Absolutely fascinating and beautifully designed book! The photos are great to look at, the design is very well done, and I enjoy the break between the longer article style story and the smaller tid bits and "fun facts", such as about Bowie's signature eye.

Not my usual pick up but I do think I will need this in physical format because it would be wonderful to look through.

David Bowie: The Artist, The Albums, The Music by Philippe Margotin and Richard Morton Jack is a vibrant, richly illustrated tribute that manages to be both a deep dive into one of rock’s most mercurial careers and a genuinely enjoyable companion for Bowie fans old and new. Rather than just retelling familiar anecdotes, the book walks through Bowie’s album-by-album odyssey from Ziggy Stardust to Blackstar, giving context to his fearless stylistic reinventions while pairing the narrative with dozens of rare and striking photographs that make the story feel alive on the page. Reviewers and early readers praise its clear writing and visual storytelling, noting how it balances biography, musical insight, and cultural reflection without ever feeling dry or encyclopedic. It’s less an academic tome and more an affectionate, immersive portrait of an artist who made transformation itself an art form—an ideal gateway for curious listeners and a satisfying keepsake for lifelong devotees alike

An extremely well researched and detailed book, well illustrated with plenty of pictures. It loses one star (maybe a star and a half) as disappointingly the book runs out of steam from around the mid-80s. Up to that point, every song on each album is detailed and discussed; once it gets to this latter period in Bowie's career, it reduces to selected tracks from the albums, and then from the 1990s onwards, to only the odd song that is cherry picked to give a brief description of.

If there were such a thing as a 5.5-star rating, this book would earn it without hesitation.

I’ve been a David Bowie fan for as long as I can remember, and this book felt less like a biography and more like a beautifully curated journey through a lifetime of reinvention. Margotin and Morton Jack approach Bowie with deep respect, insight, and an obvious understanding of why he continues to matter so profoundly.

What truly sets this book apart is its balance. It doesn’t just catalogue albums or personas; it places them within their cultural, artistic, and emotional context. From the explosive arrival of Ziggy Stardust to the haunting brilliance of Blackstar, each era is explored with clarity and care, highlighting Bowie’s constant refusal to stand still.

The writing is engaging without being overly academic, making it accessible for longtime fans while still offering fresh insights. The inclusion of literary, musical, and avant-garde influences adds real depth, reminding readers just how wide Bowie’s creative lens was. The interview with Sefi Carmel adds an unexpected and fascinating layer, reinforcing Bowie’s impact beyond traditional songwriting.

And then there are the photographs — stunning, immersive, and in many cases genuinely surprising. Even as someone who has consumed countless Bowie books and documentaries, I found myself lingering over images I’d never seen before.

This is not just a book for fans. It’s a visual and intellectual celebration of transformation itself — of an artist who made evolution his greatest work of art. Essential reading for anyone who believes music can change the shape of culture.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the death of David Bowie. Unsurprisingly numerous books, events and activities are planned to commemorate this remarkable man. As a big Bowie fan, especially his music from the 1970s, I am delighted to see his work being reassessed and introduced to a new generation who may know his name and perhaps a few songs, but not the full extent of his career. I read this book in it’s entirety , enjoying some parts are than others. Many of the quotes in my review are related to the albums and songs produced in the 1970s; the music I enjoy the most and know the best.

For the record (pun intended !) ’Aladdin Sane’ was the first album I ever bought. Last year I gave away my record collection to a friend who had recently restored a turntable. I could not bring myself to give away my first Bowie album. I still have it; in vinyl, gatefold cover, lyrics included and, in my humble opinion, the best Bowie album from a body of work that includes many great albums. I digress…

I was delighted to receive a digital copy of this book from NetGalley. Although in the back of my mind I was skeptical that the world needed ‘another Bowie book’. Having read a few over the years, I wondered what more could be said about the man, his life, music and other accomplishments. I was wrong. There is a place for this book: a comprehensive and fresh assessment by an author who is knowledgeable about David Bowie and clearly loves and appreciates his work.

I enjoyed this book, even though I was already aware of much of the factual information presented. The albums, songs, musicians, release dates and so on. Some of the author’s opinions , anecdotes and ideas I found interesting. However, for anyone new to the world of David Bowie and is seeking more information on the man and his music, this book is an excellent place to start.

