"Toy" is a posthumous studio album by David Bowie, released in November 2021. Originally recorded between July and October 2000 in New York City, the album consists of re-recordings of songs that Bowie had originally written and recorded between 1964 and 1971. In addition to the reworked tracks, the album also includes a few new compositions. It was co-produced by Bowie and his longtime collaborator Mark Plati and features musicians from his touring band at the time, including Earl Slick, Gail Ann Dorsey, Mike Garson, and Sterling Campbell. Overdubs were provided by Lisa Germano, Gerry Leonard, and Cuong Vu.
The concept behind Toy was for Bowie to revisit his early material and reinterpret it in a fresh context, but with a more contemporary sound. The idea was to record the songs live, with minimal studio manipulation, to capture a sense of spontaneity and raw energy. Bowie wanted the album to be recorded quickly and released as soon as possible—anticipating that it would come out in March 2001. However, the project was ultimately shelved by EMI/Virgin, the label at the time, after being completed.
Although it was intended for commercial release, Toy never saw the light of day during Bowie's lifetime. Instead, the tracks were largely left unreleased, with some of them appearing as B-sides and bonus tracks in the years that followed. Two songs from the album, "Afraid" and "Shining Star," were re-recorded for Bowie's next album, Heathen (2002), and some other Toy tracks appeared on the 2014 compilation Nothing Has Changed.
In 2011, various mixes of the Toy tracks began circulating online, fueling anticipation for an official release. After nearly a decade of speculation, Warner Music Group announced in September 2021 that Toy would be officially released as part of the Brilliant Adventure (1992–2001) box set. The album was released on November 26, 2021, through Bowie's own ISO label and Parlophone.
The album’s official release was met with positive critical reception, with many critics praising Bowie's vocal performances and the fresh approach to his earlier work. The album debuted at number 5 on the UK Albums Chart, marking Bowie's 35th top-10 album in the UK.
In January 2022, a deluxe edition of Toy was released, which included previously unseen photographs, alternate mixes, and proposed B-sides. Additionally, the deluxe version contained 13 new remixes of the Toy tracks, further expanding the project. This edition further showcased the different sonic approaches Bowie and his collaborators had experimented with during the recording process.
Toy is considered a fascinating glimpse into the creative process of one of music's most innovative artists. Although it was recorded at a time when Bowie was transitioning between musical phases, Toy has been praised for its timeless quality and relevance. The project also stands as a testament to Bowie's willingness to explore his musical past and give new life to early material, offering an alternate perspective on songs that had been overshadowed by his later, more iconic works.
