This text was initially printed in 2016, days previous to David Bowie’s loss of life. It has since been up to date in celebration of what would have been his 76th birthday on January eighth, 2023.

Ever felt overwhelmed by an artist’s in depth again catalog? Been which means to take a look at a band, however you simply don’t know the place to start? In 10 Songs is right here to assist, providing a crash course and entry level into the daunting discographies of iconic artists of all genres. That is your first step towards fandom. Take it.

David Bowie is transformation incarnate. He’s been a starman, an alligator, skinny white duke, goblin king, a lad insane, a bit of teenage wildlife, a damaged man, and most just lately a Blackstar. He can’t be held down, held again, and infrequently pigeonholed. If he’s by no means struck a chord with you, then it’s probably you simply haven’t heard the appropriate Bowie.

Since his emergence within the late ’60s, throughout the scope of 27 studio albums and counting, he’s been an important determine in people, glam, soul, new wave, experimental, pop, grunge, electronica, dance, and jazz to call a couple of. A case could possibly be made for Bowie being probably the most sonically prolific artist for the reason that daybreak of rock ‘n’ roll.

All that in thoughts, it needs to be no shock that whittling down the Bowie discography to 10 songs is nigh unimaginable. Followers will instantly discover stunning omissions and maybe some surprising selections. Our purpose with this iteration of In 10 Songs is to take a good crack at representing as many musical durations of Bowie’s work as area permits.

Thought being, for the uninitiated, if any one in all these tracks does it for you, then there’s at the very least an album’s value of fabric ready to be found. Possibly you’ll find it irresistible all, uncommon chook that you’re — however most definitely, as with many Bowie followers, you’ll deeply love a few of it, whereas the remaining will stay a curiosity. There’s no improper reply as long as there’s some Bowie in your life.

His twenty eighth album, ★, arrives on January eighth, 2016 — and with it a brand new period of style fusion and experimentation. When you’ve by no means taken the plunge, we all know, the scope could be staggering. Let these 10 tracks start your odyssey.

— Cap Blackard