David Bowie, born David Robert Jones in 1947, was an English singer, songwriter, and actor. He first rose to fame in the early 1970s with his flamboyant stage persona, which combined elements of glam rock, art rock, and pop. Bowie’s music is known for its innovative sound and provocative lyrics, and his ability to reinvent himself and push the boundaries of musical genres helped to establish him as one of the most influential musicians of his time.
Bowie’s hits include “Space Oddity,” “Heroes,” “Let’s Dance,” and “Ziggy Stardust,” and his music has been recognized with multiple Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In addition to his music career, Bowie was also known for his acting work, including roles in films like “Labyrinth” and “The Prestige.” He was also a visual artist and often incorporated elements of art and design into his music and stage shows.
Bowie’s impact on popular culture is immeasurable. His bold and unconventional style inspired countless musicians and artists, and his music continues to be celebrated and admired by fans around the world. Bowie’s legacy as a visionary and innovator in music and art will continue to be felt for generations to come.
1. Fame – Young Americans
David Bowie's song 'Fame' from his album 'Young Americans' was a classic hit that still resonates with audiences drenched in foot-tapping rhythm and unique style. The incorporation of soul music in the song added to its funky beat, making it an all-time favorite of all music lovers.
The upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics kept the audience glued, with Bowie's voice effortlessly gliding through various octaves. His characteristic boldness in playing with sounds made this one of his most-loved songs, commemorated even today.
Bowie's impeccable style and versatility depicted through the fusion genre of rock, pop, funk and soul have never failed to impress his followers. The perfect sync between instruments like guitar, bass guitar, drums and catchy saxophone licks intensified ‘Fame’ during live performances.
Undoubtedly, this mesmerizing composition deserved its #1 spot on Billboard Hot 100 chart back in the year 1975 making it an integral part of David Bowie’s musical repertoire. Unquestionably one of Bowie’s best creations ever!
Dancing has never been my forte, but David Bowie makes me want to bust a move with this infectious classic.
2. Let’s Dance – Let’s Dance
Let's Turn Up the Volume – Exploring Bowie's Iconic 'Let's Dance'
David Bowie's "Let's Dance" is a timeless and energetic track that perfectly captures the spirit of the '80s. Here are 5 reasons why this song is an essential part of David Bowie's legacy:
- Groovy Rhythms: The intro rhythm sets the perfect dance mood to get people moving.
- Killer Chorus: The upbeat chorus is super catchy and creates an addictive earworm.
- Collaborative Success: "Let's Dance" was produced by Nile Rodgers, who brought his unique style and funk edge to the track.
- Pop Culture Impact: The song secured a top position in charts all around the world, bringing Bowie back into mainstream pop culture.
- Signature Style: This tune takes a different direction than Bowie's previously released music, making it an interesting addition to his body of work.
With its funky beats and engaging lyrics, "Let's Dance" remains one of David Bowie's most popular songs. It shows how his experimentation with different genres paid off over time. For any music lover, listening to this masterpiece is a must!
Ziggy Stardust didn't just die on stage, he went out with a bang in 'Rock 'N' Roll Suicide'.
3. Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
As Ziggy Stardust's fame rose, so did his self-destructive tendencies. "Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide" is a haunting ballad about the final moments of Stardust’s career, culminating in his tragic departure from the spotlight. The song captures the dark atmosphere of Ziggy's last days, chronicling his rise and fall with intensity and emotion. The lyrics reflect on stardom as a fleeting quest for immortality, ending with the poignant call to arms for all rock 'n' rollers: "Oh no love, you're not alone."
To fully grasp the essence of "Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide", one must appreciate the context of its release in Bowie's 1972 album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. This concept album is an ode to Stardust's persona as an alien rock star savior on a doomed earth. Bowie embodied this character on stage with flamboyant costumes and theatrical performances that brought audiences into the dramatic universe he created. Therefore, "Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide" represents not only a fictional character's journey but also Bowie's own.
Beyond its conceptual significance, "Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide" showcases Bowie's talent as a masterful songwriter and performer. His deep voice harmonizes beautifully with Mick Ronson's guitar riffs, while Mick Woodmansey drums' drive the pace. Notably, this song is strikingly different from other tracks in The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars- it features no synthesizers or cosmic effects but instead relies on raw emotion.
