David Bowie's 20 Most Critically Acclaimed Songs

David Bowie's extraordinary career spans decades of musical innovation, genre-defying creativity, and artistic reinvention. From glam rock to experimental art-rock, soul to pop, Bowie consistently pushed musical boundaries. Here's a definitive ranking of Bowie's 20 best songs, celebrating a legacy that continues to inspire musicians worldwide.

1. "Heroes" (1977)

The ultimate Bowie anthem, "Heroes", is a soaring art-rock masterpiece from his Berlin period. Co-written with Brian Eno, the track tells the story of two lovers finding redemption against insurmountable odds. Initially a modest hit, it has grown into a timeless classic, transforming six minutes of experimental noise into an uplifting rock statement that resonates across generations.

2. "Life on Mars?" (1971)

A baroque pop gem from Hunky Dory, "Life on Mars?" showcases Bowie's exceptional vocal range and cryptic storytelling. With Mick Ronson's dramatic string arrangement, the track is a masterpiece, no questions asked. Consistently ranking at the top of Bowie song lists, it's a testament to his ability to create cinematically powerful music.

3. "Space Oddity" (1969)

Bowie's breakthrough hit introduced the world to Major Tom, arriving just days before the Apollo 11 moon landing. Inspired by Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, this atmospheric track blends psychedelic folk with pop, featuring a haunting mellotron and a countdown intro that captured the era's space-age imagination.

4. "Changes" (1971)

An anthem of artistic reinvention, "Changes" urges listeners to "turn and face the strange." Initially overlooked, it became a defining track of Bowie's chameleon-like career. The piano-driven pop song offers a clever meditation on identity and transformation, perfectly embodying Bowie's approach to music and persona.

5. "Starman" (1972)

This glam-rock classic introduced the Ziggy Stardust persona to the world. Its legendary Top of the Pops performance is considered a pivotal moment in music television, inspiring countless future musicians. An infectious pop-rock tune about a cosmic messenger, "Starman" signaled Bowie's commercial and artistic breakthrough.

6. "Ashes to Ashes" (1980)

A bold New Wave experiment and sequel to "Space Oddity," this track revisits Major Tom with a darker, introspective tone. An avant-pop masterpiece laden with innovative synthesizer textures and an elastic funk bassline, it showcases Bowie's ability to reinvent his own mythology.

7. "Ziggy Stardust" (1972)

The title track from his landmark album, this gritty rock anthem encapsulates the glam-rock era. Telling the mythic tale of Bowie's alien-rockstar character, the song features Mick Ronson's crunching guitar riff and Bowie's theatrical vocal performance. A fan favorite that became a staple of his live shows.

8. "Sound and Vision" (1977)

An innovative track from the experimental Low album, "Sound and Vision" defies pop conventions with its long instrumental intro and delayed vocal entry. Critics praise its groundbreaking structure and timeless sound, a perfect blend of art-rock and accessible pop.

9. "Station to Station" (1976)

An epic 10-minute suite bridging Bowie's funk/soul phase and Berlin-era experimentation. The track is a masterful two-part composition that showcases Bowie's ability to transform rock into high art, featuring an intense vocal performance as the Thin White Duke.

10. "Under Pressure" (1981)

A celebrated collaboration with Queen, this track stands as one of rock's most iconic duets. Freddie Mercury and Bowie's vocal interplay, coupled with an unforgettable bassline, created a hit that has only grown in stature over time.

11. "Let's Dance" (1983)

Produced by Nile Rodgers, this global hit introduced Bowie to a new generation. Blending funky basslines with Stevie Ray Vaughan's bluesy guitar solo, the track proved Bowie could conquer pop charts without sacrificing musical quality.

12. "Rebel Rebel" (1974)

A glam-rock anthem with a signature opening riff, "Rebel Rebel" celebrates teenage rebellion and the glam scene Bowie helped create. Its cheeky, gender-bending lyrics and raw energy made it an instant classic.

13. "Fame" (1975)

Bowie's first American #1 hit, co-written with John Lennon, is a funky indictment of celebrity culture. With its slinky groove and sharp rhythm guitar, the track showcased Bowie's ability to blend social commentary with irresistible music.

14. "Young Americans" (1975)

Diving into Philadelphia soul, Bowie created a triumphant genre-crossing track. Critics praised its authenticity and exuberance – a white British rock star masterfully interpreting American soul music.

15. "Blackstar" (2015)

From his final album, this nearly 10-minute track is a daring fusion of jazz, electronic, and experimental rock. Released just days before his death, it stands as a bold artistic statement of Bowie's enduring innovation.

16. "Lazarus" (2015)

A poignant, jazz-infused rock ballad that feels like Bowie's own elegy. With the haunting lyric "Look up here, I'm in heaven," the track became a powerful farewell that transformed his passing into art.

17. "Modern Love" (1983)

A joyful, horn-inflected track that marries 1950s rock inspiration with '80s polish. Bowie delivers clever lines about faith and romance with infectious energy.

18. "The Man Who Sold the World" (1970)

Initially a deep cut, this track has grown into a cult classic. Its moody blend of hard rock and folk elements foreshadowed glam and grunge movements, gaining wider recognition through later cover versions.

19. "Moonage Daydream" (1972)

A glam rock explosion from the Ziggy Stardust album, featuring cosmic lyrics and a show-stopping guitar solo. The track captures the era's extravagance and Bowie's celestial creativity.

20. "Five Years" (1972)

The opening track of Ziggy Stardust, this epic song imagines a world facing apocalypse. It builds from a gentle beginning to an intense, emotionally charged finale, showcasing Bowie's exceptional storytelling through music.

A Legacy of Endless Reinvention

David Bowie was more than a musician – he was a cultural chameleon who transformed how we think about music, identity, and artistic expression. These 20 songs represent just a fraction of his incredible legacy, each track a window into his remarkable journey of constant reinvention.

Which Bowie song resonates most with you? Share your favorite in the comments below!