David Bowie wasn’t on my personal playlist all the time, but his music has definitely been in the background for ages. It’s a drag to hear about him passing away. His influence on music is undeniable for sure.

We were all saddened to learn about the passing of this avant-garde artist, whose real name was David R. Jones. While he wasn’t an artist I listened to regularly, his music had a profound impact on me. Bowie was a true musical genius who remained relevant from the late ’60s to the ’10s.

We know his latest album just dropped three days ago. It’s already blowing up online, with tons of sites doing tributes and diving into his career as a musician and actor. Plus, everyone’s buzzing about how prophetic his last two music videos seem – like a final gift to his fans.

You might know him for iconic personas like Ziggy Stardust, the Thin White Duke, Pierrot, or even Button-Eyes.”

A genius

David Bowie was a true chameleon, constantly reinventing himself throughout his career. You might know him for iconic personas like Ziggy Stardust, the Thin White Duke, Pierrot, or even Button-Eyes. Each one was like a different user interface for Bowie, reflecting a distinct phase in his life – sometimes over-the-top, sometimes pure genius.

The music itself defied easy categorization. He played with everything from psychedelic rock to synthpop, even techno. They say some artists are irreplaceable, but with Bowie, it feels especially true. Let’s dive deep into his music, from hidden gems to radio staples, and even his final works.

This is Major Tom to Ground Control, I’m stepping through the door and I’m floating in a most peculiar way.”

Space Oddity (1969).

So, David Bowie’s first song, “Space Oddity,” is mind-blowing. Seriously, for someone known for pushing boundaries like Bowie, that’s saying something! It’s this cool mix of psychedelic and progressive rock, and I actually discovered it after getting into Sui Generis (another awesome band, by the way). Here’s the really cool part: the song tells the story of this fictional astronaut, Major Tom.

It’s like this ongoing saga! Major Tom even pops up in Bowie’s other songs as Ashes To Ashes and Hallo Spaceboy, gets shout-outs from other artists like Elton John, Deff Leppard, Tea Party, K.I.A., Alphabeat, Fangoria, Marilyn Manson and Lana Del Rey. There’s also this super catchy song called Major Tom (Coming Home) by Peter Schilling that you might recognize from the radio.

And my brother’s back at home with his Beatles and his Stones, we never got if off on that revolution stuff.”

All The Young Dudes (1972).

While this 1972 track didn’t see an official release until 1995 on the “Rarest Bowie” album, it’s a timeless gem that has resonated with listeners for decades. Originally written for Mott the Hoople, the song’s message of hope amidst a backdrop of environmental destruction remains as relevant today as ever. I vividly recall my first encounter with “All the Young Dudes,” captivated by the powerful rendition from Iron Maiden‘s vocalist Bruce Dickinson.

While I appreciate Bruce’s impassioned delivery, I’ve always wondered about the underlying anger that seemed to permeate his performance. At its core, the song paints a poignant picture of a world on the brink, reflecting the anxieties of a generation grappling with the consequences of unchecked environmental exploitation. It’s a message that resonates deeply with our current reality, where the repercussions of our actions on the planet are becoming increasingly apparent.

There’s a starman waiting in the sky, he’d like to come and meet us but he thinks he’d blow our minds”.

Starman (1972).

“Starman” is a captivating tune that transports me back to a Virginia bar where I met a captivating Slovakian woman named Julia. We bonded over a game of 8-ball, with my playful ribbing about my lackluster billiard skills adding to the lighthearted atmosphere. As the song’s ethereal notes filled the air, I watched her sway to the rhythm, her movements as captivating as the music itself.

I couldn’t resist asking if she was a Bowie fan, only to be met that she wasn’t familiar with the music legend. The look of surprise on my face must have been quite comical, as she broke into a smile and reassured me that she simply enjoyed the song’s infectious melody. “Starman” paints a picture of a cosmic savior descending upon Earth, albeit with an air of uncertainty about our collective reaction. But whenever I hear this track, Julia’s radiant smile flashes back to me. 

