What makes Bowi by Nick Lowe notable?

Though it did not achieve major commercial success, 'Bowi' established Lowe as a significant figure in the burgeoning new wave movement. The EP's clever lyrical content and catchy melodies have influenced subsequent artists in the genre, particularly those exploring punk and power pop aesthetics. Released in early 1977, 'Bowi' marked Nick Lowe's transition from producer to performing artist, following his work with Brinsley Schwarz. This EP emerged during a dynamically evolving music scene in the UK, showcasing Lowe’s unique approach to songwriting and sound.

How many songs are on Bowi?

Bowi has 4 tracks, running approximately 11 minutes.

Bowi

Nick Lowe · 1977

11 min · 4 tracks · new wave

A vibrant blend of rock and new wave, infused with sharp wit and melodic hooks that define Lowe's signature style.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Born a Woman — This track opens the EP with a catchy melody and ironic lyrics that reflect societal expectations, setting the tone for Lowe's witty storytelling.
→
Marie Provost — A standout track that combines humor with dark themes, it tells a poignant story through vivid imagery, showcasing Lowe’s narrative strength.
→
Shake That Rat — With its energetic rhythm and playful lyrics, this track exemplifies Lowe's ability to merge fun with social commentary, making it a quintessential part of the EP.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The EP features clever songwriting and varied arrangements, establishing Lowe's unique voice in new wave.

What we noticed

Each track showcases distinct arrangements, with varying instrumentation that keeps the listener engaged throughout.
Lowe's lyrics often employ sharp wit and storytelling, particularly evident in 'Marie Provost', which narrates a darkly humorous tale.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Lowe as a notable artist in the new wave movement.
Themes: societal expectations· dark humor storytelling· 1970s UK music scene
Career context: Released in early 1977, 'Bowi' marked Nick Lowe's transition from producer to performing artist, following his work with Brinsley Schwarz. This EP emerged during a dynamically evolving music scene in the UK, showcasing Lowe’s unique approach to songwriting and sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Elvis Costello· Graham Parker· Joe Jackson