Glass Spider cover

Glass Spider

David Bowie · 1988

124 min · 25 tracks · alternative rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of rock, pop, and theatricality painted in vivid sonic colors and introspective lyrics.

Spotify Apple Music
Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Up the Hill Backwards Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Day‐In Day‐Out — This track stands out for its poignant lyrics addressing social issues, alongside an infectious pop melody showcasing Bowie's ability to merge meaningful content with accessible sound.
  • →
    Loving the Alien — With its lush production and contemplative lyrics, this song encapsulates Bowie's exploration of personal and societal themes through a lens of alienation.
  • →
    Absolute Beginners — 'Absolute Beginners' combines romantic longing with a sweeping orchestral arrangement, representing Bowie's flair for storytelling within his music.

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

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

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Represents a unique phase in Bowie's career but isn't widely recognized as essential.
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. This album came during a phase where Bowie was exploring more elaborate theatrical presentations, exemplified by the extravagant Glass Spider Tour that accompanied the release. It also represented a shift back towards his experimental roots after several years of mainstream success.
Stylistic neighbors
Brian Eno· Roxy Music· Talking Heads
New to David Bowie? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Up the Hill Backwards Start here 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

What to play next

Sound + Vision
Listen next

Sound + Vision

1989

Continues the theatrical and vibrant sound with fresh energy post-Glass Spider.
Never Let Me Down
Go back to

Never Let Me Down

1987

Sets the stage for the experimental flair found in Glass Spider.
Full David Bowie discography Where to start with David Bowie Artists like David Bowie
alternative rock hard rock

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Hounds of Love

Hounds of Love

Kate Bush

Shares theatrical storytelling and expansive soundscapes with a blend of pop and avant-garde elements.

So

So

Peter Gabriel

Combines polished production with reflective lyricism and theatrical themes, echoing Bowie's style.

Speaking in Tongues

Speaking in Tongues

Talking Heads

Explores social commentary through art pop and innovative arrangements, resonating with Bowie's experimental spirit.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata