Rare (often known as Bowie Rare) was a compilation released by RCA Records to cash in on David Bowie for the 1982 Christmas market. The artist's relations with the company were at a low – Bowie had recorded his last music for RCA with the Baal EP, and had been annoyed by the release of a five-year-old duet with Bing Crosby ("Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy") as a single without his consultation. Bowie let it be known he was unhappy with the Rare package, and would sign with EMI for his next album. All of the songs were being issued for the first time on an LP and cassette.
The compilation contained rarities ranging from 1969 to 1980. There is no CD reissue of this compilation, and such a release seems unlikely as much of the content is available on other CDs.
On the UK Album Chart, where it remained for eleven weeks, the album peaked at number 34. It was not issued in the USA.