ALBUM OF THE WEEK / David Bowie - Hours (Pop Rock , Art Pop)

 David Bowie - Hours (1999)

 

Hours (stylised as 'hours...' ) is the 22nd studio album by the English musician David Bowie. It was originally released on 21 September 1999 through the Internet on the artist's website BowieNet, followed by a physical CD release on 4 October through Virgin Records. It was one of the first albums by a major artist available to download over the Internet. Originating as a soundtrack to the video game Omikron: The Nomad Soul (1999), Hours was the final collaboration between Bowie and guitarist Reeves Gabrels, with whom he had worked since 1988. The album was recorded in mid-1999 between studios in Bermuda and New York City. A song contest conducted on BowieNet in late 1998 resulted in a fan contributing lyrics and backing vocals to one of the tracks.

In contrast to the experimental nature of Bowie's other works throughout the decade, Hours presents a pop rock and art pop style reminiscent of Hunky Dory (1971), further evoking styles and ideals previously explored on Bowie's past works. The lyrics are introspective, detailing topics such as the collapse of relationships and subjects of angst. Also present are overtly Christian themes, which is reflected in the cover artwork. Inspired by the Pietà, it depicts the short-haired Bowie persona from the Earthling era, resting in the arms of a long-haired, more youthful version of Bowie. The title, originally The Dreamers, is a play on "ours".

Hours marked the final collaboration between Bowie and guitarist Reeves Gabrels , who departed following its release.

Track listing:

All tracks are written by David Bowie and Reeves Gabrels; except "What's Really Happening?", with lyrics by Alex Grant

(Standard edition)

1. "Thursday's Child" 5:24

2. "Something in the Air" 5:46

3. "Survive" 4:11

4. "If I'm Dreaming My Life" 7:04

5. "Seven" 4:04

6. "What's Really Happening?" 4:10

7. "The Pretty Things Are Going to Hell" 4:40

8. "New Angels of Promise" 4:35

9. "Brilliant Adventure" 1:54

10. "The Dreamers" 5:14

https://youtu.be/T8QOS4-zrwY?si=bfGmLaljsXwzoZz9 :

David Bowie: "The lyrics generally on the album are very simplistic, the simple things, I think, are expressed quite strongly. The music that we wrote for them is more of a supportive kind of music – it doesn't create two or three different focuses."

Source and more info:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hours_(David_Bowie_album)#Release