11 Underrated David Bowie Songs: 11 Underrated Hits

Hey there, music enthusiasts and fellow DJs! It’s TBone here from Level Tunes, and today I’ve got something special for you. As a DJ and an ardent music fan, I’ve always been captivated by the legendary David Bowie, an artist who has inspired generations with his unique sound and style.

However, amidst his vast discography, there are some gems that often don’t get the spotlight they deserve. So, I’ve decided to dive deep into Bowie’s musical treasure trove and bring to light 11 underrated Bowie songs.

These tracks are not just songs; they’re experiences that have moved me in various ways, and I believe they deserve more recognition.

Whether you’re a Bowie aficionado or new to his work, this list is sure to add some extraordinary tunes to your playlist. Let’s embark on this musical journey together and explore the lesser-known corners of Bowie’s incredible legacy!

Here are the underrated David Bowie songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated David Bowie Songs

Underrated David Bowie songs in a list format:

1. “Teenage Wildlife” from ‘Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)’ (1980, RCA Records)

“Teenage Wildlife” is a remarkable track from David Bowie’s 1980 album ‘Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)’. This song is a hidden masterpiece, overshadowed by the more famous hits like “Ashes to Ashes”. Its sprawling arrangement and emotive lyrics showcase Bowie’s vocal prowess and songwriting skills. The song, featuring the guitar work of Robert Fripp, is a musical journey that delves into the struggles of youth and fame. I chose it for its raw emotion and Bowie’s passionate delivery, which makes it stand out as an underrated classic.

2. “Lady Grinning Soul” from ‘Aladdin Sane’ (1973, RCA Records)

From Bowie’s 1973 album ‘Aladdin Sane’, “Lady Grinning Soul” is an enchanting track often overlooked. This song captivates with its mysterious, almost cinematic quality, and features one of Bowie’s most hauntingly beautiful vocal performances. Mike Garson’s piano work here is nothing short of stellar, adding to the song’s mesmerizing aura. I included this track for its unique blend of art rock and romanticism, a testament to Bowie’s diverse musical range.

3. “Sweet Thing/Candidate/Sweet Thing (Reprise)” from ‘Diamond Dogs’ (1974, RCA Records)

This medley from the 1974 album ‘Diamond Dogs’ is a Bowie gem. It’s a complex suite of songs that weave together seamlessly, showcasing his storytelling ability. The theatrical and gritty nature of the track, combined with Bowie’s soulful vocals, makes it a standout piece. The reason it’s on this list is its brilliant narrative structure and the way it encapsulates the dystopian feel of the entire album.

4. “Word on a Wing” from ‘Station to Station’ (1976, RCA Records)

“Word on a Wing”, from the 1976 album ‘Station to Station’, is one of Bowie’s most heartfelt songs. It’s a spiritual ballad that offers a glimpse into his personal struggles and search for meaning. This track stands out for its emotional depth and the stark contrast it forms with the rest of the album’s avant-garde feel. I chose it for its sincerity and the raw vulnerability that Bowie displays, which is both moving and profound.

5. “Slip Away” from ‘Heathen’ (2002, ISO/Columbia Records)

From the 2002 album ‘Heathen’, “Slip Away” is a song that resonates with nostalgia and melancholy. It’s a tribute to the fleeting nature of time and the fading of old idols. The song’s lush orchestration and Bowie’s reflective lyrics create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. I included it for its poignant reflection on the passage of time, something that deeply resonates with any music lover.

6. “The Secret Life of Arabia” from ‘Heroes’ (1977, RCA Records)

“The Secret Life of Arabia”, the closing track of the 1977 album ‘Heroes’, is often overshadowed by the album’s more renowned tracks. This song is a hidden gem, featuring an infectious rhythm and an adventurous spirit. Its fusion of electronic and world music elements is ahead of its time. I chose this track for its energetic vibe and the way it showcases Bowie’s ability to experiment with different musical styles.

7. “Soul Love” from ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars’ (1972, RCA Records)

“Soul Love”, from the iconic 1972 album ‘The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars’, is a song that often gets lost among the album’s bigger hits. This track, with its soulful melody and poignant lyrics about the various facets of love, showcases Bowie’s versatility. Its inclusion here is due to its lyrical depth and the perfect balance it strikes between rock and soul.

8. “Where Are We Now?” from ‘The Next Day’ (2013, ISO/Columbia Records)

“Where Are We Now?” from the 2013 album ‘The Next Day’, marked Bowie’s return after a long hiatus. This introspective ballad, reflecting on his time in Berlin, is both haunting and nostalgic. Its emotive power and the sense of vulnerability in Bowie’s voice make it a standout track. I selected this song for its emotional resonance and as a reminder of Bowie’s enduring talent in his later years.

