David Bowie Albums Ranked

Ranking David Bowie’s albums is no easy task. His discography spans decades, genres, and entire personas — from the starman to the experimentalist. But these are my top five David Bowie albums ranked - what I think are his most innovative and influential.

1. The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972)

This album defined glam rock and made Bowie a global star. With cinematic storytelling and songs like “Starman” and “Suffragette City”, Ziggy became an icon. The perfect balance of concept, charisma, and killer hooks.

2. Low (1977)

Bold, disorienting, and entirely ahead of its time, Low, the first of the Berlin Trilogy, split into fragmented art-pop and ambient soundscapes, was crafted with Brian Eno. It changed electronic and post-punk music forever.

3. Hunky Dory (1971)

A record of sheer songwriting brilliance. From “Life on Mars?” to “Changes”, Bowie blends surrealism with reflection. It’s intimate yet theatrical — the sound of an artist finding his voice and future in one stroke.

4. “Heroes” (1977)

The title track alone earns it a place. “Heroes” is Bowie at his most romantic and resilient. Add in the dark grooves of “Joe the Lion” and “Sons of the Silent Age”, and you have a cold war masterpiece.

5. Blackstar (2016)

Released days before his death, Blackstar is haunting, fearless, and experimental. Jazz fusion, cryptic lyrics, and echoes of mortality — it’s a stunning farewell and a reminder that Bowie never stopped evolving.

Of course, every fan has their favourites — and part of Bowie’s brilliance is how personal his music feels. You can see how these albums (and more) connect to Bowie’s full musical evolution on my David Bowie Albums Music Map.

What’s your top Bowie record? Let me know in the comments or tag me on social media with your own rankings!