David Bowie — Young Americans

Digitally Remastered Black Vinyl LP Originally released in March 1975, Young Americans is Bowie’s ninth studio album. The album marked a departure from the glam rock style of Bowie’s previous albums, instead showcasing his mid-1970s interest in African-American soul and R&B. Initial recording sessions for Young Americans took place in Philadelphia with producer Tony Visconti and a variety of musicians, including guitarist Carlos Alomar, to become one of Bowie’s most frequent collaborators, and singer Luther Vandross. Bowie drew influence from the sound of “local dance halls,” which were blaring with “lush strings, sliding hi-hat whispers, and swanky R&B rhythms of Philadelphia Soul.” Later sessions took place in New York, and included contributions from John Lennon. Bowie would call the album’s sound “plastic soul,” describing it as “the squashed remains of ethnic music as it survives in the age of muzak rock, written and sung by a white limey.” Released: 2/10/17