The book is almost 300 pages of text and photographs. After a brief introduction to Bowie’s upbringing and his very early years, each Chapter focuses on a theme in his career, encapsulating the music and other activities over a period of time. The Chapters are largely defined by the type of music being produced, although they are also aligned with certain other aspects. The stage personas projected, (such as Ziggy Stardust, Halloween Jack and The Thin White Duke), the touring and recording musicians, (including the Spiders from Mars, the Sigma Sound musicians and Brian Eno) and the cities and countries where he was living at the time (London, Los Angeles, Berlin and others).

The Chapter sub-division allows a reader to go directly to a time period or phase of Bowie’s life that is of most interest. The book is comprehensive, so anyone seeking information or insights from a particular aspect or time period will find something to read, learn from and enjoy.

The Chapters tend to begin with a descriptions of the wider music scene in which Bowie was immersed at the time. This is placed in the context of national and world events that characterised societal and cultural norms of the times. These themes and events are explored and to some extent play a role in the music Bowie produced. As his career progresses, the background information and context is expanded to include tours, world travels, various musical collaborators and influences. Bowie’s private life as well as his public life is presented but not in great detail. Numerous books have covered this subject over the years. The heart of the book is the discussion of each studio album and for most albums, a description of each song. Interestingly, the albums after the 1980s are discussed in much less detail, with only a few songs on each being selected for deeper analysis and insight.

The author provides abundant factual information as well as subjective opinion. For those who are interested, there is much provided on recording studios, producers, musicians, song length, marketing, charting and so on. The author’s opinions, naturally subjective, are interesting and thought provoking. For example, the genesis of a song, the meaning of the lyrics or a song’s legacy as a cover version or in a film soundtrack. Occasionally there is too much information, sometime inane, incorrect or incoherent.

“The song also features a saxophone solo and a guitar solo…” or “Mojo magazine ranked it Third…amongst the best songs by Bowie”.

Alluding to the Suffragette movement when discussing ‘Suffragette City’ from the ‘Ziggy Stardust’ album, the author suggests:

…”Bowie paid tribute to these freedom fighters…”

The lyrics of this song as well as others from the album would suggest otherwise.

Perhaps more relevant and interesting are the author’s interpretation of Bowie’s songs once he begins to travel outside the UK, particularly to the USA. A reader might conclude the music improves as well ! Bowie’s songs, both the lyrics and music, are influenced for example by New York City nightlife, Detroit politics, Hollywood culture and certain larger-than-life characters from the American music scene. Sometimes I suspect the author takes his analysis a little too far. For example with ‘Jean Genie' from the ‘Aladdin Sane’ album, the author states:

“…the influence of Jacques Dutronc’s La FIlle du Pere Noel is evident…”.

I also suspect a little hyperbole when the author describes ‘Sweet Thing’ from the ‘Diamond Dogs’ album as :

“… undoubtedly one of Bowie's greatest songs, propelling him into the very exclusive circle of genius songwriters alongside John Lennon and Pete Townshend.”

The author introduces many interesting anecdotes to accompany the music. I assume they are fact-checked or at least cleared by the lawyers ! Claudia Lennear, an American singer associated with Ike & Tina Turner as well as the Rolling Stones is said to be the inspiration for ‘Lady Grinning Soul’, the fine ballad that ends the ‘Aladdin Sane’ album.

These comments are more observations than criticism. The author is undoubtedly well informed and has a comprehensive knowledge of his subject. He seems well-qualified to present a description and assessment of each studio album throughout Bowie’s long career. And for those interested he provides abundant information on the tours, films and various side projects that Bowies undertakes outside the music world.

Several key Bowie collaborators are individually acknowledged in highlighted paragraphs, boxed alongside the main text. These are the somewhat lesser known people who significantly contributed to Bowie’s success; some for a few years, others seemingly throughout large parts of his career. These people include musicians such as Mick Ronson, Carlos Alomar and Earl Slick. Record producers such as Tony Visconti and Brian Eno. Also discussed are many others who contributed to aspects of choreography, costume design, management, photography and film. Great background reading, adding to the understanding and enjoyment of the music.

I think the book’s Chapter/Theme format works well. I admit to enjoying the Chapters about the 1970s more than earlier or later chapters, having a closer attachment to albums from that period. I’m sure there will be readers who gravitate to other periods in Bowie’s life and the book provides a full account of each period.

