David Bowie - Heathen
Product Information
Track List: Heathen
- SundayDownload & Buy
- CactusDownload & Buy
- Slip AwayDownload & Buy
- Slow BurnDownload & Buy
- AfraidDownload & Buy
- I've Been Waiting for YouDownload & Buy
- I Would Be Your SlaveDownload & Buy
- I Took a Trip on a Gemini SpaceshipDownload & Buy
- 5.15 the Angels Have GoneDownload & Buy
- Everyone Says "Hi"Download & Buy
- Better FutureDownload & Buy
- Heathen (The Rays)Download & Buy
More David Bowie CDs and Albums
Album Details: Heathen
- Release Date:
- 06/11/2002
- Label:
- Sony Japan
- UPC:
- 4582192934623
User Reviews: Heathen
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HEATHEN HEAVEN
, March 10, 2005Reviewer: jaydeconnor - See all jaydeconnor's reviews -
How David Bowie never stops being fantas
, May 1, 2003Reviewer: ericbldr - See all ericbldr's reviewsFrom the beginning of this album to the vary last drop he exposes the melodic and percise accuracy that only he can deliver. The greatest compliment to an already legendary career. With the cover of the Cactus Song by the Pixies David gives his fans what they want. Hail Bowie
read all (17) user reviews for Heathen
Pro Reviews: Heathen
| EXPERT RATING: From AMG Reviews Heathen marks a new beginning for David Bowie in some ways -- it's his first record since leaving Virgin, his first for Columbia Records, his first for his new label, ISO -- yet it's hardly a new musical direction. Like Hours, this finds Bowie sifting through the sounds of his past, completely at ease with his legacy, crafting a colorful, satisfying album that feels like a classic Bowie album. That's not to say that Heathen recalls any particular album or any era in specific, yet there's a deliberate attempt to recapture the atmosphere, the tone of his '70s work -- there's a reason that Bowie decided to re-team with Tony Visconti, the co-producer of some of his best records, for this album -- even if direct comparisons are hard to come by. Which is exactly what's so impressive about this album. Bowie and Visconti never shy away from electronic instrumentations or modern production -- if anything, they embrace it -- but it's woven into Bowie's sound subtly, never drawing attention to the drum loops, guitar synths, and washes of electronica. For that matter, guest spots by Dave Grohl and Pete Townshend (both on guitar) don't stand out either; they're merely added texture to this an album that's intricately layered, but always plays smoothly and alluringly. And, make no mistake, this is an alluring, welcoming, friendly album -- there are some moody moments, but Bowie takes Neil Young's eerie "I've Been Waiting for You" and the Pixies' elusively brutal, creepy "Cactus" and turns them sweet, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, either. In the end, that's the key to Heathen -- the undercurrent of happiness, not in the lyrics, but in the making of music, a realization by Bowie and Visconti alike that they are perfect collaborators. Unlike their previous albums together, this doesn't boldly break new ground, but that's because, 22 years after their last collaboration, Scary Monsters, both Bowie and Visconti don't need to try as hard, so they just focus on the craft. The result is an understated, utterly satisfying record, his best since Scary Monsters, simply because he's never sounded as assured and consistent since. Hopefully, it won't be another two decades before Bowie and Visconti make another record together. - Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide |
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David Bowie Biography
The cliché about David Bowie says he's a musical chameleon, adapting himself according to fashion and trends. While such a criticism is too glib, there's no denying that Bowie demonstrated remarkable skill for perceiving musical trends at his peak i...Full David Bowie Biography
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-- ©2008 All Media Guide, LLC
Pros: Variation of great sounds,songs and lyrics
Cons: Normal version is missing the 4 bonus tracks available on Super Audio CD version and booklet is missing lyrics
Forever changing rockstar David Bowie brings fans and listeners another brilliant album, HEATHEN.Its 12 tasteful tracks will have the consumer craving for more everyday of the week.
Starting with SUNDAY,the albums first track,we hear carefully constructed keyboard arrangements sounding cold and gripping from the start. Then in comes a lonely sound of Bowies voice telling us of his life with music and the changes for him which isn't a change for us as it is normal for us seeing him as a chameleon.This is identified in the songs lyrics "Nothing has changed.Everything has changed".But it's relieving at the end of the song when bass comes in and his lonely voice isn't so lonely anymore.He offers a new growing sound bringing the audience out of the gripping cold and into a new song.SUNDAY is a great introduction for the album.
CACTUS,the albums second track is once again chilling but louder to emphasise the songs violence and vengeful meaning. This cover song originally done by the Pixies is an awesome remake. Bowie uses his voice well in this one as he talks about a girl who's left someone behind in a hurtful way causing disturbance and the need for revenge. Although the song doesn't belong to him he offers one hell of a version.
Once again we hit another quiet track which talks about a clown slowly fading away from the circus scene and becoming iscolated and dead to the world. It's chorus leaves you feeling sad for the songs character and is easy to remember. SLIP AWAY is an emotional song which quickly proves this album has good variety, great change.
SLOWBURN, the hard hitting 4th track of the album features the WHO's Pete Townsend on guitar belting out emotional tones which set the right mood for the song. Bowies voice also helps this song suit the meaning as he eerily sings about people living out their lives in a mental institution as they believe that's where they are supposed to be. This song is one of the albums greatest tracks and it is also featured on Best Of Bowie.
Moving along to the next two tracks of the HEATHEN album, I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU and AFRAID, we hear similarities between the two and what seems to be a very commercial sound. They may remind people of Powderfingers later work(Although their GOT YOU ON MY MIND intro sounds the same as BOWIES SUFRAGETTE CITY intro music). These are the two least favourite tracks on HEATHEN but their commercialism gives them a good point.
The 7th track I WOULD BE YOUR SLAVE seems similar to the third track as it is also quiet and sad but the next song I TOOK A TRIP ON A GEMINI SPACECRAFT is something new. Written by the LEGENDARY STARDUST COWBOY Bowie gives a sexy touch to this song making it sound like something to a futuristic Bond film. It has a great rhythm and is easy to listen to. And even though it is poppy it isn't disappointing.
5:15-ANGELS HAVE GONE is another cold song but is peaceful and gives the audience a break fom the previous fast pace. It's a song about lovers not so in love anymore, all love has faded and it is lonely now. The song uses an early morning time at a train station to emphasise the emptiness.Bowie has proven he is clever again.
Yet again, we hear another 5 star track on HEATHEN. Bowie gives us EVERYONE SAYS HI, a warming song which speaks about home always being there for you. It takes the audience out of the cold again and into a place more happy.
The next song, A BETTER FUTURE is catchy but a little repeatitive. There's not much expression in Bowies voice for this song but this might be emphasising the characters carelessness. The character is sick of the way he is being treated by his lover and demands a better future. His voice sounds monotonous giving the impression that he's giving up with his lover.
Finally, the last track HEATHEN(THE RAYS) is a great end to the album. It is peaceful,calm and relaxing. It talks about the end of love, the end of a relationship and it slowly dying. The song is pleasant in which it isn't noisy and it isn't too quiet. The sounds and the voice on this track adds the perfect touch and the perfect end to HEATHEN.
Overall HEATHEN is a 5 star album and is highly recommended.
Written By Jamie Jacobs 2005 ...