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THE REVIEW
On September 16, 2003, David Bowie, just one year after "Heathen," releases a new studio work, "Reality".
The album, recorded at Looking Glass Studio in New York, features the trusted Tony Visconti in production, and it is the most recent album of original songs by the White Duke. It consists of nine new tracks and two covers, both reinterpreted in perfect "Bowie style": "Pablo Picasso", written by Jonathan Richman for the Modern Lovers, and the splendid and evocative "Try Some, Buy Some" by the late George Harrison.
The LP was preceded by the single "New Killer Star", a pop rock track with enormous melodic/commercial appeal (yet still very classy), recently resurrected for the advertising campaign of a well-known car company. Going through the eleven tracks that make up the album, one moves from the self-referential "Never Get Old" (the second single released) to the melancholic piano and voice of the fantastic "The Loneliest Guy" (figured out where Suede got their inspiration?), from the semi-reggae opening that transforms into the perfectly refined pop of "Days" to the airy and linear melodies of "Fall Dog Bombs The Moon" (stunningly beautiful, and by many interpreted as an invective against George Bush). The title track, placed almost at the end of the album, is the most energetic piece of the lot but certainly not the best.
Perfect is the closing of "Bring Me The Disco Thing", originally recorded for "Black Tie White Noise" in 1993 and then for "Earthling" in 1997; jazzy, splendid, and touching. Bowie's vocal performance is remarkable (as in the entire album, for that matter), enhancing the melodies already meticulously curated.
A record of great class, something the White Duke has always accustomed us to. An example of how one can continue to write beautiful music even after many years of a glorious career.
Not on par (of course) with the great classics, but if only more albums like this were released today...
Key tracks: New Killer Star, Pablo Picasso, Fall Dog Bombs The Moon, Bring Me The Disco King
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Summary by Bot
David Bowie's 2003 album Reality continues his tradition of high-class music with nine new tracks and two well-chosen covers. Produced with Tony Visconti, the album features diverse sounds ranging from pop rock hits like 'New Killer Star' to melancholic ballads such as 'The Loneliest Guy.' The review praises Bowie's vocal performances and musical craftsmanship, considering Reality a testament to his enduring artistry well past his classic era.
David Bowie
English singer-songwriter and actor David Bowie (born David Robert Jones, 1947–2016) was a pioneering, genre‑shifting artist known for his personas, musical experimentation and a career spanning pop, rock and avant‑garde projects.109 Reviews
Other reviews
By Mr_Iko
The ideal of elegance and perfection that has always accompanied the Divine David... shines, it magnifies them.
I wrote that Bowie is not a musician but a 'state of mind'. Now I am here to shout it even louder.
By Dune Buggy
A star who wants to stop being a chameleon and wear the clothes of a valid musician eager to play and have fun.
In conclusion, Reality is a transitional album towards a future rock that hopefully will be less dull and cold.
