David Bowie - hours...

David Bowie examines remembrance and regret in "hours..."

David Bowie's new album "hours..." is yet another stylistic left-turn for the always-transforming artist.  Bowie's career is a fascinating journey to watch.   He's always ready to grab hold of whatever new technology is available, whatever new trend might be useful, to make his music unlike anything you'll hear elsewhere, while maintaining integrity as a lyricist and vocalist at the same time.  "hours..." is no exception.  Walking away from the electronica that dominated "Earthling" and the concept-album sci-fi threads that wound through the music of 1997's "1. Outside", Bowie returns to more traditional pop and rock stylings on this new release, to show that he hasn't lost any of his ability to write memorable, melodic, and melancholic masterpieces. 

After only three listens, I found I could sing along with every one of these songs (okay, not the weird eastern-flavored instrumental), and I am still discovering new layers of sound, delightfully strange textures, and brilliant plays on words.  "hours..." was written for Bowie's generation, he says in interviews, and it's not hard to tell.  The "singers" of these songs are mostly middle-aged romantics.  Some think back on the glory days, reminding listeners of the decadence of the sixties. (In "The Pretty Things are Going to Hell" he affirms "we wore it out but we wore it well....").  In "Survive" he wishes for a second chance at a missed romantic opportunity, singing "you were the best mistake I never made." 

Reeves Gabrels, who has been at Bowie's side through many of these chameleonic projects, provides just the right amount of flourish, without overproducing, so that this album can let Bowie's vocals shine.  And boy do they shine.  For a guy who was already an established artist before I was born, this guy still has incredible energy, and a marvelous voice.  Few of his recordings showcase his vocal range from rage to tenderness like this album does. 

And thematically, "hours..." excites me as well.  There is a spirit in these songs that sounds kinder, gentler, and wiser. Perhaps through all of the rebellion, the indulgence, and the recklessness, Bowie is finding his way to a new peace.  In spite of the regrets and the remorse that you can hear in these songs, there are reasons to be glad as well.  In "Seven", he affirms that each day of the week is an opportunity to do the right thing, or else just another "way to die".   Interesting to hear such a moral compass steering these songs.  Encouraging.