THE NEXT DAY

David Bowie returned with a nice comeback after 10 long years and he looks and hears to be revitalized, full of new energy and motivation. Looking at the album cover, references to former works from the 70's can be expected. After hearing an album you will confirm that but DB does not rest on the laurels and keeps the record natural by sticking to rock receipts as well as mixing slight electronic hints. Solid and well crafted outcome is the result. I don't agree with those that praise the album to be much better than the previous 3 albums, songwriting is at the same level or slightly worse but DB and his team spent more time on production and natural sound. You can hear that all players in the mix are very competent players who don't steal the spotlight, naturally.

The album starts off quite loud and upbeat with the most obvious referene to the 70's - "The next day" that sounds like producted with Brian Eno. "Dirty boys" is made in similar spirit - evocative format, good sound but no much of a songwriting power. The high quality of Bowie's creative writing comes to the surface in the latter tracks which are less about the sound and more about the substance. "Love is lost" is noteworthy for its combination of hypnotic church organ on a synth and modern drums. The ballad of the album is "Where are we now" and is easily one of the higlights with its haunting building melody, sad voice and keyboards. "Valentine's day" has a catchy melody and perhaps some 60's British corns in it.

"If you can see me" is a fantastic prog-rock track with syncopes, steady rhythm and full of ambition. "I'd rather be high" is a brilliant British pop track. "Dancing out in space" has a playful chorus. "(You will) set the world on fire" is an eager and anxious song that can be described as motivational by its name.

"Heat" is a dramatic track with rising cresciendo, full of reflection and a typical Bowie emotional vocal. Warm strings contrast with the dark air in the track. Maybe it was intended as a farewell track at its time.