One of the many reasons that I was inspired to make this list is I felt the Rolling Stone Magazine’s Top 500 albums list, though being my overall inspiration, was way off by placing this monumental record at #35.

Producer Ken Scott stated, in remembering this recording session, that the Spiders nailed these cuts in one or two takes. I think it is as if It was delivered to David from another world like he was a conduit. This immediacy can be heard from each track. I’ve known Stardust so well from most of my life yet it still just jumps off the platter. The level of song writing on this record is beyond belief. Like a Beatles album there are so many unique melodies. To think Ziggy was released some 6 months after Hunky Dory…

The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars is a masterpiece of rock music by David Bowie, one of the most innovative and influential artists of all time. It tells the story of Ziggy Stardust, a fictional alien rock star who comes to Earth to save it from an impending doom, but ends up being corrupted by fame and his own ego. The album is a brilliant example of Bowie’s musical creativity, as he blends glam rock, proto-punk, and pop to create a unique and captivating sound. The album also showcases Bowie’s theatrical and charismatic persona, as he transforms himself into Ziggy Stardust, a flamboyant and androgynous character who challenges the norms of gender and sexuality.

The album was released in 1972, at a time when Bowie was struggling to find his identity and direction as a musician. He had experimented with different styles and genres, such as folk, psychedelic, and hard rock, but none of them had brought him much success or recognition. He was also facing personal and professional difficulties, such as his failing marriage, his drug addiction, and his conflicts with his record label. He was inspired by various sources, such as his friend Iggy Pop, the singer-songwriter Lou Reed, the glam rocker Marc Bolan, the science fiction writer Ray Bradbury, and the rockabilly legend Vince Taylor, who had a mental breakdown and claimed to be an alien messiah. Bowie decided to create a concept album that would combine his musical influences and his fascination with space, aliens, and the future.

Stardust consists of 11 songs that form a loose narrative about Ziggy Stardust’s rise and fall. The first song, “Five Years”, sets the scene for the album, as it announces that the Earth has only five years left before it is destroyed by an unknown catastrophe. The song is a dramatic and emotional opener, with Bowie singing in a desperate and passionate voice over a piano and drums accompaniment. The second song, “Soul Love”, introduces Ziggy Stardust as a cosmic lover who spreads love and peace among the people of Earth. The song is a smooth and soulful tune, with Bowie singing in a falsetto voice over a guitar and saxophone arrangement.

One of the best cuts, “Moonage Daydream”, describes Ziggy’s origin as an alien being who is sent by the Starman, a mysterious figure who represents hope and salvation for humanity. The song is a psychedelic and futuristic rock anthem, with Bowie singing in a distorted voice over a heavy guitar riff and a Moog synthesizer solo.

“Starman”, is the first single from the album and one of Bowie’s most famous songs. It tells the story of how Ziggy Stardust communicates with the Starman through the radio waves, and how he tries to convince the young people of Earth to join him in his mission to save the world. The song is a catchy and uplifting pop song, with Bowie singing in a cheerful and optimistic voice over a melodic guitar and piano melody. The fifth song, “It Ain’t Easy”, is the only cover song on the album, originally written by Ron Davies. It expresses Ziggy’s frustration and difficulty in fulfilling his role as a savior, as he faces resistance and hostility from the authorities and the establishment. The song is a bluesy and rocky song, with Bowie singing in a raspy and defiant voice over a slide guitar solo.

“Lady Stardust”, is a tribute to Ziggy’s musical inspiration and rival, Marc Bolan of T. Rex. It depicts Ziggy’s admiration and envy for Bolan’s talent and charisma, as well as his attraction and confusion for Bolan’s gender-bending style. The song is a piano ballad with a glam rock flair, with Bowie singing in a tender and wistful voice over a string arrangement.

“Star”, is Ziggy’s declaration of his ambition and aspiration to become a rock star. It reveals Ziggy’s naive and idealistic view of fame and success, as well as his desire to escape from his mundane and boring life. The song is an upbeat and energetic rock song, with Bowie singing in an enthusiastic and confident voice over a driving guitar rhythm.

“Hang on to Yourself”, is Ziggy’s invitation to his fans to join him in his wild and rebellious lifestyle. It reflects Ziggy’s hedonistic and anarchic attitude towards life, as well as his disregard for the consequences of his actions. The song is a fast-paced and catchy rock song with a punk edge, with Bowie singing in an aggressive and sarcastic voice over a frantic guitar riff.

“Ziggy Stardust”, is the title track and the climax of the album. It narrates the downfall of Ziggy Stardust, as he becomes a victim of his own fame and ego. He loses his connection with the Starman and his fans, and he is betrayed and killed by his bandmates, the Spiders from Mars. The song is a classic and iconic rock song, with Bowie singing in a dramatic and tragic voice over a memorable guitar chord progression.

“Suffragette City”, is Ziggy’s final and defiant act of rebellion before his death. It depicts Ziggy’s sexual escapades and drug abuse, as well as his rejection of any form of commitment or responsibility. The song is a powerful and explosive rock song, with Bowie singing in a raucous and provocative voice over a pounding piano and guitar riff.

“Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide”, is Ziggy’s farewell and epitaph. It portrays Ziggy’s loneliness and despair, as he realizes that he has wasted his life and lost his purpose. He tries to comfort and inspire his fans, who are also facing the same fate. The song is a poignant and emotional ballad, with Bowie singing in a compassionate and heartfelt voice over a string orchestra.

The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars is a masterpiece of rock music that has influenced and inspired countless artists and genres. It is a testament to Bowie’s musical genius, creativity, and vision, as well as his ability to reinvent himself and challenge the boundaries of art and culture. It is one of the greatest albums of all time, and one of the most important artistic statements in popular music history.