David Bowie

David Bowie's third studio album, "The Man Who Sold the World", was released in the United States on November 4, 1970, and in the United Kingdom on April 10, 1971, through Mercury Records. The album was produced by Tony Visconti and recorded at Trident and Advision Studios in London during April and May 1970.

The album marked a shift toward hard rock with elements of blues rock, departing from the largely acoustic and folk rock sound of Bowie's previous self-titled album from 1969. The lyrics explore darker themes of insanity, religion, technology, and war. Mick Ronson and Mick Woodmansey made their first appearances on a Bowie record as guitarist and drummer, respectively.

Although none of the album's songs were released as official singles, some tracks appeared as B-sides of singles between 1970 and 1973. Originally titled "Metrobolist", the album's name was changed to "The Man Who Sold the World" by Mercury Records without David Bowie's consultation. The album features different cover artwork for the US and UK releases, with the US version featuring a cartoon-like drawing of a cowboy in front of an asylum, while the UK version shows Bowie wearing a blue dress designed by Michael Fish.

The album was initially better received by music critics in the US than in the UK, but it was a commercial failure in both countries. However, the 1972 reissue managed to chart in both the US and the UK. Retrospectively, the album has been praised by critics for its unsettling music and lyrics, and it is considered by many to be the start of Bowie's "classic period".