Blackstar Review: A Farewell in Disguise
9/10 — David Bowie - Blackstar (2016)
Pros
- Fearless, jazz-inflected sound
- 'Lazarus' and the title track
- Poignant context
Cons
- Challenging
- Abstract lyrics
Blackstar was released on Bowie’s 69th birthday, two days before his death. Recorded with a New York jazz group led by Donny McCaslin, it’s an experimental swansong.
What works
The title track is a ten-minute shape-shifting epic, ‘Lazarus’ is haunting in hindsight, and ‘I Can’t Give Everything Away’ is a poignant closer. The jazz players give the songs a restless energy, and Bowie sounds unafraid.
Where it falters
Its darkness and abstract lyrics can make it a challenging listen, and a few songs are re-recordings of earlier singles.
Verdict
A moving, daring final statement.
