Bowie was never dull in the seventies.  Lodger isn't boring in terms of analysing Bowie's wonderful career, but it's sandwiched in between better albums.  As a piece of work, it continues Bowie and Eno's musical explorations. For that, those going through Bowie's back catalogue may find it interesting, yet unspectacular in parts.

Bowie's musical aims at this point, unlike later with the success of Let's Dance, weren't about pleasing the fans. It was however, about doing something new.  Lodger has a lot of stuff that stands out in an odd way, or slips by you.  But it doesn't feel as cutting edge as its predecessors Heroes and Low did - this is a more assorted, almost disparate outing.

While the album doesn't shine as a whole, there are nuggets in the rough.  "Look Back In Anger" which would become a Bowie live favourite - is as excellent as they come.  "Boys Keep Swinging" sounds dated now, but is memorable for its music video, which should have come with the CD.  "DJ" is Bowie's histrionics.  A nod to campiness.  The other tracks feature Bowie's stabs at different vocal stylings and world beats.

By today's standards, old Bowie fans would hunger for him to return to a form like this.  A better album to come would be the next one however - Scary Monsters and Super Creeps.  But one must give Bowie his dues for his constant experimentation - which has made him the legend he is.

Collect this if you must.  But this one doesn't get much play amongst my Bowie collection.
Bowie was never dull in the seventies. Lodger isn't boring in terms of analysing Bowie's wonderful career, but it's sandwiched in between better albums. As a piece of work, it continues Bowie and Eno's musical explorations. For that, those going through Bowie's back catalogue may find it interesting, yet unspectacular in parts. Bowie's musical aims at this point, unlike later with the success of Let's Dance, weren't about pleasing the fans. It was however, about doing something new. Lodger has a lot of stuff that stands out in an odd way, or slips by you. But it doesn't feel as cutting edge as its predecessors Heroes and Low did - this is a more assorted, almost disparate outing. While the album doesn't shine as a whole, there are nuggets in the rough. "Look Back In Anger" which would become a Bowie live favourite - is as excellent as they come. "Boys Keep Swinging" sounds dated now, but is memorable for its music video, which should have come with the CD. "DJ" is Bowie's histrionics. A nod to campiness. The other tracks feature Bowie's stabs at different vocal stylings and world beats. By today's standards, old Bowie fans would hunger for him to return to a form like this. A better album to come would be the next one however - Scary Monsters and Super Creeps. But one must give Bowie his dues for his constant experimentation - which has made him the legend he is. Collect this if you must. But this one doesn't get much play amongst my Bowie collection.