canciones no te atrapan la primera vez que las escuchas pero una vez que te identificas y que lo sientes en cada una de las prtes de la cancion, definitivamente te deja marcado.… Expand
  7. maksym26
    Jan 9, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Bowie showing again why he is one of the best artists ever. With this new sound, inspired by Kendrick´s To Pimp A Butterfly, David proves one more time that he has the skills to do whatever he wants, and this magnificent jazz fusion is insane . Completely loving this album, this deserves a strong 10, one of the early contenders for the Grammys 2017!… Expand
  8. Prosmooth
    Jan 10, 2016
    10
    Records like this only come around 20 or 30 times in a lifetime. It honestly might be my favorite album since Radiohead's Kid A. The fact that a 70 year old man is the one who put it out here into the meta--only makes it that much more special.
  9. Holdplz
    Jan 12, 2016
    10
    The record exists in a pure dual space for me, like the word "Blackstar" itself perfectly and simply captures. There was the record I remember experiencing before his death was revealed, and now there is the unraveling, amazing album we are left with forever. Truly an unrivaled record in pop or jazz that is as personal as it gets.
  10. giantslor
    Jan 11, 2016
    10
    An amazing coda to an amazing career. David Bowie was one of the greatest musical artists of all time. He will be missed enormously, but at least he gave us one last masterpiece.
  11. Deivide
    Jan 8, 2016
    10
    Blackstar is a cousin experimental work. David once again showing his daring and avant-garde way of being. David deconstructs music genres. I can not wait to start out imitating albums Blackstar. "
  12. TalentlessHack
    Jan 9, 2016
    9
    David Bowie delivers one of his most darkest and experimental projects in a long time, filled to the brim with hauntingly melodic poppy and jazzy sounds.

    The album features 7 tracks with a total run-time of 41 minutes. It starts out strong with the 10 minute magnum opus "Blackstar". A song that is divided into three parts. A sinister/occult jazzy part, then traditional Bowie and then it    David Bowie delivers one of his most darkest and experimental projects in a long time, filled to the brim with hauntingly melodic poppy and jazzy sounds.

    The album features 7 tracks with a total run-time of 41 minutes. It starts out strong with the 10 minute magnum opus "Blackstar". A song that is divided into three parts. A sinister/occult jazzy part, then traditional Bowie and then it goes back into the dark.

    The following three tracks "Tis A Pity She Was A Whore", "Lazarus" and "Sue" are an absolute treat. Especially "Sue". A track with hard hitting guitar riffs over precise jazz drums. The song increases in intensity the further it progresses.

    "She Loves Me", Track 5, is where the album loses a bit of steam. There are some interesting vocal harmonies going on in the chorus and the instrumentation is still solid. But Bowie does disappoint a bit with his vocals and songwriting.

    Which is in stark contrast to Track 6, "Dollar Days". If there is one song that will hit you in the guts, it is this one. The overarching tone of the song, plus the lyrics and Bowie's delivery, makes this an easy highlight of the album. So much that it slightly overshadows the closing track "I Won't Give Everything Away". Which by all means is still a solid closer.

    Blackstar is a fantastic project from the British icon to start the year of 2016 off with. While Bowie might have not gone as far into the Darkside like fellow avant-garde pop artist Scott Walker, he simply didn't have to. Blackstar is a treat with lush production, good songwriting and a fantastic performer.

    Fav Tracks: Blackstar, Sue, Dollar Days, Lazarus, I Won't Give Everything Away
    Least Fav Tracks: She Loves Me    … Expand
  13. Muddsjr
    Jan 10, 2016
    9
    From the unexpected return with The Next Day, Bowie is now delving even deeper into mystery and wonder than ever before. Blackstar is beginning to end a gorgeous, challenging, exciting work of Jazz/Rock/Electronics that stands proudly with The Next Day as his greatest career point since Berlin, yes, since Berlin. I said it.
  14. CiphirSol
    Jan 11, 2016
    9
    This album takes on an entire new meaning now. This is a how a legend leaves the physical world. RIP David Bowie. RIP Ziggy Stardust. RIP Aladdin Sane. RIP to the Thin White Duke. You will be missed and there will never be another like you.
  15. jakewhiteok
    Jan 9, 2016
    10
    I'm no aficionado of Bowie's work. Sure, I've listened to the obvious choices of albums, but I haven't listened to literally EVERYTHING he's done, unlike many people. Upon first listen, 'Blackstar', for me, takes a while to "get going" and truly appreciate.

