Studio Album · No. 1
David Bowie Songwriting Credits by David Bowie
Produced by Mike Vernon · Engineered by Gus Dudgeon
Holds writing credit on 14 of 14 tracks
Authorship Breakdown 14 / 14 documented
Scored across the 14 tracks with documented writers, by whether David Bowie carries a lyricist or composer credit.
Share of the 14 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.
By the Numbers
David Bowie's self-titled 1967 debut was written entirely by Bowie, with all fourteen songs credited to him alone. The record leans on baroque pop and English music hall styles rather than the rock sound he later became known for. It was produced by Mike Vernon and engineered by Gus Dudgeon, and it was a commercial failure that did not chart.
David Bowie's self-titled debut album was released June 1, 1967 on Deram Records, showcasing the 20-year-old South Londoner's music hall, cabaret, and Anthony Newley-influenced pop songwriting before he developed the art-rock persona that would define his career. Bowie wrote all fourteen tracks himself, establishing his lifelong pattern of near-total lyrical and compositional authorship from his very first release. Tracks like 'Uncle Arthur,' 'Love You till Tuesday,' and 'When I Live My Dream' display a whimsical, theatrical storytelling style, eccentric character sketches far removed from the psychedelic mainstream of 1967. Produced by Mike Vernon, the album was a commercial failure upon release but is now recognized as a fascinating document of Bowie's artistic origins. The album stands in sharp contrast to his glam-rock and Berlin-era work, yet the complete songwriting ownership that begins here carries through every record he ever made.
Track Listing & Credits 14 tracks
| # | Title | Lyricist(s) | Composer(s) | Producer(s) | Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Uncle Arthur
|
David Bowie | David Bowie | Mike Vernon | David Bowie (Vocals) |
| 2 |
Sell Me a Coat
|
David Bowie | David Bowie | Mike Vernon | David Bowie (Vocals) |
| 3 |
Rubber Band
|
David Bowie | David Bowie | Mike Vernon | David Bowie (Vocals) |
| 4 |
Love You till Tuesday
|
David Bowie | David Bowie | Mike Vernon | David Bowie (Vocals) |
| 5 |
There Is a Happy Land
|
David Bowie | David Bowie | Mike Vernon | David Bowie (Vocals) |
| 6 |
We Are Hungry Men
|
David Bowie | David Bowie | Mike Vernon | David Bowie (Vocals) |
| 7 |
When I Live My Dream
|
David Bowie | David Bowie | Mike Vernon | David Bowie (Vocals) |
| 8 |
Little Bombardier
|
David Bowie | David Bowie | Mike Vernon | David Bowie (Vocals) |
| 9 |
Silly Boy Blue
|
David Bowie | David Bowie | Mike Vernon | David Bowie (Vocals) |
| 10 |
Come and Buy My Toys
|
David Bowie | David Bowie | Mike Vernon | David Bowie (Vocals) |
| 11 |
Join the Gang
|
David Bowie | David Bowie | Mike Vernon | David Bowie (Vocals) |
| 12 |
She's Got Medals
|
David Bowie | David Bowie | Mike Vernon | David Bowie (Vocals) |
| 13 |
Maid of Bond Street
|
David Bowie | David Bowie | Mike Vernon | David Bowie (Vocals) |
| 14 |
Please Mr. Gravedigger
|
David Bowie | David Bowie | Mike Vernon | David Bowie (Vocals) |