EARTHLING

It's fascinating to see Bowie experimenting with different modern styles in the 90's. He's able to dive in new music trends and often dig the best out of it. Raving and dancing, modern beats, focus on rhytms, bass guitar and textures but also fine aggressive guitar.

You may be quickly tempted to give this formula a high rating as it's original, well produced and not overly long. In my case, after a couple of listens, I could find the needed substance in all songs, the second half, in particular, goes through the motions sometimes. The album actually starts quickly and strongly with "Little Wonder" that matches his voice and has the desired quality. "Battle for Britain" has astonishing production with avantgarde piano soloing. "Dead man walking" feels like a contrasting melancholy melody with dynamic upbeat rhythms. The last 3 songs on the album are more interesting for their sound than actually the musicianship itself.

I have mixed feelings about this one, it will be a hit on the nail for electronica fans and a miss or hit for DB fans. Very little satisfaction for a common progger.