David Bowie, born David Robert Jones on January 8, 1947, was an English musician, singer, songwriter, and actor. Renowned for his innovative approach to music, eclectic style, and charismatic stage presence, Bowie is considered one of the most influential figures in popular culture.
Bowie’s career spanned over five decades, during which he continually reinvented himself and pushed artistic boundaries. He first gained attention in the late 1960s with his album “Space Oddity” (1969), featuring the iconic title track. However, it was his alter ego Ziggy Stardust and the release of “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars” (1972) that propelled him to international stardom. Ziggy Stardust became an emblematic character of glam rock, blending theatricality, androgyny, and rock ‘n’ roll rebellion.
Throughout his career, Bowie’s music traversed various genres, including rock, pop, art rock, electronic, and soul. His chameleon-like ability to adapt and experiment with different sounds and personas set him apart as a true visionary. Albums like “Young Americans” (1975), “Heroes” (1977), and “Let’s Dance” (1983) showcased his musical versatility and commercial success.
Bowie’s influence extended beyond music. He was known for his captivating performances and striking visual aesthetics. His iconic looks, such as the lightning bolt makeup on his face or his elaborate stage outfits, became synonymous with his artistic persona. Bowie’s artistry and constant evolution made him an inspiration for countless musicians, fashion designers, and artists across various disciplines.
In addition to his music, Bowie had a prolific acting career. He appeared in films like “The Man Who Fell to Earth” (1976), “Labyrinth” (1986), and “The Prestige” (2006), showcasing his versatility and talent on the screen.
Bowie’s impact on popular culture is immeasurable. He challenged societal norms, blurred gender boundaries, and fearlessly explored themes of identity, alienation, and self-expression in his music. His contributions were recognized with multiple awards, including Grammy Awards, Brit Awards, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
David Bowie’s untimely passing in 2016 was met with a worldwide outpouring of grief and served as a reminder of his enduring legacy. His music continues to captivate audiences, and his artistic vision and fearless creativity continue to inspire generations of musicians and artists to push boundaries and embrace their unique selves.
1. Ashes To Ashes – Scary Monsters
David Bowie's 'Ashes to Ashes' from his 1980 album 'Scary Monsters' is a groundbreaking and influential track. Its experimental use of new wave, electronic and rock elements, combined with Bowie's haunting vocals and introspective lyrics have made it one of his most iconic songs. The song talks about the end of an era, as Bowie once again takes on the role of his alter ego Major Tom. It represents a significant departure from his earlier work, making it both innovative and timeless.
Bowie's use of textural layering creates a unique sound that blends futuristic and nostalgic themes seamlessly. The addition of brass flourishes adds beautifully chaotic moments to the song. Moreover, the music video is universally celebrated for its bold artistic direction with captivating visuals such as bus crashes and diving into framed pictures.
The song also had great personal significance to Bowie as he faced questions about Major Tom's final fate after killing him off in "Space Oddity" in 1969.
'Ashes to Ashes' holds an important place in David Bowie's extensive discography as it showcases his ability to continually evolve while maintaining coherence with his past expressions, turning genres on their heads in the process.
Lovers of bold artistic expression will appreciate this track alongside classic rock purists who value top-notch musicianship and exploration.
Don't worry, you won't need a passport for this trip to Tibet with Bowie, just some earplugs to survive the wild ride of Earthling's 'Seven Years In Tibet'.
2. Seven Years In Tibet – Earthling
This track, found on David Bowie's 1997 album Earthling, is titled after the time Bowie spent in Tibet between his tour dates in the late 80s. The song has a heavy electronic sound that reflects this album's experimental nature. It features deep basslines layered upon distorted guitars mixed with traditional Tibetan instruments to create an otherworldly atmosphere. Overall, Seven Years In Tibet showcases Bowie's versatility as a musician and his desire to push boundaries beyond typical rock music.
Get ready to move and groove as we take a trip down memory lane with David Bowie's iconic tune, Let’s Dance.
