What makes Starman by David Bowie notable?

Starman is notable for its chart success, reaching number 10 on the UK Albums Chart and featuring the hit single 'Starman', which peaked at number 5 on the UK Singles Chart. The song 'Starman' played a crucial role in introducing Bowie’s alter ego Ziggy Stardust to mainstream audiences, significantly influencing the glam rock movement. Released on April 14, 1972, Starman was David Bowie's fifth studio album, coming just after his breakthrough with The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. This album solidified Bowie's persona as a cultural icon and established him as a leading figure in glam rock.

How many songs are on Starman?

Starman has 2 tracks, running approximately 7 minutes.

Starman

David Bowie · 1972

7 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

A dazzling collision of glam rock flamboyance and insightful pop sensibility, bursting with cosmic themes and infectious melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Starman — As the album's title track, 'Starman' features an uplifting narrative about extraterrestrial communication that captures the spirit of hope and escapism prominent in the early 70s.
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Suffragette City — 'Suffragette City' combines catchy hooks with a raw energy that exemplifies Bowie's ability to blend glam aesthetics with hard rock influences, showcasing his versatility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

Bowie's 'Starman' blends glam rock with pop sensibilities, featuring memorable melodies and distinct production choices.

What we noticed

The second track, 'Suffragette City', shifts to a faster tempo with a driving rhythm and guitar riff, creating a contrast in energy.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 8/10

Defined its genre or moment. 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 — This album solidified Bowie's reputation after Ziggy Stardust.
Themes: Ziggy Stardust narrative· alienated youth· cosmic rebellion
Career context: Released on April 14, 1972, Starman was David Bowie's fifth studio album, coming just after his breakthrough with The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. This album solidified Bowie's persona as a cultural icon and established him as a leading figure in glam rock.
Stylistic neighbors: Brian Eno· Roxy Music· Talking Heads