It's not his 4 octave range, nor his amazing tone, that makes his vocals so special. It's the way that he makes emotion drip from every single syllable! Incredible vocalist and so refreshing compared to all those vocalists who believe it's just about power and technical 'showing off'.
Apparently, he always recorded his vocals in complete takes. There was no editing bits from different takes to make the "best" one overall, so what you hear is really a performance and not a patchwork. Perhaps that's what in part makes this so compelling. This is great on headphones.
Arguably Bowie's greatest ever vocal performance. When asked, he said it was his own favourite. I think it's an extraordinary piece of work. It's sparse and economical, yet also rich, vibrant and romantic. And it gives Bowie an opportunity to show off most of his vocal range (at the time) as well. The arrangement, the lyrics and Bowie's passionate delivery make me imagine a vampire longing for his bride of the night.
When it came to releasing his favorites compilation iSelect, I'm surprised it wasn't on there. It seems Life on Mars? and Lady Grinning Soul ended up eventually overtaking it. David definitely loved his piano songs. I wish there could have been one more slot for this song.
Bowie has said he was so high on cocaine during the recording of this song that he doesn't even remember recording it at all. Some music reviewer said that David Bowie didn't have range... ummm, have you even heard this song??? My favourite Bowie tune, and this whole album is just a masterpiece.
Huge Bowie fan.... my recommendation is Diamond Dogs as your next listen. Yes, Low is ahead of its time musically, but DD is loosely based on the 1984 book and it is so creative in its content. What other artist could take on 1984 and create this dystopian landscape? DD or Aladdin Sane ( a better album than Ziggy)...Mike Garson on piano is worth the price of admission. Add Ronson? Wow. Great channel!
Yeah man when he had the China girl and all of those walk about 18 years old man I remember this man that was on MTV you know I mean mad at once everywhere come on same golden years come on now all right all right
This song is a great example of what a great, underrated drummer Dennis Davis was. He was a master of subtle complexity. He and the bassist, George Murray, are one of the greatest rhythm sections of all time, and they masterfully navigated their way through all the diverse twists and turns of David Bowie’s late-70’s stuff. They really don’t get the credit they deserve.
I’ve really enjoyed your Bowie reactions, Bowie is my favorite performer. I was lucky to see him eight times in concert, and actually said hello to him once. You could go either forward or backward from Station to Station, it was the perfect mid-decade album from Bowie, you could still hear what came before, but it heavily foreshadowed what was to come. While the Berlin era is his best work, I would recommend going back to Ziggy or Aladdin Sane, just to hear his genius taking flight. Ziggy is the obvious choice, but I prefer the avant-garde leanings of Aladdin Sane. The title track is my favorite song of all time, I even have “Aladdin Sane” tattooed on my arm!
I am so happy that you completed this album. There are a lot of things going on in this song, but to me, this is one of Bowie's top three vocal performances. His voice is so expressive, so pure, so dramatic- he completely transforms this song. I'm looking forward to your review of the complete album. As for the next Bowie album, I think you should step back and experience Ziggy Stardust or Aladdin Sane. Ziggy is a masterpiece that proved Bowie was a prodigy who had finally arrived. Aladdin Sane is 10% more glam and 50% more experimental. Both have hits, some of which you probably heard already. Ziggy is more thematic, while the sound on Aladdin Sane is more varied. Both are terrific albums. If you choose to go forward, then Scary Monsters will be an amazing experience. Either way, you can't go wrong.
People keep (justifiably) going on about Bowie's incredible vocals in this song and record, but god damn, that rhythm section he built earlier in the '70s was on fire, and nowhere more so than on Station to Station.
Such feeling in his voice! Sadness and longing. The coolest dude of the century for sure. Next, Ziggy. That's a no brainer..."Suffergate City", "5 Years" an of course "Rock And Roll Suicide". Do it. Do it. Do it. ps. as always love your thoughtful analysis Justin. peace - out...from Australia.
His voice is so intense on this song. This is a great song. David has said he's not a great singer. Many covers have been done on this song. His cover is the absolute best. I saw him sing this live.. It was unbelievable.
Great reaction to a wonderful song! It is probably my favourite Bowie track (along with Lady Grinning Soul). I envy you hearing it for the first time! Its been over 40 years since I did that. My favourite bit is the way he emulates the wailing sound of the wind with his voice in the last few bars.
I went down the reaction video rabbit hole a few weeks ago but got tired of the same old same old pretty quickly. I only found you because I was specifically looking for something less mainstream so obviously, a Bowie reaction. I found more than one, but you my friend, really did it justice. Consider me subscribed!
just fantastic....for my money one of bowie's best vocal performances ever (for other great ones, 'Lady Grinning Soul' and 'Sweet Thing/Candidate/Sweet thing' (from Diamond dogs)). as far as checking out his other albums....Bowie was such a different kind of artist, constantly evolving. I would go back and start with the album Space Oddity ....and work up chronologically....from there you will get into one of the best strings of albums by any artist, any time. period. BUT....i still think you should go find the extended version of Station...and listen to the live version of Word on a Wing....far superior to the studio track
An INCREDIBLE vocal performance from Bowie! The emotion just drips from every syllable! Amazing! One of my favourite vocal performances of all-time, by any artist! :)
What I like is this is a little different from his regular music,this is more haunting,has a Ballad feel to it,but most importantly is this is a new discovery of what his voice is capable of, a testing of his vocal range and what he is capable of.
