Why?

Recorded at the Magic Shop studio in New York with local jazz musicians, Blackstar may well be the odd-est work yet from the 68-year-old singer and eternal chameleon. And as anyone who has spent time with the instrumental side of Bowie’s 1976 album Low can attest, that’s saying something.

Blackstar is not due out until January 8, Bowie’s birthday, but a few details have emerged. The stark black and white style of the cover art on his 2013 album The Next Day has been replaced by colourful shots of Bowie looking blond and youthful. There are only seven songs on the 45-minute album. The title track, to be released as a single on November 19, is being used in part as the theme tune