by Laura Czingula
Sports Editor
Remember David Bowie? He performed classic hits such as, “Let’s Dance” and “Young Americans.” Well, he is back, and this time around his entire way of singing has moved to a different level.
Bowie’s new album, “Earthling,” reveals a side of him that has never been heard before.
The hard hitting, techno sound of Bowie’s new album gives the feeling of being at an underground club in Los Angeles. For some reason though, Bowie and the music do not go together.
What happened to the soft going English artist from the ’80s? He is taking his talents to the extreme and going overboard.
This is Bowie’s first self-produced album since 1974’s classic, “Diamond Dogs,” so some credit should be given, but not much.
First of all, there are nine songs on the album and they are all way to long. Listening to screeching noises, like the sounds Bowie portrays throughout the entire album, is just too much to handle for five and a half minutes per song.
All of Bowie’s songs are either written or co-written by by him. Each song is very direct and straight to the point, nothing that a Bowie fan would expect. But if you like the electronic sounds of today and groove to the new wave sound of techno, then “Earthling” is the album for you.
“Earthling” was written after a year long tour that Bowie and his band went on. They toured with other bands which inspired them to write a new album completely unlike anything they have ever done.
The intense feeling of energy and aggression that this album arouses in a person is such a dramatic change from songs such as “Little China Girl,” which was another one of Bowie’s early ’80s hits.
Some may like the fast paced, upbeat, new David Bowie, but why mess with success?
Maybe he is trying to change his image, and start a new sound for himself, which is fine, but the younger audiences that used to listen are not going to.
The 50-year-old Bowie just celebrated a birthday and he promoted the “Earthling” album at his birthday concert. It was a huge success and the older audiences loved it, which is what Bowie’s new album is geared toward, an older crowd that enjoys the fast paced techno.
“The strong songs are well delivered and have no frills, it is a very different approach,” said Bowie on his Web site (www.davidbowie.com).
Bowie’s last album released was two years ago. The title was, “Outside.” The image of that album compared to his “Earthling,” are completely opposite. He has gone out on a limb and is taking a different route.
Bowie not only sings on his album but he plays guitar, and the keyboard as well. Also in the band is Reeves Gabrels who plays guitar and a synthesizer, Zachary Alford who plays the drums, Mike Garsen who plays the piano and the keyboard and Gail Amdorsey who plays the bass and provides back-up vocals.
According to the Daily News of New York, Bowie is “feeling fiery.” Well, Bowie may be feeling something, but it certainly is not fiery.
