On David Bowie's 66th birthday, he returned with a surprising single, Where Are We Now, which was released on Bowie's 66th birthday. David Bowie's last album was 2003's Reality, and aside from one-off cameos with Arcade Fire and Pink Floyd, we haven't heard anything from him. Most assumed he was retired and would never release another album. This, from a man who in the 70s averaged an album per year. (and what a track record!). When news broke out of a new Bowie album, one wonders whether it is necessary, or how it will fit in today's culture. One thing one must remember about Bowie, he was never about fitting in. Always a trendsetter and always ahead of the game and unpredictable, this album reinvents Bowie once again. Some, like, Where are We now, are more reflective, a shoutout to his 70s Berlin work, (also the cover is his 1977 album, Heroes, with a white square over it, further alluding to his 70s work). Other songs are more rocking, such as the 2nd single, The Stars Are Out tonight (catch the video for it with actress Tilda Swinton), which is way more upbeat and rocking. What I love about this album is that it almost plays like a greatest hits collection, in which every song is completely different and offers something new every time you hear it. When you look at popular music today, you wonder where Bowie fits in. He's completely different than the manufactured pop stars, gangsta rappers and hipsters dominating the charts today. Despite that, this album went to #1 in over 12 countries, including his first #1 in the UK. In the Us it debuted at #2, behind Bon Jovi, which is still commendable. This album rocks and sways and it destined to be on many album of the year charts. There is a little something for everyone here. While not quite as bombastic as Hunky Dory, and Ziggy Stardust, this album will rank among Bowie's best! Check out these tracks.
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