Most of the reviews I've read about this album mention it in the context of Bowie's experimental Berlin period (Low/Heroes), but I find this is more of a shorthand for saying that he is defying pop convention, rather than an actual similarity in sound to those classic albums. I find this much more akin to Black Tie White Noise, The Buddha of Suburbia, and pieces of 1. Outside. Black Tie White Noise, in particular has a mix of jazziness, slickness, and atmosphere, though Blackstar is much darker in tone.

Opening with the epic title track and moving through soundscapes that are dark and strange, yet still melodic and quintessentially latterday Bowie, finally reaching a glorious conclusion (much like 1. Outside did) with the gorgeous, insistent "I Can't Give Everything Away," Blackstar is an album that fully expresses what David Bowie is capable of at this late stage of his career. It's consistent from beginning to end, compelling in its nuances and left turns, arty, yet accessible. The Next Day was a great comeback album, but it often feels like something was missing from that record. Blackstar is a complete statement, and (though this is a cliché to say), it's his best in many years.

*Update, 1/11/16: I awoke this morning to the news of David Bowie's death. It is difficult to describe my grief and that of his dedicated fans. It is a tremendous loss to the world, and it will take some time to process. This will of course affect the legacy of this, his final album, and it will color our perception of each of these songs. Blackstar is Bowie's farewell, his final gift to us after decades of wonderful music. That the album ends with such a beautiful song, as I mentioned earlier, is a comfort to me today, a blissful moment to cap such a tremendous life and career. I feel such sadness on this day, but so much gratitude as well. There will never be another like him. Thank you, David, for all you gave, and the world you sold to us.

All I say is this genius record's timing and meaning were definitely and impeccably planned...had to be. First, we had "Sue" and "Pity She Was A Whore" released around Bowie's 2014 careerspanning compilation "Nothing Has Changed"...then the 2 cryptic and challenging art films and "singles" "Blackstar" & "Lazarus" which were both antipop and accessible in their own way, merging avant garde jazz, electronic, artrock and striking melodic elements. Praised for its innovation and a hark back to his Berlin period and a way into the future, and also on his 69th birthday, 2016 looked very bright for both the artist and his loyal cult with more to come. But apparently, he had one last shocking secret for us and we now know what it is...and the true meaning of "Blackstar" and those films...his death. I am a bit sad but can't be, because of his huge body of art/work that this world hasn't caught up to in full...and likely never will...and he passed on with dignity intact...2016 is not the year of his comeback but his tribute...really though, he's one of the few true giants in music who's work will be forever analyzed and rightfully so...he made uncompromising unapologetic art for most of his 69 years that moved people's hearts and always will. Not many people had that kind of importance and influence in music overall, not just rock & roll...and with his final statement, will & testament "Blackstar", a brilliant record...talk about going out on a high note...wow...RIP David Bowie, truly one of a kind who will be missed, no question... Let the tributes flow in now, floodgates open...US #1 album now??

I remember thinking about how hard it would be for David Bowie to top his previous album "The Next Day" which many labeled his big comeback. But somehow, he has done it. David Bowie has reinvented himself in music nearly a dozen times. He is one of musics most respected and criminally talented singer-songwriters/musicians of all time. At 69 it is hard to believe that anyone would put out something so artistic and dark yet beautiful and very relevant. It's mind boggling how much of a masterpiece this album is. Here is a track by track review of what I think will be considered one of the greatest music albums of all time.

1. Blackstar: The ominous and gorgeous epic title track which featured one of the creepiest music videos since Marilyn Mansons early work. At nearly 10 minutes long, it would seem like this would be a struggle to repeatedly listen to all the way through. Yet it is such a cinematic musical statement that each listen of this juggernaut is a true experience. It's hard to describe how amazing this song is. The instrumentation and jazz aspects mixed with moments of electronic and even a poppy bridge section all work so perfectly. Bowies vocals will haunt your thoughts at night in the best way possible. I had the subliminal line "I'm a Blackstar, I'm a Blackstar" stuck in my head for the longest time. Masterpiece introduction song. 10/10
2. Tis A Pity She Was A Whore: Gotta love the title. The song rocks off right away with punky drums and jazz saxophone before Bowies crooning vocals turn it into a hectic pop song with urgency in its tone. The song is all over the place with its instrumentation and I love it. There is a twinkle to the song that you'll have to hear to understand. The lyrics are very surreal and almost humorous when looked at from a certain perspective. It's probably the messiest and loudest pop rock song I've heard. 9.5/10
3. Lazarus: Though I love the title song, this is the song that really solidified my decision to buy this album. The bass. The saxophone riff. The scratchy industrial guitar riff. The laid back vocals in the verses. The voice of pain in the bridge section. The saxophone solo. This album really has amazing saxophone moments. This is the type of song to make love to on a Blackstar moon. It's such a beautiful song. Thats that. One of my favorites of all time from any artist. 11/10
4. Sue(Or In A Season Of Crime): Another urgent sounding song. Quick drums with a mix of rocking guitars and more awesome sax action. Surreal lyrics that really help paint pictures in your head. The time signatures are nonexistent almost, giving this an organized mess of greatness in music form. 9.5/10
5. Girl Loves Me: This song almost has a playful tone. The lyrics are explicit in such a classy way. The chorus is hauntingly catchy in similar vein to the title track. The instrumentation toward the end gets dreamy. I can't get the line "Where The F*** Did Monday Go?" out of my skull. Love it. 10/10
6. Dollar Days: This is an utterly beautiful ballad. The verses have an almost Beatles-esque tone. Of course there is another great sax solo. A great song for trying to move on from someone or something. Let this song haunt and help you through tough times. The electronic ending leads into the next song nicely. 10/10
7. I Can't Give Everything: This is arguably the most pop sounding song on the album. It's so uplifting in its sound, yet the lyrics are so sad. Bowies voice hits certain notes that will tug at your heartstrings. Oh those sax moments and the strings sections. This might be my favorite song on the album, even more than Lazarus. Everything works more than perfectly in this song. It closes the album with this finality that really makes me feel like I'm saying bye to someone I wish wouldn't leave with each listen. This shows his ability to write top infectious tunes, yet he still chose to release the controversial title track as the lead single. 11/10

Some will call this an Art Rock album. Experimental Rock. Jazz Rock. I don't think this album is classifiable under any one genre. Yet it is so consistent it isn't really all over the place in its sound either. I truly think David Bowie created a new sound with this album. Not only did he reinvent himself once again, but he seems to have reinvented rock music altogether with this. It is David Bowies answer to "To Pimp A Butterfly". Many will not like this album. But many many more will love it. It is his best album in my opinion. Yes, I know many will disagree and tell me about all his previous masterpieces. Well I still like this the best and it just keeps growing on me more and more. What a great way to start 2016 with such a lavish and refreshing musical masterpiece. People will dissect this album lyrically and musically for years. Musicians will try but fail to emulate this albums sound. Expect to see this on 'greatest' lists for the rest of time. Future people, am I right? Well worth more than a purchase.

**After Bowies death just 3 days after the albums release**
I am appalled. It was surreal seeing the news of his death. It just didn't seem right. But I guess it was his time sadly. The last two tracks will bring tears to your eyes especially knowing how soon he passed after the release day. Thank you David Bowie for such a grand musical statement.