David Bowie, born David Robert Jones on January 8, 1947, in London, England, was one of the most innovative and influential musicians and artists of the 20th century. His multifaceted career spanned over five decades, encompassing music, acting, and visual arts, making him a true icon and a chameleon of the entertainment world.
Bowie first gained recognition in the late 1960s with the release of his single “Space Oddity,” which became a hit and marked the beginning of his journey into the realms of space and science fiction in his music and persona. His alter ego Ziggy Stardust, introduced in the early 1970s, further propelled him into the realm of rock stardom with albums like “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.”
Throughout his career, Bowie continually reinvented himself, exploring various musical genres, from glam rock and soul to electronic and experimental music. His albums, including “Hunky Dory,” “Young Americans,” “Heroes,” and “Low,” pushed the boundaries of what was possible in popular music.
In addition to his music, Bowie made a mark in film and theater, with notable roles in movies like “Labyrinth” and “The Man Who Fell to Earth” and on stage in “The Elephant Man.” His impact on fashion and visual arts was equally significant, with his ever-evolving androgynous style and artistic collaborations.
David Bowie’s legacy lives on through his timeless music, artistic innovation, and cultural influence. His passing in 2016 marked the end of an era, but his work continues to inspire and captivate audiences, solidifying his place as an iconic and boundary-pushing artist in the history of music and art.
1. “Space Oddity”
“Space Oddity” is one of David Bowie’s most iconic and enduring songs, released in 1969 as part of his self-titled second album, often referred to as the “Space Oddity” album. The song is characterized by its dreamy and atmospheric sound, as well as its connection to space exploration and science fiction.
“Space Oddity” tells the story of Major Tom, an astronaut who is stranded in space and facing an uncertain fate. The song’s lyrics and arrangement capture the sense of isolation and vulnerability that can come with space travel. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Ground Control to Major Tom,” is one of the most recognizable and memorable in Bowie’s catalog.
The song’s release coincided with the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969, further cementing its association with space exploration. Bowie’s performance of “Space Oddity” helped establish him as an innovative and visionary artist, and the song remains one of his signature tracks.
Over the years, “Space Oddity” has continued to captivate listeners with its evocative storytelling and Bowie’s emotive vocal performance. It has become a classic in the world of rock music and a symbol of Bowie’s ability to blend music and storytelling in a unique and compelling way.
2. “Heroes”
“Heroes” is one of David Bowie’s most iconic and enduring songs, released in 1977 as the title track of his album “Heroes.” The song is characterized by its anthemic sound, powerful lyrics, and the emotional depth of Bowie’s performance.
“Heroes” tells the story of two lovers, living in the shadow of the Berlin Wall during the Cold War era, who find solace and connection in each other’s arms. The song’s lyrics convey a message of hope, resilience, and the ability to transcend adversity. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “We can be heroes just for one day,” has made it a timeless anthem of love and defiance.
Musically, “Heroes” features a distinctive and soaring guitar riff, along with Bowie’s emotive vocals. The song’s recording process, which took place in Berlin, added to its sense of authenticity and emotional intensity.
“Heroes” is celebrated for its universal themes and its ability to resonate with audiences worldwide. It has been covered and interpreted by numerous artists over the years, solidifying its status as one of Bowie’s signature tracks.
The song’s message of love, courage, and the power of human connection has made it a timeless classic in the world of rock music, and it continues to inspire and uplift listeners to this day.
3. “Life on Mars?”
“Life on Mars?” is a song by the English musician David Bowie. It was released in 1971 as a single from his album “Hunky Dory.”
The song is known for its innovative and eclectic sound, blending elements of rock, pop, and art rock. “Life on Mars?” features Bowie’s distinctive vocals and thought-provoking lyrics, which touch on themes of disillusionment, media culture, and societal issues. The song’s surreal and poetic lyrics have led to various interpretations.
“Life on Mars?” became one of David Bowie’s most iconic and enduring tracks. Its musical complexity, including the use of piano and strings, added depth to the song. Bowie’s ability to push boundaries and experiment with different musical styles is showcased in this composition.
The song’s influence on the music industry and its lasting impact on popular culture are significant. “Life on Mars?” remains a classic in Bowie’s extensive catalog and continues to be celebrated for its artistic and introspective qualities, making it one of the defining songs of the 1970s and beyond.
4. “Let’s Dance”
“Let’s Dance” is a song by English musician David Bowie. It was released in 1983 as the title track of his album “Let’s Dance.”
The song is known for its upbeat and danceable sound, characterized by a catchy melody, groovy rhythm, and prominent guitar work by blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan. “Let’s Dance” features Bowie’s smooth and expressive vocals as he sings about the joy and excitement of dancing. The lyrics encourage people to let go and enjoy the moment on the dance floor.
“Let’s Dance” became one of David Bowie’s biggest commercial hits and remains one of his most recognizable songs. The track received extensive radio play and reached high positions on the charts.
The song’s music video, directed by David Mallet, also contributed to its popularity. The video was notable for its artistic and visually striking presentation.
“Let’s Dance” represents a departure from Bowie’s earlier work, embracing a more mainstream and pop-oriented sound. Its infectious melody and danceable rhythm have made it a timeless and enduring part of David Bowie’s discography, enjoyed by fans of various musical genres.
5. “Ziggy Stardust”
“Ziggy Stardust” is a classic rock song by David Bowie, released in 1972 as part of his album “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.” The song is known for its iconic character Ziggy Stardust, who became a symbol of Bowie’s creative and innovative approach to music and fashion.
“Ziggy Stardust” is characterized by its glam rock sound and Bowie’s charismatic and theatrical vocal delivery. The song’s lyrics tell the story of Ziggy Stardust, an androgynous rock star and an alien messenger, who becomes a messianic figure to his fans but ultimately meets a tragic end.