You're right about the desert feeling. Dimitri Tiomkin wrote many famous musics for Hollywood westerns back in the fifties, sixties like Rio Bravo and High Noon.
I don't know about the desert analogy but hey we all interpret lyrics differently. I played this song for my wedding. It's my favorite Bowie love song. The lyrics are amazing and David delivers them with with unleashed passion and tenderness. I think it's the most impressive vocal performance of his career. ( and I know his complete catalog very well) Whenever someone says Bowie doesn't have a great voice I have them listen to this track.
All of his covers are pretty good. He did a full album called PinUps which is worth a listen if you want to hear more covers. His real influences on others as a songwriter and performer came with the three “glam” albums (Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane). It may be worth just stepping back to any (or all!) of those for your next toe into the Bowie lake...
The original song recorded by Johnny Mathis was the theme song to the film of the same title starring italian actress Anna Magnani with Anthony Quinn and Anthony Franciosa.
Great reaction! I expect nothing less from you, you killed it. Thank you. I would start from the beginning w/ Bowie,but hey, you may not have that kind of time. Diamond Dogs is incredible, Aladdin Sane, Low,Heroes,Lodger,Blackstar,Outside,Ziggy,The man Who Sold, Low and Heroes. Do dive in,he's life changing.
Justin you are just too good, Bowie is Just incredible, I mean incredible. First heard him in 1969 age 7. He was brilliant then, and brilliant even before then.
Bowie recorded a full album of cover songs, Pinups, in 1973, I think. He tended to throw cover songs on most of his albums. I really like his Jacque Brel covers: My Death snd Port of Amsterdam. they are not on any official albums but you can find the live versions easily enough.
Loved your review on this album. He is my guy, this is one of my favourite albums and you are now one of my favourite youtubers! Great reviews dude consistently!
Since I wasn’t a big Bowie guy growing up I can’t tell you which direction to go but I usually like to start at the beginning so I could see how an artist or band grows as they grow in popularity. Great analysis of a really beautiful song sung beautifully by Bowie. The drums were killer.
I'd definitely start somewhere in the glam era, although for me, Space Oddity and Hunky Dory and Never Let Me Down and The Next Day have grown on me more than any other albums.
@@chrismeadows4216 That's an interesting selection of 'growers', and I agree with you. Never Let Me Down always gets kicked in the teeth but it has some great tracks. Space Oddity is my 3rd favorite Bowie album, and it took me a little while to get into The Next Day, but it's now another great album too.
@@davidcopson5800, I feel that their bonus tracks bring breathtaking new experiences which most people haven't had. If someone wants to embrace these albums to the fullest, hearing songs like the original version of Conversation Piece, Bombers, Girls, and I'll Take You There should entrance them. Bowie hadn't started out dull or gotten dull. He'd simply sometimes set his best work aside to have other opportunities.
@@davidcopson5800, I'd had Young Americans, Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps), Let's Dance, Tonight, and the Labyrinth soundtrack hold me the fastest of Bowie's albums. His baritone tones are favorites of mine. The second David Bowie self-titled album, Aladdin Sane, Diamond Dogs, Station to Station, Heroes, and Never Let Me Down had felt right next. The only Bowie album which I have trouble with listening to is 'hours...'. There isn't much energy to hear on it, though his Omikron songs which are on it are excellent.
Hunky Dory, Diamond Dogs, Low, Scary Monsters, Outside, Heathen, Blackstar. And of course all the albums in between afterwards but any of those albums firstly always blow me away every time I listen to them.
On Point reaction! Some of his best vocals. My choice for next album is Aladdin Sane, Spiders From Mars is too obvious. Aladdin Sane is a quirky rocker, the title track is hypnotic and The Jean Genie is a classic!
Time is easily the least conventional single David released and I'm all for it. Drive-In Saturday? Banger. Cracked Actor? Incredible. Lady Grinning Soul? Pure art? Aladdin Sane? Organized chaos. Panic in Detroit? A staple. It's a very good choice.
The "thirst in the desert" theme you describe is exactly the plot of the movie "The Man Who Fell to Earth," also released in 1976 (the album's cover shot is a still from the film), so ... interesting comment! :-)
A tour de force vocal performance. Awesome song. Anyways been lurking on your channel from the beginning. Great stuff here. Congratulations on your success. It’s refreshing to have a reaction channel that is genuine and displays some understanding of the music.
David was good friends with the singer and civil rights activist Nina Simone. He based his cover of this song on her performance of it, so I'd suggest you hear that version (and to Nina's music in general). The original version of this song is some pop gloop made for a 1958 romance movie and sung by Johnny Mathis. My grandma had that single and she played it a lot when I was a kid in the 70s. I didn't hear David's version until I was in college, then I heard Nina's. David was undergoing a lot of spiritual crisis underneath that cocaine haze. I think of this song, along with Word on a Wing, as his cries out to whoever may have been out there to save him. This whole album is the chronicle of a young man who was too afraid to really feel anything, or to make that scary effort to see who he really was, or to be close to anyone who could see him, and how he knew that this fear was fucking up his life.
