Bowie Releases First Album in 11 Years

The always intriguing David Bowie has, without fanfare, released his first album in 11 years. The single "Where Are We Now" slipped out quietly around the beginning of the year, accompanied by a video in which Bowie barely appears. Now we have this release, with an album cover featuring Bowie's great 1977 "Heroes" album with a white box on the cover with the album title "The Next Day." Huh?

What does it mean? I don't know.  The first single was a bit of a somber affair, a recounting of past times and places. It appeared to be a signal that he was returning to the late 70's sound of his so-called "Berlin" trilogy.  Sonically interesting, not very rocking, as if that matters to David at this point. It didn't appear to make much of a stir.

Now we have a full album to judge and the early reviews seem very positive. Bowie has reunited with his most sympathetic produce Tony Visconti and he appears to be re-energized. Considering the fact that Bowie was rumored to have "retired" from the business for good, and variously to be on his deathbed or reclusive due to gaining a large amount of weight, the Bowie here sounds purposeful and focused.

The new "single" "The Stars (Are Out Tonight)" comes out rockin" with an aggressive guitar attack and an "in your face" mix that services a nice little hook, showing that Bowie has not lost any of his ability with a pop tune! The video, which I haven't seen, purportedly stars Bowie and Tilda Swinton. Though it has been streaming on Itunes for a couple of weeks now, it hot Spotify on Tuesday. I need to give this a couple more listens before I have a fully formed opinion but this one might be a purchase on my next trip to the record shop.

Supposedly Bowie is going to be touring this year, which should be interesting. I have only seen Bowie once, back in the 70's on his "Station To Station" tour (shout out to my concert going buddy Jeff Keiffer) and it was a phenomenal show. I am looking forward to what Bowie does next!