Album Review: “Blackstar” shines as star

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David Bowie’s album, “Blackstar” came out on Jan. 8 2016

Introduction:

The magnificently diverse and wide-spanning discography of David Bowie (1947-2016), including iconic albums such as “Ziggy Stardust” and the “Spiders for Mars,” “Low,” “Aladdin Sane,” and “Hunky Dory,” has been completed with one of his most sonically interesting and lyrically impressive albums this past January with the release of his final album: “Blackstar.”  

The album is extremely moody and melodic, as well as experimental in its nature.  The influences of jazz, classic rock, electronic, and even rap are center stage, giving the listener a musical experience that is captivating and multi-layered.  The impeccable production is crafted in such a way that new discoveries are made upon each listen. “Blackstar” is a testament to Bowie’s career, creativity, and longevity.

Tracks:

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The title track “Blackstar” is a nearly ten-minute song that is epic in nature.  Bowie’s delivery of lyrics is haunting as he sings about a cult like place called villa of Ormen where an execution takes place. After the death, someone rises up and proclaims themselves as a Blackstar who appears to be a messiah-like figure who is powerful and all-knowing.  The lyrics, “Something happened on the day he died, spirit rose a meter and stepped aside.  Somebody else took his place and bravely cried, I’m a Blackstar,” potentially hint at Bowie knowing his eventual fate and hoping that someone else will rise up to take his place.  

The next track on the album “’Tis a Pity She Was a Whore,” is in my opinion one of the high points of the album sonically.  The opening seconds bombard the listener with a biting and memorable drum-line that sets the stage for the strong emotions Bowie expresses. “’Tis a Pity” speaks of a war like environment where a man falls in love with a prostitute, but is met with reality when she steals his purse and punches him in the face.  The song examines society and hints at how harsh the world is as it will figuratively punch you in the face.  

The third track on “Blackstar” is entitled “Lazarus,” a reference to the Biblical character who was resurrected by Jesus. Upon listening to this song after Bowie’s sudden death, it is obvious that this track is his most honest. Such lyrics as “Look up here I am in Heaven, I’ve got scars that can’t be seen,” are references to Bowie’s passing from cancer and his moving on to life beyond.  The track provides closure to the listener as Bowie proclaims that he is set free like a bluebird and has come to terms with his fate and has found happiness and contentment.  

“Sue (Or in a Season of Crime)” is the fourth track on the album and its dark imagery complements the tone of the album perfectly. The track speaks of a relationship that is filled with infidelity, loss, and disappointment and the implications on Bowie, the narrator.

“Girl Loves Me” is the fifth track on the album and it is the most experimental. Its echoing British slang lyrics and electronic beat, complemented with another heavy drumline makes the track extremely memorable. I am unsure of the meaning behind this track in the context of the album, but I find it to be extremely catchy.

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The sixth track on the album, “Dollar Days” sounds like a vintage Bowie song with acoustic guitars, saxophone, and his voice at center stage. The song can be interpreted as Bowie having qualms with the music industry and his distaste at its current trajectory. He does not like the emphasis on fame and monetary gain, but he also promises his fans that he will never forget them as they hold a special place in his heart.

The seventh and final track on “Blackstar” is entitled “I Can’t Give Everything Away,” and it is perhaps another obvious reference to Bowie’s eminent death on the album.  Bowie’s lyrics “I know something is very wrong…the blackout hearts, the flowered news with skull designs upon my shoes” shows that he knew this would be his final work.  The rest of the song repeats the lyric “I can’t give everything” multiple times, and it makes the listener question if this is Bowie saying that he fears moving on and leaving the world to which he feels he has not fully contributed.

Conclusion:

“Blackstar” is the perfect send-off for Bowie, and its status will most definitely rise to iconic.  Upon thirty or so listens, I still feel as if I have not fully explored the album as its message is so powerful and intricate, and its instrumentation is so detailed and vivid.  I am still in shock that we have lost a legend, but for me, “Blackstar” provides closure to his death. It shows he was happy and in a creative state of mind up until his death.  Rest in peace starman.    

Edward Benner is a contributor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.