album · November 4, 1970

The Man Who Sold the World

David Bowie

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rockhard rockpsychedelic rock

Bowie's third album, "The Man Who Sold the World," leaned into hard rock and psychedelic influences, showcasing a developing persona and a more abrasive sound than his previous work. The album notably featured the debut of his famous lightning bolt makeup on the album cover.

• The album was recorded at Trident Studios in London with producer Tony Visconti, who also played bass on the record.
• It reached number 26 on the Billboard 200 chart in the US, but did not chart in the UK upon its initial release.
• The title track has been covered by numerous artists, most famously by Nirvana for their 1993 MTV Unplugged performance.

David Bowie was an English singer-songwriter, actor, and artist, widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. "The Man Who Sold the World" was his third studio album, released during a period of significant artistic experimentation before his breakthrough glam rock success.