David Bowie - Blackstar - Album Review 

It hurt to hear you choke up towards the end, but I feel ya. I'll definitely be giving this album a listen soon. I don't know much about David Bowie, but I hope I know enough. Planet Earth is blue and there's nothing I can do.

I honestly think the song 'Lazarus' is one of best songs i've ever heard in my life.

To me the vocal cracks on Girl Loves Me sound more like a conscious artistic choice rather than a weak performance. It helps reinforcing the strange, dissonant vibe of the song. Very cleverly done.

Oh man Mark you need a hug. :-)

Bless your heart mark you were crying during towards the end of the video stay strong.

Great job Mark. Done very respectfully. And I'm glad he at least went out with a great album!

*hugs* we're all with you bro

That ending gets me every goddamn time.

holy smokes just realised the 5 shapes at the bottom spell "BOWIE"

Given how fresh Mr. Bowie's death still was at the time, I can't even imagine how many times you had to film this without crying. The part at the end really broke my heart.

You got me crying. Great review as always Mark

RIP David, a legend

I think you're kinda overstating the influence of Kendrick and Death Grips here. Death Grips were name checked in a conversation about all the new bands and musicians Bowie is familiar with and had a conversation about during a recording session. but while Bowie and Visconti were listening to Kendrick, they were inspired by him because of his braveness to go beyond traditional rap, in the way that Bowie wants to avoid traditional rock. Visconti said the music is "nothing like" Kendrick's. I think the sax emphasis is more to do with the fact that Bowie learned to play the sax at a very, very young age, and he's performed it on his albums throughout his career. In that sense, it's the perfect way to end his career, with so much emphasis on the the first instrument he owned--purchased for him by his parents.

This is why I love this channel, emotional resonating, intelligent, and respectful. A great a review and a great way for Bowie to end his career.

Yesterday was a very sad day for the whole world... glad you enjoyed the album, I did also, even after almost 50 years of making music he still manages to make something new and creative... he was a legend in every sense of thw word, not to mention a musical genius. RIP David Bowie

Its a 10 out of 10. Your very right in most points you mention. Especially the use of Mark Guiliana (you say heavier, I wanted to hear more from a drummer who is on Mike Garson level). Lets assume Visconti made it heavy: it would musically overpower the message of this unique album. The musicians involved are all 10/10 and there is no song on the album below 7. Bob Dylan, Sir Paul or Sir Mick will not ever accomplish this. No one ever will. I think Bowie is now the greatest. He belongs in the row Einstein, Van Gogh and Fischer. Incomparable and at a level no one has or will ever reach.

RIP David Bowie. Much respect, Mark.

Hey, I know this is very late commenting here, but I only had the strength to watch this review just now. To see you actually cry in this video broke my heart, for one particular reason. Well, my late brother-in-law was a major Bowie fan, and if he lived to see his idol's passing, his reaction would've been a lot like yours, and that's why your reaction got to me.

Your last few sentences were so beautiful. Great review and album.

Great work, I got emotional watching this as well. Powerful stuff. He was a great gift to music. R.I.P.

You have me balling my eyes out. brilliant review

Massive respect for this review, Mark. Both for your discussion of the context of the album and for keeping the footage of you getting emotional at the end in the video. I can't commend you enough for sharing that.

Hey, are you all right? Seemed like you need a moment.

I can't believe that he's dead. Rest in peace

Finally got around to watching this, I feel your emotion so much Mark, you’ll probably never see this but love you man. You’re great to watch and probably one of the best critics on RU-vid.

Bowie went out with a bang. Everyone can agree.

Hey man I was crying on the last track as well you are not alone

Rest in space Ziggy

This is a fantastic review Mark

what a great review. RIP Starman

I really have to clean out my air vent, too much dust is going in my eye *sniff* *sniff*

Thank you for giving us such an authentic homage, Mark. Reflections like this one really inspire me to talk about music. Greetings from Chile.

I'm giving it a high 9/10 it's sad to hear he passed away from fucking cancer but we will not forgive him how outstanding he was

This is... You made me cry. I can't even...

It breaks my heart that you might have to cut this from your year-end best list like you did for Tetsuo and Youth last year.

Uh and I'm pretty sure Blackstar meant he was a star that wasn't relevant, had no light, not skin..

It's ok to speak a little slower. Seriously. Relax.

Man this review got hard to watch towards the end, respect to you for keeping your composure throughout the review and being honest.

