10 Most Underrated David Bowie Songs

The wonderful problem of Bowie's seventies output is that every album is a classic, which means even great songs can often be lacking the recognition they deserve. This paradox was previously outlined with Queen Bitch, and appears again here with Cracked Actor, taken from his 1973 album, Aladdin Sane.

Originating from his excess and debauchery ridden experiences in Los Angeles, Cracked Actor tells the story of a washed-up Hollywood star's encounter with what appears to be a prostitute. Embracing another of his many fictional personas, Bowie states that"I've come on a few years from my Hollywood highs", before ordering the person to "Forgot that I'm fifty cause you just got paid."

Rarely has a song tackling such immoral subject matter been so catchy and hook laden. The dual weapon of Mick Ronson's aggressive guitar with Bowie's wayward use of the harmonica creates a sleazy underpinning to the track that is incessant to its conclusion.

By the time Bowie has finished cracking, smacking and sucking his way through the song, it's too late. The track should come with a warning, not for its questionable content, but its ability to invade the consciousness and not leave for an extended period of time.

This is Bowie at his catchiest and sleaziest best.