    But after several further listens, I absolutely love it and highly recommend it to any Bowie fan - whether that be one that owns    I'm no aficionado of Bowie's work. Sure, I've listened to the obvious choices of albums, but I haven't listened to literally EVERYTHING he's done, unlike many people. Upon first listen, 'Blackstar', for me, takes a while to "get going" and truly appreciate.

    But after several further listens, I absolutely love it and highly recommend it to any Bowie fan - whether that be one that owns everything he's released or even just a casual one who may just merely own one of the many "best-of" packages issued over the years. This will see itself on my end of year list come December - no denying that.    … Expand
  16. Syndi
    Jan 13, 2016
    10
    Absolutely brilliant. David has done it again, and he left the scene with style! His lyrics would seem absurd if someone else gave out this album, but after his death, the lyrics make a lot of sense, together with his brilliant music.
  17. dustynesmith
    Jan 8, 2016
    9
    I feel pretty good about this album. Bowie's "Outside" is my favorite of his works, and this really hits in the same area. My only complaint is that it felt a bit short.
  18. proterospongia
    Jan 9, 2016
    8
    While most of the legends of the '70's and '80's got stuck on the past, being worshipped by those who believe that rock music is dead, Bowie holds his ground on contemporary music and looks towards the future, rejecting the slightest idea of being conventional or going back to his roots; Bowie's art has no fixed address, it's a timeless fluid entity . On Blackstar he's a massive celestialWhile most of the legends of the '70's and '80's got stuck on the past, being worshipped by those who believe that rock music is dead, Bowie holds his ground on contemporary music and looks towards the future, rejecting the slightest idea of being conventional or going back to his roots; Bowie's art has no fixed address, it's a timeless fluid entity . On Blackstar he's a massive celestial body, creating a distortion on space and time and dragging us all to its core.… Expand
  19. rostros-ocultos
    Jan 10, 2016
    10
    David outdid himself again. With TND he showed the world what a legend he is, but with Blackstar- he raised the bar very high, showing that no one can be like him in terms of style, variety and talent. 10 points!
  20. imthenoob
    Jan 18, 2016
    10
    Like most things, You don't appreciate it until you see it in a different light. After he died, I went back to Blackstar with a different view and it blew my mind. You don't really think of themes going into an album and after everything happened, It all came together. Blackstar was his last good bye, The cherry on top of an epic career. To me, It was David's way of saying I have to go butLike most things, You don't appreciate it until you see it in a different light. After he died, I went back to Blackstar with a different view and it blew my mind. You don't really think of themes going into an album and after everything happened, It all came together. Blackstar was his last good bye, The cherry on top of an epic career. To me, It was David's way of saying I have to go but you can still enjoy what I left for you while I was still alive.… Expand
  21. WT_Gator
    Jan 18, 2016
    10
    The other worldly feel of this album is entrancing. His death brought the album to our attention but this album is so very, very good that it would have happened anyway.
  22. Jumpman
    Jan 11, 2016
    7
    Although vocally flawed, one must kneel before Bowie's courage to experiment with futuristic production once again just before hitting 70 years. Lyrically and musically it is very strong although both aspects are unavoidably viewed through a different spectrum with his death coming just after the album's release.
  23. A37927
    Jan 11, 2016
    10
    A magical record that feels better and better every time you listen to it. Of course a lot of us are moarning now because of Bowie's death but, and this isn't cheap talk at all, he'll live forever through his incredible work and Blackstar is no exception. Dollar Days and I can't give everything away were two wonderful songs a couple of days ago, now they are the brilliant end of a genius career.
  24. nirvanafreak
    Jan 25, 2016
    9
    Favourite Songs: Blackstar, Girl Loves Me, Lazarus
    Least Favourite Songs: Dollar Days
    From 'The Next Day' I certainly wasn't expecting David Bowie to make an experimental jazz album. I mean sure there's been bits of jazz here and there in his huge discography but never to this extent and that might alienate some people but I'm sure most of his fan base are used to him switching sounds at    Favourite Songs: Blackstar, Girl Loves Me, Lazarus
    Least Favourite Songs: Dollar Days
    From 'The Next Day' I certainly wasn't expecting David Bowie to make an experimental jazz album. I mean sure there's been bits of jazz here and there in his huge discography but never to this extent and that might alienate some people but I'm sure most of his fan base are used to him switching sounds at this point. At 69 David Bowie is more open minded when it comes to music than people half his age, taking influence from genre transcending artists like Kendrick Lamar, Boards of Canada and Death Grips and these influences definitely show in this album in terms of the experimental attitude it has. It's so full of jazz instrumentation but Bowie's not afraid to add in some defiantly rock drums or gutairs every once in a while which is best demonstrated by the industrial metal chaos at the end of 'Sue'. It works amazingly for Bowie with the occasional heavier sound having a much heavier impact because of its jazz backdrop. As well as having very left-field instrumentals it has perhaps even more left-field lyrics that I'm not even going to pretend I understand. This album is certainly a very enjoyable, and often times abstract, experience. I highly recommend you check it out if you haven't already.
    Better Than Previous Project?: It's not really better or worse
    Try This If You Like: Kid A by Radiohead    … Expand
  25. Custom_Concerns
    Jan 12, 2016
    8
    The album's existence is a testament to the incredible creativity and courage of one of the greatest musical artists of all time. While I'm not absolutely in love with the entire record like most, key tracks continue to reel me back in, like Lazarus and I Can't Give Everything Away. Blackstar is a fitting close to a spectacular career.
  26. BlazinBlitzer
    Jan 9, 2016
    8
    I've never listened to David Bowie before entering in this year as a music critic, so I wanted a heartwarming introduction to what this 69-year-old prodigy could show me. Well... it wasn't heartwarming, but it sure was a kick*** album that has shown that experimental jazz is a genre not to be forgotten. I like to do review in track by track, so here's a track by track review for thisI've never listened to David Bowie before entering in this year as a music critic, so I wanted a heartwarming introduction to what this 69-year-old prodigy could show me. Well... it wasn't heartwarming, but it sure was a kick*** album that has shown that experimental jazz is a genre not to be forgotten. I like to do review in track by track, so here's a track by track review for this album.

