Black Star Album: 2016

A Final Jazz-Rock Masterpiece

David Bowie’s Black Star was released as an album in the UK by ISO/Columbia Records (catalog number 88875173862) on January 8, 2016. Recorded in secret in New York City with his longtime co-producer Tony Visconti and a group of local jazz musicians. Bowie took inspiration from artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Death Gr, listening to them during the album's production. The cover art, designed by Barnbrook, a large black star with five star segments at the bottom that spell out the word "BOWIE".

Upon its release, the album achieved commercial success, topping charts in several countries following Bowie's death, including the UK, and became his only album to reach the top of the US Billboard 200. was the fifth-best-selling of the year worldwide and has been certified Gold in the US and Platinum in the UK, respectively.

Critically acclaimed, Blackstar won three Grammy Awards at 59th Grammy Awards in 2017 and was awarded the British Album of Year at the 2017 Brit Awards. was listed as one of the best albums of 2016 and later the 2010s decade by numerous publications. Outtakes from the recording sessions were released on the No Plan EP in 2017. In the years following Bowie's death, commentators have named Blackstar one of best works, and it was included in the 2018 edition of the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Album Overview

Release Details

Label: ISO / Columbia Records.

Format: CD, Vinyl LP, Digital.

Full Track Listing

Blackstar

'Tis A Pity She Was A Whore

Lazarus

Sue (Or In A Season Of Crime)

Girl Loves Me

Dollar Days

I Can't Give Everything Away

Reissues & Global Variants

Standard CD/LP/digital worldwide release.

Production and Context

Produced by David Bowie & Tony Visconti. Recorded at The Magic Shop and Human Worldwide Studios, New York. Jazz musicians: Donny McCaslin (sax), Jason Lindner (keyboards), Tim Lefebvre (bass), Mark Guiliana (drums), Ben Monder (guitar). Released on Bowie’s 69th birthday — two days before his death.

Album Chart Performance

UK: 1

Do you have Blackstar in your collection? Ready to face the starman? Share in the comments!

Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History and YouTube

Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, mistakes do happen. Simply leave a comment and the post will be updated. Thank you.