Heathen

Yes, Heathen is probably the best Bowie album since Scary Monsters, but it’s not quite the instant classic that album proved to be. It is, however, a damn good collection of covers and originals. There is no grand character concept, this is probably the most vulnerable and honest Bowie has been on an album, and he is in excellent voice throughout. Pete Townshend’s guest guitar work on “Slow Burn” creates absolute magic. A neo-Bowie classic? Quite possibly. I love the song. And the three covers are amazing, stunning really. “I Would Be Your Slave” is particularly moving to me. I believe that it has something to do with his vocal performance. Same goes for “5.15 the Angels Have Gone.” The way his voice moves up and down and works around the chorus gave me chills the first time I heard it. Heathen does have an overarching concept: in our dark, isolated reality there must be a real connection and higher spiritual awareness out there. Somewhere. Bowie doesn’t need to Ziggy razzle dazzle to keep your attention, he’s managed to do that for decades. Instead, like a great author or filmmaker, he focuses on crafting a subtle, solid, satisfying new work. I found it alluring and enticing on my first listen. I still do. DOWNLOAD: “I Would Be Your Slave”