“And the next day, and the next, and another day. Listen…”
Following its exclusive announcement on the official Bowie channels on Bowie’s 66th birthday on 8th January 2013, The Next Day, Bowie’s first new studio album In 10 years, was initially released ten years ago today, followed by staggered releases in various formats in different territories.
Preceded by the haunting Tony Oursler directed Where Are We Now video (released as a single on the same day as the album announcement), The Next Day was made available to stream as a worldwide iTunes exclusive the week before its full release, with the vinyl following later.
The album’s 2nd single, The Stars (Are Out Tonight), was also released ahead of the album with an accompanying video on 26th February.
The release of The Next Day (co-produced by Bowie and Tony Visconti) marked a highly anticipated return for Bowie, who had largely remained out of the public eye for several years. Bowie’s first new material in a decade was met with widespread critical acclaim and entered most charts at #1 on the day of release.
The album was recorded in secret over a period of two years, with only a handful of people aware of its existence. Its sudden release was seen as a bold and unexpected move, generating a great deal of excitement and press attention.
Jonathan Barnbrook’s album artwork featuring a white square obscuring the iconic "Heroes" album cover, was also a topic of much discussion and speculation.
Publicity for the album started with overnight pencil pavement stencils bearing the legend The Next Day and an extensive poster and billboard campaign announcing the album and relevant release date, but initially with no mention of Bowie. Possibly the most prolific Bowie poster campaign, Barnbrook created one of the biggest headaches for completist collectors of Bowie memorabilia.
The Next Day was an undoubted triumph for Bowie, and it served as a reminder of his enduring relevance and influence on modern music. Its release marked a significant milestone in his career, and it remains a highly regarded album among fans and critics alike.
We’ll leave you with critical plaudits for The Next Day taken from the fist reviews:
Q *****
"Start arguing for its merits as an equal to Low or a Heroes."
The Guardian ****
"The Next Day makes you hope it's not a one-off, that his return continues apace: no mean feat, given that listening to a new album by most of his peers makes you wish they'd stick to playing the greatest hits."
The Independent *****
"The greatest comeback album ever."
The Telegraph *****
"An absolute wonder: urgent, sharp-edged, bold, beautiful and baffling.”
The Times ****
"A great album and something that is rare in an age when everything is explained and revealed: a sense of mystery."
Rolling Stone ****
“‘The Stars (Are Out Tonight)’ is one of the greatest songs the man has ever written… a triumphant moment on a triumphant album.”
NME 8/10
"Bright and poppy, these songs feel like stories that insisted on being told."
Billboard 91/100
“[Bowie and producer Tony Visconti] have struck gold in creating a work that is modern and well-connected to the artist’s fabled sonic-past.”
The Quietus
"David Bowie, then. History, but still happening. And the next day, and the next. Greatness. It can't go on. It goes on."
#TheNextDayIs10