WOW! How bittersweet and timely. Station to Station (i.e. place to place) was released in January 1976, and Bowie passed in January 2016 - a full 40 years later. The inside spread of the album has Bowie reclining in a dark blue with silver stripes, 2pc casual outfit. He wears the same outfit in his video Lazurus (from his final album released January 2016, Blackstar). In the video he wears it at the beginning as he emerges from a wardrobe, and wears it again at the end as he climbs back inside. Point? We end up where we began (i.e. place to place). Love your videos and critiques!
Great that you did the entire album. I found your channel recently and subbed. I think an artist like Bowie really needs to be listened to in chronological order as his progression musically is very interesting. He has the nickname of "The Chameleon of Rock" for a reason. I recomend going back to 1969 and starting with the song "Space Oddity" which put Bowie on the map. I'd then continue through each successive album of the 70's and up to 1983's "Let's Dance" which was his commercial and popular peak. I saw him on the tour for that album the "Serious Moonlight" tour and he was just as impressive live as on his records. The man could really sing and was a world class songwriter too. Saw him live two more times after that. Great concerts. I was so lucky to have the opportunity.
Station to Station is a masterpiece, and I'm so glad you reacted to it, I loved re listening this album like it was the first time through you. I hope we get more Bowie reactions, this was fantastic!!
This cover is one of my three favorite songs on Station to Station (along with the title track and "Stay"). Justin, for Bowie's next album I advise you to go back to the Diamond Dogs album from 1974 then after that one you can go directly to the Berlin trilogy (Low, "Heroes", Lodger). Diamond Dogs is essential to understanding Bowie's journey from Glam Rock to Soul music to his more experimental electronic ambient works ! Please do it, I promise you won't be disappointed! .-)
This album was not that high on my Bowie charts, it has gained considerable ground. Awesome album. Better thanks to this channel. Again I was like uhhh, fine Wild Wind Song, ok, but after, I really dug it a lot and your explanation of it, chef kiss. PLS, Perfect Love Song. ... you’re life itself. Is it hot in here or is it me. Whew. Puts you in the mood . Justin, you’re such a romantic. Nat, he was talking to you. My vote is Heathen. It’s not likely I know but David Torn and Pete Townshend, Tony Levin, Dave Grohl, Matt Chamberlain, come on. Take care everyone, tell them they are life itself by wearing your mask, Peace and Bowie Music
Oh yeah, this song's a winner, love that older vibe. I just might have to learn this song on guitar. JP you looked like you thoroughly enjoyed that. I never paid attention to Bowie but I've been digging your reaction. Keep em coming please.
Funny thing as you were singing Seal I recalled he actually did a very good rendition of one of Bowie’s finer songs Quicksand.. This was a beautiful cover by Bowie.. It’s almost 💔
Hey, man, the band on this album also played on the Berlin trio of LPs that came next. Low, Heroes and Lodger. All are great. You get the Dennis Davis/Carlos Alomar band. You get Tony Visconti producing, and Brian Eno and Bowie exploring new sounds and recording techniques. You get outside guests like Robert Fripp coming by. You get memorable songs and beautiful instrumental music.
What he doesn't get is Mike Garson. I think that's probably as good of a reason as any to do Aladdin Sane or Diamond Dogs, and Diamond Dogs has a bit of Visconti, but most importantly, a ton of Bowie, and if I remember correctly, Herbie Flowers, who played bass on Space Oddity, and Aynsley Dunbar from Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention and Jefferson Starship on drums.
Bowie was a great friend of Nina Simones. As for this being the only cover, I'm not sure what you mean. He's previously done covers (Lets Spend The Night Together on Aladdin Sane for one.) He'd also recorded an entire album of covers called Pin Ups.
If you include this album and the so called "Berlin Trilogy" that followed, it's the only cover during that period. Unless of course you include "Red Money" from "Lodger" which is a rehash of Iggy Pop's "Sister Midnight" which Bowie co-wrote anyway.
Well, it's the only cover JP has reacted to so far and it's the only cover on Station to Station and it's the last cover Bowie released in that half of the 70s.
My Dad was a huge jazz fan especially Nina Simone. When he heard Bowie's version he recognized it right away. I remember it being a weird old man and teen bonding moment. I miss him... and Bowie too.
I love Bowie and most that he has done . (I cried for 2 weeks when he died) but this album is my favourite has been for years, followed by Low, Ziggy, Hunky, Blackstar and Scary monsters 🤘⭐️⚡️
Station to Station was my go to album in 1976 (and beyond). Got me through a very tough year in high school. Thanks for your reaction and well thought out comments. ✌
this is one of the best Bowie songs his vocal really shines on this one,, a beautiful song I'm voted for scary monsters or heros album next (because Fripp)
I agree with the Diamond Dogs suggestion next, but it really is a style choice about where to go next. Others have nailed it with their requests, I think much of his glam rock stuff looses something without historical / cultural context. Don't get me wrong, I am also a lifelong fan (since 1974), and I love all his work including the Ziggy period, but new listeners don't feel the same impact today. At least JP is thoughtfully & intelligently breaking down the entire album instead of picking songs at random, a much better method with Bowie (IMO). Will be waiting for the next Bowie-thon!