3. Let’s Dance – Let’s Dance
This iconic piece, 'Let's Dance', is one of Bowie's most renowned works. Released in 1983, the song blends Bowie's classic style with a taste of modern disco-pop and showcases his impressive vocal range. The music video is equally as impressive as it showcases a diverse range of cultures and ethnicities through dance, emphasizing the universality of music.
'Let's Dance' peaked at number one in several countries worldwide, including the UK and US charts, making it Bowie's most commercially successful song. Its success cemented Bowie's status as a legendary musician and artist with a unique ability to evolve with time while remaining revolutionary.
Pro Tip: Next time you listen to 'Let's Dance', pay attention to how Bowie effortlessly melds different musical genres. It can serve as an excellent source of inspiration for artists looking to create something out-of-the-box yet relatable at the same time.
Low and behold, David Bowie's 'Sound and Vision' will have you seeing stars and hearing angels singing in harmony.
4. Sound and Vision – Low
This section delves into one of the most iconic and timeless David Bowie tracks from his album 'Low'. The song in question, often referred to as '4. Sound and Vision – Low', is a masterpiece of experimental music that showcases Bowie's incredible artistic range. Here are four key points that make this track stand out:
- The use of electronic instruments and subtle synthesizer notes creates an otherworldly soundscape that perfectly compliments Bowie's vocals.
- Bowie's vocals on the track are introspective and vulnerable, showcasing his ability to emote through song.
- 'Sound and Vision' was a major artistic breakthrough for Bowie, as it marked a departure from his earlier work and signaled the beginning of his experimentation with electronic music.
- The composition is highly regarded by music critics worldwide, many considering it one of Bowie's best works ever.
It is worth noting that Sound and Vision goes beyond simple classification as just a song but served as part of Bowie’s creative process during which he felt freed from expectations and broke down his own creative barriers.
Missing out on listening to this piece would mean missing out on an experience like no other. As you explore more of David Bowie’s discography, do not hesitate to dive deep into “Sound and Vision” – one that moulded careers in the industry, inspired countless artists after him and still holds up over three decades since its release.
David Bowie's 'Next Day' proves that even in death, he still knows how to drop a killer track.
5. The Next Day – The Next Day
The Next Day, a track from David Bowie's album 'The Next Day', was released in 2013 after a decade-long hiatus. The song opens with the distorted guitar riff resembling the classic Bowie tunes of 70s and quickly switches to short staccato chords throughout. The lyrics touch on themes such as mortality and regret in a raw and relatable manner.
The instrumentation on this track is particularly noteworthy, especially the drumming style that shifts between rock beats to more jazzy ones. The bridge features a haunting piano melody that fades out into an epic climax with a guitar solo.
Fans of classic Bowie will appreciate how his unique sounds were brought back to life, making it a perfect addition to his discography. Furthermore, the way the track addresses darker themes while maintaining catchy hooks and grooves keeps it fresh.
To fully appreciate this masterpiece, listen to it with headphones or on high-quality sound systems where one can catch all the intricate details of the arrangement and production. This song is undoubtedly one of Bowie's finest works and deserves a spot among his top hits.
David Bowie's 'Blackout' is the kind of song that makes you want to dance in the dark – just don't blame him if you trip over something.
6. Blackout – Heroes
A standout track from David Bowie's iconic album "Heroes," the song commonly referred to as "Blackout" showcases the artist's avant-garde approach towards rock music, making it an essential listen for fans of both Bowie and experimental music alike. The track features a driving rhythm section coupled with Bowie's unmistakable vocals, delivering lyrics that are full of energy and tension. With its dark atmosphere and bold instrumentation, "Blackout" perfectly embodies the spirit of the entire "Heroes" album while still managing to stand out on its own.
As one of the shorter tracks on "Heroes," "Blackout" packs a punch in just over two minutes, making it an ideal choice for those short on time but looking to experience one of Bowie's most inventive compositions. The song's heavy use of synthesizers adds to its otherworldly quality, putting the listener in a trance-like state from start to finish.