    Album songs in order:
    Blackstar (9/10) #3 best song: Awesome progressive-ish avant-garde rock that has a trippy, but fitting production with dark, black riffs and synths that really fits the song with Bowie's voice and in the second half with the slower boom and pop sound that fit the concept of the song.

    'Tis Pity She's a ***** (7/10) #5 best song: I think the melodic instruments are too quiet and in the backseat rather than the static synth, but nontheless a pretty solid song, which by the way is about World War 1.

    Lazarus (10/10) #2 best song: When I was a very little kid, I listened to 80's songs with my mom and there were a few I really enjoyed. Lazarus felt like a trip back to that time, and oh boy did I love it. The soaring melodic vocals with a fantastic saxophone riff and a ride-riddled percussion, makes this is a song already a contender for the best overall song of the year.

    Sue (Or in a Season of Crime) (10/10) Best song : Mark Guiliana needs to be pointed out as a modern classic percussionist because he is half the reason this song was as great as it is. The blazing fast drums go from start to finish clocking in at 4:54 ,and, add the saxophone and trombone soloing, and you have a classic avant-garde jazz song, folks. Not only that, but David Bowie, rather than delivering ghastly and "yawning" vocals, he's very clear and vibrant that really improves this song on a next level. The breakneck pace with the odd lyrics straight from a 1700's play about normal life feel so clashing, that it gets scary. But that's just one other aspect I love about this song.

    Girl Loves Me (6/10) Worst song : Although boasting a unique origin and "language", the structuring of this song feels kind of "I've heard this before quite a few times, and it's only okay." And that, to me, hurts the mood of the song. There isn't even really a musical standout here and that makes the song almost worthless other than the lyrics. The atmosphere is really good though, I'll give it that.

    Dollar Days (9/10) #4 Best song : A really good, "noisy, but not noisy" ballad that has a great piano intro with really appropriate jazz elements put into the song.

    I Can't Give Everything Away (6/10) #6 Best song : Kind of a disappointing closer, since it hosted the almost the exact same feel as Tis' Pity She's a ***** without the gritty percussion or as gritty synth. Thankfully, the song fades out with a pleasant surprise, a guitar solo.

