If anyone was a true chameleon in music animal world, it was certainly David Bowie. So many personas and masks that he had change since the beginning of his career up until today make giant brain that produces numerous high quality record, always with a different story and different production. Some might say that during the 90s he had slow down a little bit and made some weaker records influenced by electronic music but the rock beast in him was never put on silent.
Maybe his music was not always original but his interpretation and representation would be able to compensate for everything. From pure Ziggy Stardust rock, new wave, pop electronic and rock to the Thin White Duke soul, it is a road paved with eccentric expressions and contexts that are book writing worthy. The journey was so much fun, Bowie. Thank you for it.
Even though we lost him today, we have a new old Bowie in front of us. Blackstar is a substantial retrospective of rock in his music with contemporary interpretation of a man who has tried so many things. Now he is saying farewell with the story about his experiences. Once again, he is staying behind the mask cause he never reveals completely. Lyrics and interpretations are always enigmatic and somewhere in between.
Giving himself in and hiding is characteristic for Bowie. That is why he lasted for so long. He knew how to keep us intrigued by his persona. After the weak The Next Day, Bowie returns strongly with Blackstar ‘s seven long songs, each of them offeingr something unique. There is electronic and pop but the rock matrix is present (just take a listen to Sue Or In a Season of Crime). Opening and title track Blackstar is pretty dark and obscure in which Bowie plays with his vocal abilities. It is an ambivalent track because you feel attracted to it but at the same time you are left wondering whether this is the strangest thing Bowie has ever made. The most experimental number on the album has a hermetic lyrics and it lasts enough to suck you in its darkness. Great album intro, not normatively an indicator of what is next. Every track is the galaxy for itself.
Another powerful track is Tis a Pity She Was a Whore, very jazzy. Maybe album would be one of his best works If there were more tracks like this. Lazarus is completely different, simple and pure, gorgeously orchestrated. Totally coherent and structured. Lyrics has the essence of the album and Bowie’s life: Look up here, I’m in heaven, I’ve got scars that can’t be seen.
Before his departure, Bowie managed to return his rock beast and make another rocking album. Salute to the gender bending king!
