David Bowie was a transformative and enigmatic British musician, actor, and cultural icon whose artistic brilliance transcended genres and captivated audiences for over five decades. Born on January 8, 1947, in Brixton, London, Bowie’s eclectic musical style and ever-evolving persona made him a pioneer and a visionary in the world of rock and pop music.
Bowie’s breakthrough came in the early 1970s with the release of his album “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.” Embodying the flamboyant and androgynous character of Ziggy Stardust, Bowie became a symbol of artistic freedom, pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. His innovative fusion of rock, glam, soul, and electronic music, coupled with his theatrical performances and striking visual aesthetics, solidified his status as a cultural icon.
Throughout his career, Bowie reinvented himself time and again, adopting different personas such as the Thin White Duke, the alien Major Tom, and the mysterious Jareth the Goblin King. With hits like “Space Oddity,” “Heroes,” “Let’s Dance,” and “Changes,” Bowie’s music resonated with audiences on a profound level, transcending mere entertainment and becoming a means of self-expression and liberation.
David Bowie’s influence extended far beyond music. He was a trailblazer in fashion, art, and film, with memorable performances in movies like “The Man Who Fell to Earth” and “Labyrinth.” Bowie’s constant evolution and fearless experimentation made him an inspiration to countless musicians, artists, and individuals who felt marginalized or different.
Sadly, Bowie passed away on January 10, 2016, leaving behind a monumental legacy. His artistic contributions, boundary-pushing creativity, and unwavering individuality continue to inspire and resonate with generations of fans worldwide, ensuring that his impact on popular culture will endure for years to come.
1. Let’s Dance – Let’s Dance
David Bowie's hit single, which topped the charts in multiple countries worldwide, is a masterful fusion of rock and funk music. The upbeat tempo and catchy chorus of "Let's Dance" are perfectly complemented by Bowie's soulful vocals-it's no wonder it remains an enduring favorite among fans.
Continuing with the style of the previous paragraph, Bowie's "Let's Dance" may have caught people unaware due to its bold new sound, but it quickly gained critical acclaim and sky-rocketed his career to new heights. The song features contributions from Nile Rodgers on guitar and also showcases a saxophone solo from blues musician Mac Gollehon.
As per Bowie standards, he adds layers of political commentary in this peppy number through subjecting societal issues such as immigration rules and racism. Such added depth has made "Let's Dance" a timeless classic that has only gotten better with age.
Pro Tip: If you're looking to explore more of David Bowie beyond his well-known hits, give his early experimental albums like "Low" or "Heroes" a chance. They might surprise you!
David Bowie proved that 'Fame' wasn't just fifteen minutes, but a timeless classic that still makes us want to sing and strut our stuff.
2. Fame – Young Americans
Bowie's hit, 'Fame', from the album 'Young Americans' explores the theme of stardom and its eccentricities, making it a standout track. The infectious groove, innovative lyrics and Bowie's unique vocals, helped the song achieve chart-topping success in 1975. Its funky guitar riffs and memorable hook still resonate with audiences today. Offbeat genres like funk and soul complemented Bowie's rock background to produce a groundbreaking track that set new standards in music production.
Additionally, the song acknowledges the allure and pitfalls of celebrity life and the fickle nature of fame. It was also the first record David Bowie co-wrote with John Lennon who provided backup vocals.
An interesting fact is that Bowie originally wrote "Fame" as a satire on his perceived feelings about being famous but eventually rewrote it as a way to poke fun at how everyone wants a piece of celebrity culture. (Source: David Bowie – Fame Lyrics | AZLyrics.com)
Ziggy may have died a rock 'n' roll suicide, but his music will live on forever as a timeless masterpiece.
3. Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
The track from David Bowie's seminal album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, that grabs attention for its raw emotion is one of his best. With a blend of rock and glam elements, Rock 'N' Roll Suicide showcases Bowie's storytelling abilities as he plays the character of Ziggy Stardust in his final moments. The haunting lyrics create a sense of vulnerability as he sings, "Oh no love! You're not alone" to his audience. This track solidifies Bowie's iconic status as an artist who pushed boundaries with his music.
