Ever since his "comeback" with Outside in 1995, David Bowie has been on an artistic roll. His mid-90s albums up til now, not to mention reissues of his classic work, redeems his '80s body of mediocrity. Heathen continues on that spark of him looking forwards than back. Actually, to be honest, there are songs on Heathen that provides glimpses of Bowie's trend-setting past including elements of Ziggy and the Berlin trilogy eras. "Slow Burn" is a nice uptempo rocker along with Afraid, his clattering cover of the Pixies' "Cactus," as well as the whimsical "I Took a Ride On a Gemini Spaceship" reclaiming his ongoing interest in the future. Most of Heathen is atmospheric, sometimes ethereal, and dense-sounding, thanks to the return of longtime producer Tony Visconti at the helm;" Slip Away" and "I Would Be Your Slave" provide poignant moments to the chilling mood evoked on the record. Bowie hasn't lost it in his world weary vocals and can take it up a notch in the intensity level when called for. Even Ziggy from the grave has gotta be proud that his alter ego has still got it. |
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