David Bowie, born David Robert Jones on January 8, 1947, was an iconic British singer, songwriter, and actor who forever changed the landscape of popular music and fashion. Known for his chameleon-like persona, innovative music, and boundary-pushing creativity, Bowie is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
Bowie’s career spanned over five decades and encompassed various musical genres, from rock and glam rock to art rock, funk, and electronic music. He continually reinvented himself, adopting different personas and experimenting with different musical styles. From the androgynous Ziggy Stardust to the sophisticated Thin White Duke, Bowie captivated audiences with his theatrical performances and distinctive fashion sense.
His breakthrough came in the early 1970s with the release of the album “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars,” which introduced the world to his alter ego Ziggy Stardust. The album spawned hits like “Starman” and “Suffragette City” and catapulted Bowie to stardom. He continued to push artistic boundaries with albums like “Heroes,” “Young Americans,” and “Station to Station,” cementing his status as an innovator and visionary.
Bowie’s music was characterized by its eclectic blend of genres, thought-provoking lyrics, and unique melodies. Hits such as “Space Oddity,” “Changes,” “Let’s Dance,” and “Heroes” became anthems of their time and remain beloved classics to this day.
Beyond his music, Bowie’s impact extended to the realms of fashion, art, and film. His avant-garde style and androgynous image challenged societal norms and inspired countless artists. Bowie also appeared in several films, including “The Man Who Fell to Earth” and “Labyrinth,” showcasing his versatility as a performer.
David Bowie’s influence on popular culture cannot be overstated. His artistic legacy, marked by constant reinvention and fearless creativity, continues to resonate with artists and fans alike. Bowie’s ability to blur boundaries and push artistic frontiers made him a true icon, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry and inspiring generations of musicians to explore their own unique paths.
1. Let’s Dance – Let’s Dance
The hit single 'Let's Dance' from the 1983 album 'Let's Dance' showcases Bowie's ability to blend rock and pop sounds. Its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus made it a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. The song was produced by Nile Rodgers, who also played guitar on the track. Bowie's vocals are full of energy and enthusiasm, and the accompanying music video featuring diverse dancers became iconic. It remains one of Bowie's most recognizable tracks.
Moving ahead: What is the cultural importance of 'Heroes' – Heroes
David Bowie may have sung about Fame, but for us mere mortals, his talent will always remain out of reach.
2. Fame – Young Americans
David Bowie's 'Young Americans' album produced a hit song 'Fame' which showcased his venture into soul music. The funky blend of soul, R&B and rock sounds was a departure from the glam rock style that had become synonymous with Bowie's name. With its catchy chorus, 'Fame' became a chart-topper and one of Bowie's most recognized songs.
The song opens with an infectious guitar riff that pulls you in, then dives into the groovy beat. Alongside Bowie's sultry vocals, it features backup singers and a saxophone solo by David Sanborn, adding to the upbeat yet smooth tone. The lyrics include lines such as "fame puts you there where things are hollow" exploring the superficiality of fame.
It is interesting to note that Bowie co-wrote the song with John Lennon, showcasing their friendship and collaborative efforts during this era. 'Fame' was also nominated for Best Pop Vocal Performance at the 19th Annual Grammy Awards.
(Source: Rolling Stone)
If you're feeling like a rock 'n' roll suicide, just listen to Bowie's epic anthem and let Ziggy Stardust save the day.
3. Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
This legendary song is an iconic track that forms a part of the album 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars'. With its expressive lyrics and timeless melodies, it embodies Bowie's unique flair for storytelling. The track explores existential themes, offering insights into life's complexities and the finality of mortality. Bowie's magnetic vocals and commanding stage presence leave an indelible impression on the audience. Its unforgettable guitar riffs elevate the song to another level altogether creating a euphoric atmosphere.
The 'Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide' is a perennial favorite among rock music lovers worldwide. Carving a niche in the musical world, this song showcases Bowie's versatility as a musician, highlighting his ability to bring together different genres seamlessly. His unconventional dressing sense and overall demeanor marked him as an iconoclast whose influence endures even today long after he passed away.
David Bowie created magic through his songs, including this one that enchanted audiences everywhere with its depth of feeling. With its rich history entrenched in the music world by being cited as one of his best works ever by fans and critics alike, it has become an integral part of pop culture history. This masterpiece has inspired generations down the line with its standards set high for others to follow in their musical pursuits.
David Bowie's 'Lazarus' proves that even death can't stop him from releasing chart-topping hits.
4. Lazarus – Blackstar
This tune from David Bowie's last album is a haunting and introspective masterpiece. 'Lazarus' displays Bowie's vocal range and creative genius in full form, invoking nostalgia while still sounding fresh. The track serves as a powerful tribute to his unparalleled legacy.
The atmospheric soundscapes blend with rich instrumentation and an intense emotional journey. The lyrics ask deep questions about mortality, serving as a forewarning of the impending end that was soon to come for the iconic artist. This song stands out not only because of its connection to Bowie's final days but also because it shows his artistic exploration with jazz, indie rock and electronic music.
This track of pure poetry never ceases to strike us unexpectedly with its delicate surprises, like the unexpected jazz-informed saxophone solo that emerges during the song's climatic moment.
Pro Tip: Listen up closely to all those clever references scattered throughout Lazarus – David Bowie places several nods to his previous famous hits that only longtime fans will catch onto quickly.
David Bowie takes us on a cosmic journey with 'Space Oddity' – the perfect anthem for when you want to forget about Earth for a while.
5. Space Oddity – David Bowie
David Bowie's legendary hit 'Space Oddity' showcased his talents as a master storyteller and experimental musician. In this song, Bowie crafted a fictional tale of an astronaut named Major Tom who becomes lost in space, using haunting lyrics and atmospheric melodies to captivate listeners.
As one of the most iconic songs in Bowie's discography, 'Space Oddity' stands out for its unique blend of folk-inspired acoustic guitar and futuristic synthesizer sounds. The track also features Bowie's signature vocals, which switch between contemplative whispers and soaring anthemic choruses.
What sets 'Space Oddity' apart from many of Bowie's other hits is how it manages to be both deeply personal and universally relatable. While the story focuses on an isolated astronaut, its themes of loneliness, isolation and disconnection resonate with listeners from all walks of life.
It is worth noting that 'Space Oddity' had to be re-released in 1975 before it achieved chart success. Despite initially being seen as a commercial failure upon its release in 1969, this song has since become one of Bowie's most recognizable and beloved tracks.
Source: Rolling Stone magazine.
David Bowie's 'Ashes to Ashes' proves that even in death, he remains a stylish trendsetter, inspiring countless Halloween costumes and goth nights.
6. Ashes To Ashes – Scary Monsters
David Bowie's 'Ashes to Ashes' from his album Scary Monsters is a captivating masterpiece that established him as an iconic figure in the music industry. The song showcases Bowie's innovative creativity and ability to blend multiple genres seamlessly while still maintaining his unique style.
The haunting lyrics coupled with the synthetic drum beats and melancholic melody make this track enigmatic in many ways. It touches on themes of fame, addiction, mental health, and the passage of time, which are relevant even today. The music video for 'Ashes to Ashes' is also groundbreaking and visually stunning.
What sets this song apart is Bowie's self-referential nod to his past work, particularly his early 1970s hit 'Space Oddity'. He revisits the character of Major Tom, a fictional astronaut who becomes lost in space. However, this time around, Major Tom represents a more complex character struggling with personal demons.
Overall, 'Ashes to Ashes' remains one of David Bowie's best songs of all time and continues to be relevant in popular culture. Its lasting impact underscores why he was such an influential artist and icon.
Don't miss out on experiencing one of the greatest musical legends: listen to 'Ashes to Ashes'. If this song doesn't make you want to dance like a maniac in the dark, then you probably haven't had enough drinks yet.
7. Blackout – Heroes
This particular masterpiece by David Bowie, from his iconic album 'Heroes', holds a special place in the hearts of fans. The song has extraordinary composition and lyricism with electrifying synthesizer rhythms. It showcases Bowie's immense genius and creativity as an artist.
The strong opening guitar riffs coupled with Bowie's awe-inspiring vocals create an impactful experience for the listener. The lyrics evoke emotions of anger, frustration, and confusion while dealing with addiction and self-destructive behaviors.
Interestingly, Bowie wrote the song after experiencing temporary amnesia due to excessive drug use while on tour in 1976. This traumatic incident inspired him to craft this incredible track that resonates deeply with listeners even today.
As a fan-favorite, 'Blackout' undoubtedly deserves its spot among David Bowie's top 10 best songs of all time.
Sound and Vision proves David Bowie was not just a musical genius, but also had a knack for making us feel like we're on a drug-induced rollercoaster ride.
8. Sound and Vision – Low
'8. Sound and Vision – Low' is a distinct song from David Bowie's album 'Low,' released in 1977. This electronic rock track presents creative musical fusion that brought attention to the ambient music genre.
The following table represents the overall information of 'Sound and Vision-Low':
| Music Information | Data |
|---|---|
| Album Name | Low |
| Year | 1977 |
| Genre | Electronic Rock |
| Song Length | 3:03 |
| Record Label | RCA Records |
This song has a notable distinction among Bowie's works for being driven by an experimental rhythm and layered vocals.
Interestingly, 'Sound and Vision – Low' features a fragment of avant-garde composer Terry Riley's work titled 'A Rainbow in Curved Air.' The fragment was slowed down, resulting in a rhythmic recurring sound throughout the track.
The music producer for this song, Tony Visconti, reminisced that it was inspired by Donna Summer's hit disco track 'I Feel Love,' which influenced this unique stylistic direction.
'Sound and Vision – Low' stands out as one of the most timeless tracks that created a strong impact on later generations, paving ways for numerous musicians who take influence from Bowie's bold style experimentation. David Bowie's 'Seven Years in Tibet' is not just a journey through the mountains, it's also a trip through his experimental phase.
9. Seven Years In Tibet – Earthling
This track appears in David Bowie's 'Earthling' album, and it is titled after the seven-year period in which he practiced Buddhism in Tibet. With its eccentric and restless rhythm mixed with industrial sounds and spaghetti western-style guitars, 'Seven Years In Tibet' showcases Bowie's fascination with exploration and experimentation. This song shares the enigmatic personality of David Bowie – constantly shifting, erratic, and unique.
In this track, Bowie delivers a message to his listeners; the importance of moving forward with one's personal growth despite past adversity. This idea of personal transcendence resonated with many fans as 'Seven Years In Tibet' is regarded as one of the most captivating tracks off Earthling.
David Bowie's love for Tibet can be traced back to 1983 when he supported the Tibetan independence movement at a benefit concert held in London. His support earned him a special recognition from the Dalai Lama years after his death.
The only thing better than David Bowie existing in this world was David Bowie returning after a 10 year hiatus with 'The Next Day'.
10. The Next Day – The Next Day
David Bowie's album 'The Next Day' features a title track with deeply emotional lyrics and memorable guitar riffs. It speaks to the artist's enduring talent for reinvention and creativity, even after decades in the industry.
The song combines raw energy and catchy melodies that Bowie fans have loved for years.
'The Next Day' was an instant classic thanks to its poignant themes of redemption and reflection. Its place on this list is well-earned, given its mix of moody instrumentation and darkly poetic lyrics. This song is a testament to the timeless power of David Bowie's music, and his ability to stay relevant throughout his career.
It's worth noting that 'The Next Day' almost didn't happen, as Bowie had originally announced his retirement from music in 2003. However, he continued working on new material in secret over the years, eventually reemerging with this powerful album in 2013. The title track serves as a fitting tribute to the resilience of one of music's greatest icons.
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.