Liked your analysis! I agree with those who suggested _Aladdin_ _Sane_ and _Diamond_ _Dogs_ (if you can find it, the soundtrack album to the movie _Ziggy_ _Stardust_ _the_ _Motion_ _Picture_ has some great live performances at the transition between the brief Ziggy and Thin White Duke periods, including his version of "My Death").
This is why it would be a good next album if he doesn't go backwards. People seem to want Low, but Heroes is more intense, and there's a lot more Bowie composition than Eno. There's a very good reason it had the most success of the Berlin trilogy and catapulted the world into a more muscular new wave.
Today "will is the WIND" ? a year ago was Kate Bush "WUTHERING heights"... I will love when they join each other haha! Anyhow... Bowie belongs to another planet of the music, nothing else to say! Fantastic song!
And it's really the most rewarding way, tbh, although I hadn't fully connected with an album until Young Americans on the first go. After the 2nd and 3rd sweep, I loved about 20 of the albums. Now, I love them all except Black Tie White Noise and Hours.
Go back and then forward - it’s the only logical choice - you can then appreciate fully the stylistic development of each phase and the periodic schismatic stylistic changes as his career progressed. Maybe skip the laughing gnome however.
A brilliant track that sounds haunted. I wish Station to Station had more background atmospherics to it similar to some of the stuff on The Idiot or Low, but I appreciate the ghoulish vocals throughout the album, throws everything off kilter, again, in a haunted way.
The reason there’s no consensus “next Bowie album” here is because this is the pinnacle. You could go spacey Ziggy Stardust 70’s Bowie or fun Let’s Dance 80’s Bowie with Stevie Ray Vaughn (my vote, assuming I have one) and not go wrong, just depends on what you feel like reviewing.
I remember hearing my Dad play the Johnny Mathis version and I told him Mathis was covering David Bowie. Oh well, not true as i later discovered. But the Bowie version is much better.
I'd love you to hit Bowie's Young Americans album. It's his soul/R&B phase, he has David Sanborn on sax and Luther Vandross singing and arranging the background vocals. I saw where Luther credited Bowie with giving him his first big break, and a lot of the album was recorded at Sigma Sound Studios, home of the Sound of Philadelphia (TSOP)!
It's not his 4 octave range, nor his amazing tone, that makes his vocals so special. It's the way that he makes emotion drip from every single syllable! Incredible vocalist and so refreshing compared to all those vocalists who believe it's just about power and technical 'showing off'.
Couldn't agree more.
Apparently, he always recorded his vocals in complete takes. There was no editing bits from different takes to make the "best" one overall, so what you hear is really a performance and not a patchwork. Perhaps that's what in part makes this so compelling. This is great on headphones.
4.75 to 5 octave range actually. G1 to Eb6 and he's hit some D6's live as well! Incredible!
Very well noted. To me this intepration is like wine, you discover always new flavours. Best regards from Brazil.
Arguably Bowie's greatest ever vocal performance. When asked, he said it was his own favourite.
I think it's an extraordinary piece of work. It's sparse and economical, yet also rich, vibrant and romantic. And it gives Bowie an
opportunity to show off most of his vocal range (at the time) as well.
The arrangement, the lyrics and Bowie's passionate delivery make me imagine a vampire longing for his bride of the night.
When it came to releasing his favorites compilation iSelect, I'm surprised it wasn't on there. It seems Life on Mars? and Lady Grinning Soul ended up eventually overtaking it. David definitely loved his piano songs. I wish there could have been one more slot for this song.
Bowie has said he was so high on cocaine during the recording of this song that he doesn't even remember recording it at all. Some music reviewer said that David Bowie didn't have range... ummm, have you even heard this song??? My favourite Bowie tune, and this whole album is just a masterpiece.
Gordiesummer - obviously that person does not know Bowie, right? No range...give me a break! ✌
This song shows how good a signer he was.
Definitely
Perfection. Probably Bowie's best vocal performance. Look at Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust or Scary Monsters.
For me the most spectacular Bowie vocals are on Sweet Thing/Candidate from Diamond Dogs and Teenage Wildlife from Scary Monsters.
@@253timeandtimeagain2 I agree those two would be at the top of the list.
He sings quite well on God Only Knows too. Nice Beach Boys tribute.
This is pure greatness. We were so lucky to live in the time he was here.
Huge Bowie fan.... my recommendation is Diamond Dogs as your next listen. Yes, Low is ahead of its time musically, but DD is loosely based on the 1984 book and it is so creative in its content. What other artist could take on 1984 and create this dystopian landscape? DD or Aladdin Sane ( a better album than Ziggy)...Mike Garson on piano is worth the price of admission. Add Ronson? Wow. Great channel!
I could live with Diamond Dogs.
Diamond Dogs - definitely.
@@kevind4850 Yes, I would say Diamond Dogs first then Low which will lead to "Heroes", Lodger & Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps).
