David Bowie Songs career lasted over five decades, creating music that crossed many genres and won over fans worldwide1. His “David Bowie’s 100 Greatest Songs” list shows his wide range, from the 1970s to the early 2000s. It includes hits from albums like Reality (2003), Lodger (1979), “Heroes” (1977), Aladdin Sane (1973), Diamond Dogs (1974), and 1.Outside (1995)1.
Bowie’s songs tackled tough topics like personal battles, world issues, and social commentary1. His unique voice and music, featuring pianos, guitars, and more, made him a standout artist1.
His hits like “Space Oddity,” “Heroes,” and “Let’s Dance” have become classics, touching fans across generations1. Bowie mixed genres, tried new sounds, and tackled deep themes. This made him a huge influence on music.
Key Takeaways
- David Bowie’s five-decade career spanned multiple musical genres, from the glam rock of the 1970s to the avant-garde experimentation of his later years.
- Bowie’s discography is filled with iconic hits that have defined generations, such as “Space Oddity,” “Heroes,” and “Let’s Dance.”
- Bowie’s songwriting often delved into complex themes of personal struggles, global politics, and societal commentary.
- Bowie’s unique vocal delivery and musical style, incorporating a wide range of instruments, contributed to his status as a visionary artist.
- Bowie’s ability to continuously reinvent himself throughout his career solidified his legacy as one of the most influential musicians of all time.
Starman: Bowie’s Interstellar Breakthrough
David Bowie’s 1972 single “Starman” was a game-changer for his iconic alter ego, Ziggy Stardust. It was on the album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. This song introduced Bowie’s alien persona to more fans and made him a top star in glam rock23.
The song’s catchy tune and nods to pop culture hits like “Over the Rainbow” and “You Keep Me Hanging’ On” by The Supremes made it a hit4. Bowie’s performance on the BBC’s Top of the Pops on July 6, 1972, made the song even more popular4. This success was a big deal for Bowie, who had been struggling to get noticed since his 1969 hit “Space Oddity.”4
The “Starman” song was key in showing the power of creating a star image, which was a big theme in the Ziggy Stardust album2. Its messages of hope and longing hit home with listeners. Over the years, it has inspired many covers, like Sue Jorge’s version for The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, and a cover by the Finnish band Leningrad Cowboys4.
Since its release, “Starman” has stayed a favorite and greatly influenced Bowie’s music. Its impact is celebrated in the Victoria and Albert Museum’s “David Bowie Is” exhibition. This show highlights Bowie’s unforgettable performances, including his “Starman” debut on Top of the Pops423.
Rebel Rebel: Glam Rock’s Swansong
Released in 1974, David Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel” marked the end of glam rock. The song’s famous guitar riff was inspired by Keith Richards, capturing the era’s rebellious spirit5.
The lyrics praise glam rock fans who “love bands when they’re playing hard” and “want more and you want it fast”5. This song captured the energy and attitude of the genre. Bowie, moving on to new sounds, celebrated the glam rock’s golden age he helped start with Ziggy Stardust.
In 1978, Bowie rearranged “Rebel Rebel” into a slower, soulful version5. This new version showed his growth and his ability to change his music over time.
| Album | Release Date | Recording Details | Chart Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pin Ups | 19 October 1973 | Recorded from July to August 1973 at the Château d’Hérouville in Hortonville, France6. | Topped the UK Albums Chart upon its release6. |
“Rebel Rebel” ended Bowie’s glam rock phase but is still loved by fans5. Its lasting appeal shows Bowie’s skill in making songs that stay popular over years.
“David Bowie’s reimagined version of ‘Rebel Rebel’ in 1978 reflects a more mature and sophisticated side of the artist.”5
Young Americans: Bowie’s Foray into Soul
In 1975, David Bowie’s album “Young Americans” was a big change from his glam rock sound. He embraced Philly soul and R&B, especially in the title track7. With Luther Vandross on backing vocals, the album became a hit in the U.S., showing Bowie’s wide appeal7.
The album showed Bowie’s wide range, blending soul, funk, and jazz into his music7. He recorded most of it in Sigma Studios in Philadelphia7. This move to soul was a big change, surprising many at the time7.
Exploring the Philly Soul Influences
The “Young Americans” track talked about love, disappointment, money worries, and finding meaning7. Bowie hadn’t had a hit in the U.S. since 1969, so he turned to Philly Soul, a big genre then7.
Luther Vandross, known for his vocal work, made a big impact on “Young Americans”7. His vocals helped Bowie get back into soul music and return to the U.S. Top 40 charts7.
| Key Highlights |
|---|
| “Fame” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart8. |
| John Lennon provided backing vocals for Bowie’s cover of “Across the Universe” and played guitar and provided background vocals for “Fame,” for which Lennon received co-writing credit8. |
| Jay-Z interpolated Bowie’s song “Fame” on his 2001 diss track “Takeover” aimed at Mobb Deep and Nas8. |
| Public Enemy used “Fame” as the hook for the 1998 song “Night of the Living Baseheads.”8 |
| James Brown’s song “Hot (I Need To Be Loved, Loved, Loved, Loved)” samples the instrumental of Bowie’s “Fame” throughout the entire track8. |
Statistics from the links87,, and9 show how successful “Young Americans” was, its collaborations, and its creative process.
Heroes: Bowie’s Anthemic Masterpiece
David Bowie’s “Heroes” is a standout song from his 1977 album. It’s known for its iconic status and deep impact10. Bowie and Brian Eno wrote it, drawing from a tale of lovers separated by the Berlin Wall. This song captures their longing and the sadness of their secret love10.
At first, “Heroes” didn’t make it big in the US. But now, it’s a fan favorite and a staple in Bowie’s live shows. It shows his skill in creating powerful, emotional rock music10.
The song was recorded in Berlin, near the wall that split East and West Germany. It’s part of Bowie’s famous Berlin Trilogy10. King Crimson’s Robert Fripp added his guitar talents to the track10. Bowie was trying to overcome his drug issues and alcohol abuse, which might have influenced “Blackout”10.
Creating “Heroes” was a team effort11. Brian Eno, a co-writer, brought new recording ideas, like pre-effecting instruments11. The album’s second half features simple yet creative tracks, often improvised in the studio12.
Today, “Heroes” is seen as one of Bowie’s peak moments, hailed as his best song12. The album was made at Hansa Studio in Berlin, near the Berlin Wall. This place was a key spot for Bowie’s creativity with his team12.