What does The Next Day sound like?

A bold fusion of rock and introspective lyricism, revealing a veteran artist's reflections on life and legacy. Rooted in alternative rock and electronic. Start with "The Next Day".

Is The Next Day a good place to start with David Bowie?

Yes, The Next Day is recommended as a starting point for new David Bowie listeners. A bold fusion of rock and introspective lyricism, revealing a veteran artist's reflections on life and legacy. When 'The Next Day' was released in 2013, David Bowie had been largely absent from the music scene for nearly a decade following his last studio album, 'Reality' in 2003. This album marked his return after a period of health issues and personal reflection, rekindling his creative vigor in a new artistic phase.

Who is The Next Day for?

The Next Day works well if you're into reflective moments of nostalgia, short bursts of energetic expression and thought-provoking lyrical depth.

How many songs are on The Next Day?

The Next Day has 17 tracks, running approximately 60 minutes.

The Next Day

David Bowie · 2013

60 min · 17 tracks · alternative rock

A bold fusion of rock and introspective lyricism, revealing a veteran artist's reflections on life and legacy.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
The Next Day Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
→
Where Are We Now? — This poignant track reflects on Bowie's life in Berlin during the late 1970s, blending nostalgia with a haunting melody. Its introspective lyrics resonate deeply with listeners as they ponder time and change.
→
The Stars (Are Out Tonight) — Combining sharp social commentary with an infectious chorus, this track critiques celebrity culture while showcasing Bowie's knack for storytelling through vivid imagery.
→
Love Is Lost — A powerful exploration of disillusionment in love, this track stands out for its driving beat and emotional intensity, encapsulating the album's thematic undertones.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

Bowie's return showcases strong songwriting and production, with eclectic sounds and thoughtful themes.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a driving rhythm and layered instrumentation, establishing a bold sonic palette.
Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, such as 'Love Is Lost' which shifts from a steady beat to a more chaotic arrangement.
The album closes with a gradual deceleration in tempo, particularly in 'I’ll Take You There', creating a reflective atmosphere.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

reflective moments of nostalgia
short bursts of energetic expression
thought-provoking lyrical depth
late-night introspection with flair
sudden shifts in emotional tone

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Marks a strong return after a decade, showcasing Bowie's continued artistic vitality.
Themes: celebrity culture critique· nostalgic reflection· post-hiatus reinvention
Career context: When 'The Next Day' was released in 2013, David Bowie had been largely absent from the music scene for nearly a decade following his last studio album, 'Reality' in 2003. This album marked his return after a period of health issues and personal reflection, rekindling his creative vigor in a new artistic phase.
Stylistic neighbors: Brian Eno· Roxy Music· Talking Heads