David Bowie: Let's Dance

Let's Dance: The Bowie Classic Reimagined by Mobile Fidelity

David Bowie's fifteenth studio album "Let's Dance" remains a fascinating pivot point in his ever-evolving career. Co-produced with Nile Rodgers, this 1983 release introduced the world to an unknown blues virtuoso named Stevie Ray Vaughan, whom Bowie discovered at the 1982 Montreux Jazz Festival. So impressed by Vaughan's performance, Bowie later tracked him down specifically to contribute lead guitar to the album. Notably, "Let's Dance" marked the first Bowie album where the chameleon-like artist didn't play a single instrument.

The Album
Musically, "Let's Dance" stands as a post-disco masterpiece, seamlessly blending dance-rock, dance-pop, and new wave influences. The track listing features two inspired covers: Metro's "Criminal World" and "China Girl," which Bowie had previously co-written and recorded with Iggy Pop for the latter's "The Idiot" album. The record also includes a reimagined version of "Cat People (Putting Out Fire)," originally crafted for the film of the same name.

While "Let's Dance" catapulted Bowie to unprecedented commercial heights and remains his best-selling album, critical reception at the time was decidedly mixed.

The MoFi Treatment
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab's reissue of "Let's Dance" continues their acclaimed Original Master Recording series tradition. Half-speed mastered via Original Masteringworks™️, this edition was specially plated and pressed on high-definition super vinyl by Victor Company of Japan Ltd. Most importantly, MFSL worked directly from the original stereo master tapes.

The Vinyl Verdict
Similar to MoFi's treatment of "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars," this "Let's Dance" pressing delivers extraordinary sonic clarity and detail. Close your eyes during playback, and you might feel transported directly into the studio alongside Bowie and Vaughan. The mastering provides each instrument with distinct spatial placement, creating an expansive soundstage that unveils subtle nuances typically obscured in standard pressings.

The bass response remains rich and full without overwhelming the mix, while the dynamic range throughout each composition is beautifully preserved. The result is both an engaging and immersive listening experience that reveals new dimensions to this familiar material.

Given its limited availability, this Mobile Fidelity pressing commands premium prices on the secondary market. Is it worth the investment? That ultimately depends on your budget and devotion to Bowie's commercial breakthrough. For collectors seeking a more affordable alternative, the 2018/2019 reissue also delivers impressive sound quality at a more accessible price point. 💰

💰 Invest
💵 Consider
💸 Pass