In all respects to Bowie (Rest in Peace), I'd be drunk if I drank everytime he waves his hand right to left.

He made a 10 minute song. I’ve listened to it 50 times. Not an exaggeration.

I have been so deeply affected by David Bowie's death. I relate so much to his themes which were a constant throughout his songs of alienation, isolation, loneliness. I've only heard two of his songs on Blackstar - Lazarus and Blackstar. I've only heard them once or twice. I'm still not ready to listen to the entire album. I guess I still need some more daylight between his death and getting myself to a point where I can listen to the album without falling apart. Spectrum Pulse, I will listen to your review again once I've been able to listen to the entire album. David Bowie, rest in peace. You are the Blackstar to whom we all gravitate. Thank you for all of your years of support. I looked to you a lot for that and I'm grateful that you were there!

There I go again with the tears.

Great job! :) David Bowie will be sincerely missed! :'(

this video proves to me why your the only music critic I actually pay attention to I loved and thank you.

Basically what everyone else has said. I'd give this review 100 likes if I could. Amazing stuff- I choked up with you there at the end

Amazing review. I agree with you score too. It's a great, challenging, artistic album. I'm glad we got to hear it. I cried when I heard the news. David Bowie shaped my childhood and I felt your pain towards the end of this video, man. I will always love The Man Who Sold the World the most, but this is a bittersweet, yet mature end.

Music art and culture; music is art so that's a bit redundant.Maybe try bands, artists and their albums or something idk fuck

Your best review ever, Mark. So touching. We'll miss you, Bowie.

I feel you man, the last songs on this album, and lazarus. are tear jerkers. long live Bowie.

Bowie didn't step out of the limelight in 2003. He was sick.

You know I wasn't a huge fan partly because I found him too theatrical but now in his last offering he was not theatrical and I love it. I am very sad because of what he embodies. Died in a artistic way did what he loved left us a gift.he knew that someone would appreciate it. All these new acts will never give us this because they are so vacant. Bowie chased fame always on his terms and all these guys today chase fame for flames sake. So sad they are leaving us slowly.lemmy too embodied rock and roll.

Best review you've ever done.

Make sure you listen to his song "Absolute Beginners" (long version) from the movie of the same name. It's one of his absolute best songs ever.

Vince Taylor ( ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-jlmuuQBM4Gs.htmlm2s ) may have still been in the back of Bowie's mind in the title track. The man declared himself Jesus Christ (Bowie taking Christ's declaration "I am the great I am" in Revelations) which ended his career in the early seventies. Using or incorporating that into your take might help explain that for everything he was, he wasn't. Like Trent Rezner's version of hurt. If anyone could take from a million people and disciplines, and still be able to weave it all into something deeply personal, symbolic, and ahead of its time he could.

I am a huge Bowie fan. All the way from his late 60's music to present day. This album didn't disappoint me. Although, yes, there are some things that could have been better on the album or things that his audience would like to hear. But, I think that David Bowie was making this album more for himself. He has said before that when he make music for himself it is always his best work, and I agree. Watching the videos that go along with Lazarus and Blackstar only give the work more power. Yes, there is a lot of death and dying themes in this album, but there is also themes of transcending death. Not only in the lyrics, but also by the sheer fact that he was able to make this album and do a couple videos for it in such a short amount of time. All I can say is, he went out swinging!

If i may opine... I think he was becoming more human with each year. And gracefully ever so carefully managed to transition. I also believe he gave ys all the clues we needed. He loved most of us, if not all, and would not have omitted a lyrical message for those fans who "believed" in him. Id expect no less. On the other hand he was made by "them", and paid etc... and was bound by agreement before he possible knew what anything was about regarding agenda or religeon. Im sure it was a gradual process that he was able to endure. He gavecin to his natural desires in youth and explored this world from its streets to it high societal inner workings. And painted a picture with his life... This album was unchained in every way. Much like a man who gave himself up for execution to his captures, officials of the powers that be.

Elvis and Bowie shared the same birthday 8th January.

Mark, do you think this will make this year's top twenty five albums?

It's a 10 for me because of its conceptual value. Kind of like giving a 10 to a Fountain by Marcel Duchamp. It goes beyond aesthetics.

