It’s taken me years to warm to and appreciate the music of David Bowie. I now realize why he is held in such high regard. I saw an interview-documentary on him recently on the Film and Arts channel. It was my second viewing of it and his interpretation of his ‘own’ artistry and delivery style was captivating. He’s a very eloquent speaker and someone who sounds as fascinating in interview format as they do on stage. There are few singer-songwriters who I value listening to interpreting their own music, but David Bowie is definitely one of the exceptions.
Modern Love was released as the opening track on his 1983 record Let’s Dance. It is a rock song that contains elements of new wave music. It was recorded at the Power Station in Manhattan and was one of the first tracks recorded for the album.
[Intro]
I know when to go out
Know when to stay in
Get things done
[Verse 1]
I catch the paper boy
But things don’t really change
I’m standing in the wind
But I never wave bye-bye
But I try
I try
[Verse 2]
There’s no sign of life
It’s just the power to charm
I’m lying in the rain
But I never wave bye-bye
But I try
I try
[Chorus]
Never going to fall for
(Modern love) Walks beside me
(Modern love) Walks on by
(Modern love) Gets me to the church on time
(Church on time) Terrifies me
(Church on time) Makes me party
(Church on time) Puts my trust in God and man
(God and man) No confessions
(God and man) No religion
(God and man) Don’t believe in modern love
From Wikipedia: Since its release, “Modern Love” has received critical acclaim from music critics, who praised Bowie’s songwriting, its production, and its power as an opening track. It is generally considered one of the best songs on Let’s Dance, along with “China Girl” and the title track, and has since been called one of Bowie’s greatest songs….Modern Love was named as one of Bowie’s greatest songs by numerous publications. Rolling Stone listed it as one of Bowie’s 30 essential songs, writing “[the song] reveals Bowie at his catchiest and most nihilistic‘.
References:
1. Modern Love (song) – Wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
This is my favorite 80s song by Bowie…this was the entry point to Bowie for many of my peers…I was listening to him in the 70s as a kid…
Yeh, I don’t know if it’s my favourite by him in the 80’s, but it’s up there. I was telling Jeff when we recently discussed Bowie is that Bowie said in the interview (I mentioned in the article) that he never felt he had a ‘great’ voice. So, what he would do is play a character on a song and sing ‘that voice’. He seemed more of an actor-singer in some respects. But his voice on this is one of my favourites from him.
Apart from his huge hits ‘Space Oddity’ and ‘Heroes’ I was largely unfamiliar with his music in my youth. I got hearing Ziggy much later. It’s funny, but my kids are really taken with his music and they even like music from him that I can take or leave. It never really thrilled me when I was younger apart from those aforementioned. But I’m still getting into his stuff little by little. Thanks for your impressions on this song Max.
The period I liked best was his Ziggy Days and the album Hunky Dory. He has a song that is in my top 10 of all time…the song Life On Mars. Something about that song I love…
You know way more about that period than me. I like Life on Mars as well.
With other Bowie fans…I always upset them when I tell them that I simply hate one of his most popular songs… Ashes to Ashes. Too much of that 80s sound.
There’s a lot of music from him like that in the 80’s. In the interview he even admitted he was trying to appease a popular taste of the period. Some of his own music he didn’t even like, but they remain his most popular lol.
I love this song, along with “China Girl” and “Let’s Dance”, all from the same album which I still own. Can’t believe it’s been 40 years!
Great song’s those. Don’t remind me how many years it has been.
Give this a little listen Matt, and tell me what you think. This is one of my favourite David Bowie songs (he was such a unique artist).
It has Luther Vandross doing backing vocals which you can pick out if you know his voice. Enjoy!
I always liked Young Americans by Bowie and thank you for the link and reminder to hear it again. It’s been a while. I’m not across Luther Vandross.
If it doesn’t allow you, just search for Young Americans, David Bowie!
Phew! I thought if you don’t like Young Americans, then there’s no hope!!! He! He! Great tune! Do you mean you haven’t heard of Luther Vandross? Luther Vandross was huge in the soul/pop scene, during the 80s and 90s. He’s gone now, sadly!
No, I haven’t heard of him I’m afraid. What’s your favourite by him. Soul music is probably not high on my preferred mode of music. What’s your favourite by him? I’m sorry to hear he passed.
You haven’t heard of him Matt because he is primarily a soul artist, who was big decades ago. Luther Vandross has got such a big back catalogue that I couldn’t begin to pick a favourite. Yes, his death was a very sad loss.
Yes, he sounds like quite the artists. It’s great how you knew about his participation in Young American.
He has got a very distinct voice! A great vocalist and writer. Matt, tomorrow I’m going to post a piece of music by the Argentine saxophonist Gato Barbieri! Mind blowing!! I’m off to bed. Have a great evening. Thanks very much for your replies, they keep me on my toes!!! x
You are welcome. Replies like red cucumbers do that haha. I wish you very sweet dreams. I look forward to reading your post tomorrow.
I thought I’d missed something! Red cucumbers!! Thanks for clearing that up!! Ha! As promised here is the link for Gato Barbieri, described as a tenor jazz saxophonist.
The song is called ‘Europa’ composed by Carlos Santana! It sends chills down my spine. Always loved it. Give it a listen and tell what you think Matt. Good morning.