Sound + Vision cover

Sound + Vision

David Bowie · 1989

230 min · 50 tracks · alternative rock · electronic · hard rock

A kaleidoscopic collection of Bowie’s eclectic sound, blending rock, pop, and avant-garde experimentation.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • kaleidoscopic sonic exploration
  • live tracks for vibrant energy
  • eclectic mix for adventurous listeners
  • short bursts of captivating ideas
  • nostalgic reflections on past sounds

Maybe skip if you want

  • dislike lengthy compilations
  • prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Themes
cultural renaissance· Major Tom's legacy· youth rebellion anthems
Career context
Released in 1989, 'Sound + Vision' arrived during a period when David Bowie was enjoying a renaissance after the commercial success of his late 1980s albums. This box set showcased his vast catalog, including early hits and live performances, while also serving as a retrospective of his influential career leading up to this point.
Stylistic neighbors
Brian Eno· Roxy Music· Talking Heads
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Remain in Light by Talking Heads — Explores cultural themes with a mix of avant-garde and rhythmic experimentation.
So by Peter Gabriel — Shares an eclectic sound palette and explores personal and cultural narratives.
Avalon by Roxy Music — Combines art rock sophistication with lush production, echoing Bowie's eclecticism.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Space Oddity (original demo) 5:10
  • 2 Wild‐Eyed Boy From Freecloud (B‐Side version) 4:50
  • 3 The Prettiest Star (single version) 3:11
  • 4 London Bye Ta‐Ta 2:35
  • 5 Black Country Rock 3:33
  • 6 The Man Who Sold the World 3:56
  • 7 The Bewlay Brothers 5:22
  • 8 Changes 3:35
  • 9 Round and Round 2:41
  • 10 Moonage Daydream 4:39
  • 11 John, I’m Only Dancing (outtake) 2:43
  • 12 Drive‐In Saturday 4:30
  • 13 Panic in Detroit 4:25
  • 14 Ziggy Stardust (live) 3:16
  • 15 White Light/White Heat (live) 3:57
  • 16 Rock ’n’ Roll Suicide (live) 4:30

Disc 2

  • 1 Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere 3:08
  • 2 Sorrow 2:53
  • 3 Don’t Bring Me Down 2:07
  • 4 1984 / Dodo 5:29
  • 5 Big Brother 3:21
  • 6 Rebel Rebel (single version) 3:01
  • 7 Suffragette City (live) 3:50
  • 8 Watch That Man (live) 5:07
  • 9 Cracked Actor (live) 3:30
  • 10 Young Americans 5:12
  • 11 Fascination 5:45
  • 12 After Today (outtake) 3:50
  • 13 It’s Hard to Be a Saint in the City 3:49
  • 14 TVC15 5:31
  • 15 Wild Is the Wind 5:58

Disc 3

  • 1 Sound and Vision 3:05
  • 2 Be My Wife 2:57
  • 3 Speed of Life 2:47
  • 4 Helden (1989 remix) 3:39
  • 5 Joe the Lion 3:07
  • 6 Sons of the Silent Age 3:19
  • 7 Station to Station (live) 8:50
  • 8 Warszawa (live) 6:52
  • 9 Breaking Glass (live) 3:35
  • 10 Red Sails 3:45
  • 11 Look Back in Anger 3:07
  • 12 Boys Keep Swinging 3:18
  • 13 Up the Hill Backwards 3:15
  • 14 Kingdom Come 3:44
  • 15 Ashes to Ashes 4:23

Disc 4

  • 1 [data track] 36:28
  • 2 John, I’m Only Dancing 2:40
  • 3 Changes 3:20
  • 4 The Supermen 2:45

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata