David Bowie – Lodger (Vinyl LP)

In 1976 David Bowie relocated to Berlin, enlisting Brian Eno and Tony Visconti to begin recording the albums that would become known as his “Berlin Trilogy”: Low (1977), Heroes (1977) and Lodger (1979). Most of the music across the three albums wasn’t even recorded in Berlin, the unifying factor actually being Bowie, Visconti and Eno. The final installment, Lodger features no instrumentals and is the most pop-leaning of the trio of releases. Toeing the line of accessibility and and experimentation is a Bowie hallmark and he does it to perfection on the melodic and multi-layered standouts “DJ,” “Look Back in Anger” and “Boys Keep Swinging.” Frank Zappa guitarist Adrian Belew also replaces Robert Fripp this time around as well and his free-range playing helps define the underrated record. There’s old wave, there’s new wave, and there’s David Bowie!

Remastered in 2017