David Bowie – Tin Machine II (1991) Album Review
Released in October 1991, Tin Machine II is the second and final studio album by David Bowie’s rock supergroup Tin Machine. Following the raw and aggressive sound of the first Tin Machine (1989), the band returned with a more polished, yet still edgy record that blends alternative rock, hard rock, blues, and grunge-influenced textures.
The album captures Bowie in collaborative mode, stepping back from his solo persona to create music as part of a democratic band effort. While it did not achieve the commercial success of Bowie’s solo 1980s albums, Tin Machine II reflects his commitment to artistic experimentation, reinvention, and risk-taking.
Musical Style and Sound
Tin Machine II combines rock-driven riffs, rhythmic grooves, and layered guitar textures, heavily influenced by late-1980s and early-1990s alternative rock. Guitarist Reeves Gabrels contributes experimental tones and dissonant textures, complementing Bowie’s raw, sometimes shouted vocal delivery.
The production is slightly cleaner than the first Tin Machine, with tighter arrangements and more pronounced hooks, yet it retains the band’s signature abrasive energy. Drummer Hunt Sales and bassist Tony Sales provide a tight, driving rhythm section, keeping the music grounded amid its edgy experimentation.
Themes and Lyrical Concepts
Lyrically, the album explores themes of alienation, technology, modern society, love, and introspection, reflecting Bowie’s interest in contemporary issues and personal narrative. The lyrics are often fragmented, ironic, or satirical, consistent with the Tin Machine approach of collaborative storytelling rather than Bowie-centered personas.
Songs range from politically charged commentary to raw explorations of human emotion, maintaining a balance between intellectual content and visceral energy.
Standout Tracks
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Baby Universal – A soaring, melodic track that stands out as one of the album’s most accessible and anthemic songs, showcasing Bowie’s vocal range and lyrical creativity.
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One Shot – Aggressive and punchy, featuring driving riffs and socially conscious lyrics, epitomizing the band’s rock ethos.
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Amlapura – Inspired by a Balinese city and Bowie's interest in global cultures, this track blends world-music elements with rock textures.
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You Belong in Rock n’ Roll – A playful yet energetic song critiquing commercialism and celebrating music itself.
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Shopping for Girls – A funky, satirical track with dark humor, highlighting Bowie’s willingness to experiment with narrative storytelling.
Fun Facts & Trivia
🎸 Guitarist Reeves Gabrels co-wrote most of the material, bringing avant-garde, experimental guitar textures that defined the band’s sound.
🖤 Tin Machine II was recorded in New York and Sydney, giving the album a transcontinental flavor and reflecting the band’s global outlook.
📀 The album marked Bowie’s final collaborative effort with Tin Machine, as he would resume his solo career in the mid-1990s.
🎤 Bowie described Tin Machine as an effort to “escape the pressures of solo stardom” and reconnect with a raw, rock-driven creative process.
🖼️ The album cover, designed by Sandy Daley, features a minimalist, industrial aesthetic consistent with the band’s stripped-back, raw approach.
⚡ Tracks like Baby Universal and You Belong in Rock n’ Roll became fan favorites during live tours, emphasizing the band’s energetic stage presence.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Upon release, Tin Machine II received mixed reviews, with critics appreciating Bowie’s willingness to experiment and collaborate, but some feeling the album lacked the immediacy of his earlier work. Commercially, it charted modestly but failed to match the sales of Bowie’s solo 1980s albums.
Despite this, Tin Machine II is recognized for its bold artistic choices, raw rock energy, and influence on Bowie’s later experimental works, including industrial, electronic, and alternative rock projects. It serves as a testament to Bowie’s fearlessness and refusal to be constrained by expectations.
Mini Biography: David Bowie
David Bowie (born David Robert Jones, January 8, 1947, Brixton, London) was a singer, songwriter, actor, and cultural icon. Known for his constant reinvention of sound, image, and persona, Bowie became a global superstar with Space Oddity (1969) and Ziggy Stardust (1972).
His career spanned genres including glam rock, soul, funk, electronic, industrial, pop, and art rock, highlighted by landmark albums such as the Berlin Trilogy, Let’s Dance, and experimental projects like Tin Machine.
Across 26 studio albums, Bowie influenced generations of musicians, performers, and fashion innovators. He passed away on January 10, 2016, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, innovation, and fearless reinvention.
