10 Most Iconic Music Albums Turning 50 In 2023
8. Aladdin Sane - David Bowie
Having announced the death of his iconic persona Ziggy Stardust on the last show of his tour in 1973 - marking a pivotal moment in his career with the birth of new alter-ego Aladdin Sane - David Bowie furthered his pursuit of glam rock in the avant-garde realm with the Aladdin Sane album. With most of the songs written on tour in the US, Bowie referred to this new character being ‘Ziggy goes to America’.
Displaying a ground-breaking new venture into genre-mixing and influenced by The Rolling Stones newfound Americanisation, this album - with classics such as The Jean Genie and Drive-In Saturday - solidified Bowie’s new ascent to stardom by being his first of nine Top 10 chart toppers in the UK. The instantly recognisable album cover showcasing Aladdin Sane’s iconic lightning bolt make-up, is arguably Bowie’s most distinguished look.
To mark half a century since the release of this record, an exhibition was held at the Southbank Centre this April, showcasing artwork from the album, live music performances, and talks throughout the exhibit. Celebrating Bowie’s lasting impact on music and pop culture throughout the last five decades, it’s no surprise that Aladdin Sane’s image has had a lasting legacy for generations.