David Bowie’s album _The Next Day_ is his first in ten years. However, his reappearance in the music scene isn’t entirely warranted. I won’t say that the album was terrible, because it wasn’t, but it wasn’t quite as original or enlightened as it could have been. This is David Bowie, a musical genius and avant-garde icon, and I don’t think he should have returned to the studio after such a long break for anything less than astounding.

Many of the songs are either chintzy pop tunes or unsuccessful grasps at the wildness of his golden years. However, this is offset by a few high quality tunes, namely “Love is Lost” as well as the title track, “The Next Day,” which were wonderfully catchy and enjoyable.

This album has received quite a bit of praise, but it is mostly unjustified. Calling this album a disappointment might be a little harsh because there are some tracks that make the album worthwhile, but it is definitely not up to par with the majority of his older music.

Overall, _The Next Day_ was dull and unremarkable compared to what someone so iconic as David Bowie is capable of making.