DAVID BOWIE
“REALITY”
(ISO/Columbia)

Those keeping in pace with the site, might have noticed in "Best of Year" for 2002, Bowie's "Heathen" being on the first places. That is because I voted it as album of the year. Unfortunately I didn't manage to make a descent review for that album (and give it the "10" it deserved), which I consider as masterpiece - one of the albums that some years later we will talk about as landmark of modern music. So I've been expecting this new album, being sure that Bowie would surprise as once again.

And I was right, as the new album turns to the "rock" past of the great artist, instead of the dark-electro-pop approach of "Heathen". And by saying rock, I mean of course the pop-rock he used to play in the early 70's (it reminds me a lot of "Aladin Sane" especially in the atmosphere). Bowie has embellished that sound with some "dark" and electro elements, but also pop orchestrations. To be honest the album can be called the epitome of his past works. But all this is filtered via a modern prism that doesn't allow even for one second someone to think that Bowie copies himself or rehashes the same things. After all songs like "Days" and the exceptional "Bring Me the Disco King" don't leave any questions about his will to experiment. I can't really find a neutral or boring song - all of them are great and present a weird variety: from the straight rock of "New Killer Star" and "Reality" to the melancholic pop of "Fall Dog Bombs the Moon" and the typical Bowie "Looking For Water". Even the two covers ("Pablo Picasso" and "Try Some, Buy Some") are quite innovative.

In sum, Bowie seems to be in the most mature stage of his career, quite humane, clear of any responsibilities towards the bloody record companies, thus he produces some of his best albums. I think this is because he produces music only when and in the way he wants it. The new album, without being novel as the previous one, is a great rock album. Don't be misled in the beginning, as the album needs a few listenings before it thrills you. Rock fans, here is one more great record for 2003!

by Alex Savatianos 8,5/10