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January 23, 2015
MUSIC | David Bowie's First New Album in 10 Years, "The Next Day"
MUSIC | A New Album, Ten Years in the Making, Announced Suddenly
David Bowie: "The Next Day"
David Bowie has always stood apart, forging ahead at the vanguard of the ever-shifting rock scene. On January 8, 2013, his 66th birthday, he announced the release of his first new album in a decade, "The Next Day," since 2003's "Reality." The announcement came without preamble, coinciding with the digital release of the new single "Where Are We Now?" The album is scheduled for worldwide release on Tuesday, March 12, with the Japanese edition due on Wednesday, March 13.
Text by IWANAGA Morito (OPENERS)
Recording Under Wraps
The new single "Where Are We Now?" was released on iTunes Stores worldwide without any prior announcement. Simultaneously, pre-orders began for "The Next Day," his 30th studio album and first in 10 years. Within 24 hours, it had shot to number one on the album charts in 27 countries.
David Bowie, a rock superstar whose achievements extend far beyond music into art and fashion, has sold over 130 million albums worldwide. In an era saturated with social media and gossip websites, how did he manage to create a new work without leaking any information?
No one was seen entering or leaving his recording studio. No associate let slip a word on Twitter. And, of course, there were no leaked tracks. Typically, when a major artist announces a new release, they build anticipation by issuing advance notices and hints to their waiting fans.
By refraining from any such actions, Bowie arguably made "The Next Day" the most anticipated release of 2013.
No one was seen entering or leaving his recording studio. No associate let slip a word on Twitter. And, of course, there were no leaked tracks. Typically, when a major artist announces a new release, they build anticipation by issuing advance notices and hints to their waiting fans.
By refraining from any such actions, Bowie arguably made "The Next Day" the most anticipated release of 2013.
A Lead Single Bridging Past and Future
The new album was produced by Tony Visconti, who has worked on many of Bowie's previous releases. According to an interview with the BBC, Visconti found Bowie's choice of "Where Are We Now?" as the lead single surprising, given the album's predominantly rock sound.
"Single: 'Where Are We Now?'"
"This is the only track on the album where David is so introspective. The album itself is quite rocky, so I was wondering what his intention was in choosing such a slow, beautiful ballad as the single."
"But David is someone who has navigated his life with great skill. Choosing this song was a truly sharp decision, and it serves as a bridge between the past and the future. It hints that David's next work will be considerably different from what came before."
"But David is someone who has navigated his life with great skill. Choosing this song was a truly sharp decision, and it serves as a bridge between the past and the future. It hints that David's next work will be considerably different from what came before."
A Bold Reimagining of the "Heroes" Album Cover
The revealed album cover is a striking design: the iconic artwork of the album "Heroes" is overlaid with a simple white border bearing the new title, "THE NEXT DAY." The original "HEROES" text has been removed. What could it signify?
The artwork was handled by Jonathan Barnbrook, who also designed the cover for "Heathen" in 2002. He explained his approach on his blog:
"We wanted to do something different—which is very difficult in a field where everything has been done—but we're daring to think of this as new."
"Using previous designs usually means 'recycling' or 'greatest hits.' But we wanted to do 'The Next Day.' And covering the 'Heroes' artwork with a white border symbolizes the spirit of great pop or rock music 'of the moment,' and signifies forgetting or erasing the past. We are constantly moving forward, into the next day, with the past behind us. It's the only option."
"We wanted to do something different—which is very difficult in a field where everything has been done—but we're daring to think of this as new."
"Using previous designs usually means 'recycling' or 'greatest hits.' But we wanted to do 'The Next Day.' And covering the 'Heroes' artwork with a white border symbolizes the spirit of great pop or rock music 'of the moment,' and signifies forgetting or erasing the past. We are constantly moving forward, into the next day, with the past behind us. It's the only option."
This "event," met with surprise and widespread acclaim across the global music scene, has left us eagerly anticipating the album's sound.
"The Next Day" (Japanese Edition)
David Bowie
Release Date: Wednesday, March 13
Limited Edition "Deluxe Edition"
¥2,800 (SICP-30127)
18 tracks total (includes 3 bonus tracks + 1 Japanese edition bonus track)
Blu-Spec CD2 format
Standard Edition
¥2,520 (SICP-3788)
15 tracks total (includes 1 Japanese edition bonus track)
Sony Music Japan International
http://www.sonymusic.co.jp/Music/International/Arch