Saved the Best for Last

This is the album that (regretfully) turned out to be Bowie's last. It also, in many ways is his best. Exploring a jazz infused style that so fits his ethos one would have thought he'd have done it years ago, his songwriting is as nimble and mysterious as ever. On this album Bowie sings in a voice that is mature and clear. True to form, the songs are diverse. "'Tis a Pity She Was a Whore" and "Sue" are funky and free form and seem to pair thematically. "Blackstar" is almost two songs fused together. "Dollar Days" is a beautiful ballad made all the more poignant with the thought of Bowie singing the line ". . I'm dying to. . . " knowing that he is indeed dying. With the exception of "Tis a Pity She Was a Whore," "Sue," and possibly "Girl Loves Me," his impending death is hinted at throughout the songs. Stylistically, "Girl Loves Me" is a great beat driven ditty. It is written in a combination of standard English, Nadsat (the slang language from 'A Clockwork Orange'), and Polari (British gay slang from the '70's). It's a real treat to tease out the meaning. Admittedly, I am a raving Bowie fan, but I fear the true magnitude of this album will be discounted as hyperbole over his death. It is far too good to be considered merely "death as a career move." If Bowie had lived, his work may only have borne out the fruit from this new seed.Read full review

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