David Bowie
Blackstar (ISO Records)
It’s hard to review the Thin White Duke’s latest effort outside the context of his passing on Jan. 10.
Since it’s only natural to look back at David Bowie’s work with increased fondness knowing that one of the greatest creative forces of our time is no longer with us, it’s also natural to look at his latest, final work in the same light. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Blackstar shot to the top of the Billboard charts following Bowie’s death, making it the first of his albums to ever reach No. 1.
So is this his best album? Hardly. But that’s not really the point.
On Blackstar, Bowie writes his own epitaph, providing closure on his long and illustrious music career, both for himself and his fans. Recorded in relative secrecy after he was diagnosed with incurable cancer a year and a half ago, Blackstar sees Bowie struggling with the reality of his impending, inescapable death. On the album’s sprawling, mystical opener, he imagines his own execution. On “Lazarus”, he faces his own mortality, telling us “This way or no way / You know I’ll be free”.
The seven songs themselves are hit and miss, however, and suffer from a certain computer-generated sterility. “Sue (Or in a Season of Crime)” and “Girl Loves Me”, in particular, both suffer from some distractingly wonky electronic jazz drums.
Throughout the album, Bowie’s age and weakness are apparent in his voice, and it’s clear that producer and long-time collaborator Tony Visconti likely did much of the heavy lifting, musically speaking. But while Blackstar is far from Bowie’s best work, it’s an absolute must-listen for anyone seeking to understand this enigmatic creative genius.
Rating: ★★★1/2
