David Bowie: "Station to Station" Album (1981)

David Bowie’s Station to Station was re-released as a 12-inch vinyl album in the UK by RCA Records (catalog number RCA LP 3013) in September 1981.

The September 1981 re-release aligns with RCA’s strategy to re-promote Bowie’s back catalog as he transitioned to EMI America (finalized by 1982). This period followed Scary Monsters (1980) and included hits like Under Pressure (October 1981), prompting RCA to leverage his ongoing popularity.

Paired with Young Americans (RCA LP 3009), the two re-releases in September 1981 aimed to bridge his RCA era with his 1980s EMI success.

Station to Station marked Bowie’s “Thin White Duke” persona, recorded during a period of intense cocaine use and occult fascination in Los Angeles. It followed Young Americans (1975) and preceded Low (1977).

Bowie described it as “a journey from one station to another,” reflecting his personal and musical evolution, blending funk, soul, and experimental elements influenced by krautrock bands like Neu!.