The Idiot is a 1977 album by Iggy Pop, his debut as a solo artist. It was the first of two LPs released that year which Pop wrote and recorded in collaboration with David Bowie. Although issued after Low, the opening installment of Bowie's so-called 'Berlin Trilogy', the pair began writing and recording songs for The Idiot in mid-1976, before Bowie started work on his own album. As such, The Idiot has been claimed as heralding the unofficial beginning of Bowie's 'Berlin' period, Hugo Wilcken (2005). Low: p.37-58 being compared particularly to Low and "Heroes" in its electronic effects, treated instrument sounds, and introspective atmosphere. Roy Carr & Charles Shaar Murray (1981). Bowie: An Illustrated Record: p.118 A departure from the hard rock of his former band The Stooges, the album is regarded by critics as one of Pop’s best works, but is not generally considered representative of his output. Its title was inspired by Dostoevsky's novel The Idiot, three of the participants in the recording – Bowie, Pop and Tony Visconti – being familiar with the book. Paul Trynka (2007). Iggy Pop: Open Up and Bleed: pp.242-250