Hard to believe it’s been 5 decades since David Bowie recently one of his most important albums which gave us Rebel Rebel, the title track, and a whole lot more.

It was March 24th, 1974 when Bowie’s eight studio album Diamond Dogs showed the world where his musical journey was headed. With the disbanding of his backing band The Spiders from Mars and the departure of guitarist Mick Ronson, Bowie stepped in on lead guitar and created his final record in the pure glam rock genre. Following Diamond Dogs, Bowie’s music would incorporate much more funk, soul, and blues influences.

Bowie wasn’t sure what exact direction to take his music in 1974, so he fused together various inspirations that ranged from a Ziggy Stardust musical plan, George Orwell’s famous novel Nineteen Eighty-Four, and William S. Burrough’s apocalyptic writings. The combination led to a masterpiece!

Celebrate 50 years of Diamond Dogs by listening to the record’s title track: