By Adam Enomoto
Managing Editor
To mark what would have been David Bowie‘s 70th birthday on January 8, a new EP of music titled “No Plan” has been released along with a music video.
Born David Robert Jones in London, England, Bowie began his music career playing saxophone at the age of 13. In his 30 years in the industry, he had released 18 albums. all of which achieved critical acclaim.
Link: David Bowie’s artist profile
On January 8, Columbia Records released “No Plan.” The material on “No Plan” is taken from the same sessions that produced Bowie’s final album, Blackstar. The tracks were included on the cast album for Bowie’s musical Lazarus, but this marks the first time they’re available as a standalone release.
The haunting lyrics leave the effect that Bowie is speaking from beyond the grave. A notable example of this is on the song “No Plan” where Bowie sings in a plaintive, ethereal voice, “Here, there’s no music here, I’m lost in streams of sound/Here, am I nowhere now?/No plan.”
Bowie’s singing throughout the album lacks a strong melody, but the raw emotion in his vocals amplify the lyrics’ power. The bass riffs along with a flute backdrop and drums add a dramatic and unique touch to the emotional songs, giving the listener a full experience of Bowie’s musical skill.
Bowie, preparing to pass, he still managed to turn his death into a performance by planning on the release of the EP to be a year after his death. One year post death, Bowie is still adding to the incredible musical legacy that he leaves.
Throughout this album, Bowie reflects on his fame and how it’s not all that he thought it would be. This is an exceptional album that truly deserves high regards especially considering it’s the last new music from David Bowie.
Bowie’s wistful singing and the melodies of “No Plan” give the album a theatrical feel that reaches a heavenly peak before giving way to a plethora of musical instruments. Still, “No Plan” retains a classic Bowie feel, with shuffling drums, dreamy guitar lines and puffs of frail, quivering synths.
Listen: David Bowie’s Album available for streaming here
The album is available to stream on services including Spotify and Apple Music. It is available for $4.99
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