David Bowie’s First Album Reissue

Label: Decca / DERAM / Universal Music Group
Genre: Progressive Pop
Release Date: July 26, 2024

Review By Halina Wegner

David Robert Jones (January 8, 1947 – January 10, 2016), better known by his stage name David Bowie was an iconic English singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Celebrated as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Bowie earned widespread acclaim from critics and fellow artists, especially for his groundbreaking work in the 1970s. Renowned for his continual reinvention and striking visual presentations, his music and stagecraft left an indelible mark on popular music.

Back In 1967, while the Beatles revolutionized music with “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” David Bowie was already looking ahead. His self-titled debut album, reissued now in 2024, highlights his eagerness to innovate beyond the standard guitar pop bands of the era. Just two years after this debut, Bowie would further transform music with his 1969 release featuring the iconic “Space Oddity.”

For both die-hard fans and newcomers, this 1967 album offers a rich array of tracks worth exploring. Beginning with “Uncle Arthur,” followed by “Sell Me A Coat” and “Rubber Band,” the album might initially seem whimsical, but it reveals Bowie’s experimental spirit. Unlike Genesis, whose “From Genesis to Revelation” featured complex, lengthy tracks, Bowie had a knack for creating catchy, commercial tunes within the progressive pop genre.

A highlight for Bowie enthusiasts will be “Love You Till Tuesday,” a track that later titled a 1969 film featuring Bowie. This song also hints at why David Jones adopted the name David Bowie. The reissue includes the album’s stereo mix and a CD bonus disc with 16 additional tracks, featuring a 4:31 version of “Space Oddity”—the song that would skyrocket his career.

This reissued debut offers a captivating glimpse into the early creative genius of David Bowie. If your Bowie collection starts with “The Best of Bowie,” it’s time to delve deeper. Begin with his debut and experience the imagination and talent of one of music’s most iconic artists. This debut album provides a fascinating glimpse into the early stages of a legendary career. If “The Best of Bowie” is your go-to album, it’s time to delve deeper. Start at the beginning and experience the creative genius of David Bowie as he began his journey to becoming one of the most influential artists of all time.