David Bowie is a legendary musician who has left an indelible mark on the world of music. His innovative sound, unique style, and creative vision have inspired countless artists over the years, and his influence can be heard in genres ranging from rock to pop to electronic music. With a career spanning several decades, Bowie has produced countless classic songs that have become beloved by fans all over the world. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at the top 10 best David Bowie songs of all time. From the iconic “Space Oddity” to the groundbreaking “Ashes to Ashes,” these tracks showcase Bowie’s incredible range as a songwriter, musician, and performer. Each song on this list is a masterpiece in its own right, representing a unique moment in Bowie’s illustrious career. So, without further ado, let’s take a journey through the greatest hits of one of music’s most iconic figures.
1. Lazarus – Blackstar
“Lazarus” is a haunting and poignant song by the late legendary musician, David Bowie, released as a part of his final studio album, “Blackstar.” The song is a stunning piece of art that encapsulates the emotions of the artist, who knew he was nearing the end of his life.
The song begins with a minimalist, jazzy melody that sets the tone for the track. Bowie’s voice is hushed and vulnerable, as he sings about a character named Lazarus, who is rising from the dead. The lyrics are enigmatic and open to interpretation, but the overall feeling of the song is one of introspection and acceptance.
As the song progresses, the instrumentation builds, and Bowie’s voice becomes more urgent and emotional. The chorus is a powerful moment, with Bowie repeating the line “Look up here, I’m in heaven.” The song reaches its climax with a searing saxophone solo that captures the raw emotion of the moment.
Overall, “Lazarus” is a stunning piece of music that showcases Bowie’s talents as a songwriter and performer. It’s a fitting tribute to an artist who pushed boundaries and challenged conventions throughout his career.
2. Fame – Young Americans
“Fame” is a funky, upbeat track by David Bowie, released as a part of his album “Young Americans.” The song was a massive hit upon its release and has since become one of Bowie’s most iconic and recognizable tracks.
The song opens with a catchy guitar riff and a grooving bassline, setting the stage for the party vibe of the track. Bowie’s vocals are confident and charismatic, as he sings about the allure and pitfalls of fame. The lyrics are clever and witty, with Bowie poking fun at the cult of celebrity while also acknowledging its power.
The chorus is a memorable moment, with Bowie and his backup singers chanting the word “fame” over and over again. The instrumentation is lush and layered, with horns, strings, and keyboards adding to the song’s energetic vibe.
Overall, “Fame” is a fun and infectious track that captures Bowie’s charisma and charm. It’s a perfect example of his ability to blend genres and create music that is both catchy and meaningful. The song remains a classic today and is sure to get any party started.
3. Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
“Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide” is a powerful and anthemic song by David Bowie, released as a part of his album “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.” The song is the closing track of the album and is a fitting finale to the story of Ziggy Stardust.
The song opens with a gentle guitar riff and Bowie’s vulnerable vocals, as he sings about a character who is at the end of his rope. As the song progresses, the instrumentation builds, and Bowie’s vocals become more urgent and passionate. The chorus is a soaring moment, with Bowie proclaiming, “You’re not alone!” in a powerful, defiant voice.
The song is a testament to Bowie’s ability to create music that is both deeply emotional and highly theatrical. It’s a fitting end to the story of Ziggy Stardust, a character who symbolized the excess and decadence of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle.
4. Space Oddity – David Bowie
“Space Oddity” is an iconic and groundbreaking song by David Bowie, released in 1969. The song tells the story of Major Tom, an astronaut who becomes lost in space, and has become one of Bowie’s most famous and enduring tracks.
The song opens with a gentle acoustic guitar riff and Bowie’s plaintive vocals, as he sings about the launch of the spaceship. As the song progresses, the instrumentation builds, with swirling strings and soaring vocals adding to the sense of drama and tension.
The chorus is a memorable moment, with Bowie singing “Ground Control to Major Tom,” in a haunting and melodic voice. The song’s psychedelic and spacey vibe captured the spirit of the era and helped establish Bowie as a major force in music.
5. Blackout – Heroes
“Blackout” is a dark and intense track by David Bowie, released as a part of his album “Heroes.” The song is a departure from the glam rock sound that Bowie had become known for, with a darker and more experimental sound.
The song opens with a pulsing synth riff and Bowie’s menacing vocals, as he sings about a city plunged into darkness. The lyrics are enigmatic and open to interpretation, but the overall feeling of the song is one of foreboding and unease.
The chorus is a powerful moment, with Bowie singing, “Get me to the doctor!” in a desperate and urgent voice. The instrumentation is sparse but effective, with a simple drum beat and synth line adding to the song’s brooding atmosphere.
