David Bowie was an English singer-songwriter and actor who is widely regarded as one of the most influential and iconic figures in modern music history. Born David Robert Jones in 1947 in London, Bowie began his music career in the 1960s, drawing inspiration from rock and roll, soul, and pop music.
Bowie’s music is characterized by his distinctive voice, innovative arrangements, and constant experimentation with different genres and styles. His breakthrough album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972), featured hits like “Starman” and “Suffragette City” and established him as a leading voice of the glam rock movement. He went on to release numerous critically acclaimed albums, including Heroes (1977) and Let’s Dance (1983).
In addition to his music, Bowie is also known for his acting work, appearing in films like The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976) and Labyrinth (1986). He has been honored with numerous awards for his music and contributions to culture, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Bowie’s influence on music and popular culture cannot be overstated, and he has inspired countless artists with his unique sound, style, and fearless approach to experimentation. His music continues to be celebrated by fans around the world, and his legacy as a true icon of rock and roll lives on.
1. Fame – Young Americans
David Bowie's 'Young Americans' album's 'Fame' is a classic among his discography. It paved the way for his transition from glam rock to soul-infused sound in the mid-1970s, thanks to the collaboration with John Lennon in co-writing. The song enjoyed worldwide commercial success and was one of Bowie's highest-charting singles in the US. The anthemic chorus: "Fame, makes a man take things over / Fame, lets him loose, hard to swallow," showcases Bowie's witty yet satirical lyrics and his vocal range's versatility. 'Fame' continues to inspire modern-day artists across various genres and remains a testament to Bowie's innovation.
Bowie used 'Fame' as a response to his newfound fame's challenges while maintaining an upbeat tempo that made it stand out on the album entirely. One of the famous legends behind its construction states that most of the song came together during an improv session between Bowie, Lennon, and guitarist Carlos Alomar. It reflects Bowie's ability to experiment musically while incorporating elements of funk and R&B. This inclusion gave him distinct artistic freedom compared to previous albums.
Bowie admitted that he disliked how commercial folk tried commodifying music irrespective of whether it promoted talent or not. Therefore, believing that fame had become undesirable for many aspiring musicians, Bowie made this song ironic yet humorous enough for people who understand its essence with developing music technology and market trends.
Listening back today provides artists with cultural context about issues still affecting them right now such as social media performance tactics etc if you're new musical artist or just love life-changing songs add "Fame" by David Bowie.
Get your dancing shoes on and let's groove to Bowie's ultimate party anthem, 'Let's Dance'.
2. Let’s Dance – Let’s Dance
David Bowie's music has always been synonymous with artistic exploration, and "Let's Dance" is a perfect example of this. Here are 5 points that showcase why this iconic song remains one of the best:
- The funky guitar riff and driving beat immediately establish the song's infectious groove, inviting listeners to move their bodies.
- Bowie's smooth vocals are complemented by a powerful horn section, which adds depth to the song's dynamic arrangement.
- Behind the upbeat instrumentation lies a socially conscious message about racial and economic inequality, making "Let's Dance" not just a party anthem but also a thought-provoking political statement.
- The music video for the song, directed by renowned filmmaker David Mallet, features Bowie dancing with a diverse group of people in Australia. The vibrant visuals perfectly capture the spirit of inclusivity that runs throughout the track.
- Let's Dance was produced by Nile Rodgers, who brought his unmistakable funk and disco sound to the recording. His collaboration with Bowie resulted in an unforgettable hit that continues to inspire countless artists today.
Beyond these points, it's worth noting that "Let's Dance" not only revitalized Bowie's career but also served as a bridge between different musical genres and cultures. It remains one of his most beloved songs and a testament to his boundless creativity.
One little-known fact about "Let's Dance" is that Stevie Ray Vaughan played lead guitar on the track. According to legend, Bowie recruited Vaughan after hearing him play at Montreux Jazz Festival and being blown away by his talent. This unexpected pairing resulted in some of Vaughan's most memorable work, including the blistering solo on "Let's Dance".
Bowie knew how to go out with a bang, and 'Rock 'N' Roll Suicide' was his perfect swan song.
3. Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
This song is a well-known track from the album 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars'. It is titled 'Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide' and it encapsulates the story of Ziggy, a fictional rockstar persona conceptualized by David Bowie. This song portrays an essential theme: the rise and fall of a rock star. The lyrics beautifully talk about how thrilling yet dangerous fame can be, and how these two sides of the same coin can lead to self-destruction. Bowie's powerful vocals, coupled with his band's electrifying music, make this iconic tune memorable.
Additionally, this hit features amazing guitar riffs that enhance its rock vibe. Interestingly, the title lyric 'Oh no love! You're not alone' was added as an adlib amidst recording when fan suicide rates were soaring high. Bowie wanted to include this line to reach out to fans who might be struggling or disillusioned with life; he underlined what it means to be there for others in times of dire need.
Bowie drew inspiration from his tough experiences since starting his career in the music industry, where he sometimes had conflicting desires for success or recognition versus his artistic freedom and lifestyle choices. He continued to address these personal conflicts throughout his musical career implicitly through characters like Ziggy Stardust.
In summary, Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide combines powerfully emotive lyrics with upbeat music, creating an emotional ballad that continues to resonate today – 50 years after its first release in 1972.
Leave it to Bowie to create a catchy, upbeat song about death and make us all want to dance our way to the afterlife with 'Lazarus'.
4. Lazarus – Blackstar
The song 'Lazarus' from David Bowie's final album, 'Blackstar', is a haunting and introspective track that reflects the artist's personal journey in facing his impending mortality. The song's lyrics and accompanying music video showcase Bowie's signature inventive style, with elements of jazz, rock, and electronic music melding together to create a unique sound that captures the essence of his artistic vision.
In 'Lazarus', Bowie sings about a man who is trapped and unable to break free from his own inner demons. Through words like "look up here, I'm in heaven" and "I've got scars that can't be seen", he speaks directly to his listeners about the pain and struggles he experienced during his final years. The music video adds to the eerie atmosphere created by the song, featuring Bowie lying on a hospital bed with an ominous sense of doom looming in the background.
One distinguishing feature of this track is its use of saxophone solos, played by Donny McCaslin, which give the song an added layer of complexity and emotional depth. Overall, 'Lazarus' is an unforgettable part of David Bowie's legacy and serves as a reminder of his immense talent as a musician and artist.
Don't miss out on experiencing the profound beauty of 'Lazarus'. Dive into Bowie's world through this incredible track and take in all the heart-wrenching emotions it has to offer. Ground Control to Major Tom, this song is out of this world – just like Bowie himself.
5. Space Oddity – David Bowie
David Bowie's influential career produced a long list of impressive hits. One such hit is a song that tells the tale of Major Tom, the astronaut. It encapsulates Bowie's creative lyricism which narrates Major Tom's shocking events in space. This timeless classic epitomizes Bowie's ability to blend storytelling with music, making it one of his poignant displays as an artist.
'Space Oddity' hit the music industry in 1969 marking a critical moment in Bowie's journey of musical evolution as fans got to experience the "Bowie Boom." With its powerful and moving sound, this song put David Bowie's name on the global map. Though its meaning may have remained elusive, there is no denying that 'Space Oddity' left an indelible mark on rock music for generations to come.
The use of descriptive phrases and vivid imagery in 'Space Oddity' brings Major Tom's situation to life. In contrast, the mellow tone to some extent conveys emotions associated with being lost and cut off from one's surroundings-an excellent skill that separates Bowie from other artists. The song explicitly delivers an esoteric sense of beauty.
Pro Tip: The use of diverse literary elements provides insight into why it remains one of Bowie's signature tracks, showcasing musical capabilities beyond measure throughout his career.
David Bowie's 'Ashes to Ashes' proves that even in death, he remains the ultimate cool kid in the '80s graveyard.
6. Ashes To Ashes – Scary Monsters
This iconic David Bowie song from the Scary Monsters album speaks about Major Tom's return to Earth. The song highlights Bowie's interest in space exploration and how he believed that we are not alone in the universe. It features a mix of funk and electronic music that brings out a unique sound loved by many.
From its catchy lyrics to its unforgettable melody, Ashes To Ashes is a favorite among Bowie fans worldwide. The song's video, directed by Bowie himself, won multiple awards for its creativity and innovation. It involved intricate costumes, impressive special effects, and groundbreaking animation techniques.
Apart from its success as a single release, Ashes To Ashes added significant value to the overall Scary Monsters album. The hit was responsible for introducing many new listeners to Bowie's work while amplifying his existing fan base.
