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. OJFeynman
    Jan 12, 2016
    10
    I can't think of any album that surpasses David Bowie's magnum opus Blackstar. It's a courageous, monumental gift. I know it must have taken him away from his family at times or preoccupied his thoughts in his last living months, so I thank them for encouraging him. It's an absolute treasure.
  2. 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
  3. GenXY
    Jan 22, 2016
    10
    This album is incredible. I'm a passive fan of the man, and never really followed him closely. However, I would be a fool to not appreciate this as an artistic masterpiece. Never before has the contemplation of imminent death been made so musically thought provoking. What a way to end an illustrious career. Props to you, Mr. Bowie.
  4. Andremax
    Feb 6, 2020
    10
    Blackstar mixes elements of eletronica, free jazz, ambient, creating a unique sounding. Great farewell from a great artist. Curious how Bowie always sounded modern and innovating in all of his carrer's eras.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. adpirtle
    Nov 28, 2016
    10
    I wrote my original, glowing review of "★" before the world heard of David Bowie's death a few days after it's release. It's been nearly a year since then, and my opinion of the album has only gotten better. I originally lauded the album as an indication of amazing things to come, but now we know it was always intended to be a goodbye letter. The opening lines of "Lazarus" always hit me inI wrote my original, glowing review of "★" before the world heard of David Bowie's death a few days after it's release. It's been nearly a year since then, and my opinion of the album has only gotten better. I originally lauded the album as an indication of amazing things to come, but now we know it was always intended to be a goodbye letter. The opening lines of "Lazarus" always hit me in the gut, now. Don't get me started on the video.… Expand
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. Grutzmacher
    Jan 30, 2016
    10
    Here lies the rock chameleon of pop music in general. A great inspiration. David Bowie masterfully completed its passage on earth with her latest album impeccably, optimal their farewell message! We will miss Bowie and you will be greatly missed!
  12. 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.
  13. Mannhorse
    Jan 28, 2016
    10
    Such a deeply moving record, and a fitting farewell to one of the best in the game of music. David Bowie has left us a lot to digest with Blackstar, and every word he utters bears so much emotional weight and depth.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. Okdverk
    Jul 30, 2016
    10
    One of Bowie's best albums. It showcased that Bowie is an amazing artist, as he could make is own death a form of art.
    This album is just one of a kind. Not because it's Bowie, not because it's his last one. It's because it just has death breathing over every piece of lyric and music in it. And not in a bad way, I guess. It just feels rather peaceful and comforting, the death is    One of Bowie's best albums. It showcased that Bowie is an amazing artist, as he could make is own death a form of art.
    This album is just one of a kind. Not because it's Bowie, not because it's his last one. It's because it just has death breathing over every piece of lyric and music in it. And not in a bad way, I guess. It just feels rather peaceful and comforting, the death is accepted. It almost lets you touch the other side.    … Expand
  17. 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. "
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. 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!
  21. 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
  22. bendefusco
    Jan 15, 2016
    10
    This album is a 5X listen to begin to appreciate it. So much going on. Fantastic blend of trip-hop, jazz, and rock. Haunting lyrics over driving rhythms. Possibly Bowie's most complete work in the past 30 years.
  23. 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.
  24. Lomandal
    Feb 6, 2017
    10
    Bowie burned his remains and last minutes into shining ash, into this black star. We heard lots of story of overcoming cancer. This one is different. He lost the war against cancer. But he won history of music industry. So, this is the end.
  25. luisik
    Jan 31, 2016
    10
    pure

    M A S T E R P I E C E

    B O W I E

    Everything in the right place, at the right level, way ahead of conscious feelings, shocking our souls.
  26. kouslam
    Feb 6, 2016
    10
    This album brings back the old Bowie, and sounds hauntingly like Bowie in his prime. It's clear here that he was experimenting with music again, trying to create something new, while sticking to his message. This album was great when it first came out, but now that Bowie is gone, it has become clear that this album was a way for him to come to grips with his own mortality, while alsoThis album brings back the old Bowie, and sounds hauntingly like Bowie in his prime. It's clear here that he was experimenting with music again, trying to create something new, while sticking to his message. This album was great when it first came out, but now that Bowie is gone, it has become clear that this album was a way for him to come to grips with his own mortality, while also leaving a parting gift for his fans.… Expand
  27. nicorz
    Feb 12, 2016
    10
    One of the best Bowie albums, remembering Aladdin Sane, Space Oddity, Let's Dance, and more albums he gived fans a great death gift. It's dark, but it seems who was David in that moment. 10/10.
  28. JohnMcQ
    Feb 29, 2016
    10
    Lazarus is the best song on the album and the only word to describe it is HAUNTING. This song truly is his last goodbye. A true legend. The album is his best work since the early days of Aladdin Sane and Ziggy. The experimentation with jazz, electronics, RnB and rock are truly impressive. Imagine if he was alive and could have given us more in the future. This is how an artist should say goodbye.
  29. Sleepwalker
    Apr 6, 2016
    10
    Bowie managed to prove his godlike status. Not for only for a lifetime contribution but with this very record, which happen to be a one of the most brilliant piece of work, even for Bowie's genius, in years. For me Blackstar is easily bigger than previous Next Day album. There's so much mysterious and cryptic about him but the only thing Bowie left clear - there's much more for him yet toBowie managed to prove his godlike status. Not for only for a lifetime contribution but with this very record, which happen to be a one of the most brilliant piece of work, even for Bowie's genius, in years. For me Blackstar is easily bigger than previous Next Day album. There's so much mysterious and cryptic about him but the only thing Bowie left clear - there's much more for him yet to say.

    Highlights: Blackstar, Lazarus, Sue, Dollar Days, I Can't Give Everything Away.    … Expand
  30. LeoDiCaprioFan
    Apr 25, 2016
    10
    What a legendary star he was! David Bowie last album was sad, chilling and awesome! The 7 songs on this album are a triumph!. "Lazarus", "I Can't Give Everything Away and "Blackstar" are the most beautiful songs David Bowie did on this album. He did such a breathtaking effort on this album. I highly recommend every single David Bowie fan this album. It's a must have album!
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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

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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.
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