The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars Review: Bowie's Glam Rock Space Odyssey
9.5/10 — David Bowie - The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972)
Pros
- Mick Ronson's guitar
- Classic songs
- Bowie's theatrical vocals
Cons
- Loose concept
- A few slighter songs
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust tells of a doomed alien rock star. It made David Bowie a star and, with Mick Ronson’s guitar, defined glam rock.
What works
‘Starman’, ‘Moonage Daydream’ and ’Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide’ are among the best of Bowie’s songs, and Ronson’s guitar gives the album heft. Bowie’s theatrical vocals and the album’s sense of drama are irresistible.
Where it falters
The storyline is loose, and a couple of the mid-album songs are slighter.
Verdict
An electrifying, glamorous classic.