Overall, “Blackout” is a haunting and evocative track that showcases Bowie’s ability to experiment with different genres and sounds. It’s a standout track from the “Heroes” album and remains a favorite among Bowie fans today.
6. The Next Day – The Next Day
“The Next Day” is a powerful and reflective track by David Bowie, released as a part of his album of the same name. The song is a testament to Bowie’s ability to create music that is both deeply personal and highly theatrical.
The song opens with a driving beat and a pulsing guitar riff, as Bowie’s vocals come in with a sense of urgency and passion. The lyrics touch on themes of mortality and regret, as Bowie sings about a man who wakes up to find himself older and more disillusioned than he ever imagined.
The chorus is a soaring moment, with Bowie proclaiming, “Here I am, not quite dying!” in a voice that is both defiant and vulnerable. The song’s instrumentation is layered and complex, with horns and strings adding to the sense of grandeur and drama.
Overall, “The Next Day” is a powerful and moving track that showcases Bowie’s ability to create music that is both deeply personal and highly relatable.
7. Sound and Vision – Low
“Sound and Vision” is an iconic and groundbreaking track by David Bowie, released as a part of his album “Low.” The song is notable for its innovative use of electronic instruments and its complex and layered production.
The song opens with a simple drum beat and a repetitive synth riff, as Bowie’s vocals come in with a sense of detachment and coolness. The lyrics are sparse and enigmatic, but the song’s sense of atmosphere and mood is palpable.
The chorus is a memorable moment, with Bowie singing “Blue, blue, electric blue,” in a voice that is both dreamy and melancholic. The song’s instrumentation is complex and layered, with a variety of electronic and acoustic instruments creating a rich and textured sound.
Overall, “Sound and Vision” is a groundbreaking track that showcases Bowie’s ability to push the boundaries of music and create something truly innovative and unique.
8. Let’s Dance – Let’s Dance
“Let’s Dance” is a classic and upbeat track by David Bowie, released as a part of his album of the same name. The song is a departure from Bowie’s earlier, more experimental sound, with a more commercial and accessible sound that became one of his most popular tracks.
The song opens with a catchy guitar riff and a driving beat, as Bowie’s vocals come in with a sense of fun and playfulness. The lyrics touch on themes of romance and escapism, as Bowie sings about a night of dancing and forgetting.
The chorus is a memorable moment, with Bowie singing “Let’s dance, put on your red shoes and dance the blues,” in a voice that is both inviting and commanding. The song’s instrumentation is simple but effective, with a catchy guitar riff and a driving beat that make it impossible not to dance along.
Overall, “Let’s Dance” is a classic and fun track that showcases Bowie’s ability to create music that is both catchy and meaningful. It remains a fan favorite and a staple of dance floors everywhere.
9. Seven Years In Tibet – Earthling
“Seven Years in Tibet” is a powerful and atmospheric track by David Bowie, released as a part of his album “Earthling.” The song is a fusion of rock, electronic, and world music elements, creating a unique and captivating sound.
The song opens with a driving beat and a pulsing bass line, as Bowie’s vocals come in with a sense of urgency and passion. The lyrics touch on themes of spirituality and personal transformation, as Bowie sings about his journey to Tibet and the profound impact it had on him.
The chorus is a soaring moment, with Bowie proclaiming “Are you OK? You’ve been shot in the head, and I’m holding your brains,” in a voice that is both intense and vulnerable. The song’s instrumentation is layered and complex, with electronic and acoustic instruments blending together to create a rich and textured sound.
Overall, “Seven Years in Tibet” is a powerful and moving track that showcases Bowie’s ability to merge different musical styles and create something truly unique and unforgettable.
10. Ashes To Ashes – Scary Monsters
“Ashes to Ashes” is a classic and iconic track by David Bowie, released as a part of his album “Scary Monsters.” The song is notable for its innovative use of electronic instruments and its complex and layered production.
The song opens with a haunting synth riff and a driving beat, as Bowie’s vocals come in with a sense of detachment and melancholy. The lyrics touch on themes of mortality and addiction, as Bowie sings about his struggles with drug use and the ultimate consequences.
The chorus is a memorable moment, with Bowie singing “Ashes to ashes, funk to funky,” in a voice that is both haunting and defiant. The song’s instrumentation is complex and layered, with a variety of electronic and acoustic instruments creating a rich and textured sound.
Overall, “Ashes to Ashes” is a groundbreaking track that showcases Bowie’s ability to push the boundaries of music and create something truly innovative and unique. It remains a fan favorite and a testament to Bowie’s enduring legacy as a musical innovator.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
