The 10 best David Bowie songs of all time

David Bowie, born David Robert Jones in 1947, was a pioneering British musician, actor and cultural icon known for his innovative approach to music and style. Over the course of a career spanning over five decades, Bowie continually reinvented himself and his music, exploring various genres including rock, pop, glam rock, electronic and experimental music.

Bowie’s best known songs include “Space Oddity”, “Changes”, “Heroes”, “Starman”, “Let’s Dance” and “Life on Mars?” His albums, including “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars”, “Hunky Dory”, “Aladdin Sane” and “Low”, are considered classics and have left an indelible mark on the music industry.

Bowie was also known for his theatrical stage presence, elaborate costumes, and roles such as Ziggy Stardust and Thin White Duke. His influence extended beyond music as he challenged societal norms and pushed artistic boundaries, making him a cultural and artistic trailblazer. Bowie’s legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and artists worldwide.

1. Ziggy Stardust

Ziggy Stardust is a concept album and character by David Bowie, released in 1972 under the title The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. The album tells the story of Ziggy Stardust, an androgynous rock star who becomes a messenger for extraterrestrial beings. The character Ziggy Stardust embodies themes such as fame, alienation and self-destruction against a backdrop of glam rock and futuristic imagery.

Bowie’s alter ego Ziggy Stardust became a cultural icon and defining figure of the glam rock era with his extravagant costumes, theatrical performances and catchy songs such as “Starman”, “Suffragette City” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide”. The story of the album and Bowie’s dynamic personality helped him achieve international fame and cemented his reputation as a visionary and influential artist in the history of pop music.

2. Under pressure

“Under Pressure” is a collaboration song by Queen and David Bowie, released as a single in 1981. The song features powerful vocals from Freddie Mercury and David Bowie, fusing their distinctive styles into a dynamic rock anthem. The track is built around a catchy bass line performed by John Deacon of Queen, and the lyrics address themes such as stress, societal pressure, and the need for love and compassion. “Under Pressure” was a commercial success, topping the charts in several countries. The song has since become one of Queen and David Bowie’s most iconic tracks, and is celebrated for its emotional intensity and timeless appeal.

3. Modern Love

“Modern Love” is a song by David Bowie, released on his 1983 album “Let’s Dance”. The song is characterized by its fast tempo, catchy melody and Bowie’s energetic vocals. “Modern Love” became a successful single, reaching high chart positions around the world and becoming a staple of Bowie’s live performances.

Lyrically, “Modern Love” deals with love and relationships in the present day, reflecting the complexities and challenges of modern romance. The song’s brisk rhythm and Bowie’s passionate delivery convey a sense of urgency and emotion, making it a popular hit with fans and critics alike. “Modern Love” remains a popular track in Bowie’s discography and a testament to his ability to evolve musically while maintaining his distinctive style and lyrical depth.

4. Heroes

“Heroes” is a song by David Bowie, released in 1977 as the title track of his album Heroes. Co-written by Bowie and Brian Eno, the song features a driving beat, a soaring melody, and Bowie’s passionate vocals. The lyrics tell the story of two lovers who meet at the Berlin Wall and find hope and strength in their love despite the bleak surroundings. The song is often interpreted as a tribute to human resilience and the power of love to overcome adversity. “Heroes” has become one of Bowie’s most enduring and popular songs, celebrated for its anthemic quality and emotional depth. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest songs in rock history.

5. Space curiosity

“Space Oddity” is a classic song by David Bowie released in 1969. It tells the story of Major Tom, an astronaut who experiences a space journey and reflects on his experiences from orbit. The song captures the feeling of isolation, wonder and introspection that comes with space exploration.

“Space Oddity” features Bowie’s distinctive vocals and acoustic guitar, accompanied by ethereal sound effects that evoke the atmosphere of outer space. The song became Bowie’s first major hit and remains one of his most iconic and enduring tracks. Its success helped establish Bowie as a unique and innovative artist with a talent for combining storytelling with music, laying the foundation for his influential career for decades to come.

6. Changes

“Changes” is a song by David Bowie, released on his 1971 album Hunky Dory. The song is known for its thoughtful lyrics and Bowie’s distinctive vocals. “Changes” addresses themes of transformation and self-renewal, which were central to Bowie’s career and personal life. The song features a catchy piano riff provided by Rick Wakeman and a fast tempo that contrasts with its introspective lyrics. “Changes” became one of Bowie’s best known songs, embodying his ever-evolving artistic personality. The chorus, “Ch-ch-ch-changes,” is iconic and has been adopted by generations of fans as an anthem of personal growth and resilience.

7. Rebel, Rebel

“Rebel Rebel” is a rock song by David Bowie, released on his 1974 album “Diamond Dogs”. The song is characterized by its catchy guitar riff, energetic rhythm, and Bowie’s rebellious vocals. “Rebel Rebel” became a glam rock anthem, known for its rebellious attitude and lyrics that challenge societal norms and expectations.

The lyrics celebrate individuality and non-conformity. Bowie sings about a young rebel who defies conventional gender roles and embraces a rebellious lifestyle. “Rebel Rebel” became a fan favorite and remains a classic in Bowie’s discography. It shows his ability to blend rock, glam and punk influences into a dynamic and memorable song that continues to resonate with audiences.

8. Let’s dance

“Let’s Dance” is a song by David Bowie, released in 1983 as the title track of his album Let’s Dance. Produced by Nile Rodgers of Chic, the song is a mix of rock, funk and dance music, showcasing Bowie’s ability to adapt to different musical styles. The track is built around a catchy groove and an energetic beat, with Bowie’s expressive vocals leading the way. The lyrics invite listeners to dance and enjoy the joy of the moment. “Let’s Dance” became one of Bowie’s biggest hits, topping the charts in several countries and becoming a staple of 1980s pop music. The song’s success helped introduce Bowie to a new generation of fans and cemented his status as a music icon.

9. Life on Mars?

“Life on Mars?” is a song by David Bowie, released on his 1971 album “Hunky Dory”. The song is known for its elaborate piano arrangement, Bowie’s expressive vocals and introspective lyrics. “Life on Mars?” is characterized by its surreal and enigmatic style of storytelling and deals with themes such as alienation, media manipulation and existential questions.

The lyrics describe a young girl’s search for meaning and identity amidst societal pressures and media representations. Bowie’s theatrical delivery and poetic imagery, combined with lush orchestration, create a cinematic and emotional experience for listeners. “Life on Mars?” has been praised for its creativity and depth, securing a place as one of Bowie’s most iconic and enduring songs in the art rock and glam rock genre.

10. Starman

“Starman” is a song by David Bowie, released on his 1972 album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. The song has a catchy melody, vibrant acoustic guitar, and Bowie’s evocative vocals. The lyrics tell the story of an alien “Starman” who brings a message of hope and redemption to the youth of Earth, a theme that ties into the larger narrative of the Ziggy Stardust concept album. “Starman” was a breakthrough hit for Bowie, reaching the top 10 in the UK and helping to establish his Ziggy Stardust persona as an iconic figure in rock history. The song remains one of Bowie’s most popular tracks, and is celebrated for its imaginative storytelling and timeless appeal.

Edward Tomlin is a regular contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us on social media below.