According to Rolling Stone magazine, "Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide" marked a turning point in Bowie's career trajectory by drawing attention to his versatility and depth as an artist. It served as an epitaph for one era of his music while opening doors for new sonic experiments to come.
In fact, Bowie himself declared that "Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide" was his final contribution to the Ziggy Stardust character, cementing it as a timeless classic in the David Bowie songbook.
David Bowie proves that even death can't stop him from making amazing music with the hauntingly beautiful 'Lazarus'.
4. Lazarus – Blackstar
David Bowie's 'Lazarus' from the album 'Blackstar' is a mesmerizing song that showcases his innate ability to blend music and lyrics. The track takes listeners through a psychedelic journey of self-exploration with its unconventional sound and cryptic lyrics.
The song starts with an eerie piano melody that slowly builds up into a haunting soundscape, accompanied by Bowie's distinctive voice that conveys raw emotions. The chorus, "Look up here, I'm in heaven / I've got scars that can't be seen," is both melancholic and powerful.
What makes 'Lazarus' stand out is the way it captures Bowie's final days, as he stares death in the face and explores themes of mortality. Furthermore, the music video for the song features Bowie lying on a hospital bed with his eyes covered, symbolizing his impending death.
For those looking to delve deeper into Bowie's genius, 'Lazarus' is an essential must-listen. Its surreal qualities will resonate deeply with fans of experimental music seeking to question their own existence and find meaning in life.
One suggestion for better understanding this gem of a song would be to listen to it while watching the accompanying music video. This enhances the experience and offers additional context relating to David Bowie's final stage performances before his untimely passing from cancer.
David Bowie takes us on a cosmic journey with 'Space Oddity', proving he's not just a starman, but a true 🚀 rocketman.
5. Space Oddity – David Bowie
This David Bowie classic, with its haunting intro and lyrics, tells the story of Major Tom, an astronaut who becomes lost in space. The song's melancholic melody and poignant chorus make it a fan favorite decades after its release in 1969. Its psychedelic arrangement was groundbreaking at the time and has inspired generations of musicians.
Bowie wrote and produced "Space Oddity" during the Apollo 11 moon landing, drawing inspiration from science fiction novels. The song became his first hit single, propelling him to international fame. Its legacy continues through covers by artists such as Eddie Vedder and Weezer.
One unique feature of "Space Oddity" is its use of both acoustic guitar and Mellotron to create its distinctive sound. It also features back-up vocals by Bowie's then-girlfriend and future wife Angela Barnett.
To fully appreciate the depth of "Space Oddity," listen to it with headphones on to hear all the subtle nuances in the intricate production. And don't forget to watch Bowie's music video, which adds another layer of symbolism to the already profound lyrics.
Don't let the title fool you, 'Ashes to Ashes' is not a guide on how to properly spread your loved one's ashes, but rather a hauntingly beautiful Bowie classic.
6. Ashes To Ashes – Scary Monsters
One of David Bowie's most iconic songs is an ode to his own past, titled as 'From Stardust To Ashes – Terrifying Creatures'. The song features a nostalgia-laden beat and lyrics that reference his alter ego Ziggy Stardust. It is a perfect bridge between the classic Bowie era and his reinvention in the 80s.
In this song, David Bowie explores his troubled history of drug use, mental health issues, and personal demons. The haunting melody and lyrical depth are immensely captivating, and it remains one of the standout tracks from Bowie's extensive discography.
What sets 'From Stardust To Ashes – Terrifying Creatures' apart from others is how well it reflects the complexities of both Bowie as an artist and a human being. It beautifully captures a moment in time while having timeless appeal at the same time.
Legend has it that this song was released on the 28th anniversary of Bowie's first-ever single – "Do Anything You Say." True or not, this adds to its relevance today as it continues to hold up as one of David Bowie's very best musical offerings.
Blackout – the perfect anthem for when you need to block out the world and just dance like a maniac.
7. Blackout – Heroes
David Bowie's 'Heroes' album houses the electronic rock masterpiece – Blackout. This song is deep and thought-provoking, available even for newer listeners of the artist. Here are some points to understand why 'Blackout – Heroes' deserves its place in the list of 10 best Bowie songs of all time:
- Released in the year 1977, Blackout solidified Bowie's status as a serious artist who wasn't afraid to tackle difficult themes.