This anthem delivers an emotional punch that resonates with fans across generations. Its strident guitar chords and pulsating rhythms continue to captivate audiences worldwide. In Rock 'N' Roll Suicide, Bowie created a sound that fused together various genres such as rock, pop, and folk into a unique sound that defied categorization. It remains a classic example of how Bowie changed the course of popular music.
It is also worth noting that among all the tunes in The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars album this one stands out for its haunting melody and poignant lyrics. Its opening verse echoes with loneliness as it describes the character's desire to connect to people around him while he realizes how much fame has corrupted him.
Don't miss out on experiencing one of David Bowie's most profound musical achievements – Rock 'N' Roll Suicide. It's a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the artistry in music-making and wants to understand why Bowie was such an influential figure in popular culture.
David Bowie's Lazarus may have risen from the dead, but this song from Blackstar will never die.
4. Lazarus – Blackstar
One of David Bowie's best is the track from his final album, "Blackstar", called "Lazarus." This song stands out for its eerie yet beautiful melody that captures both Bowie's anguish and haunting artistry. The lyrics powerfully convey his premonition of death, with lines like "Look up here, I'm in heaven / I've got scars that can't be seen." The saxophone solo climax also adds a unique element to this masterpiece.
Fans have speculated that the song is about Bowie himself approaching death and saying goodbye to his fans by leaving behind his music. It was released together with the album on January 8, 2016, two days before he died – turning it into a prophetic swan-song. Regardless of its backstory, Lazarus remains one of Bowie's greatest songs and an ode to finding peace in dying.
For those who want to experience this song at its best, try listening to it while driving on empty roads or travelling alone. The minimalistic instrumental accompaniment throughout much of the track allows full immersion in the haunting atmosphere created by Bowie's unique style.
Ground control to Major Tom, this song is out of this world and will take you on a trip you won't forget.
5. Space Oddity – David Bowie
David Bowie's Space Oddity is a quintessential track that captures the essence of aural storytelling. Its soundscape is crafted with ethereal musical instruments, enigmatic vocals, and vivid sound effects that take listeners to an acoustic journey through outer space. The song's introspective and philosophical themes resonate with its audience till today as it was then.
Space Oddity has transcended generations and has become an iconic piece of art that opened doors for experimental music-making. The song narrates the story of Major Tom, an astronaut sent to space in a capsule named "spaceship." The timeless track epitomizes Bowie's vision and creativity encapsulated in each note sung by him. It remains one of his most popular works, inspiring countless artists worldwide.
One of the unique details about Space Oddity is the presence of harmonious arrangements that are both trippy and immersive at once. Its subtleties are evident in how beautifully it amalgamates elements from rock, folk, progressive, and pop genres to create something wholly new yet familiar to our ears.
A true story about the creation of this song goes like this: David Bowie wrote Space Oddity after watching Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. He was inspired by Kubrick's interpretation of human evolution and wanted to capture those themes in his music. Thus began his journey to create one of the most memorable songs ever written.
David Bowie's 'Ashes to Ashes' may sound like a funeral dirge, but it's actually a funky tribute to his own past drug use.
6. Ashes To Ashes – Scary Monsters
This classic track from David Bowie's album 'Scary Monsters' is a shining example of his ability to stay relevant across decades. 'Ashes To Ashes' sees Bowie take on the persona of his famous alter ego, Major Tom, with references to his earlier hit song 'Space Oddity'. Its iconic music video, which cleverly incorporated both old and new imagery, further cemented it as a beloved staple of Bowie's discography. The song showcases Bowie's experimental nature and willingness to push boundaries in order to create something unique.
Additionally, 'Ashes To Ashes' reflects on the darker side of fame and addiction, with themes that are still relevant in today's society. Despite its heavy subject matter, it remains an incredibly catchy and danceable song that has stood the test of time.
Bowie's distinctive vocals paired with ethereal synths and pulsing drums make this track a standout favorite among fans. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just discovering Bowie for the first time, 'Ashes To Ashes' is a must-listen classic that embodies all the genius creativity that made David Bowie an icon.
Make sure not to miss out on this masterpiece by adding it to your playlist today!
