THE NEXT DAY

The word "surprise" is used a lot in connection with this 2013 release. The recording sessions were kept secret, and there had been nothing but "crickets" when it comes to Bowie over the previous ten years. Surprising that an artist would use an old album cover and update it. Has any one else done this? For me personally the biggest surprise is at how consistently good this record is. Prior to this record it was really only the Berlin Trilogy that had any albums that were remotely consistent. "Low" being my favourite, but the "Heroes" connection is so cool. By the way "Blackstar" stands alone in my opinion as far as his records go.

And speaking of "Blackstar" the final track on "The Next Day" called "Heat" feels like the inspiration for "Blackstar". If nothing else it's the bridge between the two records. It's dark and experimental, and it has those fragile vocals, so vulnerable that were front and centre on "Blackstar". The lyrics too! "Heat" is the track that stands out for me here. I love that of the fourteen tracks seven are very good. And especially that the first four are included in that because this was a cd I just wanted to play again, knowing how it starts off for the first 15 minutes.

There's a lot of positive energy on this record including that foot stomping, head banging opener "The Next Day". It's the chorus I'm talking specifically, and yes sit down to foot stomp and head bang please. Bowie's vocals are strong. "Dirty Boys" is next and man that baritone sax really works here along with the bass clarinet. Love those sounds. "The Stars(Are Out Tonight)" is my second favourite after the closer. Back to the energy and there's so much going on here. Too much fun. "Love Is Lost" ends that opening first four and this one grooves with guitar over top. Great lyrics.

The other two tracks that stand out for me are the back to back "I'd Rather Be High" and "Boss Of Me". The psychedelia of the former and the return of the baritone sax on the latter. I wasn't surprised to see Tony Levin playing bass on five tracks, but seeing that the main guitarist is David Torn did surprise me. Playing on this album must have been one of many highlights Torn has had in his career. This is a solid 4 star record in my world, and is worthy enough to have that "Heroes" cover in my opinion.