It’s hard to believe that nine years have passed since the world was shaken by the unexpected news of David Bowie's death. He left us just days after celebrating his 69th birthday and unveiling Blackstar, a hauntingly poignant farewell album. Bowie's passing marked the end of an era, but his influence remains as vibrant as ever. If so inclined, we humbly recommend clicking HERE to read the eulogy we published at the time.
Throughout his career, Bowie recorded countless groundbreaking albums, many of which have earned their place as masterpieces in the history of music. Yet, Blackstar stands apart. It’s an album we find ourselves returning to time and again—not just for its brilliance but for its depth and emotional resonance. With its bold experimentation and introspective lyricism, Blackstar is a work of profound maturity. It simultaneously embraces the avant-garde and remains accessible, offering a listening experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding.
The record feels inseparably tied to the place and time of its creation. Much like Low epitomized Bowie’s Berlin period in the late 1970s, Blackstar is steeped in the essence of New York City. Its futuristic soundscapes feel tethered to the city’s restless energy, yet its introspective themes acknowledge the past with a sense of wistful finality.
For those who wish to immerse themselves in Blackstar, we’ve embedded an Apple Music player below. Not a subscriber? You can preview 90 seconds of every track to catch a glimpse of this monumental album. And if you’re considering a streaming service, we wholeheartedly recommend Apple Music—it’s the best platform to explore not only Bowie’s catalog but a vast universe of musical treasures. Click HERE for a subscription.
Take a moment to reflect, listen, and appreciate the genius of David Bowie. Nine years on, his artistry continues to inspire, provoke, and remind us of the limitless possibilities of music.
Click HERE or on the button below to subscribe to Apple Music
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You are also encouraged to check out the following movies:
This documentary explores David Bowie’s impact on music, fashion, and pop culture, tracing his rise to global superstardom and the ways he continually reinvented himself. Featuring interviews and archival footage, it examines his enduring legacy as a cultural icon.
A fictionalized biopic focusing on Bowie’s transformative early years and the creation of his Ziggy Stardust persona, Stardust provides an intimate look at the struggles and inspirations behind his breakout success. While not featuring original Bowie music, it offers insight into a pivotal chapter of his career.
This HBO documentary delves into Bowie’s creative renaissance in his final years, focusing on the making of The Next Day and Blackstar as well as the musical Lazarus. It features interviews with collaborators and rare behind-the-scenes footage, providing a poignant look at his artistic process during a reflective period.
This iconic concert film, directed by D.A. Pennebaker, captures Bowie’s final performance as Ziggy Stardust at London’s Hammersmith Odeon in 1973. The electrifying footage documents the end of an era and showcases some of his most enduring hits.
Filmed during Bowie’s 2003–2004 Reality tour, this concert film highlights his later-period artistry and enduring stage presence. It features a setlist that spans his career, blending classics with newer material in an unforgettable live performance.
This BBC documentary chronicles the rise and fall of Ziggy Stardust, Bowie’s groundbreaking alter ego, through rare footage and interviews. It sheds light on the cultural impact of this revolutionary persona that redefined rock music and performance art.
A comprehensive overview of Bowie’s career, this documentary examines his evolution across music, film, and fashion. Featuring interviews and performance clips, it captures the essence of his boundary-pushing artistry.
This lesser-known documentary explores Bowie’s early influence on the glam rock movement and his otherworldly stage personas. It provides insights into his innovation and his role in shaping modern music.
Brett Morgen’s visually stunning documentary offers an immersive, non-traditional exploration of Bowie’s life and art. Utilizing rare footage, unseen performances, and a kaleidoscopic narrative, it captures the essence of his creativity and philosophy.
Recorded in the aftermath of 9/11, this benefit concert features a memorable performance by Bowie, who opened the event with a poignant rendition of Simon & Garfunkel’s “America.” His set is a reminder of music’s power to heal and inspire during times of crisis.
Filmed during Bowie’s 1983 Serious Moonlight tour, this concert film captures his charismatic performances at the height of his Let’s Dance era. It features a vibrant setlist that highlights his crossover into mainstream success while retaining his signature style.
This 1998 cult classic, directed by Todd Haynes, is a fictionalized tribute to the glam rock era and its flamboyant icons, heavily inspired by David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and Lou Reed. With its vibrant visuals, stellar cast, and iconic soundtrack, the film explores themes of identity, fame, and artistry through a stylized narrative set against the backdrop of the 1970s glam movement.
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