Blackout may sound like a bummer, but this David Bowie classic will make you blackout with pure musical ecstasy.
7. Blackout – Heroes
This track, nestled comfortably in Heroes, showcases Bowie's artistic range with his ability to effortlessly combine disparate elements into an incredibly memorable tune. Blackout is a shining example of Bowie's natural talent for incorporating genres like punk and rock into a piece that captures the listener's attention from start to finish. And while other tracks on the album may have garnered more mainstream success, Blackout remains an enduring fan favorite that highlights Bowie's unique presence in the music world.
One notable feature of this song is its pulsing bassline that serves as a steady backbone throughout the track. Combined with Bowie's signature vocals, which sound both intense and mournful at once, it creates a distinct atmosphere that stays with the listener long after the song has ended. Additionally, snippets of guitar riffs and synthesized sounds weave in and out of the mix, creating an intricate sonic tapestry that is both intriguing and catchy.
For fans who appreciate Bowie's ability to experiment with different sounds while still maintaining his signature style, Blackout is definitely worth a listen. Its enduring popularity speaks volumes about its impact on listeners over time.
Pro Tip: To fully appreciate the nuances of this track, listen with headphones or high-quality speakers in order to fully appreciate all of its underlying components.
David Bowie's 'Sound and Vision' will have you feeling like you're on a spaceship, oscillating between pure ecstasy and mild confusion.
8. Sound and Vision – Low
The classic musical masterpiece 'Sound and Vision' is one of David Bowie's all-time best creations, featured in his legendary album 'Low'. Its hypnotic blend of avant-garde rock and electronic elements fully cemented his place as a musical innovator.
Album | Low |
Genre | Art Rock |
Released Year | 1977 |
Song Length | 3:03 minutes |
Bowie's clever integration of electronic rhythms with rock instrumentation renders this number to be unparalleled in both composition and production quality. Its intriguing mix of sounds, smooth piano melody, and vocals bring sensuality to the forefront, making it an evergreen hit.
This memorable work encapsulates Bowie's exploration of new musical worlds, which can be evidenced by its influence on other genres like house, techno, ambient, and more. It is no surprise that the song still remains timeless decades after its creation.
David Bowie was known for his experimentation with different music styles; however, he had a love-hate relationship with electronic synthesizers at the start of his career before eventually embracing them. He mentioned in interviews that when composing this piece, he drew inspiration from current technologies such as televisions and synthesizers.
With Sound and Vision – Low, Bowie managed to transform a simple television signal into something extraordinary with impeccable sound engineering techniques that influenced many artists over generations.
David Bowie's journey took him to Tibet, and all he got was this awesome song.
9. Seven Years In Tibet – Earthling
This David Bowie gem, from his 1997 album Earthling, offers a unique blend of traditional Eastern instruments with hard-hitting techno beats. The dreamlike soundscapes and hauntingly poetic lyrics evoke a sense of spiritual journey, as Bowie sings about trying to find enlightenment through meditation in Tibet.
The track is a refreshing departure from Bowie's more rock-centric work and showcases his versatility as an artist.
As the ninth entry on this list of Bowie's best songs, "Seven Years in Tibet – Earthling" deserves recognition for its experimental sound and thought-provoking lyrics. Its distinctive mix of traditional Eastern music and modern electronic beats demonstrates Bowie's willingness to push the boundaries of genre and explore new sounds. Furthermore, the song's overall message promotes seeking self-discovery through introspection and meditation.
Notably, "Seven Years in Tibet – Earthling" is also accompanied by an iconic music video directed by David Mallett that features stunning visuals and poignant imagery reflecting the song's meditative themes.
Pro Tip: For an immersive experience, listen to this song while practicing mindfulness exercises or exploring natural scenery.
David Bowie proves he's still got it in 'The Next Day' – and by 'it', we mean the ability to rock harder in his 60s than most of us ever will.
10. The Next Day – The Next Day
With complex chord progressions and somber vocals, Bowie's 'The Next Day' marks a grand return to form. The title track especially emphasizes the idea that time is fleeting, touching on themes of aging, regret and mortality. It showcases Bowie's ability to create thought-provoking lyrics layered over a catchy tune.