David Bowie, born David Robert Jones on January 8, 1947, in Brixton, London, was an iconic English singer-songwriter, musician, and actor who forever changed the landscape of popular music. With his ever-evolving sound, distinctive voice, and boundary-pushing persona, Bowie became a trailblazer and a cultural icon.

Bowie’s career spanned over five decades, during which he constantly reinvented himself and explored various musical styles and personas. From his early folk and pop beginnings in the 1960s to his experimental and avant-garde art-rock in the 1970s, Bowie pushed the boundaries of what was considered mainstream and challenged conventional norms.

In the early 1970s, Bowie introduced his most famous alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, a flamboyant and otherworldly character that became synonymous with his breakthrough album, “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.” The album, featuring hits like “Starman” and “Suffragette City,” catapulted Bowie to international stardom and solidified his reputation as a visionary artist.

Throughout his career, Bowie continued to push artistic boundaries and experiment with different genres, including soul, funk, electronic, and art-pop. His albums, such as “Young Americans,” “Station to Station,” and “Heroes,” showcased his ability to seamlessly blend genres and create a unique sonic landscape.

Beyond his music, Bowie’s visual aesthetics and theatrical stage presence were equally influential. He embraced fashion and style, becoming an icon for self-expression and gender fluidity. Bowie’s ability to morph into different characters and personas added a dynamic element to his performances and further fueled his mystique.

Bowie’s impact extended beyond music and fashion. He was a visionary and a pioneer in the realm of music videos, using the medium to enhance his storytelling and artistic expression. His videos, such as “Ashes to Ashes” and “Let’s Dance,” showcased his cinematic approach and left a lasting impression on the music industry.

David Bowie’s artistic legacy is immeasurable. His music and persona continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians, artists, and performers. Bowie’s ability to adapt and evolve, coupled with his fearless creativity, made him a true innovator and a cultural icon.

Sadly, Bowie passed away on January 10, 2016, leaving behind a profound impact on the world of music and popular culture. His legacy as a visionary artist, boundary-pusher, and eternal icon will forever be celebrated and cherished.

1. Let’s Dance – Let’s Dance

David Bowie’s influential and iconic music career has produced numerous hits, including a chart-topping single that still resonates with fans today. “Let’s Dance,” the title track of his 1983 album, is a testament to Bowie’s ability to evolve as an artist while maintaining the infectious qualities that made him famous. With its catchy rhythm and slick guitar licks, the song showcases Bowie’s knack for pairing memorable lyrics with irresistible hooks. It remains one of his most recognizable and beloved songs.

Furthermore, “Let’s Dance” was produced by Nile Rodgers, one of the most sought-after producers of the time who also lent his skills to hits from Madonna and Duran Duran. The song’s success marked a new era for Bowie as he explored different genres from funk to dance music.

A lesser-known fact about “Let’s Dance” is that it features jazz guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan on lead guitar. His bluesy solos add depth to what would otherwise be a straightforward pop song.

Pro Tip: The video for “Let’s Dance” was filmed in Australia and features Indigenous Australians in prominent roles. Bowie used this platform at a time when few were talking about Indigenous issues to raise awareness of their plight.

David Bowie may have sung about Fame, but after listening to Young Americans, it’s clear he didn’t let it go to his head.

2. Fame – Young Americans

David Bowie’s legendary song ‘Fame’ was released in 1975 as a part of the album ‘Young Americans’. It is recognized as one of his signature songs that explore themes of fame, success and its consequences. Bowie’s collaboration with John Lennon for this track provides it with an extra edge, making it a favorite amongst fans. The funky guitar riffs and soaring vocals are some of the elements that make it stand out from other songs of its time.

Furthermore, the song is known for its experimental nature, which highlighted Bowie’s vision as an artist who was not afraid to challenge stylistic boundaries. Its release marked a significant growth in his musical career where he went on to become one of the biggest pop icons in history. This track serves as a testimony to Bowie’s artistry that continues to inspire generations even after his demise.

Ziggy Stardust may have crashed and burned, but this song will have you feeling like a rock ‘n’ roll survivor.

3. Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars

David Bowie’s legendary song ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide’, from the album ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars’, is an iconic rock ballad. It emphasizes the glam rock movement that comprised Bowie’s persona, Ziggy Stardust, who sang about space, love, and hope while residing on Earth among humans. This track was a perfect conclusion song to the box set ‘Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture’ which was released in 1983.

As one of Bowie’s most famous works, ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide’ embodies his unusual creativity and electrifying performance. Even today, this song continues to influence artists worldwide with its anthemic questioning of life’s meaning, making it an essential part of any discerning music aficionado’s playlist.

Fun Fact: David Bowie found inspiration for his alter-ego character Ziggy Stardust after he saw Vince Taylor vehemently perform at a pop festival in 1961.

Even in his final days, Bowie’s creativity never died, and ‘Lazarus’ is proof that his artistry lives on beyond the grave.

4. Lazarus – Blackstar

This legendary musician left behind a vast body of work, but ‘Lazarus‘ from his final album ‘Blackstar‘ stands out as one of David Bowie’s best compositions. It is a poignant and emotive track that showcases his incredible vocal range and songwriting abilities.

‘Lazarus’ is a hauntingly beautiful song with lyrics that delve into mortality and the inevitability of death. Bowie sings about the characters he has created throughout his career, bidding them farewell, as if he knows his time is running out. The ethereal instrumentation further adds to its otherworldly quality.

What sets this song apart from others is that it takes on a deeper meaning after Bowie’s death. It feels like a farewell gift from him to all his fans. The video features the singer lying in a hospital bed and the lyrics have an eerie foreshadowing feel to them.

‘Lazarus’ is undoubtedly one of David Bowie’s greatest tracks. It’s beautifully written and performed, highlighting why he was such an influential artist for generations to come.

Ground control to Major Tom, this song takes us on a journey to the stars and back, showcasing Bowie’s eclectic range of musical talents.

5. Space Oddity – David Bowie

This track by the iconic musician David Bowie, known as one of his greatest hits, is titled after a voyage to the void of space. Laced with poetic lyrics, the song narrates an astronaut’s troubled trip to space and eventual realization of his estrangement from Earth.

Not only did this song top UK charts in 1969, but it also became the staple of Bowie’s musical career.

Bowie’s delivery and melodies are powerful on “Space Oddity” and have resonated with audiences for years. The song highlights Bowie’s storytelling skills and sonic experimentation. It paints a vivid picture of an outer space journey while also being introspective and relatable. The song has stood the test of time due to its catchy chorus, harmonious guitar sections, and mesmerizing vocals by Bowie.

Interestingly, “Space Oddity” was specifically written as a partial promotional tool for the moon landing mission carried out by Apollo 11 in 1969. Its relevance at the time reinforces its quality as an instrument that drew influence from current affairs while still maintaining its artistic essence.

Incorporating “Space Oddity” in regular rotation or sampling elements from it could help develop future music styles as well.

From Major Tom to dancing with Jareth, Bowie’s journey to the stars ends with the haunting ‘Ashes to Ashes’, a reminder that even in death, he still shines bright.

6. Ashes To Ashes – Scary Monsters

With its eccentric lyrics and innovative synth-pop beat, “Ashes To Ashes” from David Bowie’s album Scary Monsters marks a significant transition in his musical career. The song marked the return of his character Major Tom, incorporating aspects of pop culture and technology into its sound and theme. Bowie’s vocal delivery and fresh approach to electronic music also influenced other artists at the time.

The song’s video directed by David Mallet was one of the first to make use of special effects such as Chroma Key, which enhanced its surrealism. Apart from being commercially successful, it received critical acclaim for its creative expression.

Bowie’s bold reinvention of his image and sound captured in “Ashes to Ashes” set a benchmark for musicians looking to break free from mainstream stereotypes. Don’t miss out on this trailblazing hit that made history in the world of music.

Heroes may get remembered, but Blackout is the song that will make you forget all your problems for a few glorious minutes.

