David Bowie Archive

Concept albums are very nearly a dirty word in modern music. Written off as either overtly pretentious tripe with some not-so-hidden agenda or self-indulgent prance through the authors psyche, there’s little room for them on most CD shelves (or, more realistically, iPod playlists). But what of the forgotten gems? That is to say, what of

David Bowie’s twenty-fourth album, The Next Day, was recorded secretly, and unlike most albums today featured no cameos. Combine that with an understated album cover depicting the title on a white square covering Bowie’s head, and it’s clear that The Next Day is presented with a straightforward veteran-like demeanor. It doesn’t offer any bells and