David Sylvian is a British musician, songwriter, and record producer. He first gained prominence as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the band Japan in the late 1970s and early 1980s, known for their glam rock and new wave sound. After Japan disbanded, Sylvian embarked on a successful solo career, exploring a variety of musical styles including ambient, jazz, and experimental rock.
Sylvian’s music is characterized by his distinctive vocals, often soft and ethereal, accompanied by intricate arrangements and poetic lyrics that explore themes such as spirituality, nature, and human relationships. He has collaborated with various artists throughout his career, including Ryuichi Sakamoto, Robert Fripp, and Holger Czukay.
In addition to his music career, Sylvian has also worked on visual arts projects and has been involved in various philanthropic efforts. He has been widely influential in the music industry, and his work continues to inspire artists across genres.
Some of Sylvian’s most popular songs include “Ghosts,” “Forbidden Colours,” “Orpheus,” and “Red Guitar.” He has released numerous critically acclaimed albums over the years, including Brilliant Trees, Secrets of the Beehive, and Dead Bees on a Cake. Sylvian’s music is known for its emotional depth and sonic complexity, making him a beloved figure in the alternative music scene.
1. Ghosts
“Ghosts” is a hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric song by British musician David Sylvian, released in 1982 on his album “Tin Drum” with his band Japan. The song’s lyrics are full of dreamlike and surreal imagery that explore themes of loss, memory, and the passage of time. Sylvian’s smooth and haunting vocals, coupled with the song’s sparse and moody instrumentation, create an otherworldly and hypnotic listening experience. “Ghosts” is a timeless classic of the new wave and post-punk genres, and a testament to Sylvian’s talent for crafting deeply introspective and emotive songs that linger in the mind long after the music has ended.
2. Forbidden Colours
“Forbidden Colours” is a hauntingly beautiful track by British singer-songwriter David Sylvian, featuring Ryuichi Sakamoto on piano. The song was recorded for the soundtrack of the 1983 film “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence” and has since become one of Sylvian’s most iconic compositions. The track features Sylvian’s signature ethereal vocals and Sakamoto’s emotive piano melodies, creating a dream-like atmosphere that perfectly captures the film’s themes of love and loss. “Forbidden Colours” is a mesmerizing and deeply emotional piece of music that has cemented its place as a classic of the genre, and is a must-listen for fans of Sylvian’s work.
3. Orpheus
“Orpheus” is a beautiful and ethereal song by British musician David Sylvian, released in 1987 on his solo album “Secrets of the Beehive”. The song’s lyrics are inspired by the Greek myth of Orpheus, and explore themes of love, loss, and the power of music to transcend human experience. Sylvian’s haunting vocals and the song’s delicate instrumentation create a dreamlike and otherworldly atmosphere that perfectly complements the song’s evocative lyrics. “Orpheus” is a timeless classic of the art rock genre, and a testament to Sylvian’s skill as a songwriter and musician who is able to create music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
4. Red Guitar
“Red Guitar” is a beautifully atmospheric song that features Sylvian’s signature hushed and introspective vocals. The haunting and dreamlike soundscape is created through a combination of synthesizers, sparse guitar work, and subtle percussion. The lyrics evoke a sense of yearning and desire, with Sylvian reflecting on the power of art and music to provide a form of escape from the mundane realities of life. The song builds slowly towards a powerful climax, with Sylvian’s vocals becoming increasingly urgent and passionate. “Red Guitar” is a stunning example of Sylvian’s ability to create deeply moving and evocative music that transcends genre and style.
5. Brilliant Trees
“Brilliant Trees” is the title track from David Sylvian’s debut solo album, released in 1984. The song is a mesmerizing blend of atmospheric soundscapes, intricate instrumentation, and Sylvian’s signature baritone vocals. The lyrics are introspective and poetic, exploring themes of nature, spirituality, and self-discovery. The instrumentation is equally impressive, with Steve Jansen’s complex drum patterns and Ryuichi Sakamoto’s elegant piano melodies adding depth and texture to the song. “Brilliant Trees” is a beautiful and evocative track that showcases Sylvian’s unique musical style and songwriting prowess, and has become a beloved classic of the genre.
6. Words with the Shaman
“Words with the Shaman” is a mesmerizing and experimental song by British musician David Sylvian, released in 1985 on his collaborative album with Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, “Forbidden Colours”. The song features Sylvian’s evocative spoken-word poetry layered over Sakamoto’s intricate and atmospheric electronic music. The result is a haunting and hypnotic listening experience that explores themes of spirituality, mysticism, and the power of language to create and transform reality. “Words with the Shaman” is a standout track on an album that is considered a masterpiece of the ambient and experimental music genres, and a testament to Sylvian and Sakamoto’s creative partnership.
7. September
“September” is a hauntingly beautiful song by David Sylvian, released in 1984 as a part of his solo album “Brilliant Trees”. The song features atmospheric and ethereal instrumentation, including a soaring saxophone solo by Steve Jansen, as well as Sylvian’s soft and emotive vocals. The lyrics, which touch upon themes of loss, love, and memory, are delivered in a delicate and introspective manner, evoking a sense of melancholy and nostalgia. Overall, “September” is a stunning example of Sylvian’s artistry, showcasing his ability to create intricate and evocative sonic landscapes that are both musically and lyrically powerful.
8. The Ink in the Well
“The Ink in the Well” is a haunting and poetic song by British musician David Sylvian, released in 1986 on his solo album “Gone to Earth”. The song features Sylvian’s evocative vocals and introspective lyrics set against a lush and atmospheric musical backdrop. The song’s title is a metaphor for the creative process, with Sylvian using language to explore the limits of expression and the struggle to communicate complex emotions and experiences. “The Ink in the Well” is a standout track on an album that is considered one of Sylvian’s finest works, and a testament to his ability to create music that is both introspective and universally resonant.
9. Taking the Veil
“Taking the Veil” is a hauntingly beautiful song by David Sylvian from his second solo album “Gone to Earth.” The track features the signature ethereal vocals and dreamlike soundscapes that are characteristic of Sylvian’s work. The song’s slow, deliberate tempo and lush instrumentation create a contemplative, introspective atmosphere that draws the listener in. Lyrically, the song explores themes of detachment, transformation, and spiritual enlightenment, and Sylvian’s poetic, abstract lyrics are perfectly matched to the otherworldly music. “Taking the Veil” is a standout track in Sylvian’s catalog, showcasing his unique blend of art-rock, ambient, and experimental music.
10. Waterfront
“Waterfront” is a moody and atmospheric track from David Sylvian’s second solo album, “Gone to Earth,” released in 1986. The song features Sylvian’s signature emotive vocals and introspective lyrics, exploring themes of longing and nostalgia. The instrumentation is rich and layered, with Mick Karn’s fretless bass adding a distinctive edge to the song’s atmospheric soundscapes. “Waterfront” is a hauntingly beautiful track that perfectly captures the melancholic mood of the album, and is a must-listen for fans of Sylvian’s work and lovers of atmospheric 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.