7. Blackout – Heroes

The track at number seven from David Bowie’s iconic album Heroes, otherwise known as Blackout, is a captivating and intense masterpiece. Here are three reasons why this song truly stands out:

• Bowie’s urgent vocal delivery captures the disorienting feeling of losing control, enhanced by the frenzied guitar riffs and pounding drum beats.
• The lyrics explore themes of addiction and temptation, with Bowie conveying both vulnerability and defiance through his words.
• The soaring instrumental section in the middle of the song acts as an electrifying release, providing a moment of sonic catharsis before returning to the frenetic pace of the verses.

Overall, Blackout is a thrilling listening experience that showcases Bowie’s unparalleled ability to merge raw emotion with intricate musical layers. Keep reading for more highlights from his extensive discography.

If you haven’t already immersed yourself in David Bowie’s music, don’t wait any longer! His songs have shaped generations and continue to inspire artists today. Don’t miss out on experiencing the beauty and innovation that made him one of the most important figures in music history. Start with Blackout and let yourself get lost in the brilliance of this iconic artist.

Sound and Vision – the perfect tune for when you want to dance like Bowie, but sound like a malfunctioning robot.

8. Sound and Vision – Low

David Bowie’s “Sound and Vision” is a masterpiece from his album Low. It is famous for its unique arrangement, including a looped guitar riff and electronic instruments, mixed with an orchestral sound. The song’s lyrics are inspired by Bowie’s struggles with writer’s block and his need to break free from artistic constraints.

Here is a Table providing some details about the song:

Track Number	Song Title	Album
8	Sound and Vision	Low

In addition to its innovative sound, “Sound and Vision” is also famous for its music video. Directed by David Mallet, the video features Bowie standing in front of a wall covered in miniature televisions, singing the song while various images flash on the screens behind him. The video was praised for its use of multiple simultaneous shots and was instrumental in establishing the music video as an art form.

Interestingly, Bowie originally wrote “Sound and Vision” as an instrumental piece but added lyrics later on. He has described it as one of his favorite songs and one that he never gets tired of playing live.

Overall, “Sound and Vision” remains a beloved classic among Bowie fans and continues to inspire artists with its bold vision and experimental approach to sound. David Bowie takes us on a sonic journey across continents and time, and with ‘Seven Years In Tibet’, we get a glimpse of his wanderlust and mystique.

9. Seven Years In Tibet – Earthling

This upbeat track is considered as one of David Bowie’s best contributions to his ‘Earthling’ album. ‘Seven Years In Tibet’ portrays Bowie’s multi-faceted and experimental approach towards music as he blends eclectic sounds with Tibetan chanting. The lyrics, inspired by Heinrich Harrer’s book of the same title, narrate about Buddhism and how it affects people’s soul. This song showcases Bowie’s dynamic talent in fusing various genres harmoniously.

Beneath the surface of this track lies a connection parallel to David Bowie’s personal life. The “Seven years in Tibet” title hinted at his interest in Buddhism, as he undertook Buddhist prayer rituals during his visit to Tibet in 1996, along with his son. This song not only displays an iconic cultural fusion but also highlights Bowie’s spiritual exploration through music.

In comparison to other tracks on the album, ‘Seven Years In Tibet’ is notable for its diverse composition consisting of strong industrial beats and raucous guitars which merge successfully with traditional Tibetan chanting. Till today, this track resonates greatly with listeners who appreciate experimentation within the rock genre that showcased infinite possibilities of creative expression without boundaries like Bowie did throughout his career.

David Bowie proves that even in death, he has the ability to release amazing music with ‘The Next Day’, making it a worthy addition to his legendary discography.

10. The Next Day – The Next Day

“The Next Day – The Next Day” marks the return of David Bowie after a ten-year long hiatus. The song speaks about the anxieties and consequences of returning to a world that has changed drastically in one’s absence. It presents Bowie’s signature sound with a modern twist, creating an instant connection with listeners.

The powerful lyrics and haunting melody depict Bowie’s introspective journey as he comes to terms with his place in the world. The song also reflects on political and social issues prevalent at the time.

“The Next Day – The Next Day” ensures the legacy of the legend lives on as it delivers another piece of music that defines his artistry. It showcases how Bowie’s music continues to impact and influence generations even today.

Experience “The Next Day – The Next Day” for yourself, and discover why it is regarded as one of David Bowie’s most iconic songs.