David Bowie: Blackstar (9.3/10)
The Brightest Star of Them All
David Bowie is more than just a name: he's an attitude, an icon, and most importantly a star. Few artists have influenced as many as Bowie, whether it's in regards to music, pop culture, or simply the way they carry themselves. The man really was larger than life. He showed us we could be anything we wanted both in his music and personas. Characters such as Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, and The Man Who Sold The World all captivated thousands of us, and inspired us to be all we could be. But perhaps what was more enthralling than all these characters was the man who was beneath them. David Bowie just embodies the word power. His big and bold voice, his confident strut, and the way his music could cut through you like a machete all exemplify what him so great. Upon hearing news of his death, I felt shocked and unbelievably saddened. I immediately turned on Low and felt the music glide me away. Few artists could make me feel this way, I mean I was literally crying for a bit. That being said, just because someone dies doesn't mean their art or image does. Bowie will live on forever, and his swan song Blackstar will only solidify his place as a legend.
On Blackstar's closer Bowie sings "I Can't Give Everything Away" a sentiment that so perfectly Bowie's career as a whole. The man has always kept us guessing, which in the end we all thank him for. His career spanned about 5 decades and still nobody could quite figure him out, even when it came to his death. This album is no different. It starts out with the haunting 10 minute title track that is as weird as anything he's ever done. The song features gregorian chants, syncopated drumming, and scattered saxophone. It's really something to behold honestly. How it all comes together so smoothly is really quite astounding. Tis a Pity She Was a Whore is another great track. This is perhaps the most clustered track on the entire thing. At times the groove is somewhat hard to follow, and it just seems discombobulated, but in the end Bowie's triumphant yelps and screams sell you hard on this one. Lazarus is a true goodbye from Bowie, and a glorious one at that. The lyrical content is dark yet beautiful, and really gives you a snapshot of where Bowie was at just before he died. Sue (Or In a Season of Crime) is a flat out jazzy jam. This one combines light and finesse filled percussion, with gruesomely heavy guitar riffs. It's another excellently crafted tune, that's both challenging and very rewarding. Girl Loves Me is perhaps the strangest tune on here. Bowie echoes the line "Where The Fuck Did Monday Go?" throughout the song which you can't help but think is a reference to his death. What makes it even more haunting is that he died on a Sunday night, not even making it to Monday morning. Either way this track is extremely intoxicating. The unorthodox vocal delivery and echoing drums keep things more than interesting. Dollar Days is a classic Bowie ballad. It is a gut punch of emotion that really sticks to your ribs, and lastly, the previously mentioned I Can't Give Everything Away is an absolute triumph. It really feels as if these were meant to be his last words. There is nothing remarkable about the instrumental on this track, but Bowie really shines lyrically. He connects to the listener and makes this track a top-tier Bowie track. Overall, Blackstar is a fantastic album. I don't know if I'd call it a classic Bowie album, but it is certainly an incredible achievement. For someone this old, and this sick to do something this unique is truly remarkable. My respect for this man knows no bounds.
Best Songs: Blackstar, Tis a Pity She Was a Whore, Lazarus, Dollar Days, I Can't Give Everything Away
Worst Songs: NONE
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