ALBUM: David Bowie - Blackstar

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There’s an apparent tendency for journalism to become almost competitive when writing about people like David Bowie – not that there really is anyone like Bowie. Even before his death, every review, every proclamation of love was seemingly trying to beat the last, but also to do Bowie the justice he deserves.

It’s tricky not to do the same, and after this weekend’s tragic events I had to avoid accidentally writing a eulogy rather than a review, but one can only try so hard. Blackstar is an incredible album, sure, but it was also a final gift from Bowie – the most artistic way of accepting death.

When title track ‘Blackstar’ was released as a single, it seemed Bowie had a new lease of life; it proved instantly the Bowie had (at least) one final headful of ideas to give to the world. 9 minutes and 58 seconds of, well, Bowie: unadulterated, unmatched Bowie, AKA creative genius. His suggestion of death appears to start even in the first track: “Something happened on the day he died… Somebody else took his place, and bravely cried” – truth is, no one can take his place.

Before I’d listened, I couldn’t help but fear that Bowie couldn’t possibly have an entire album of fantastic new material; was ‘Blackstar’ merely a fluke of success? Of course not, it’s Bowie. While as an album it may not match the legendary status of Bowie’s earlier work, there’s no new character to lust over, it’s legendary in its own right: as the final bow from a musical hero.

I can’t help but be a little bit (very selfishly) annoyed at Bowie for not giving at least some suggestion of his illness – perhaps his death would have thrown me a little less if he had done – but I also can’t help but blame myself for ignoring ‘Lazarus’. There are always theories surrounding deaths of celebrities, people picking up clues and suggestions and somehow connecting the illuminati or some such nonsense, but with ‘Lazarus’ it was different: Bowie’s intentions were clearer. “Look up here, I’m in heaven” / “Look up here, man, I’m in danger” suddenly seem a whole lot sadder.

Whilst it may have been Bowie’s parting gift, it also acts as a reminder of his power: despite his illness he managed to write and record an album better than most current release, and make 2 music videos – and all with a grin on his face.

Everything about Blackstar is fantastic: the bizarre, funkiness of ‘Girl Loves Me’; its subtle morbidity, hidden in ingenious songwriting; its lengthy tracks that embody Bowie in the best way possible.

All that’s left to do is say thank you for the parting gift, and rest in peace, Starman.

Blackstar is out now via ISO Records.