    With an experimental album that's in the wrong genre of mainstream, when the headmaster is in the mainstream scene, the proper listing on the album probably won't exist, which it doesn't (it's not a concept album either). Bowie could've done better with the overall feel of the song sequencing for the album, but it's fair enough; however, you won't care about any of that when you listen to those songs on the album because these songs are awesome, and so is this album.    … Expand
  27. Platendraaier
    Jan 8, 2016
    8
    David Bowie's creativity and quirkiness he catches in the crushing musical sounds of Blackstar. Where The Next Day was still quite accessible and brought little innovation into his music, Bowie puts with Blackstar an experimental and profound record down. The choice of Donny McCaslin as saxophonist and bandleader tackles perfectly the musical paths that Bowie takes on the album. The basisDavid Bowie's creativity and quirkiness he catches in the crushing musical sounds of Blackstar. Where The Next Day was still quite accessible and brought little innovation into his music, Bowie puts with Blackstar an experimental and profound record down. The choice of Donny McCaslin as saxophonist and bandleader tackles perfectly the musical paths that Bowie takes on the album. The basis in the jazz places his beliefs, the changing society and his attitude towards the press down in an intriguing way, to create a powerful fusion with the addition of beats, synths and guitars. In his cryptic and sharp song-texts he may not give everything away, but that's exactly what Bowie his strength is. Along with the strong production of Tony Visconti he shows what a star he is and how he in his long career let the light shine on us. 7.8/10

    Full Review: http://www.platendraaier.nl/albumrecensies/david-bowie-blackstar/    … Expand
  28. AnotherJimiFan
    Jan 9, 2016
    10
    Blackstar:
    This could be the most interesting album since the 70's coming out of the 1940's generation of rockers.
    Bowies best album ever?
    Featuring guitar genius Ben Monder.
    Musical influences of jazz and metal meet with Bowie Classic Soundscape to form tunes for the present.
  29. akajazzman
    Jan 11, 2016
    10
    RIP David Bowie! I was just listening to his new album the day after it came out and then I find out he died that day!! We've lost another icon, but I'm so glad he lasted until until he released his final masterpiece. Best album in 36 years.
  30. paulnozza
    Jan 13, 2016
    10
    I've never been what you'd call a huge Bowie fan. I own some of his records - Aladdin Sane, Ziggy, Station to Station, Berlin trilogy, Fame, Outside, Heathen - I've listened to most of his albums (via Spotify), and I was thoroughly underwhelmed by The Next Day.

    So, when Blackstar came out last week, I didn't take notice until I saw it getting good reviews over the weekend. I downloaded    I've never been what you'd call a huge Bowie fan. I own some of his records - Aladdin Sane, Ziggy, Station to Station, Berlin trilogy, Fame, Outside, Heathen - I've listened to most of his albums (via Spotify), and I was thoroughly underwhelmed by The Next Day.

    So, when Blackstar came out last week, I didn't take notice until I saw it getting good reviews over the weekend. I downloaded it to my phone on Apple Music, and on a rare drive to work on Monday (I usually get the bus) I listened to it. I thought it was great - experimental and edgy, with great craft running through it - a real pleasure, I was glad I'd taken the time, and looked forward to listening again. When it had finished, the radio came on (BBC 6 music of course!) and I heard the spookily coincidental (for me) news that Bowie had died.

    This news has obviously coloured my view of the album, maybe even made it greater than it is, but I've listened to it obsessively this week, and found new surprises and delights each time. It's clear that Bowie used his impending death as inspiration to create something special. He confronted death with a celebration of creativity, and he turned it into something to cement his legacy. His death has become a melancholy, yet celebratory and triumphant work of art.

    I wasn't a huge Bowie fan, but I've spent all week trying to find somewhere that had the vinyl album in stock, and finally today, I have (I always buy the albums I like on vinyl after trying on Spotify or Apple music). I became a huge Bowie fan at the last.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Best Album of 2016
14
#14 Most Discussed Album of 2016
21
#21 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 43 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 43
  3. Negative: 0 out of 43
  1. Magnet
    Mar 30, 2016
    100
    Kudos to producer Tony Visconti and the tight jazz team around them for making Blackstar dynamic. If Bowie indeed knew time was tight and death’s release was imminent, this treatise to magic and loss is a gorgeous way to say goodbye. [No. 129, p.52]
  2. The Wire
    Feb 18, 2016
    80
    It is a fine, unnerving album. [Mar 2016, p.45]
  3. The Skinny
    Jan 26, 2016
    80
    Blackstar is an absorbing (if consciously arty and perhaps a shade self-indulgent) listen.
    Read full review
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