In tribute to the great David Bowie, I've decided to review his final album
Blackstar. First I want to say that David Bowie is a monumental entertainer just like Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, and Elvis Presley. The shocking news of his death has brought meaning to his final album which just released on January 8th, his birthday. Not many artists have the opportunity to end his career the way he did, with an album that says it all. Granted it wasn't intentional or was it? The fact is he knew the progression of the cancer at this point and being the private person he was, no one knew of his health but those closest to him. This album is the final brilliance of a man who gave his all to his music, his fans, and most importantly his family. There is however an eerie tone to the album especially with the singles "Blackstar" and "Lazarus." The videos for both singles are also haunting. Knowing what we know now, I can see the strength of the visualizations in these two videos. In both Bowie has his eyes covered by what seems to be gauze and buttons where his eyes are. Also the individuals are shaking as if suffering an illness. In "Lazarus," David lies in a hospital bed which I feel he used this time to illustrate his fight against cancer and how he is about to succumb to the disease. The haunting vocals of "Blackstar" reminds me of a congregation singing at church. It is so gripping and heart wrenching more so with the tragic circumstances. The symbolism sends chills down your spine. The black star on what one assumes to be the Bible, I feel is what he looked to at this time.
On a high note, David's voice did not age whatsoever and sets the tone to his farewell album. What he has left us with is a sendoff of acceptance. I believe that what he is expressing is acceptance of his fate, of his journey onward to the next life. I think the chilling vocals is how he expresses the pain he is enduring as well and the peace he will soon experience. He's never been known as a simple artist but a man with a mission of sending a message in a unique but true way. I love this album but I love it with a heavy heart. I think of the man who acted in Labyrinth, my first real exposure to his brilliant artist.
The Great David Bowie,
With Blackstar, we feel your pain, your journey, sadness, and acceptance. In your life you've brought us joy through your musical brilliance and as the popular Jareth, Goblin King in Labyrinth. So to our dear Goblin King, go forth and embrace the loving arms of our Heavenly King and rock it with the best of the best, the other precious jewels who has left us all too soon. God bless your soul and God be with your wife, Iman and your children. My heart truly aches for the sadness they have at the loss of their husband and father. May God be with them as they get through this difficult time. Thank you for this final gift. You live on in your music. Rest now...
(Blackstar video still courtesy of Google)
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