10 Amazing Artists With Terrible Debut Albums
4. David Bowie - David Bowie (1967)
Similarly to Empty Sky, the first eponymous album from the Starman is an attempt to emulate the popular styles and sounds of its time in an odd and forgettable listen that rarely showcases the greatness to come. 1967's David Bowie implemented heavy use of orchestral arrangements in an attempt to emulate the success of The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds, which was a huge hit in England at the time.
Bowie was also yet to find his voice both sonically and lyrically, with David heavily copying the style of singer Anthony Newley on the record. The Thin White Duke went on to express his displeasure with the album, even referring to it as cringeworthy in the 1990s. The debut offering's lack of success also cost Bowie his record deal, as he left major label Deram Records in early 1968, giving up music altogether for the next six months as a result of his dissatisfaction with the album and label.
Despite its shortcomings, David Bowie was received positively by critics at the time, most of whom noted the then-19-year-old's potential as a huge star, which he would become 18 months down the line with the release of Space Oddity.