Golden Years golden years David Bowie
Yeah man when he had the China girl and all of those walk about 18 years old man I remember this man that was on MTV you know I mean mad at once everywhere come on same golden years come on now all right all right
This song is a great example of what a great, underrated drummer Dennis Davis was. He was a master of subtle complexity. He and the bassist, George Murray, are one of the greatest rhythm sections of all time, and they masterfully navigated their way through all the diverse twists and turns of David Bowie’s late-70’s stuff. They really don’t get the credit they deserve.
Diamond dogs often gets over looked as a whole album experience. I'd love to see it done on here.
I like “1. Outside” album. It is a weird album. It took me some time to get used to it, but now it is one of my favorites albums of Bowie.
Underrated as hell! Bowie and Eno together...pure gold.
Bowie always makin moves, so many interesting songs on Outside. Deep Bowie gone deeper
It's gotta be Ziggy or Aladdin next. His most artistic period, and his two best albums.
Totally agree
I’ve really enjoyed your Bowie reactions, Bowie is my favorite performer. I was lucky to see him eight times in concert, and actually said hello to him once. You could go either forward or backward from Station to Station, it was the perfect mid-decade album from Bowie, you could still hear what came before, but it heavily foreshadowed what was to come. While the Berlin era is his best work, I would recommend going back to Ziggy or Aladdin Sane, just to hear his genius taking flight. Ziggy is the obvious choice, but I prefer the avant-garde leanings of Aladdin Sane. The title track is my favorite song of all time, I even have “Aladdin Sane” tattooed on my arm!
I am so happy that you completed this album. There are a lot of things going on in this song, but to me, this is one of Bowie's top three vocal performances. His voice is so expressive, so pure, so dramatic- he completely transforms this song. I'm looking forward to your review of the complete album. As for the next Bowie album, I think you should step back and experience Ziggy Stardust or Aladdin Sane. Ziggy is a masterpiece that proved Bowie was a prodigy who had finally arrived. Aladdin Sane is 10% more glam and 50% more experimental. Both have hits, some of which you probably heard already. Ziggy is more thematic, while the sound on Aladdin Sane is more varied. Both are terrific albums. If you choose to go forward, then Scary Monsters will be an amazing experience. Either way, you can't go wrong.
Stunningly beautiful cover. The musicianship on this album is breathtaking. My vote for next Bowie album would be 'Aladdin Sane'.
People keep (justifiably) going on about Bowie's incredible vocals in this song and record, but god damn, that rhythm section he built earlier in the '70s was on fire, and nowhere more so than on Station to Station.
Such feeling in his voice! Sadness and longing. The coolest dude of the century for sure.
Next, Ziggy. That's a no brainer..."Suffergate City", "5 Years" an of course "Rock And Roll Suicide".
Do it. Do it. Do it.
ps. as always love your thoughtful analysis Justin.
peace - out...from Australia.
"5 years" is one of my favs
His voice is so intense on this song. This is a great song. David has said he's not a great singer. Many covers have been done on this song. His cover is the absolute best. I saw him sing this live.. It was unbelievable.
David was always wrong about his singing. He's a GREAT singer: range, tone, richness, modulation, he has it all. This cover proves it.
I would go with Hunky Dory for your next Bowie album review. It’s a great one!
Ty Andrew!
Great reaction to a wonderful song! It is probably my favourite Bowie track (along with Lady Grinning Soul). I envy you hearing it for the first time! Its been over 40 years since I did that. My favourite bit is the way he emulates the wailing sound of the wind with his voice in the last few bars.
Without a shadow of a doubt, this is the single greatest cover version in the history of music, and it's not even close.
I have a sense of doubt over that. Only joking!!!
I love this cover getting the full Bowie treatment. It was a tribute to Nina and would love to see you react to Nina's version too.
I went down the reaction video rabbit hole a few weeks ago but got tired of the same old same old pretty quickly. I only found you because I was specifically looking for something less mainstream so obviously, a Bowie reaction. I found more than one, but you my friend, really did it justice. Consider me subscribed!
just fantastic....for my money one of bowie's best vocal performances ever (for other great ones, 'Lady Grinning Soul' and 'Sweet Thing/Candidate/Sweet thing' (from Diamond dogs)). as far as checking out his other albums....Bowie was such a different kind of artist, constantly evolving. I would go back and start with the album Space Oddity ....and work up chronologically....from there you will get into one of the best strings of albums by any artist, any time. period. BUT....i still think you should go find the extended version of Station...and listen to the live version of Word on a Wing....far superior to the studio track
Excellent song from one of the most powerfully magnificent artists that has endured at the top of his game through so many decades.
An INCREDIBLE vocal performance from Bowie! The emotion just drips from every syllable! Amazing! One of my favourite vocal performances of all-time, by any artist! :)
I was about to turn in for the night when I saw this notification. Sleep can wait.
Rest well!
Go early HUNKY DORY, HUNKY DORY, HUNKY DORY. whatever you choose it’ll be good mind you.
Dennis Davis for President.
What I like is this is a little different from his regular music,this is more haunting,has a Ballad feel to it,but most importantly is this is a new discovery of what his voice is capable of, a testing of his vocal range and what he is capable of.
Can't argue with your reaction JP, it's great.
You're right about the desert feeling. Dimitri Tiomkin wrote many famous musics for Hollywood westerns back in the fifties, sixties like Rio Bravo and High Noon.
