In the early weeks of 1971, David Bowie was still searching for his breakthrough. Fresh from the modest success of *The Man Who Sold the World*, he released “Holy Holy,” a bold, rhythmic rocker that showcased his growing confidence and experimental edge. Released on January 15, 1971, the single appeared on Mercury Records under catalogue number 6052 049. Backed with “Black Country Rock,” this 7-inch release was one of Bowie’s final singles for Mercury before moving to RCA Vic

A short, punchy single review reacts to David Bowie’s standalone “Holy Holy” with a mix of bemusement and reluctant admiration, describing it as the “meanest man with a knife in the West” while noting its strangely attractive, almost hypnotic quality. The reviewer draws playful comparisons to John Wayne defending the Alamo and likens the sound to a “cowpoke from Beckenham,” blending Wild West imagery with Syd Barrett-like eccentricity. This January 9, 1971 Melody Maker review