David Bowie's 1970s output is nothing short of legendary. Across 11 albums, he shape-shifted from glam rock pioneer to soul crooner to Berlin-era experimentalist, leaving a trail of classics that still define modern music. But which of these records truly stands above the rest? We've ranked every Bowie album from the decade that made him a star.
11. 'Pin Ups' (1973)
Let's get the outlier out of the way. Pin Ups is a covers album, and while it's not terrible, it lacks the originality that makes Bowie's other 1970s work so essential. He tackles 1960s songs with his signature flair, but nothing here feels vital. If you're a completionist, you'll give it a spin; otherwise, feel free to skip this one.
10. 'Young Americans' (1975)
Don't let the low ranking fool you—Young Americans is a solid album. It's just that Bowie's 1970s were so strong that even a good record like this lands near the bottom. The title track and "Fame" are undeniable highs, but the middle sags, and his cover of "Across the Universe" is a rare misstep.
9. 'Lodger' (1979)
The final chapter of Bowie's Berlin Trilogy, Lodger feels like a warm-up for the brilliance of Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps). It's consistent and forward-thinking, with a new wave edge that hints at the 1980s. "Look Back in Anger" is a highlight, but the album overall lacks a few soaring peaks.
8. 'Diamond Dogs' (1974)
Inspired by George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four, Diamond Dogs is eerie and offbeat, with the immortal "Rebel Rebel" as its centerpiece. That song towers over the rest, but the title track and "1984" are memorable too. It's a fascinating, if uneven, listen.
7. 'The Man Who Sold the World' (1970)
This album marked Bowie's first real shift toward hard rock and proto-metal. The title track became a classic (later covered by Nirvana), and songs like "Width of a Circle" showcase his growing ambition. It's a transitional work, but a crucial one.
6. 'Aladdin Sane' (1973)
Bowie's follow-up to Ziggy Stardust is flashy and theatrical, with the iconic "Jean Genie" and the piano-driven "Lady Grinning Soul." It's a bit uneven compared to its predecessor, but its best moments are pure rock 'n' roll magic.
5. 'Station to Station' (1976)
This album introduced Bowie's Thin White Duke persona and blended funk, soul, and krautrock into a hypnotic whole. The 10-minute title track is a masterpiece, and "Golden Years" remains a radio staple. It's a bridge between his soul phase and the Berlin era.
4. 'Low' (1977)
The first album of the Berlin Trilogy, Low is a bold, experimental work that split critics at the time. Side one features short, fragmented songs, while side two is instrumental and ambient. Tracks like "Sound and Vision" and "Warszawa" are hauntingly beautiful.
3. 'Heroes' (1977)
The second Berlin album, "Heroes" is more accessible than Low but no less innovative. The title track is one of Bowie's most iconic songs, and the rest of the album balances art-rock with emotional depth. It's a near-perfect record.
2. 'Hunky Dory' (1971)
Before the personas took over, Hunky Dory showcased Bowie as a brilliant songwriter. "Changes," "Life on Mars?," and "Oh! You Pretty Things" are timeless, and the album's warmth and whimsy make it a fan favorite. It's the sound of an artist finding his voice.
1. 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars' (1972)
There's no contest. Ziggy Stardust is Bowie's magnum opus—a concept album about a fictional rock star that became a cultural touchstone. From "Starman" to "Suffragette City" to "Rock 'n' Roll Suicide," every track is essential. It's the album that defined the 1970s and cemented Bowie's legacy as a genius.
For more on Bowie's contemporaries, check out our list of Johnny Cash Albums That Are Perfect From Start to Finish. And if you're in the mood for sci-fi, see Best Sci-Fi Movies Based on Books: A Ranked List of 10 Must-See Adaptations.
