Worry no more David Bowie fans, The Thin White Duke has returned. This week in fact, on his 66th birthday no less, releasing an odd video for the single “Where Are We Now?” (directed by Tony Oursler). Bowie had been working in secret with longtime producer Tony Visconti for two years, culminating in The Next Day (his 30th studio recording), to be released March 11th via Iso/Columbia Records. I will agree with Bob Lefsetz (I wasn’t quite sure what provoked the rest of Lefsetz’s ire as the information that has come out about Bowie’s return has been extremely limited) that the single is a bit of a letdown. It’s a dreary, down tempo song that features a rather frail sounding vocal by Bowie. It’s led to some concern on my part about the rest of the album and the strength of Bowie’s voice. I dig the atmosphere it creates, sounding a bit like something he did with Brian Eno on Outside, but it’s not terribly exciting.
But, as Visconti told Rolling Stone this week, he was taken aback by the choice of “Where Are We Now?” as the first single as well:
“It’s a very reflective track for David,” he says. “Maybe the only track on the album that goes this much inward for him. It’s quite a rock album, the rest of the songs, so I thought to myself: ‘Why is David coming out with this very slow, albeit beautiful ballad? Why is he doing this? He could come out with a bang.’
The Next Day Track Listing:
The Next Day
Dirty Boys
The Stars (Are out Tonight)
Love Is Lost
Where Are We Now?
Valentine’s Day
If You Can See Me
I’d Rather Be High
Boss of Me
Dancing Out in Space
How Does the Grass Grow?
(You Will) Set the World On Fire)
Heat
The Next Day Bonus Tracks:
So She
I’ll Take You There
Plan
Official David Bowie Website
