10 Greatest Ever Rock Concept Albums
3. The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars - David Bowie
Early on in his career, David Bowie marked himself out as being a lover of all things peculiar and bizarre. Nowhere is this more apparent than his fifth studio album, The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars. Following the titular character, the album tells the story of glam-rock star Ziggy Stardust as he believes that he is a prophet for an alien species that is imminently about to make their arrival onto Earth. Through the character of Ziggy Stardust, David Bowie is able to sing about sadness, love and identity in all of its different forms.
The record opens with the ominous "Five Years", a song that becomes more hectic and blaring as it plays out. Bowie's fondness for strange lyrics and sci-fi themes are perhaps most prevalent on "Moonage Daydream", the song that properly introduces Ziggy Stardust to the listener. Mick Ronson's guitar playing is stunning throughout the whole track is stunning, creating a real sense of atmosphere amidst Bowie's nonsensical lyrics. Moonage Daydream is followed by what is perhaps the most well-known song from the album "Starman". Creative lyrics, and a memorable Mellotron part have ensured that this track has become one Bowie's most recognised songs, having been featured on several movie soundtracks and greatest hits albums. The album finishes with "Rock 'n' Roll Suicide", which despite the title, is quite positive in its lyrics and message, as Bowie kills off his Ziggy Stardust persona in an explosive climax.
The character of Ziggy Stardust represents the first in a long line of personas that David Bowie would adopt throughout his career. The argument could be made that this is Bowie at his most outrageous and bizarre, but this only ensures that this album is one of the most revered and acclaimed additions to Bowie's discography.