LISTEN to any David Bowie album from the past 15 years, and the chances are you will hear a take on whatever sound was around at the time - with a Bowie twist but not a patch on his earlier works in the incarnations of the Thin White Duke or Ziggy Stardust.

After hiding behind those 'realities', Bowie seemed to struggle to find his own identity. Fortunately, Reality sees him back on form. Last year's Heathen started this trend and, back with long-time co-producer, Tony Visconti and a band he obviously feels comfortable with, Reality proves that Bowie is ready to reclaim his place at the top.

Single and album opener New Killer Star is a catchy number, Never Get Old (appropriate, because Bowie only looks better as the years roll by) is solid rock'n'roll, and The Loneliest Guy is a moment of desolation, with Bowie's lone vocal and a haunting piano. Looking For Water sits on an incessant, rolling bassline, the pumping title track Reality and the dark and moody Bring Me The Disco King complete the line-up of stand-out tracks.

Heathen contained a number of covers, Reality has only two: Jonathan Richman's Pablo Picasso, an urgent, fast-moving track, interspersed with Spanish guitar; and George Harrison's Try Some, Buy Some, which Bowie has long intended to cover. Both are done well. Weaker tracks include the plodding She'll Drive The Big Car.

Reality is urgent, fresh and, as Bowie says, "built to play live". This album has prompted him to head out on his first world tour in almost a decade. The real Mr Bowie has stood up at last and it's good to see him.

Updated: 08:51 Thursday, September 25, 2003