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Who Can I Be Now? (1974-1976) [Box Set] Image
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

  • Summary: The box set of the pop icon features remasters of Diamond Dogs, Young Americans, Station to Station, David Live from 1974, Live Nassau Coliseum '76 and the unreleased The Gouster as well as a bonus disc of singles.
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  • Record Label: Parlophone
  • Genre(s): Contemporary Pop/Rock, Album Rock, Experimental Rock, Hard Rock, Art Rock, Blue-Eyed Soul, Dance-Rock, Proto-Punk, Glam Rock
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Sep 26, 2016
    100
    Young Americans and Station to Station are albums that make you wonder how Bowie did it, given the state he was in, by all accounts, when he made them. ... The Gouster feels like eavesdropping on a moment when he wasn’t so sure. It makes for fascinating listening.
  2. Sep 26, 2016
    100
    The Gouster [is] raised from the archives as the centre piece of a handsome new 12-CD box set, Who Can I Be Now? (1974-76). ... Finally given its moment in the light, The Gouster is unlikely to become a belated part of the canon, but it is nevertheless a welcome testament to the real heart beating at the centre of Bowie’s pop genius.
  3. Magnet
    Oct 19, 2016
    100
    This lavishly packaged box, comprising either 12 CDs or 13 LPs, observes Bowie's blossoming into a chameleon, ready to shed personae and styles the minute they strangle his artists needs. [No. 136, p.52]
  4. Dec 15, 2016
    89
    Not only are these titles among David Bowie's best--dystopian "Rebel Rebel" rock, Soul Train albinism, and Berlin trilogy precursor, respectively--their refractions here bolster each case.
  5. 80
    The entire set is as classy, often self-indulgent and challenging as the man himself.
  6. Sep 29, 2016
    80
    For Bowie fans and completists who yearn for the highest possible quality versions of his classic albums, just like the first box, Who Can I Be Now? (1974/1976) certainly delivers. A little fine-tuning would have made a big difference, but as it is it’s still an impressive collection.
  7. Oct 11, 2016
    80
    An alternate version of Young Americans named after it’s working title, The Gouster, is compiled here officially for the first time, and works an absolute treat as an album in its own right. ... Still, Bowie completists will own everything here.

See all 11 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Dec 19, 2016
    10
    What can I say? It's David Bowie.

    Though I could say that record companies need to stop being obsessed with compression and loudness. I
    What can I say? It's David Bowie.

    Though I could say that record companies need to stop being obsessed with compression and loudness. I mean, the evidence is that the RCA CDs are sought after, so they should use that mastering, if available.

    Other than that, the music is a perfect 10, to put it lightly.
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  2. Nov 13, 2016
    10
    It has Bowie from 1974- 1976. 10/10. I think its Bowie's best. I love it so much bb. And you should buy it because Bowie is god, like for realIt has Bowie from 1974- 1976. 10/10. I think its Bowie's best. I love it so much bb. And you should buy it because Bowie is god, like for real though so buy it Expand
  3. Oct 25, 2016
    8
    Aside from the box cover and contents pictured here, there is detail from the hardback book contained in the set, in the form of aAside from the box cover and contents pictured here, there is detail from the hardback book contained in the set, in the form of a hand-written note by David Bowie pertaining to the original intended content of 'THE GOUSTER'. Amazing Expand