9. “Black Country Rock” from ‘The Man Who Sold the World’ (1970, Mercury Records)

From the 1970 album ‘The Man Who Sold the World’, “Black Country Rock” is a testament to Bowie’s rock roots. This track, with its gritty guitar riffs and energetic vocals, is a departure from the more psychedelic sounds of the album. I chose it for its raw energy and as a showcase of Bowie’s rock and roll side, often overshadowed by his more experimental works.

10. “Everyone Says ‘Hi'” from ‘Heathen’ (2002, ISO/Columbia Records)

Another gem from the ‘Heathen’ album, “Everyone Says ‘Hi'” is a bittersweet song about loss and remembrance. Its catchy melody and uplifting spirit contrast with the underlying theme of absence. This song is included for its ability to blend melancholy with a sense of hope, a quality that Bowie mastered like no other.

11. “Cygnet Committee” from ‘Space Oddity’ (1969, Philips Records)

Lastly, “Cygnet Committee” from the 1969 album ‘Space Oddity’ is a powerful and often overlooked track. This lengthy song is a complex narrative about the disillusionment with societal ideals. Its progressive structure and intense lyrics demonstrate Bowie’s early songwriting prowess. I included it for its epic scope and as a brilliant example of Bowie’s narrative songwriting in his early career.

Fun Facts: Underrated David Bowie Songs

1. “Teenage Wildlife”

• Recording Innovation: During the recording of “Teenage Wildlife”, Bowie and producer Tony Visconti used a technique called ‘multi-latch’ on the mixing console. This allowed for complex and layered vocal harmonies, giving the song its unique and rich vocal texture.

2. “Lady Grinning Soul”

• Inspirational Muse: It’s widely believed that “Lady Grinning Soul” was inspired by Claudia Lennear, a famous backup singer and muse to several major rock artists in the 70s. Her presence in the music scene of that era was influential, and Bowie’s song captures that allure and mystery.

3. “Sweet Thing/Candidate/Sweet Thing (Reprise)”

• Theatrical Influence: This medley showcases Bowie’s love for theatrical storytelling in music. It was influenced by his interest in Broadway and West End musicals, and it foreshadows his later involvement in theater.

4. “Word on a Wing”

• Spiritual Exploration: “Word on a Wing” is considered one of Bowie’s most overtly religious songs. Written during a period of personal turmoil, it reflects his exploration of faith and spirituality, a theme that was quite rare in his earlier work.

5. “Slip Away”

• Tribute to a Childhood Favorite: “Slip Away” is a tribute to ‘Uncle Floyd’, a character from a low-budget, New Jersey-based TV show that Bowie watched during his years in the United States. The song evokes nostalgia for the innocence and simplicity of childhood memories.

6. “The Secret Life of Arabia”

• Genre Fusion: This song is an excellent example of Bowie’s experimentation with different musical styles. It blends pop, rock, and Middle Eastern influences, showcasing his ability to transcend traditional genre boundaries.

7. “Soul Love”

• Multi-instrumental Talent: In “Soul Love”, Bowie’s talent as a multi-instrumentalist comes to the forefront. He played several instruments on the track, highlighting his versatility as a musician, not just a vocalist.

8. “Where Are We Now?”

• Comeback Single: After a decade-long hiatus, “Where Are We Now?” was the first single Bowie released. Its unexpected arrival was a significant event in the music world, marking the return of one of rock’s most influential figures.

9. “Black Country Rock”

• Vocal Imitation: In “Black Country Rock”, Bowie showcases his skill at vocal imitation. At certain points in the song, his style is reminiscent of Marc Bolan, lead singer of T. Rex, reflecting the playful and experimental nature of Bowie’s artistry.

10. “Everyone Says ‘Hi'”

• Dealing with Loss: Written after the passing of his father, “Everyone Says ‘Hi'” is Bowie’s way of dealing with loss. The song’s upbeat melody contrasts with its theme of missing someone, a typical Bowie approach to complex emotions.

11. “Cygnet Committee”

• Epic Storytelling: At nearly ten minutes long, “Cygnet Committee” is one of Bowie’s longest songs. Its narrative style and thematic complexity foreshadow the more story-driven approach he would adopt in later albums like “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars”.

And there you have it, folks – a journey through the lesser-known but equally mesmerizing world of David Bowie’s music. These 11 songs are just a glimpse into the vast and varied universe of his genius. Dive in, explore, and let Bowie’s underrated masterpieces surprise and captivate you.

Thanks for reading.

TBone