here i am, not quite died

      

The Next Day-David Bowie

Returning to the music scene after a decade long hiatus, the ever enigmatic David Bowie surprised fans when he announced that he'd be releasing a new album on March 8. The album was completed over the course of two years, kept secret by Bowie and the non-disclosure agreements he made the band sign while in the studio.

      The aptly mysterious album art is merely a recreation of his previous 1977 album Heroes (the original album name is causally crossed out), with Bowie appearing to hold a white box with the album title 'The Next Day' in his iconic pose: perfect comeback image for the man of mystery and art.

      Two singles and music videos were released prior to the albums release-'Where Are We Now?' in which Bowie's face hides us through a melancholy journey ending with 'As long as there's me/As long as there's you' and 'The Stars Are Out Tonight', an quasi-film in which Bowies characteristic obsession freaky-paranormal gives birth to a story of a mysterious set of new neighbors (Aliens? Rock stars? Rock star aliens?) turn upside down the 'nice life' of a conservative married couple.

      The rest of the album is all in all a pleasant surprise, widely regarded as his best album since the success of 'Let's Dance' about three decades ago. The songs range from melancholy and introspective ('Where Are We Now?' and 'Valentine's Day') to upbeat ('How Does The Grass Grow') and include what may become a Katniss Everdeen anthem ('(You Will) Set The World On Fire').

      The hour long album shows us Bowie's been working hard. But there are also hints that he's written even more songs, during his working period, songs that could spill over into a whole other album. That would be good news for Bowie fans, considering he's sworn not to present any live performances for this album. Perhaps the next one?

      Either way, a music legend is back on his feet, and even without the six inch glitter boots he's standing tall. As his iconic song warned: Look out, you rock n rollers.

Check out "The Stars Are Out Tonight' music video here.