We passed upon the stair, we spoke of was and when, although I wasn’t there, he said I was his friend”.

The Man Who Sold The World (1973).

Mention this song, and most people probably think of Nirvana‘s 1995 cover. It’s also a staple of the iconic MTV Unplugged, but this track is actually an original David Bowie creation. I was surprised to learn that it’s a sort of sequel to his classic “Space Oddity.

“The Man Who Sold the World” is a hazy, enigmatic tune, leaving listeners wondering who this enigmatic figure is. Throughout his career, Bowie delved into dark and melancholic themes, and this song is no exception. The lyrics could be a reflection of his growing drug addiction or his misunderstood genius.

You’re acting funny, try to spend my money, you out there playing your high class games of sorrow, sorrow.”

Sorrow (1973).

David Bowie’s masterful rendition of “Sorrow,” originally a B-side track by The McCoys, stands as a testament to his ability to seamlessly blend his own unique style with the essence of classic rock. While retaining the spirit of the original 1960s-era song, heavily influenced by The Beatles, Bowie’s interpretation injects a fresh layer of sophistication and emotional depth.

The song delves into the universal theme of heartbreak, as a young English lad navigates the pain of unrequited love for a blonde beauty. Bowie’s poignant vocals and the song’s infectious melody create an irresistible listening experience that leaves an indelible mark on the listener. Among Bowie’s Aladdin Sane era tracks, “Sorrow” holds a special place in my heart.

I, I wish you could swim, like the dolphins, like dolphins can swim, though nothing, nothing will keep us together.”

Heroes (1977).

Aquí pongo otro gran single que también fue actualizado durante los noventas, esta vez por el grupo The Wallflowers. Heroes está en mi top 5 de Bowie aunque , como otros temas suyos, no me impactaron al inicio. De hecho, igual que The Man Who Sold The World, me gustaba más el cover noventero que su propia versión.

Imagino que me identificaba con la version de The Wallflowers al ser esta última parte de mi década favorita. Fue con el paso de los años, lentamente, en que le agarré más cariño que a los covers noventeros. Ya dije que no soy un gran fan de la música de David, pero igual he terminado prefiriendo sus interpretaciones.

Sat on a fence but it don’t work, Keep coming up with love but it’s so slashed and torn.”

Under Pressure (1981).

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 35 years since the Thin White Duke and the West London band decided to team up for this epic collaboration. I’ve always associated “Under Pressure” more with Queen than Bowie, simply because I’m a huge fan of the former. I imagine most people feel the same way, as Freddie Mercury’s vocals are simply unforgettable.

Apparently, after jamming together at a party, Queen and Bowie thought, “Why not make a song of our own?” They liked the idea – they had never collaborated before, and they were both recording in the same studio. So, they threw together some unreleased compositions, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Let’s dance, put on your red shoes and dance the blues, let’s sway, under the moonlight, this serious moonlight.”

Let’s Dance (1983).

This track undoubtedly deserves a spot on the list of Bowie’s most iconic songs. It brings back childhood memories for me. When I hear Bowie’s name, the first thing that comes to mind is his look during the beloved 1980s. If I’m not mistaken, he had already shed his “Thin White Duke” persona and was embracing his most “rockstar” era.

“Let’s Dance” was a global smash hit. David Bowie already had a devoted hardcore fan base, but this song catapulted him to international stardom. I remember coming home and blasting this track alongside Queen, Madonna, Billy Idol, Bruce Springsteen, Mick Jagger, etc. Honestly, this is a song that should still be played on every radio station and in every club around the world. It’s a true classic.

I catch a paper boy but things don’t really change, I’m standing in the wind but I never wave bye-bye.”

Modern Love (1983).

This song, like the previous one, is a staple of my ’80s soundtrack, plain and simple. Whenever I hear it, it always brings to mind Veron, a fellow aficionado of that decade’s music. In contrast to his melancholic seventies phase, the lyrics of this single capture the infectious pop sound of the era.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more energetic song, with lyrics that encourage us to face our fears head-on. What I didn’t know until recently, and was pleasantly surprised to discover, is that the guitar solo on this track is courtesy of the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughan. This is a song I can’t stop replaying – Bowie has a knack for creating tunes that become hopelessly addictive.

