I had another blog post in mind for today, but after receiving the news that David Bowie had passed away early this morning, I opted instead to pay tribute to the iconic singer/songwriter. I’m not going to regale you with long lost tales from Bowie’s illustrious career or life, you have the Internet to help provide you with that. What I would like to do is declare January 11th officially Bowie Day and to share my five favorite tracks by the celebrated recording artist. I have always preferred celebrations to mournings, so with that in mind I cheer: Happy Bowie Day!
1) Fashion – an amazing track that exemplifies his knack for tricky words and social commentary. Also, it’s über catchy!
2) Changes – a song about the human experience. Growing up. Being yourself. Being Brave. Being bold. Fighting adversity and embracing change. Hard not to love this song.
3) Let’s Dance – This may be a bit obvious, but this is the first David Bowie song that I remember ever hearing on the radio at the point in my adolescence when recording artists started to matter to me. Also, the Stevie Ray Vaughan guitar is mesmerizing on this cut. A top shelf pop hit with an irresistible hook.
4) Ashes to Ashes – I can never quite put my finger on why I love this song so much, but I absolutely do! It’s so meta, but in the best way possible. Perhaps it’s the melancholy melody coupled with the inventive lyrical style and exceptional vocal delivery. Maybe I just like what I like.
5) Thursday’s Child – a perfect end to this list. Just a sublime cut from the portion in time when he was recording songs for the video game Omikron: the Nomad Soul. No explanation is necessary, the song speaks for itself.
As a parting gift to us all, Bowie made one last video recently for his latest single: Lazarus – where he sings “Look up here, I’m in heaven.” He embraced death as he embraced life: to the fullest with no reservations… damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead! You will be loved and missed David Bowie.
