I recently got David Bowie’s Sound+Vision 6LP (yes, LP, because it looks cool on clear vinyl) set and found myself amazed at his constant changing of styles. It then made me wonder about other musicians who have done the same thing. Two came to mind:
Kate Bush: Always…uh…different, Kate’s style changed with each album. Unfortunately, she failed to escape the early 90’s despite recording with Prince. Supposedly she is working on a new album, but she’s been doing that for several years now (granted, she had a kid, but still).
Neil Young: Folkie from way back, it’s amazing what you can do when money is no longer a big concern. Just looking at *Reactor, Trans, and * Everybody’s Rockin’ and you see that ol’ Neil was doing whatever the hell he wanted in the late 70’s/early 80’s. Oh, and Neil? Please release Reactor on CD (officially) already! And, while you’re at it, a US release of Trans with the original version of “Sample and Hold” would be nice, too.
Elvis Costello has done punk/new wave, neo-classical, rock and roll, Stax era R&B, country, adult contemporary, AM pop, tinpan alley type stuff, folk, etc. The guy’s just a brilliant songwriter.
Blondie recorded songs in many different genres. (Unfortunately including the first mainstream rap song.) But did not switch genres per se. They just didn’t limit themselves at any time or album.
My first thought on this subject was The Grateful Dead. They do lots of standard Rock & Roll tunes, Country, Jazz and even a little Blues. They definitely covered a lot of ground.