School of Rock
Random article All articles A–Z
2 languages

Young Americans

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

Young Americans · After Diamond Dogs, David Bowie's last glam rock album, he wanted to go fully for soul music. Recording began in August 1974 at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia, the home of Philadelphia soul, and lasted two weeks. The producer Tony Visconti led the sessions. The guitarist Carlos Alomar became a regular collaborator and Luther Vandross, still unknown then, sang backing vocals. A large part of the music was recorded live with the whole band. In January 1975 a session followed in New York with John Lennon, producing Across the Universe and Fame.

He himself called the sound plastic soul, while critics speak of blue-eyed soul. Fame became his first number one single and the album brought his breakthrough in the United States, with a place in the top ten. Reviews were mixed, but the record became influential, because he was one of the first white artists of the time to engage openly with new Black styles.

Listening

Listening tip. In Young Americans, listen to how the full band with backing singers creates a soul sound together, and notice how live it sounds.

Track list

  1. 1Young Americans5:14Apple Music ↗
  2. 2Win4:48Apple Music ↗
  3. 3Fascination5:48Apple Music ↗
  4. 4Right4:23Apple Music ↗
  5. 5Somebody Up There Likes Me6:36Apple Music ↗
  6. 6Across the Universe4:34Apple Music ↗
  7. 7Can You Hear Me5:09Apple Music ↗
  8. 8Fame4:21Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗

Categories: Albums and songs