A long time coming, but worth the wait
The Next Day – David Bowie
About 6 weeks ago, on his birthday, David Bowie revealed himself to the world once more after being “in hibernation” for over a decade following a serious health scare. Fans had relied on his back catalogue to keep his music alive in their lives, and his return was perfectly timed and executed; almost reminiscent of Willa Wonka delivering on the golden tickets to show himself to the world once more!
Not only were we treated to new singles, in the form of “Where are We Now” and “The Stars (Are Out Tonight)”, with diverse and visually-rich, filmatically arty videos to accompany them, but a new album “The Next Day” which was released last Monday to many a positive critique, and with just cause. I can honestly say that Bowie’s latest offering hasn’t left my ears during the past week! So much so that Hurts and Adam Ant’s albums, also purchased this week, haven’t yet had an airing.
“The Next Day” is an eclectic album which seems to borrow musical styles from much of his back catalogue. I can hear traces of Scary Monsters, Low, Hunky Dory, Aladdin Sane, and Ziggy Stardust in the melodies and lyrics, each one expertly blended with Tony Visconti’s influence. But despite its eclectic-ness, “The Next Day” proves to be a complete work in its entirety and arguably Bowie’s best to date. Ranging from the most heart rendering ballads “You Feel So Lonely You Could Die” and “Where Are We Now?” to the toe-tapping, get-up-and-dance, rock-infested “(You Will) Set The World on Fire” and the title track, “The Next Day”.
It’s extremely difficult for me to choose personal favourites (ask me to split the atom instead, it’d be easier!) and there are no track-skippers, which for any album is rare. If pushed, the title track with its Sisters of Mercy-esque heavy guitars and chorus is a close second to one of the bonus tracks, “I’ll Take You There”, another rock-laden affair with an extremely “gets-in-your-psyche” catchy melody.
I really can’t recommend this album highly enough; quite simply the best thing I’ve heard in a very long time. Welcome back Bowie… we’ve missed you!
Ange Chan
16th March 2013
Short URL: http://80slegends.com/?p=1793
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Great succinct review of a classy album Ange. Tough to pick a best track on this high quality selection, to choose one from his career would be 26 X impossible.