25 March 2013
By Olivia Childers, Staff Writer
On his 66th birthday, David Bowie announced the release of his 24th studio album The Next Day. Maybe it was just my own excitement, but after this news everyone seemed to be in a good mood. With his first album in ten years, Bowie showed us that he hasn’t lost his touch in the slightest and made us realize how much we’ve missed him.
Now, I’ve loved Bowie since he was introduced to me as Jareth the Goblin King in the 1986 film Labyrinth (really, what can’t this man do?), so perhaps I’m biased, but The Next Day makes me “jump magic, jump” for joy every time the title track begins. The album can be summed up in two words: vintage Bowie. Not only is the record classic Bowie, but the sounds of the tracks vary with “The Next Day” giving off a rock feel and “You Feel So Lonely You Could Day” showing more of a ballad side.
Thin white duke fans were given a taste of the album when the lead single “Where Are We Now?” went on sale on iTunes and the full album streamed days before its official release. “The Stars (Are Out Tonight)” released as the second single accompanied by a music video with actress Tilda Swinton portraying Bowie’s wife. The song talks about the music industry and the role celebrities (stars) play in our culture.
The album’s artwork is emblematic as well. Artist Johnathan Barnbrook, who also designed for Heathen and Reality, essentially defaced Bowie’s 1977 album Heroes, symbolizing a forgotten past.
With 14 tracks (17 on the deluxe edition), there’s something for every Bowie follower, from “Ziggy Stardust” fans to “Let’s Dance” fans.
Courtesy of www.spin.com