Have you heard some of the earlier songs by David Bowie? It's an astonishing 50 years since Bowie's first release in 1964, and he's produced a vast array of work in the decades since. Most of his songs are quality, but my favorite songs come from his first ten years or so. Here are some amazing songs by David Bowie from the early part of his long career that you may not know …
1. Velvet Goldmine
My absolute favorite of all the songs by David Bowie is Velvet Goldmine. It inspired the movie Velvet Goldmine, which was based on a Bowie-like singer and starred Jonathan Rhys Meyers. There's a real glam rock flavor to this song, which isn't surprising since it comes from the early '70s.
2. Moonage Daydream
Although it comes from the same era as Velvet Goldmine, Moonage Daydream is a much dreamier song. It's the kind of song that you should listen to while lying on the grass looking up at the stars. If you like trippy lyrics then you should listen to this song. It's right up near the top of my personal Top Ten Bowie songs.
3. Let Me Sleep beside You
This is definitely one of the very earliest Bowie songs, and in fact you might not recognise it as one of his. Let Me Sleep Beside You was recorded before Bowie hit it big with Space Oddity and has a very different feel from his '70s songs. These early recordings are worth listening to as part of Bowie's musical development - he's never been afraid to experiment.
4. The Prettiest Star
Have you seen the British movie Kinky Boots, about how a drag queen saves a failing shoe factory? (Yes I know, sounds odd, but it's a very good film.) The Prettiest Star was used in the opening credits, as the younger version of Lola dances. It's a whimsical but enchanting song that's sure to make you smile.
5. Lady Grinning Soul
And here we have another beautiful, yearning song. Lady Grinning Soul has some exquisite piano and is a song to be listened to while letting your mind wander off and dream. Another one to put on your playlist for gazing up at the stars perhaps.
6. Diamond Dogs
This is a much livelier song! If you're in the mood for something more uptempo, try Diamond Dogs. I think it would make a good song to listen to first thing in the morning, to wake you up! It comes from the last album Bowie made in his glam rock period, which features the better known Rebel Rebel.
7. The Man Who Sold the World
A lot of (younger) people think that Bowie covered Nirvana with this song, but it was actually the other way round. In fact, it's been covered many times and by some surprising people. But you should definitely listen to the original and best version by the man himself.
It's a tough challenge to pick my favorite tracks from Bowie's early years. He's recorded so many superb songs! But I've tried to choose some that you may not have heard yet. Hopefully these songs will inspire you to discover more of Bowie's many fantastic songs. Which is your own favorite Bowie song - is there one that means a lot to you?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are some of David Bowie's best early songs?
- Some iconic early songs include 'Space Oddity,' 'Changes,' and 'Life on Mars?'.
- Why is David Bowie's early music important?
- His early music set the stage for his groundbreaking style and influence in rock and pop.
- Which early Bowie song should I start with?
- 'Space Oddity' is a perfect introduction to Bowie's unique storytelling and sound.
- Did Bowie write all his early songs himself?
- Yes, Bowie wrote most of his early tracks, showcasing his talent as a songwriter.
- Are Bowie's early songs suitable for all moods?
- Yes, they range from dreamy ballads to energetic rock, fitting many moods.
- Where can I listen to Bowie’s early songs online?
- Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube have his complete early catalog.
- Were Bowie's early songs popular during his time?
- Some gained moderate success, but many became classics after years of appreciation.
- Did Bowie use any particular instrument in his early music?
- He often featured guitar and piano, creating rich, layered sounds.
- How did Bowie's early music influence female artists?
- His bold style encouraged many female artists to explore new sounds and personas.
- Can I find live performances of Bowie’s early songs?
- Yes, many live recordings from his early tours are available on video and audio platforms.