Album: Heathen

Introduction
"Heathen" is the 22nd studio album launched by the legendary British singer-songwriter David Bowie. Launched on June 11, 2002, this album marked a go back to the rock and electronic noises that had made Bowie a renowned figure in the music world. Produced by Tony Visconti, who had worked with Bowie on previous albums such as "Space Oddity" and "Heroes", "Heathen" got extensive praise from both critics and fans.

Background and recording
Following the releases of 2 seriously mixed albums in the late '90s, "Earthling" (1997) and "Hours" (1999), David Bowie started working on his follow-up album in 2001. The preliminary recording sessions for "Heathen" occurred in New York City at the now-defunct Looking Glass Studios, owned by musician and producer Philip Glass.

Bowie reunited with manufacturer Tony Visconti for "Heathen", and their collaboration followed years of minimal contact. Visconti's participation in the album included depth to its production and a sense of fond memories for fans considering that he had actually worked on numerous of Bowie's hit albums, such as "Young Americans", "Low", and "Scary Monsters".

The album's recording had a natural feel to it due to the use of vintage instruments, consisting of a Mellotron and a Chamberlin, which were used for the album's atmosphere and textures. The outcome was a mix of electronic and experimental rock sounds.

Album themes and lyrics
"Heathen" checks out themes of existentialism, despair, faith, and individual change. The opening track, "Sunday", delves into themes of spiritual emptiness and disillusionment, while "Slow Burn" discuss the concept of personal redemption. The title track, "Heathen (The Rays)", is a powerful finale that deals with styles of faith and religious questions.

Bowie's lyrics on the album are reflective and reflective of his personal growth and changes as an artist over time. They send a sense of melancholy and rumination on both the individual and universal level. In addition, "Heathen" includes a number of cover songs: "Cactus" by The Pixies, "I Took a Trip on a Gemini Spaceship" by Norman Carl Odam (a.k.a. The Legendary Stardust Cowboy), and the Neil Young tune "I've Been Waiting for You".

Reception
Upon its release, "Heathen" got critical praise and was hailed as a return to form for Bowie. It earned high rankings from music critics, who matched its cohesion, electronic experimentation, and the maturity of Bowie's songwriting. Commercially, the album reached # 14 on the United States Billboard 200 chart and # 5 on the UK Albums Chart.

Bowie's go back to the spotlight was solidified when he performed a live show in New York City called "Concert for New York City" in October 2001, as a homage to the 9/11 victims. He carried out songs from "Heathen" during this performance, which acquired the album additional exposure.

Tradition
Though not as advanced or impactful as some of his earlier works, "Heathen" worked as a testimony to David Bowie's durability and continued capability to create beautiful and engaging music. Today, it is remembered as a standout album in Bowie's later brochure and a genuine reflection of his artistry. The album led the way for his subsequent releases, consisting of 2003's "Reality" and his last album, the critically acclaimed "Blackstar", which was launched just days before his death in 2016.