Just recently discovered this song beautiful
Spiders From Mars Low
I like the timeline!
I don't know about the desert analogy but hey we all interpret lyrics differently. I played this song for my wedding. It's my favorite Bowie love song. The lyrics are amazing and David delivers them with
with unleashed passion and tenderness. I think it's the most impressive vocal performance of his career. ( and I know his complete catalog very well) Whenever someone says Bowie doesn't have a great voice I have them listen to this track.
All of his covers are pretty good. He did a full album called PinUps which is worth a listen if you want to hear more covers.
His real influences on others as a songwriter and performer came with the three “glam” albums (Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane). It may be worth just stepping back to any (or all!) of those for your next toe into the Bowie lake...
The original song recorded by Johnny Mathis was the theme song to the film of the same title starring italian actress Anna Magnani with Anthony Quinn and Anthony Franciosa.
One of the most beautiful songs ever written, as performed by Bowie. I always get so emotional listening to this song. Astounding!
Great reaction! I expect nothing less from you, you killed it. Thank you. I would start from the beginning w/ Bowie,but hey, you may not have that kind of time. Diamond Dogs is incredible, Aladdin Sane, Low,Heroes,Lodger,Blackstar,Outside,Ziggy,The man Who Sold, Low and Heroes. Do dive in,he's life changing.
Ty Anna!
Justin you are just too good, Bowie is Just incredible, I mean incredible. First heard him in 1969 age 7. He was brilliant then, and brilliant even before then.
I've learnt to play this one on my 12 string acoustic. so satisfying to play along to.
Bowie recorded a full album of cover songs, Pinups, in 1973, I think. He tended to throw cover songs on most of his albums. I really like his Jacque Brel covers: My Death snd Port of Amsterdam. they are not on any official albums but you can find the live versions easily enough.
This channel is criminally under subscribed! Always intelligent and thoughtful analysis.
Ty winny!
Want to hear a sample of David's vocal range? Listen to SWEET THING/CANDIDATE/ SWEET THING REPRICE
Did you just make him a deal?
Definitely in my top 3 David Bowie songs 💙💙
Loved your review on this album. He is my guy, this is one of my favourite albums and you are now one of my favourite youtubers! Great reviews dude consistently!
Thanks John!!
As sublime a vocal performance as he ever laid down in the studio
That's wild!
Simply beautiful
Bowie has an angelic voice in this song. Love it 😍
THIS IS SOOOOOOOO BEAUTIFUL!
Since I wasn’t a big Bowie guy growing up I can’t tell you which direction to go but I usually like to start at the beginning so I could see how an artist or band grows as they grow in popularity. Great analysis of a really beautiful song sung beautifully by Bowie. The drums were killer.
I'd definitely start somewhere in the glam era, although for me, Space Oddity and Hunky Dory and Never Let Me Down and The Next Day have grown on me more than any other albums.
@@chrismeadows4216 That's an interesting selection of 'growers', and I agree with you. Never Let Me Down always gets kicked in the teeth but it has some great tracks. Space Oddity is my 3rd favorite Bowie album, and it took me a little while to get into The Next Day, but it's now another great album too.
@@davidcopson5800, I feel that their bonus tracks bring breathtaking new experiences which most people haven't had. If someone wants to embrace these albums to the fullest, hearing songs like the original version of Conversation Piece, Bombers, Girls, and I'll Take You There should entrance them. Bowie hadn't started out dull or gotten dull. He'd simply sometimes set his best work aside to have other opportunities.
@@davidcopson5800, I'd had Young Americans, Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps), Let's Dance, Tonight, and the Labyrinth soundtrack hold me the fastest of Bowie's albums. His baritone tones are favorites of mine. The second David Bowie self-titled album, Aladdin Sane, Diamond Dogs, Station to Station, Heroes, and Never Let Me Down had felt right next. The only Bowie album which I have trouble with listening to is 'hours...'. There isn't much energy to hear on it, though his Omikron songs which are on it are excellent.
Hunky Dory, Diamond Dogs, Low, Scary Monsters, Outside, Heathen, Blackstar. And of course all the albums in between afterwards but any of those albums firstly always blow me away every time I listen to them.
On Point reaction! Some of his best vocals. My choice for next album is Aladdin Sane, Spiders From Mars is too obvious. Aladdin Sane is a quirky rocker, the title track is hypnotic and The Jean Genie is a classic!
Time is easily the least conventional single David released and I'm all for it. Drive-In Saturday? Banger. Cracked Actor? Incredible. Lady Grinning Soul? Pure art? Aladdin Sane? Organized chaos. Panic in Detroit? A staple. It's a very good choice.
The "thirst in the desert" theme you describe is exactly the plot of the movie "The Man Who Fell to Earth," also released in 1976 (the album's cover shot is a still from the film), so ... interesting comment! :-)
A tour de force vocal performance. Awesome song. Anyways been lurking on your channel from the beginning. Great stuff here. Congratulations on your success. It’s refreshing to have a reaction channel that is genuine and displays some understanding of the music.
Thanks Tommy!
David was good friends with the singer and civil rights activist Nina Simone. He based his cover of this song on her performance of it, so I'd suggest you hear that version (and to Nina's music in general). The original version of this song is some pop gloop made for a 1958 romance movie and sung by Johnny Mathis. My grandma had that single and she played it a lot when I was a kid in the 70s. I didn't hear David's version until I was in college, then I heard Nina's.
