The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars (1972)

David Bowie constructs a glittering science-fiction parable charting the rise and catastrophic descent of an omnisexual alien rock messiah sent to offer hope to an Earth facing imminent doom. The record functions as a tight theatrical suite where energetic glam anthems transition seamlessly into poignant, existential reckonings. Listening straight through allows the tragic inevitable collapse of Ziggy's hubris on the second side to hit with full emotional force.