I think the events surrounding this album raise an interesting question about critical evaluation of a work. It was generally pretty well celebrated before his death, but only after he died was the real purpose of it seen. Should we take that into account when assessing the album? When it was reviewed, no one had any clue this was meant to be a final goodbye to his fans and world in a way that only Bowie could manage. I think it makes it a much more impressive work of art and something that hasn't been done before in music, but should the album be considered in isolation or not?
>something that hasn't been done before in music
When will this meme end?
still not gonna listen to that shit
>>61674997
yes, context is very important in art. this is such an easy answer.
>art has meaning
>art is personal
>artists contribute to the meaning of their work
>meaning is valuable
if you agree with these then reevaluation is fine
>>61675085
Making an album on your deathbed/=/making an album with your death in mind as the grand finale and twist
>>61675085
except that Blackstar is actually good
>>61675161
define "value"
>>61674997
For me the album moved into 9.0 land from being an 8.4/5 (I think pitchfork got it right).
Looking back, I think a lot of people are now seeing a message behind this album and I think it's one of the best albums he has made.
>>61674997
The album needs to be contextuallized as a dying man recording one last album for his grand finale. It's his thoughts and ruminations on facing the end.
It's as important to contextualize this as a man facing cancer and death as it is to contextualize Nirvana's MTV Unplugged or All Apologies as suicide performances. No one got it when they watched MTV Unplugged, but the funeral lillies, all the covers, the finale of Where Did You Sleep Last Night?...it was clear and has to be understood as that
>>61675198
this, bowie had a plan A and a glorious bittersweet plan B, J dilla just made some good beats then died, fuck off dillafags
This album shouldnt be considered in isolation.
>>61675085
The ulterior motive and context behind Blackstar is massively different though
not to take anything away from bowie, didn't johnny cash do the same thing?
>>61675461
to my knowledge, Cash didn't know he was dying. He was just heartbroken without his wife.
theres no reason to consider this album out of context. it was created for a specific purpose, and it should be judged based on that.