David was undergoing a lot of spiritual crisis underneath that cocaine haze. I think of this song, along with Word on a Wing, as his cries out to whoever may have been out there to save him. This whole album is the chronicle of a young man who was too afraid to really feel anything, or to make that scary effort to see who he really was, or to be close to anyone who could see him, and how he knew that this fear was fucking up his life.
Superb...!👌🏼. Those vocals... Perfect.
The word you're looking for to describe Bowie's vocals on this track is : "VUNERABLE"!
That whole album is amazing
Diamond Dogs get my pick.
If only for Sweet Thing alone and We Are the Dead. Love that album so much.
Shovel gets my pick.
WOW! How bittersweet and timely. Station to Station (i.e. place to place) was released in January 1976, and Bowie passed in January 2016 - a full 40 years later. The inside spread of the album has Bowie reclining in a dark blue with silver stripes, 2pc casual outfit. He wears the same outfit in his video Lazurus (from his final album released January 2016, Blackstar). In the video he wears it at the beginning as he emerges from a wardrobe, and wears it again at the end as he climbs back inside. Point? We end up where we began (i.e. place to place).
Love your videos and critiques!
Ty!
Still waiting for your take on some specific songs from Young Americans (no, not Fame or the title track).
So emotionnaly intense!
Another great review from this fantastic album.
Great that you did the entire album. I found your channel recently and subbed. I think an artist like Bowie really needs to be listened to in chronological order as his progression musically is very interesting. He has the nickname of "The Chameleon of Rock" for a reason. I recomend going back to 1969 and starting with the song "Space Oddity" which put Bowie on the map. I'd then continue through each successive album of the 70's and up to 1983's "Let's Dance" which was his commercial and popular peak. I saw him on the tour for that album the "Serious Moonlight" tour and he was just as impressive live as on his records. The man could really sing and was a world class songwriter too. Saw him live two more times after that. Great concerts. I was so lucky to have the opportunity.
Best wishes from Germany, Great Great Album
Station to Station is a masterpiece, and I'm so glad you reacted to it, I loved re listening this album like it was the first time through you.
I hope we get more Bowie reactions, this was fantastic!!
Ty Klui!
I can’t think of any song he ever did that is more romantic.
This cover is one of my three favorite songs on Station to Station (along with the title track and "Stay").
Justin, for Bowie's next album I advise you to go back to the Diamond Dogs album from 1974 then after that one you can go directly to the Berlin trilogy (Low, "Heroes", Lodger).
Diamond Dogs is essential to understanding Bowie's journey from Glam Rock to Soul music to his more experimental electronic ambient works !
Please do it, I promise you won't be disappointed! .-)
This album was not that high on my Bowie charts, it has gained considerable ground. Awesome album. Better thanks to this channel.
Again I was like uhhh, fine Wild Wind Song, ok, but after, I really dug it a lot and your explanation of it, chef kiss. PLS, Perfect Love Song.
... you’re life itself. Is it hot in here or is it me. Whew. Puts you in the mood . Justin, you’re such a romantic. Nat, he was talking to you.
My vote is Heathen. It’s not likely I know but David Torn and Pete Townshend, Tony Levin, Dave Grohl, Matt Chamberlain, come on.
Take care everyone, tell them they are life itself by wearing your mask,
Peace and Bowie Music
Lol! Ty David
Oh yeah, this song's a winner, love that older vibe. I just might have to learn this song on guitar. JP you looked like you thoroughly enjoyed that. I never paid attention to Bowie but I've been digging your reaction. Keep em coming please.
Yeah this one was fantastic!
Funny thing as you were singing Seal I recalled he actually did a very good rendition of one of Bowie’s finer songs Quicksand.. This was a beautiful cover by Bowie.. It’s almost 💔
Hey, man, the band on this album also played on the Berlin trio of LPs that came next. Low, Heroes and Lodger. All are great. You get the Dennis Davis/Carlos Alomar band. You get Tony Visconti producing, and Brian Eno and Bowie exploring new sounds and recording techniques. You get outside guests like Robert Fripp coming by. You get memorable songs and beautiful instrumental music.
What he doesn't get is Mike Garson. I think that's probably as good of a reason as any to do Aladdin Sane or Diamond Dogs, and Diamond Dogs has a bit of Visconti, but most importantly, a ton of Bowie, and if I remember correctly, Herbie Flowers, who played bass on Space Oddity, and Aynsley Dunbar from Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention and Jefferson Starship on drums.
First time watching you and reacting to my favorite artist, great job. Will watch more
Ty Greg! Hope you enjoy, and appreciate you watching 🙂
Bowie was a great friend of Nina Simones. As for this being the only cover, I'm not sure what you mean. He's previously done covers (Lets Spend The Night Together on Aladdin Sane for one.) He'd also recorded an entire album of covers called Pin Ups.
If you include this album and the so called "Berlin Trilogy" that followed, it's the only cover during that period. Unless of course you include "Red Money" from "Lodger" which is a rehash of Iggy Pop's "Sister Midnight" which Bowie co-wrote anyway.
Well, it's the only cover JP has reacted to so far and it's the only cover on Station to Station and it's the last cover Bowie released in that half of the 70s.
My Dad was a huge jazz fan especially Nina Simone. When he heard Bowie's version he recognized it right away. I remember it being a weird old man and teen bonding moment. I miss him... and Bowie too.
My favorite song from station to station. Ziggy and Aladdin sane are awesome albums. Done before his brief sell out and going dance phase.
This recorded version is good, but in my opinion Bowie rocked the live versions even more! my favorite one is from the BBC theatre back in 2000.
I love Bowie and most that he has done . (I cried for 2 weeks when he died) but this album is my favourite has been for years, followed by Low, Ziggy, Hunky, Blackstar and Scary monsters 🤘⭐️⚡️
Station to Station was my go to album in 1976 (and beyond). Got me through a very tough year in high school. Thanks for your reaction and well thought out comments. ✌
Much appreciated Bruce! Ty for watching
BEAUTIFUL
this is one of the best Bowie songs
his vocal really shines on this one,, a beautiful song
I'm voted for scary monsters or heros album next (because Fripp)
I agree with the Diamond Dogs suggestion next, but it really is a style choice about where to go next. Others have nailed it with their requests, I think much of his glam rock stuff looses something without historical / cultural context. Don't get me wrong, I am also a lifelong fan (since 1974), and I love all his work including the Ziggy period, but new listeners don't feel the same impact today. At least JP is thoughtfully & intelligently breaking down the entire album instead of picking songs at random, a much better method with Bowie (IMO). Will be waiting for the next Bowie-thon!
Ty Chris!
Hunky Dory or Ziggy Stardust next. Start with the early, great albums which propelled him to stardom, and work forward from there.
Liked your analysis! I agree with those who suggested _Aladdin_ _Sane_ and _Diamond_ _Dogs_ (if you can find it, the soundtrack album to the movie _Ziggy_ _Stardust_ _the_ _Motion_ _Picture_ has some great live performances at the transition between the brief Ziggy and Thin White Duke periods, including his version of "My Death").
Thanks Kevin!
Beautiful
There is only one other song By David Bowie that shows off his vocal Chops far as I'm concerned that is WIN. CRAZY GOOD!
Golden Years golden years that's the song David Bowie
Make sure you're sober when you write the next comment.
This song is perfect, one of my top three Bowie songs (along with "Five Years" and "Heroes").
I love this track
My favorite Bowie album is Heroes. It features Brian Eno, and Robert Fripp, and of course Carlos Alomar. A little more experimental, but very intense.
This is why it would be a good next album if he doesn't go backwards. People seem to want Low, but Heroes is more intense, and there's a lot more Bowie composition than Eno. There's a very good reason it had the most success of the Berlin trilogy and catapulted the world into a more muscular new wave.
Great song from arguably Bowie’s best album. Aladdin Sane is a great one too but honestly it doesn’t get better than Station to Station.
Today "will is the WIND" ? a year ago was Kate Bush "WUTHERING heights"... I will love when they join each other haha!
Anyhow... Bowie belongs to another planet of the music, nothing else to say! Fantastic song!
Lol!
If you don't know where to go next with Bowie, simply default to chronological. You'll get to all the albums eventually.
And it's really the most rewarding way, tbh, although I hadn't fully connected with an album until Young Americans on the first go. After the 2nd and 3rd sweep, I loved about 20 of the albums. Now, I love them all except Black Tie White Noise and Hours.
Go back and then forward - it’s the only logical choice - you can then appreciate fully the stylistic development of each phase and the periodic schismatic stylistic changes as his career progressed.
Maybe skip the laughing gnome however.
You mean Bowie's best song?
Ha ha ha
Hee hee hee
A brilliant track that sounds haunted. I wish Station to Station had more background atmospherics to it similar to some of the stuff on The Idiot or Low, but I appreciate the ghoulish vocals throughout the album, throws everything off kilter, again, in a haunted way.
The reason there’s no consensus “next Bowie album” here is because this is the pinnacle. You could go spacey Ziggy Stardust 70’s Bowie or fun Let’s Dance 80’s Bowie with Stevie Ray Vaughn (my vote, assuming I have one) and not go wrong, just depends on what you feel like reviewing.
Yes, you,v
e nailed it !
Thanks Yves :)
My two cents: you cannot go wrong with any seventies era Bowie! It is all great stuff. Go through it all before moving into the eighties and beyond...
Good advice.
I remember hearing my Dad play the Johnny Mathis version and I told him Mathis was covering David Bowie. Oh well, not true as i later discovered. But the Bowie version is much better.
I'd love you to hit Bowie's Young Americans album. It's his soul/R&B phase, he has David Sanborn on sax and Luther Vandross singing and arranging the background vocals. I saw where Luther credited Bowie with giving him his first big break, and a lot of the album was recorded at Sigma Sound Studios, home of the Sound of Philadelphia (TSOP)!
outstanding pick
Ty Perry!
A great cover of a Nina Simone song. Love David Bowie and missing him tonight 😎👍
Which Bowie album to do next? Why, "Heroes", I'd say! Cheerios from an autumn coloured country in Scandinavia ...