Glass Spider cover

Glass Spider

David Bowie · 1988

124 min · 25 tracks · alternative rock · electronic · hard rock

A theatrical blend of glam rock and pop, infused with reflective lyricism and expansive soundscapes.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • theatrical storytelling through sound
  • expansive soundscapes for reflection
  • engaging lyrical depth and nuance
  • dynamic pacing with varied tracks
  • immersive experience for dedicated listeners

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer shorter, more concise albums
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Themes
theatrical alienation· social commentary
Career context
Released in 1988, 'Glass Spider' marked David Bowie's return to the music scene after a brief hiatus following the commercial success of 'Let’s Dance' in 1983. At this point in his career, Bowie was experimenting with a more polished sound while also embarking on a grandiose stage tour that accompanied the album's release, showcasing his flair for performance art.
Stylistic neighbors
Brian Eno· Roxy Music· Talking Heads
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Hounds of Love by Kate Bush — Shares theatrical storytelling and expansive soundscapes with a blend of pop and avant-garde elements.
So by Peter Gabriel — Combines polished production with reflective lyricism and theatrical themes, echoing Bowie's style.
Speaking in Tongues by Talking Heads — Explores social commentary through art pop and innovative arrangements, resonating with Bowie's experimental spirit.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Up the Hill Backwards 3:51
  • 2 Glass Spider 5:55
  • 3 Day‐In Day‐Out 4:34
  • 4 Bang Bang 4:02
  • 5 Absolute Beginners 7:08
  • 6 Loving the Alien 7:14
  • 7 China Girl 4:55
  • 8 Rebel Rebel 3:30
  • 9 Fashion 5:04
  • 10 Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) 4:52
  • 11 All the Madmen 6:39
  • 12 Never Let Me Down 3:56

Disc 2

  • 1 Big Brother 4:47
  • 2 ’87 and Cry 4:07
  • 3 “Heroes” 5:10
  • 4 Sons of the Silent Age 3:10
  • 5 Time Will Crawl / Band Introduction 5:23
  • 6 Young Americans 5:06
  • 7 Beat of Your Drum 4:37
  • 8 The Jean Genie 5:23
  • 9 Let’s Dance 5:01
  • 10 Fame 7:05
  • 11 Time 5:11
  • 12 Blue Jean 3:26
  • 13 Modern Love 4:53

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata