10 Best David Bowie Songs of All Time

David Bowie, born David Robert Jones on January 8, 1947, was an iconic English singer, songwriter, and actor whose innovative and ever-evolving style made him a singular force in the world of popular music and culture. Born in Brixton, London, Bowie’s career spanned over five decades, and his impact on the music industry is immeasurable.

Bowie first gained attention in the late 1960s with the release of the single “Space Oddity.” However, it was in the early 1970s that he truly rose to fame with the creation of the character Ziggy Stardust. The album “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars” (1972) catapulted him to international stardom and solidified his reputation as a visionary artist.

Known for his chameleon-like ability to reinvent himself, Bowie explored various musical genres, including glam rock, soul, funk, and electronic music. Albums like “Young Americans” (1975), “Heroes” (1977), and “Let’s Dance” (1983) showcased his eclectic range and experimentation.

Bowie’s impact extended beyond music; he was an influential figure in fashion and film. His role in films like “The Man Who Fell to Earth” (1976) and “Labyrinth” (1986) showcased his versatility as an artist.

In 2016, just two days after the release of his final album “Blackstar,” Bowie passed away after a private battle with cancer. His death marked the end of an era, but his artistic legacy lives on. Bowie’s influence on the music industry, his boundary-pushing creativity, and his fearless approach to self-expression continue to inspire artists and fans worldwide.

1. “Space Oddity”

"Space Oddity" is one of David Bowie's most iconic songs. To fully appreciate this masterpiece, follow these steps:

1. Listen to the original 1969 version, which tells the story of Major Tom's journey to space.
2. Pay attention to the mesmerizing lyrics that capture the loneliness and wonder of space exploration.
3. Immerse yourself in the atmospheric music, with its haunting guitar melodies and ethereal vocals.
4. Appreciate Bowie's ability to create a sense of emotional intensity through his powerful vocal delivery.
5. Explore the song's deeper themes of isolation, existentialism, and the human desire for exploration.

2. “Heroes”

"Heroes" is one of David Bowie's most iconic songs, known for its powerful lyrics and captivating melody. When exploring this song, consider the following:

1. Listen to the original version released in 1977 to fully appreciate the raw emotion and energy.
2. Explore the various covers and renditions by artists such as Peter Gabriel and Arcade Fire, showcasing the enduring influence of the song.
3. Pay attention to the lyrics, which tell a story of love and defiance in the face of adversity.
4. Appreciate the innovative production techniques used, such as the implementation of a "double-echo" effect on Bowie's vocals.
5. Learn about the historical context of the song, as it was inspired by Bowie's experiences in Berlin during the Cold War.

3. “Life on Mars?”

Considering David Bowie's vast discography, "Life on Mars?" is undoubtedly one of his most iconic songs. First released in 1971, it seamlessly combines Bowie's captivating vocals with poetic lyrics and a grand musical arrangement. The song's introspective themes and evocative imagery have continued to resonate with listeners for decades. "Life on Mars?" is a testament to Bowie's artistic versatility and his talent for creating timeless music that transcends generations. Its consistent inclusion in numerous lists of the best David Bowie songs is a testament to its enduring popularity and significant impact on music history.

4. “Let’s Dance”

To fully appreciate David Bowie's iconic song "Let's Dance," follow these steps:

1. Listen to the song in its original release year of 1983 to experience its impact on the music scene.
2. Pay attention to the infectious rhythm and catchy guitar riffs that make it impossible not to dance.
3. Notice Bowie's smooth vocals and the way he effortlessly delivers the poignant lyrics.
4. Watch the music video, directed by David Mallet, which adds a visual element to the song's energy and showcases Bowie's charismatic presence.

Pro-tip: To truly immerse yourself in the '80s vibe, try recreating some of the iconic dance moves from the music video while listening to "Let's Dance."

5. “Ziggy Stardust”

"Ziggy Stardust" is one of David Bowie's most iconic songs. Here are five steps to fully appreciate and enjoy this legendary track:

1. Listen to the song: Immerse yourself in the captivating melodies and powerful vocals.
2. Explore the lyrics: Dive into the story of Ziggy Stardust, a fictional rock star, and reflect on its themes of fame and self-destruction.
3. Appreciate the instrumentation: Pay attention to the intricate guitar riffs, energetic drum beats, and Bowie's unique blend of rock and glam influences.
4. Watch live performances: Experience the electrifying energy of Bowie's live performances, such as his iconic performance of "Ziggy Stardust" at the 1973 Hammersmith Odeon concert.
5. Discover the album: Listen to the full album "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" to fully immerse yourself in the Ziggy Stardust concept and Bowie's musical genius.

6. “Changes”

David Bowie's "Changes" is a timeless classic that showcases his musical genius. To fully appreciate this iconic song, here are some steps to take:

1. Listen to the original recording from his 1971 album "Hunky Dory."
2. Pay attention to the powerful lyrics that reflect Bowie's personal and artistic evolution.
3. Appreciate the catchy piano riff and the energetic saxophone solo.
4. Explore different live versions of the song, such as Bowie's performances on "The Dick Cavett Show" or "Top of the Pops."
5. Discover cover versions by other artists, like Bruce Springsteen or Miley Cyrus, to see how they interpret the song.
6. Reflect on the lasting impact of "Changes" and how it continues to resonate with audiences today.

7. “Under Pressure” (with Queen)

"Under Pressure" is a collaborative masterpiece by David Bowie and Queen. Here are some steps to fully appreciate this iconic song:

1. Listen to the original version on the album "Hot Space" released in 1982.
2. Pay attention to the dynamic vocal performances of Bowie and Freddie Mercury.
3. Experience the powerful bassline, courtesy of John Deacon.
4. Marvel at the catchy guitar riff by Brian May.
5. Enjoy the seamless blending of Bowie's and Mercury's vocals in the harmonious chorus.
6. Reflect on the timeless lyrics, which explore themes of pressure and self-doubt.
7. Appreciate the impact of this song, which continues to resonate with audiences today.

To further explore the musical brilliance of David Bowie, consider listening to other hits like "Heroes," "Space Oddity," and "Life on Mars?"

8. “Ashes to Ashes”

"Ashes to Ashes" is a timeless David Bowie song that showcases his musical genius. To fully appreciate this iconic track, follow these steps:

1. Listen to the song multiple times to fully grasp its intricate melodies and lyrics.
2. Pay attention to the haunting synth sound and the compelling vocal performance by Bowie.
3. Read the song's lyrics to uncover the deeper meaning behind the cryptic imagery.
4. Watch the official music video, which features Bowie in his iconic Pierrot costume.
5. Explore cover versions or live performances of the song by other artists to see their interpretation.

If you love "Ashes to Ashes," you might also enjoy other Bowie classics like "Space Oddity," "Heroes," or "Life on Mars?" Dive into Bowie's discography and discover the incredible range of his musical talent.

9. “Starman”

"Starman" is one of David Bowie's iconic songs that showcases his musical genius. To fully appreciate and understand this masterpiece, here are some steps to take:

1. Listen to the original version released in 1972.
2. Pay attention to Bowie's unique vocals and the way he effortlessly transitions between different registers.
3. Notice the catchy guitar riffs and the infectious melody that stays with you long after the song ends.
4. Read the lyrics to understand the story Bowie is telling, which is about an extraterrestrial being bringing hope and unity to Earth.
5. Watch live performances to witness Bowie's captivating stage presence and his ability to connect with the audience.
6. Explore covers of the song by other artists, showcasing its enduring impact and influence.
7. Discuss the song with fellow Bowie fans to share interpretations and insights.
8. Appreciate the song's cultural significance and its role in shaping Bowie's career.
9. Add "Starman" to your David Bowie playlist and listen to it whenever you need a dose of musical brilliance and inspiration.

10. “Rebel Rebel”

"Rebel Rebel" is a renowned track that showcases David Bowie's rebellious and iconic style. To fully appreciate this song, consider the following:

1. Listen to the original version released in 1974, which features a catchy guitar riff and Bowie's distinctive vocals.
2. Explore the song's lyrics, which reflect Bowie's exploration of gender fluidity and rebellion against societal norms.
3. Watch live performances of "Rebel Rebel" to see Bowie's charismatic stage presence and dynamic energy.
4. Discover cover versions of the song by other artists, such as Duran Duran, Bryan Adams, and Oasis.
5. Appreciate the lasting impact of "Rebel Rebel" on popular culture, as it continues to inspire and influence musicians and fans worldwide.

Edward Tomlin

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.