The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Ziggy played guitar,” adds to the song’s anthemic quality and has made it a fan favorite and a staple of Bowie’s live performances.
The character of Ziggy Stardust marked a significant moment in Bowie’s career, as he fully embraced the glam rock movement and created a persona that blurred the lines between music and performance art. The album and the character became a cultural phenomenon, influencing the world of music and fashion.
“Ziggy Stardust” remains one of David Bowie’s most celebrated and enduring songs, representing a pivotal period in his career and his ability to push the boundaries of artistic expression. Its legacy in the world of rock music is a testament to Bowie’s innovation and creativity.
6. “Changes”
“Changes” is a song by the English musician David Bowie. It was released in 1971 as a single from his album “Hunky Dory.”
The song is characterized by its introspective and introspective lyrics, with David Bowie reflecting on the passage of time, personal growth, and the evolution of his own identity. The lyrics express a sense of uncertainty and self-discovery, with the famous opening lines, “Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes / Turn and face the strange.”
“Changes” is accompanied by a melodic and memorable piano riff and features Bowie’s distinctive vocals. The song’s introspective and reflective nature resonated with audiences and critics alike.
“Changes” is considered one of David Bowie’s signature songs and has become an enduring classic in the world of rock music. Its themes of transformation and self-acceptance continue to be relevant and relatable, making it a timeless and celebrated track in Bowie’s extensive catalog.
7. “Under Pressure” (with Queen)
“Under Pressure” is a legendary collaboration between David Bowie and the British rock band Queen, released in 1981 as a single and later included on Queen’s album “Hot Space.” The song is renowned for its powerful vocal performances, intricate harmonies, and its lasting impact on the music industry.
“Under Pressure” is characterized by its distinctive bassline, played by Queen’s John Deacon, and its emotionally charged lyrics. The song addresses themes of pressure, stress, and the human condition, with Bowie and Queen’s Freddie Mercury sharing lead vocal duties and harmonizing beautifully throughout the track.
The song’s chorus, with its iconic refrain of “Pressure, pushing down on me, pressing down on you,” is instantly recognizable and has made it an enduring classic.
“Under Pressure” became a massive commercial success and is often regarded as one of the greatest collaborations in rock history. It reached the top of the charts in multiple countries and has been covered and sampled by various artists over the years.
The live performances of “Under Pressure” by Bowie and Queen, including their historic performance at Live Aid in 1985, are among the most memorable moments in rock music history. The song’s ability to resonate with audiences and convey a message of unity and resilience has solidified its status as a timeless and beloved track.
8. “Ashes to Ashes”
“Ashes to Ashes” is a song by the English musician David Bowie. It was released in 1980 as a single from his album “Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps).”
The song is known for its enigmatic and introspective lyrics, as well as its electronic and experimental sound. “Ashes to Ashes” represents a continuation of Bowie’s character Major Tom, who first appeared in the 1969 song “Space Oddity.” In this song, Major Tom is described as “a junkie, strung out in heaven’s high, hitting an all-time low.”
Musically, “Ashes to Ashes” incorporates synthesizers and electronic elements, reflecting the influence of the burgeoning new wave and post-punk movements of the early 1980s. Bowie’s vocals are haunting and evocative, adding to the song’s otherworldly atmosphere.
The music video for “Ashes to Ashes” is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and visually striking music videos of the era, featuring surreal and avant-garde imagery.
The song received critical acclaim and became a commercial success, reaffirming Bowie’s status as an innovative and influential artist. “Ashes to Ashes” remains one of David Bowie’s defining tracks and is celebrated for its artistic and experimental qualities, as well as its lyrical depth.
9. “Starman”
“Starman” is one of David Bowie’s classic songs, released in 1972 as part of his album “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.” The song is characterized by its catchy melody, distinctive guitar riff, and the introduction of Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust character.
“Starman” tells the story of Ziggy Stardust, an androgynous rock star and an otherworldly figure who arrives to deliver a message of hope and unity to the young generation. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of longing and the desire for connection and guidance from this mysterious starman.
The chorus, with its memorable refrain of “There’s a starman waiting in the sky, he’d like to come and meet us, but he thinks he’d blow our minds,” adds to the song’s anthemic quality and has made it a fan favorite.
“Starman” was a significant hit for Bowie and helped establish him as a major figure in the glam rock movement of the early 1970s. The song’s introduction of Ziggy Stardust, along with Bowie’s theatrical and androgynous persona, had a profound impact on music and fashion.
The song’s timeless quality, coupled with its association with the Ziggy Stardust character, has solidified “Starman” as one of Bowie’s signature tracks and a beloved classic in the world of rock music.
10. “Rebel Rebel”
“Rebel Rebel” is a song by the English musician David Bowie. It was released in 1974 as a single from his album “Diamond Dogs.”
The song is characterized by its catchy and energetic rock sound, featuring a prominent guitar riff and Bowie’s distinctive vocals. “Rebel Rebel” is often seen as an anthem of rebellion and non-conformity. The lyrics portray a rebellious and gender-bending figure, with lines like “You’ve got your mother in a whirl / She’s not sure if you’re a boy or a girl.”
The song’s upbeat tempo and memorable melody have made it a fan favorite and a staple in David Bowie’s live performances. It is celebrated for its rock and glam rock elements, capturing the spirit of the 1970s rock scene.
“Rebel Rebel” received acclaim from critics and remains one of Bowie’s most enduring and iconic songs. Its themes of individualism and defiance continue to resonate with audiences, and it remains a beloved classic in the world of rock music.
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.
