Search - David Bowie :: Young Americans

Philly Soul Exploration

Pat Lamorgese | New Jersey | 05/11/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 1975 release features the chamelion like Bowie, exploring Philadelphia soul. The disk showcases a young Luther Vandross, who sings background and co-wrote one of the stronger tunes, "Fascination". The cast is stellar as usual, with guitarist Carlos Alomar, Mike Garson on keys, David Sanborn on saxaphone (instead of Bowie himself), studio greats Willie Weeks on bass and Andy Newmark on drums. The guests are great as well, including Earl Slick, who plays guitar on "Fame", Ralph McDonald, percussion on "Fame" and "Across the Universe", which also feature John Lennon on vocals and guitar. The background vocals are powerful and provide strong support to Bowie, who croons most of the songs other than "Fame". Tony Visconi's production layers these great musicans into the perfect sound for Bowie's exploration into the world of soul and dance music. I recommend this."