Pro Tip: To enjoy Ashes To Ashes fully, pay attention to the lyrics' message and reflect on it personally. The song exposes universal themes of mortality and purpose that involve deep soul-searching moments for you as a listener.
Heroes may get remembered, but Blackout is the soundtrack for those forgettable moments we'd rather not think about.
7. Blackout – Heroes
This entry in the list of '10 Best David Bowie Songs of All Time' highlights "Blackout" from his iconic album "Heroes." The song’s unique structure and fierce energy lend to its placement on this list. The unmistakably angsty vocals are layered over frantic guitars and driving bass, creating a sense of chaos that is quintessentially Bowie.
Despite its power, "Blackout" is often overlooked by casual listeners since it was never released as a single or given much radio play. However, dedicated fans recognize it as one of Bowie's most powerful compositions, both musically and lyrically. The song iconizes the ups and downs of nightlife, with lyrics such as "The buildings scrape the sky / But heaven knows it’s nighttime down on the streets."
For those who want to dive deeper into Bowie's back catalog, "Blackout" should be at the top of their playlist. The track showcases his ability to merge genres and express emotions in unique ways. Additionally, for those looking to expand their musical horizons, examining his lesser-known songs provides an opportunity for discovery and appreciation of an artist’s full range of talents.
Listening to 'Sound and Vision' is like watching a psychedelic tango between your ears and brain.
8. Sound and Vision – Low
David Bowie's groundbreaking album 'Low' featured a unique track known as 'Sound and Vision.' Here is an exciting summary of what makes this song one of the 10 Best David Bowie Songs of All Time.
To further understand this iconic song, we have created a table below that highlights some unique facts about 'Sound and Vision – Low.' The table includes data such as the release date, duration, and the number of writers that worked on the track.
| Release Date | January 14, 1977 | |
| Duration | 3:03 | |
| Album | Low | |
| Writers | David Bowie |
It is interesting to note that "Sound and Vision" was heavily influenced by German electronic music. Also, the use of synthesizers in this song amalgamated with Bowie's vocals made it a revolutionary track.
To enjoy the best out of 'Sound and Vision – Low,' try listening to it in different settings, including headphones or through high-quality speakers. This way, you can appreciate how each instrument utilized blends effortlessly with one another to create beautiful music.
Overall, by understanding what makes 'Sound and Vision – Low' one of David Bowie's best songs takes appreciation to a whole new level."Seven years? That's longer than some people's relationships. But then again, David Bowie's music is more fulfilling than any significant other anyway."
9. Seven Years In Tibet – Earthling
This track is from Bowie's electronic-based Earthling album and showcases his unique style of blending various genres. The song, 'Seven Years In Tibet', combines elements of industrial music with Tibetan throat singing accompanied by a dynamic synth beat. Bowie’s intense vocals command the attention of the listener and build up an eerie atmosphere throughout the song.
Bowie wrote this controversial song after being inspired by Heinrich Harrer's autobiography 'Seven Years In Tibet'. The lyrics portray a time when Tibet was isolated from the world and talks about one man's spiritual journey during that period. The cultural and political impact of this song has been scrutinized by many people globally, making it one of Bowie’s most complex pieces.
As featured in Earthling, it emerges vividly as a call to stir emotions and curiosity within the audience. Being fast-paced combined with its complex sounds makes it even more enjoyable for fans who appreciate Bowie's musical ingenuity over the years.
Don't be fooled by the title, David Bowie's 'The Next Day' is anything but predictable, just like how this one-liner had you thinking it was going to be a simple joke about tomorrow.
10. The Next Day – The Next Day
The song that holds the tenth position in our list is from Bowie's album titled 'The Next Day'. The track, which shares the same name as the album, was released in 2013 and showcases Bowie's creative genius. Its catchy lyrics and infectious melody make it a standout track in the album.
Bowie had taken a hiatus of almost ten years before releasing this album, making its release even more special for fans all over the world. The song's powerful lyrics and driving rhythm make it an unforgettable addition to Bowie's discography. It is a must-listen for any true David Bowie fan.
Interestingly, 'The Next Day' was not only a commercial success but also received critical acclaim upon its release. It debuted at number one on several charts around the world, proving that Bowie's music still held an immense impact on people even after his long break from music production.
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.
