As you all probably know by now, David Bowie released his first single, ‘Where Are We Now’, after ten years. I’ve read a lot of criticism, some good, some bad, and wanted to post my own opinion to share with others.
One of the most common criticisms I’ve read in regards to Bowie, is that he has never done anything truly original. That to me, is simply, a bunch of bollocks. Every performer is influenced and inspired by someone else. Inspiration is the key to creation, but what you do with those influences is what matters. Do you become a clone imitating your idol, with nothing new to say, or do you take that influence and inspiration, and present it in a new way?
If he were just a talentless copy-cat, would he be Bowie? Of course not. Do not forget, this was the man who dared to shock UK audiences back in the day, when he gave the world Ziggy Stardust.
Time passes, fashions change. How silly would David Bowie look now, at the age of 66, if he was still trying to be Ziggy or even the Thin White Duke?
‘Where Are We Now’ is a melancholic, bittersweet view to his past. It shows us an older Bowie, but one, whose voice, still sings in that iconic crooner’s voice we know so well. The one imitated by so many. Would Suede, who’ve also released a new single after ten years, exist, if it wasn’t for Bowie? Just listen to Brett Anderson’s voice, for the answer to that.
The biggest wrong we, as an audience, can do to an artist, is to typecast them, expecting them to create the same type of music they became iconic for, over and over, as if they’re a one-trick pony. All artists grow and change, we as an audience, deserve to give them that chance.
If you haven’t heard the song, have a listen, I personally love it…
Alannah Murphy is a former rock musician turned writer, currently working on a rock'n'roll novel set in London. 
I also really love this song, It is unmistakeably Bowie. It’s very poetic and for Bowie I think personal and nostalgic. He is 66 now and looking back on his past and using these experiences in his work. None of us can be the same person we were years ago, we all change due to lifes experiences.
Couldn’t have said it better myself Fiona. Totally agree. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment as well.
Really not sure how I feel about the song, but I think you’re absolutely right about how ridiculous it is to claim Bowie was anything other than original!
I know Connor, it amuses me how some people have said he just copied others blah blah. I personally like the song, but can understand why it’s not quite hit the right note for others, pun intended I guess ha ha
Bowie remains Bowie, no matter how his style, and looks, may change. I knew he was releasing a new song, but I hadn’t heard it yet. Thanks, Alannah, for providing this!
Exactly Richard, I agree, I am really looking forward to the release of his album, I believe, it is scheduled for March 2013
If there’s someone who has been open to change for his entire career, it is David Bowie. It makes sense that this sounds different than something he might have done in an earlier part of his career. I agree that this is not Ziggy Stardust, nor should it be. Not that he is “too old” for such a character, but he is an artist. If an artist is using their life and their growth as material, then that material has to change and evolve over time just as humans do.
–JW
I couldn’ve have said it better myself JW. Spot on. Glad you agree, and thanks for taking the time to comment as well, Alannah
Hi Alannah, I’ve not heard this song before – and I like it!
I agree that Bowie does have his own style, and he has lasted longer over the years than other artists have, some of whom have tried to add their own style as well, not as successfully.
The funny thing with people is some like change, some don’t. Some want the same old same old, and some want something different every time. To survive a long time with that kind of audience speaks wonders in itself. I think critics get paid to be critical regardless of how they feel about the song, so they shouldn’t really be listened to anyway. Anyway – I like it. To me, that’s all that matters!
Have a good weekend, Alannah! (It’s been a while since I’ve been here – sorry about that!!!)
Hi Tom! So nice to hear from you, I’ve not been around much and miss reading your blog. Hoping to go back to reading others blogs when I have time.
I am so happy you like it, I think it’s a wonderful song, and I love his voice. Not too many artists can say that they’ve had such a long career.
Oh gosh, don’t worry about not being around, same here, and I’ve been really quiet and not posting much at all
Have a great weekend my friend!