Bowie has always been my absolute favorite artist. 1.Outside was/is still my favorite, but i'll admit, every time I listen to it, I find new meanings. Some of that might be reading more into it, but the ideology of thought crime, is a subject that intrigued me. Prior to this album's release, I watched the video for Blackstar the day it launched, and it made me physically uncomfortable. I listened to this album the day it launched, and again....made me uncomfortable, plus I couldn't figure out why it was so short...well now i get it. So as an album by itself....not terribly fun to listen too. But as a piece of art knowing that he planned his death to end with a death album....that is true art. The fact that there is only 7 tracks indicating the 7 days he lives his life, or 7 ways to die...is a damn good joke on us all. And the funny thing is...he already knew that humans were going to pick over his remains like the vultures we are...so is it any surprise that this album is sold out everywhere? The man who sold the world, played the last joke on all of us....well played my friend....well played.

I listened to this album on my Birthday. David Bowie's Birthday. Best decision I've made all week. (T-T)

Are you related to the guy who played eddie from house of Anubis u look and sound alike

your speed and edits are fine, excellent in fact. and the review came across as 100% genuine , with a lovely tribute, and you will appreciate 'Width of a circle', is probably my fave Bowie track. Keep up the fantastic work.

the best part of blackstar is when in the end of sue (or in a season of crime) they go into an epic jazz breakdown, the likes of which is rediculous

imo blackstar ranks up in top 3, a lot of it is the people he picked to play with, i loved the the reason he picked em and why

How long did it take you to listen to his massive Discography? Sounds like a daunting task.

Its very sad how in the last month we lost Scott Weiland, Lemmy, and now David Bowie. RIP

After several listens through it has become one of my favourite bowie albums. I must admit though at first I was a little weary about it because it seemed very different from what he had done before.

So hard to watch the end of this review... Personally I would compare this to Push the Sky Away by Nick Cave. Too raw..

Let it out, Mark! Let it out!

This album really helped me process his passing and I heard everything I wanted to hear from your critique. Thank You.

What a legend!

i do think heathen and hours are some of his best though, you cannot continue the old sound without ronson

This was just such a heartbreak to experience on Sunday night and Monday. Heck even part of today is still hard to believe happened. This album was so strange to listen to knowing that he knew he was near death. To me this was one of the best albums he's made in decades. My rating is 9.8/10 for this. I'd also be willing to bet that this will end up being one of my best albums of 2016 when the time comes.

Great review!! Makes me wanna check him out. And if nothing gets in the way, will you review Death of a Bachelor by Panic! at the Disco?

Where is Bowie's great influence? There are some people who have copied him, but they are not very good.

Damn, hearing you choke up at the end hit me in the feels, Mark. I was never much of a Bowie fan, outside of the film Labryinth, but I could appreciate his influence and lasting value.

ok this guy understands it

This is an Excellent review !!!!

When I listened to Black Star and read the lyrics I had chills it creeped me out so much

RIP A Legend, I'm excited to check this out.

"Worst song" is Girl Loves Me?! OK, ignoring this video then.

It's awful he had to go.At least he went out on such a high note.In fact,I did a video on my channel about him and his passing.I hope his family can recover from their loss very soon.

BLACKSTAR should be the album of the 2010’s and LAZARUS, the song of the decade.

I really like Blackstar, I think it’s the weakest when it comes to legendary David Bowie albums. Albums that are synonymous with his name. Also “I can’t give everything” is a beautiful closer to an already great album and an even greater musician

9/10 Best Tracks: "Tis A Pity She Was a Whore", "Lazarus", "Sue (Or In a Season of Crime)", "Dollar Days", "I Can't Give Everything Away" Worst Track: "Blackstar"

Please review your own work. I gave up after 3mins as I could no longer make sense of the quacks and coughs caused by your delivery and chopped edits. This is a constructive suggestion. I thought you were making sense but literally lost you so many times at the 3min mark that I gave up.

*Visconti.

I like The Next Day, but for me Heathen is better. It may not his most groundbreaking album, but still is one of his best in my opinion.

this is a truly great album, BUT it still can't top his best songs, (even though my favourites arn't his most popular songs) i still miss him though

Dude!....Dude....Dude? Can you PUH-LEEESE breath once in a while? Dam!

Were you crying in this review? Sure did look like it.

Blackstar isn't on your fav tracks?!

I will have to buy this tomorrow ...

I cant believe that he died

Well don't you look nice with your nice shirt and ironed jacket Also I've been listening to the album for like 2 days straight now

All I want to do is pop that pimple on your cheek, lol! pop already! :)

Cant you string more than 2 sentences together without having to edit it?

this was so hard to watch

some demonic shit....