Hunky Dory Album UK (1971)

A Life On Mars Glam-Folk Masterpiece

Released as a vinyl LP in the UK on December 17, 1971, on RCA Victor (catalogue: SF 8244 / LSP 4623), David Bowie’s Hunky Dory — his fourth studio album — was the breakthrough that introduced the world to Ziggy-era Bowie.

After taking a hiatus from touring and recording, Bowie focused on writing new songs, choosing to compose on the piano instead of the guitar as he had in his previous works. He gathered Mick Ronson (guitar), Trevor Bolder (bass), and Mick Woodmansey (drums) to record the album in mid-1971 at Trident Studios in London. Rick Wakeman played piano just before he joined Yes.

In contrast to the guitar-driven hard rock sound of "The Man Who Sold the World," Bowie chose a warmer, more melodic piano-based pop rock and art pop style for "Hunky Dory." The album's lyrics explore themes from the compulsive nature of artistic reinvention in "Changes" to occultism and Nietzschean philosophy in "Oh! You Pretty Things" and "Quicksand," with several songs including cultural and literary references. Inspired by his tour in the United States, Bowie wrote songs dedicated to three American icons: Andy Warhol, Bob Dylan, and Lou Reed. The song "Kooks" was dedicated to his newborn son, Duncan. The album cover, initially photographed in monochrome and later recolored, shows Bowie in a pose inspired by Hollywood Golden Age actresses.

RCA provided minimal promotion for "Hunky Dory" and its lead single "Changes," released on (January 7, 1972) concerned that Bowie might soon change his image.

(Ziggy Stardust cover shot taken on January 13, 1972)

Consequently, despite receiving highly positive reviews from the British and American music press, the album initially sold poorly and did not chart. However, following the commercial success of Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust" album in 1972, "Hunky Dory" experienced renewed interest, with sales reaching number three on the UK Albums Chart. In hindsight, "Hunky Dory" has been critically acclaimed as one of Bowie's finest works and is featured on numerous lists of the greatest albums of all time. Within his career, "Hunky Dory" is regarded as the album where "Bowie starts to become Bowie," definitively finding his voice and style.

Produced by Ken Scott (assisted by the artist) at Trident Studios, this 11-track gem featured “Changes,” “Life On Mars?,” “Oh! You Pretty Things,” and “Kooks.” Issued in laminated front sleeve, rice-paper inner, with multiple pressings. Peaked at No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart (long run across 1972–1974).

Album Overview

Release Details

Label: RCA Victor.

Formats: Vinyl LP (laminated front sleeve).

Full Track Listing

Side A

1. Changes (3:33)

2. Oh! You Pretty Things (3:12)

3. Eight Line Poem (2:53)

4. Life On Mars? (3:48)

5. Kooks (2:49)

6. Quicksand (5:03)

Side B

1. Fill Your Heart (3:07)

2. Andy Warhol (3:53)

3. Song For Bob Dylan (4:12)

4. Queen Bitch (3:13)

5. The Bewlay Brothers (5:21)

Variants (1971)

- LP, Album, Stereo, Laminated Front Sleeve – RCA Victor SF 8244 – UK – 1971

- LP, Album, Dynaflex Pressing – RCA Victor SF 8244 – UK – 1971

- LP, Album, Stereo, Laminated – RCA Victor SF 8244 – UK – 1971

- 8-Track Cartridge, Album – RCA Victor P8S 1850 – UK – 1971

- LP, Album – RCA Victor SF 8244 – UK – 1971

- LP, Album, Dynaflex – RCA Victor SF 8244 – UK – 1971

- LP, Advance – GEM none – UK – 1971

- LP, Album, Stereo, Laminated Sleeve – RCA Victor SF 8244 – UK – 1971

- LP, Test Pressing, Stereo – RCA SF8244 – UK – 1971

2002 REISSUE

Production and Context

Produced by Ken Scott (assisted by the artist). Rick Wakeman piano. Mick Ronson guitars/arrangements. First Bowie album with the future Spiders lineup. Dedicated to “my little lady.”

Singles Released and Chart Performance

- Changes / Andy Warhol (January 7, 1972)

- Life On Mars? (June 22, 1973)

Album Chart Performance

- UK: 3 (multiple runs 1972–1974)

Do you have Hunky Dory in your vinyl stack? Is life still on Mars? Share in the comments!

Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History and YouTube

Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, mistakes do happen. Simply leave a comment and the post will be updated. Thank you.