David Bowie (August 9, 1979) – “The Incomplete David Bowie” Feature – Rolling Stone
Publication: Rolling Stone
Date: August 9, 1979
Country: United States
The feature, written by Greil Marcus, reviews David Bowie’s album Lodger (RCA). It opens by questioning the nature of Bowie’s work, describing his albums as incomplete and halfhearted despite the aura surrounding them. The piece explores Bowie’s shifting personas, from the early years through Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, Young Americans, and beyond, noting his moves between pure aesthetic smarts, ambiguous narcissism.
It discusses the music’s tension, lack of clear reference points, and whether Bowie has settled into form or remains a man of mystery.
The review continues across pages, examining specific tracks, the album’s overall feel, and comparisons to other artists and eras, with additional short reviews of other records on the facing page.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
This is a contemporary critical assessment of Lodger, Bowie’s 1979 album, published in Rolling Stone shortly after its release.
The article treats Bowie’s career as a series of incomplete gestures and persona shifts rather than a coherent progression, reflecting the critical conversation around his late-1970s work.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Review of David Bowie’s album Lodger
Era: 1979 – late-1970s Bowie / Berlin-era aftermath
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
A prominent illustration of David Bowie accompanying Greil Marcus’s review of Lodger.
Critical discussion of Bowie’s career personas, musical consistency, and the incomplete nature of his albums.
Additional short record reviews on the facing page, including “Get the Knack” by The Knack.
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