Jump magic jump put that magic jump on me, slap that baby (aha) slap that, slap that baby, make it free.”

Magic Dance (1986).

First off, if you haven’t seen Jim Henson’s Labyrinth, the mastermind behind Sesame Street and The Muppets Show, then buckle up for a major throwback. This movie features a teenage Jennifer Connelly, who absolutely rocked in films like Little Children, Hulk o Noah, alongside the legendary Bowie as Jareth – yep, the Goblin King himself.

True to Henson’s style, Labyrinth is a masterpiece of puppetry, with only a handful of live actors. But the magic doesn’t stop there – Bowie also lent his musical talents to the soundtrack, creating songs that perfectly capture the film’s fantastical world. The film’s central song, “Magic Dance,” reflects the plot as Jareth lures Sarah into his labyrinthine kingdom by kidnapping her little brother.

Ground to Major, bye bye Tom (This chaos is killing me) Dead the circuit, countdown’s wrong (This chaos is killing me)”

Hallo Spaceboy (1996).

This song holds a special place in my heart, as it marked Bowie’s foray into electronic music, a realm I’m deeply passionate about. It was around this time that I first encountered the enigmatic Major Tom, a character that had previously only graced a Peter Schilling track I enjoyed. Bowie’s exploration of this persona, along with other artists’ interpretations, ignited my interest in the Major Tom narrative.

The first time I saw the music video, it was the Pet Shop Boys collaboration, and I was blown away! Back then, I was glued to MTV Latin America shows like Ozono and Music 21, and I’d frequently tune into PoRNoC on Radio Doble 9. These programs, along with others, played a pivotal role in shifting my musical preferences from rock to electronic music.

And I’m gone gone gone now I’m older than movies, let me dance away now I’m wiser than dreams.”

Dead Man Walking (1997).

If I had to pick a favorite album from David Bowie’s extensive discography, Earthling would be my hands-down choice. While it’s packed with gems like “Telling Lies,” “Afraid of Americans,” and “Little Wonder,” the track that truly resonates with me is “Dead Man Walking.” This upbeat anthem with its industrial edge has an unforgettable sound that’s been etched in my mind ever since I first heard it.

During that era, I was deep-diving into the world of electronic music, eagerly absorbing every new sound I could find. I’d meticulously record my favorites onto chrome or metal cassettes, scouring record stores like Centro Lima, Brasil, and Porta for hidden treasures. I even started visiting the homes of local DJs to discover their latest sonic gems. It was a labor of love, navigating the city’s bustling streets to fuel my musical passion.

On the day of execution, on the day of execution, only women kneel and smile, ah ah, ah ah.”

Blackstar (2016).

So, I just watched this video that dropped three days ago, and of course, it’s gone viral due to Bowie’s passing. This single blew my mind; it’s an epic long track that starts as Trip-Hop and ends as Progressive Rock. The cool thing is that despite how different it sounds, Bowie makes the whole thing flow organically.

The video is kind of bizarre and very enigmatic, in my opinion, taking place in both outter space and on Earth. I think that dead astronaut there must be Major Tom, who crashed on some planet that had civilization. And those people having spasms, who then seem to connect with the alien, is all very strange but I love it!

One thing’s for sure, David Bowie (or should I say David Robert Jones?) was a true avant-garde superstar in every sense.”

Despedida.

David Bowie was the ultimate multi-hyphenate – a phenomenal actor who could rock any genre musically. Talk about a creative genius! And his exit was as brilliant as his career. You gotta wonder if he knew his time was up – that Lazarus video with him fading into the wardrobe? Chills, man.

One thing’s for sure, David Bowie (or should I say David Robert Jones?) was a true avant-garde superstar in every sense. Ahead of his curve, a rule-breaker he challenged expectations and always managed to be both insanely talented and hilarious. A legend, for sure. Rest in peace, Bowie.

Meet you at the next entry.