David Bowie "the chameleon"

David Bowie, known as the "Chameleon of Rock," was an extraordinary and versatile artist, famous for his continual ability to renew himself both musically and visually. From the energy of the glam rock of Ziggy Stardust to the soul, pop, and electronic atmospheres explored in the Berlin Trilogy, Bowie skillfully crossed genres and styles. Among his many artistic identities, the refined "White Duke" of 1976 stands out. An androgynous and versatile figure, he left an indelible mark on music, fashion, and art for generations.

His artistic story

Beginnings and Glam Rock (1960s-70s): Born in Brixton as David Jones, he began his career facing many obstacles before achieving success in 1969 with Space Oddity. In 1972, he created Ziggy Stardust, a legendary character that established him as a rock icon, turning concerts into true theatrical shows.

Metamorphosis and Berlin (late 1970s): After the "Plastic Soul" phase with the album Young Americans (1975), he moved to Berlin where, together with Brian Eno, he created an experimental trilogy of electronic music composed of Low, Heroes, and Lodger.

Pop and Cinema (1980s-90s): He conquered the global music scene in 1983 thanks to the commercial success of Let's Dance. At the same time, he developed a film career acting in movies such as The Man Who Fell to Earth and Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence.

Experimentation and Farewell (2000s-2016): He remained true to his innovative spirit, ranging between rock, industrial, and pop. He concluded his extraordinary artistic journey with the album Blackstar, released just two days before his passing in 2016. David Bowie is universally recognized as one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, able to combine "high" and "low" culture with a deeply innovative vision.

Essential discography

The Golden Age: Glam Rock and Experimentation

Hunky Dory (1971): Considered the ideal starting point for those approaching David Bowie, it includes masterpieces such as Changes and Life on Mars?. The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972): With this record, Bowie established his mythology, embodied by the iconic alter ego Ziggy Stardust. Aladdin Sane (1973): A bolder and more experimental evolution of glam rock, often described as Ziggy traveling through the United States. Station to Station (1976): A fascinating blend of funk, soul, and avant-garde, marking the introduction of the Thin White Duke character.

The Berlin Trilogy

Resulting from the collaboration with Brian Eno, this phase represents the peak of his experimental approach in electronic music: Low (1977): A radical work divided between shorter songs and intense instrumental soundscapes. Heroes (1977): Includes the timeless title track and is considered the emotional core of the Berlin era. Lodger (1979) represents the final chapter of the trilogy, mainly recorded between Switzerland and New York. The album offers a more accessible synthesis of various musical styles, including world music, and features songs like Boys Keep Swinging and D.J., without abandoning its experimental character.

Pop Success

Let's Dance (1983): The album that marked the peak of his commercial success thanks to irresistible rhythms and a modern, catchy production. Tonight (1984): Continues the pop path started earlier, including tracks like Blue Jean and collaborations with artists such as Tina Turner. Never Let Me Down (1987): Characterized by more rock sounds, accompanied by the monumental Glass Spider world tour.

Tin Machine (1989): A break from his solo career to form a hard rock band, a return to a rougher and less commercial style.

For the Cinema

Labyrinth (1986, soundtrack): David Bowie not only played the role of Jareth, the Goblin King, but also wrote and performed five original songs for the film: Underground, Magic Dance, Chilly Down, As the World Falls Down, and Within You. The album includes these songs along with the instrumental music composed by Trevor Jones. Christiane F. (1981): The soundtrack of the film Christiane F. – We Children from Bahnhof Zoo, which tells the story of drug addiction in 1970s Berlin, collects existing Bowie tracks recorded between 1974 and 1978, the same period in which the story is set. Among these stands out Heroes. Cat People (1982): In collaboration with producer Giorgio Moroder, Bowie composed and performed the original title track Cat People (Putting Out the Fire). A later version of the song, re-recorded, is also found on the album Let's Dance. The Falcon and the Snowman (1985): For this film, Bowie worked with the Pat Metheny Group on the song This Is Not America. Absolute Beginners (1986): Bowie contributed to the film's soundtrack with the title track Absolute Beginners and the song That's Motivation. He also appeared in the film as an actor. When the Wind Blows (1986): For the animated feature, Bowie composed and performed the title track When the Wind Blows. The Buddha of Suburbia (1993): Although technically the soundtrack of a BBC TV series, this work was released as a true studio album. It contains original music entirely composed and performed by Bowie.

Besides his extraordinary original compositions, many David Bowie songs have become milestones in numerous films. Among the most famous examples are: Heroes, featured in films such as The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Moulin Rouge!, and Jojo Rabbit. Starman, which accompanies some scenes in The Martian. Space Oddity, included in the soundtrack of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Golden Years, used in A Knight's Tale. I'm Deranged, chosen for the film Lost Highway directed by David Lynch.

The Final Chapter

Blackstar (2016): His musical testament, imbued with jazz and art rock nuances, released just days before his passing.