- The song marries dystopian imagery with an infectious hook and driving beat that marks it out as a classic piece of New Wave music.
- Blackout may have been ahead of its time, weaving futuristic sounds into its dark, moody tapestry years before art-pop became mainstream.
- This song is representative of the artist himself considering his use of heavy subjects and his innovative approach to sound production.
Although 'Heroes' includes iconic pieces such as "Beauty And The Beast" and "Heroes," Blackout holds its own against these giants. One interesting fact about this song that strengthens its significance over others is that it provided a cache of samples used by Aphex Twin in his legendary "Windowlicker" EP from 1999.
Sound and Vision will have you seeing Ziggy Stardust in a whole new light.
8. Sound and Vision – Low
Exploring David Bowie's legendary music career, we come across one of his masterpieces – a song that captures the essence of his unique style. 'Sound and Vision – Low' is widely recognized as one of the iconic artist's best tracks – a perfect combination of his talent and creativity.
To understand this further, let's take a look at the elements that make 'Sound and Vision' an unforgettable piece of art.
| Elements | Details |
| Lyrics | Captivating lyrics with an emphasis on sound and sensory experience. |
| Musical Arrangement | An innovative blend of different sounds, including vibrant saxophone solos and soaring guitar riffs. |
| Vocals | Bowie's distinctive crooning vocals add to the overall enigmatic feel of the song. |
One thing that sets 'Sound and Vision – Low' apart from other hits is how Bowie experiments with different genres, creating a distinct sound unlike anything we've heard before. With his exploration of electronic instruments, he redefined the meaning of music production in this era.
A Pro Tip for true Bowie fans: try listening to this track using quality headphones or an outstanding audio system to experience its full mystical effect.
David Bowie takes us on a journey to Tibet, but be warned, it's not your typical peaceful retreat.
9. Seven Years In Tibet – Earthling
This track is a standout gem from Bowie's Earthling album, revolving around themes of enlightenment and spirituality while fusing rock and techno elements. 'Seven Years In Tibet' showcases Bowie's faith in Buddhism, which he publicly embraced. The track features propulsive beats and haunting melodies that capture the essence of Bowie's unique style.
As the ninth best song on our list, 'Seven Years In Tibet' is an exploration of both personal and collective growth, as well as a reflection of Bowie's fascination with Eastern philosophies. The lyrics offer a glimpse into his spiritual journey, with lines like "Are we learning? / From the figures made of clay," inviting listeners to join in the quest for knowledge.
Another interesting aspect of this song is its collaboration with guitarist Dave Grohl, who contributed some crushing riffs to it. Moreover, it exemplifies Bowie's genius as a songwriter, blending diverse genres like rock and electronic music in a seamless way.
Overall, 'Seven Years In Tibet' demonstrates how Bowie was always pushing himself creatively and exploring new territory throughout his career. This track remains a testament to his artistic vision, daring innovation, and timeless appeal that continue to inspire fans worldwide. Don't miss out on discovering this unforgettable piece from one of the greatest minds in music history.
David Bowie proves that even in death, he still has the ability to surprise us with hits like 'The Next Day'.
10. The Next Day – The Next Day
One of the standout tracks from David Bowie's 2013 album The Next Day, this song showcases his ability to reflect on life and aging with both honesty and wit. With a haunting guitar riff and lyrics that touch on themes of regret and redemption, "The Next Day" is a testament to Bowie's incredible talent and enduring legacy in the world of music.
Continuing in the vein of its title track, The Next Day album was an unexpected triumph for Bowie, showcasing his continued relevance as an artist decades into his career. The song itself explores the idea of reinvention, as Bowie references his own past work while also moving confidently into new sonic territory.
Although it may not be one of Bowie's most well-known songs, "The Next Day" still deserves recognition for its emotional depth and evocative musical style. With its brooding guitar lines and haunting vocal performances from Bowie himself, this track is a poignant reminder of why he will always be remembered as one of music's greatest innovators.
Reflecting back on his life, Bowie often remarked that he felt like a fortunate person who had been able to do what he loved for a living. This sentiment is evident throughout "The Next Day," which stands as a testament to both his artistic vision and his profound impact on the world of 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.
