Firstly, I would like to say that whilst I was never a huge fan of Bowie, the impact that his music had on the world is unquestionably great. This new record is just as powerful and impactful as anything he has released in the past, and given that Bowie must have been anticipating his death during the writing of this record, the lyrical content of songs like ‘Blackstar’ and ‘Lazarus’ are even more heart-rending. Musically, Blackstar is particularly impressive. Here, Bowie has embraced the experimental and the mystique that has surrounded his persona for years, and really taken it to boundary pushing levels. Bowie’s vocals are particularly eerie, which, within the context of the music, is very texturally pleasing. There is a huge variety of sounds on this record, with the songs embracing electronic, pop, rock and even jazz styles. I particularly enjoyed the saxophone and guitar solos on the album’s closing track, ‘I Can’t Give Everything Away’.

Blackstar, is a musically diverse, powerful and poignant album, and whilst it is probably Bowie’s strangest and eeriest project, I fully expect that it will be remembered as one of his best.
8.5/10

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