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

Universal acclaim - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. 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]
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  2. The Telegraph (UK)
    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. The Guardian
    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.
  5. Under The Radar
    Oct 21, 2016
    90
    What is even more remarkable is that through all of these piles of songs there is rarely a sour note, rarely an uneven performance. These are Bowie's most intense years, the transitions and risks he made during this time on full display.
  6. AllMusic
    Sep 26, 2016
    90
    The distance between Diamond Dogs and Station to Station is vast, and the addition of the live albums accentuates how deeply he cared for strong, deeply etched funk to offset his art. Listening to all this music in a concentrated blast, such progression is a wonder to behold.
  7. Austin Chronicle
    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.
  8. Record Collector
    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.
  9. PopMatters
    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.
  10. Mojo
    Sep 27, 2016
    80
    All its [The Gouster] tracks have been released before, though it's interesting to hear them in their original sequence. And the most obscure songs certainly merit more exposure. [Nov 2016, p.104]
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  11. Uncut
    Sep 26, 2016
    80
    Young Americans is one monster hit album, but stripped of "Fame," the record's pre-Lennon form as The Gouster makes an immersive, alternate take on Bowie's Sigma sessions. [Nov 2016, p.49]
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  12. American Songwriter
    Sep 26, 2016
    80
    The entire set is as classy, often self-indulgent and challenging as the man himself.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 32
  3. Negative: 6 out of 32
  1. VerIncognito
    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.    … Full Review »
  2. ManOmega
    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… Full Review »
  3. 003Filipe
    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… Full Review »
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