Although the book is certainly complete regarding Bowie’s main musical projects, I would have liked the author go further in his assessment of certain aspects of his music. There are the numerous live albums, bootlegs albums and filmed concerts worthy of discussion and analysis. Also lesser-known tracks that have appeared as B-sides or on compilation albums. Indeed there is the ‘Gouster’ album comprising unreleased and alternative tracks from the ‘Young Americans’ sessions. Furthermore, I would have enjoyed a fuller assessment of albums by other artists where Bowie’s influence is significant. Iggy Pop’s Berlin albums are mentioned, but Lou Reed’s ‘Transformer’ and Mick Ronson’s first solo album are barely mentioned, despite the Bowie’s contribution and influence.

These are minor criticisms. Perhaps my expectations are too high and including further subject matter would be beyond the scope of the book. Overall, the author achieves a good balance between a factual documentation of Bowie’s music while also offering occasional opinions on particular songs. There are abundant photographs throughout the book, including many I had not seen before.

I was wrong in thinking this was going to be just ‘another Bowie book’. This is a book that will be enjoyed by many. Those new to his music as well as those who have enjoyed it in the past, Possibly they will revisit the albums after reading this book; enjoying a deeper, richer appreciation of the music. This book is a fine tribute to a talented man who passed away ten years ago. His influence and legacy will continue for years to come; bringing pleasure to many.

I wish the author and publishers great success with this book.

A well presented, well researched, well designed book that gives an overlook of David Bowie's 50+ year long music career whilst giving context such as David Bowie's influences and what was going on in the world. It's a great introduction for new fans who want to learn about his work album by album. The author does a good job selecting highlights from each album and sharing information in a factual way.

"Singer, Songwriter, producer, actor, painter... David Bowie is one of the most fascinating artists the world has ever known.

David Bowie is a creator who placed his art above all else. During an intense career, spanning some fifty years, he constantly renewed and challenged himself. He experimented with his music enriching it with various other genres, from soul to electronic music, even including avant-garde jazz.

This book is an immersion into the life and exceptional work of David Bowie, featuring the various characters he portrayed, such as Ziggy Stardust, Halloween Jack, and The Thin White Duke, as his alter egos. From London to New York, from Los Angeles to Montreux, album after album, we enter his musical universe: glam rock, soul/funk, avant-garde rock, industrial rock, including timeless works such as The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, Aladdin Sane, Diamond Dogs, Station to Station, Heroes and Black Star. With songs that have also gone down in history: "The Man Who Sold The World," "Changes," "Rock'n'Roll Suicide," "The Jean Genie," "Rebel Rebel," "Word on a Wing," and "Lazarus."

David Bowie was a formidable showman; the world tours we highlight are testament to this. He was also a naturally seductive actor, able to embody characters far removed from each other, from the alien Thomas Jerome Newton in The Man Who Fell to Earth, Major Jack Celliers in Furyo, Andy Warhol in Basquiat and Jareth, the Goblin King in Labyrinth."

I will buy anything David Bowie. So long as it isn't a comic. For some reason comics about him always suck.

This book is a fascinating overview of David Bowie's career as well as his musical/life influences with beautiful photographs. He was truly one of a kind.

Thanks to NetGalley and Aurora Metro Books/Supernova Books for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

There are a lot of David Bowie books coming out; I recently reviewed a graphic biography about his time in Paris, and I have another straight biography to look through as well. I do have to say that this book is top-notch.

Just seeing the digital copy of this book is not enough; it’s a sumptuous feast for all David Bowie fans. I’m not sure of the size of the physical book, but it screams coffee table book, something you can page through and see the well-done graphics, gorgeous photographs, and photos of all his album covers. The book really draws you in.

The biographical parts of David Bowie: The Artist, the Albums, the Music are well-done, with little side notes as pop-outs to the main story. Each of Bowie’s albums is listed, and the best songs of the album are dissected. Some albums have three or four songs; some albums have all the songs analyzed. The graphics on the pages reflect the Ziggy Stardust feeling that Bowie portrayed.

As someone who is just a casual fan, I got a lot out of this book. I’m not sure diehards would feel the same way, but all the photographs featured are worth the price alone. Recommend for music fans.