Bowie's Blackstar closes the curtain

Ever so strange and always unique is David Bowie. After 26 genre-jumping albums spanning over nearly 50 years, the constant chameleon released his 27th and final album, Blackstar, which landed on his birthday, January 10, two days before he passed away at the age of 69. With Kendrick Lamar’s jazz-induced, hip-hop album To Pimp a Butterfly stated as an influence, we could expect an interesting Bowie release, and that is exactly what he delivered.

From the dark and delusional ten-minute saga of “Blackstar” to the soothing yet upsetting “Dollar Days,” Blackstar proves that Bowie was/is still relevant.

Lead single “Lazarus” is slow and cool before erupting in a Mars Volta–like tantrum of frantic horns and drums. The standout track rolls in with instrumental swagger, accompanied by vocals delicately muttering confessions — “I’ve got scars that can’t be seen.” What are you hiding from us, David? The out-of-tune yelping on “Girl Loves Me” is addictive, as it echoes behind a deceptive, pulsating bass. Not all of the tracks are groovy-smooth, though, as “Sue (or in a Season of Crime)” strains under repetition, while its jagged, crunchy guitars and howling vocals stretch toward agitation, upsetting the flow of the seven-song LP. Although, somehow it suits the overall demeanor of the collection, which is cosmic, entrancing.

Reminiscent of 2002’s Heathen, the somber synth and whaling lounge-sax on album closer “I Can’t Give Everything Away” leaves you wanting more — a seductive way to end a record and close the curtain on an inspired and inspiring career.

• Record: Blackstar
• Artist: David Bowie
• Label: The Candy Shop
• Songs: (1) "Blackstar" 9:57 (2) "'Tis a Pity She Was a Whore" (3) "Lazarus" (4) "Sue (or in a Season of Crime)" (5) "Girl Loves Me" (6) "Dollar Days" (7) "I Can't Give Everything Away"