For fans who may have missed this hidden gem amidst other hits on the album, "Blackout" is definitely worth revisiting. Its forward-thinking production and unforgettable melody make it one of David Bowie's standout tracks not just on "Heroes," but in his entire discography.
Pro Tip: For an even more immersive experience, try listening to "Blackout" with headphones on to fully appreciate all of its intricate sonic details.
Ground control to Major Tom, David Bowie's 'Space Oddity' takes you on a journey that's out of this world.
7. Space Oddity – David Bowie
David Bowie's 'Space Oddity' is a timeless classic that creatively narrates an astronaut's journey to space while facing existential challenges. This iconic song was released in 1969, during man's first landing on the moon, and vividly captures the mood of the times. The song's unique blend of folk and rock elements, combined with Bowie's hauntingly beautiful voice, make it unforgettable.
Continuing with its space-related theme, 'Space Oddity' is anchored by a heartfelt piano melody and imaginative lyrics that create a sense of wonderment in the listener. The song powerfully communicates an emotional range from awe to uncertainty as it takes listeners on a voyage through unknown territories.
A distinctive feature of 'Space Oddity' is that it seamlessly blends storytelling with music composition, creating an unparalleled auditory experience. It was also instrumental in establishing David Bowie as a musical icon and pioneer whose influence continues to impact popular culture.
Pro Tip: To fully appreciate this epic masterpiece of music artistry that is David Bowie's 'Space Oddity', listen to it while seated in a quiet room or on a pair of good headphones to fully experience every note and emotion it conveys.
Ziggy Stardust's ultimate demise has never sounded so good, thanks to David Bowie's epic 'Rock 'N' Roll Suicide'.
8. Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
The epic anthem 'Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide' is an iconic track in David Bowie's album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. This song portrays a desperate plea for a new start and the need to escape from life's pressures. David Bowie's theatrical vocals, coupled with Mick Ronson's hard-hitting guitar riffs, create a hauntingly beautiful sound that perfectly captures the rockstar persona of Ziggy Stardust.
The intensity and rawness of this song make it one of the best pieces ever produced by David Bowie. Its interpretation about identity crisis, fame, and death has stood the test of time, making it a legacy track even decades after its initial release. Additionally, Bowie's bold decision to end his album with this track further elevated its significance as it served as an ode to change.
Interestingly, rock journalist Charles Shaar Murray once described "Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide" as "what may well be the greatest song…to have ever emerged from the decade that gave birth to it."
David Bowie once said 'Fame puts you there where things are hollow' but with 'Young Americans', he proves that hollow things can still make one hell of a catchy tune.
9. Fame – Young Americans
David Bowie's iconic song 'Fame', featured on his album 'Young Americans', is regarded as one of his greatest hits. The track was co-written by John Lennon and its catchy hook "Fame, makes a man take things over" has cemented its place in pop culture history. Its funky sound reflects the influence of James Brown and Stevie Wonder, and it perfectly captures Bowie's ability to reinvent himself. 'Fame' reached number-one on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it Bowie's first chart-topping single in the States.
This song will make you feel like a spaceman floating through the universe, which is fitting because it was one of Bowie's final messages to Earth.
10. Lazarus – Blackstar
This track from the album 'Blackstar' by David Bowie deserves a spot in any collection of his greatest hits. With a melancholic and enigmatic tone, the song showcases Bowie's exceptional vocals and artistic sensibilities. The lyrics seem to hint at the artist's acceptance of his own mortality, making it all the more poignant as it was released just days before his passing. The haunting melody and ethereal instrumentation are quintessentially Bowie, solidifying its position among his best works.
If you're unfamiliar with this record, 'Blackstar' marked a departure from some of Bowie's earlier genres and signaled his venture into experimental rock. Fans and critics alike received it with acclaim due to its raw emotions mixed with refined production value.
For listeners seeking artistry over commercial appeal, 'Lazarus – Blackstar' is a must-listen track from one of music history's most influential artists.
Pro Tip: Listen to 'Lazarus – Blackstar' attentively during quiet moments for an immersive and emotional listening experience.
Edward Tomlin 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.
