Album: Tonight

Album Overview
"Tonight" is the sixteenth studio album by English musician David Bowie, launched on September 24, 1984, by EMI America Records. Influenced by Bowie's gratitude for Caribbean rhythms and island vibes, the album was a departure from his more experimental and progressive work. "Tonight" saw Bowie working together with several artists, consisting of long-time producer Tony Visconti, and numerous members of the highly influential reggae band, Aswad. With an unwinded and enjoyable atmosphere, the album included a mix of original tunes and covers that showcased Bowie's more mellow, laidback side.

Main Themes and Inspirations
The album came at a time when Bowie was focusing on business success and aiming to check out new musical horizons. Off the back of the massive triumph of "Let's Dance" in 1983, Bowie preferred to continue dealing with Nile Rodgers, the producer of "Let's Dance". Nevertheless, Rodgers was unavailable, which led Bowie to approach Hugh Padgham and after that ultimately back to Tony Visconti at the helm.

"Tonight" was motivated by the rhythm and atmosphere of the Caribbean. 2 of the album's tracks, "Don't Look Down" and "Criminal World", exemplified this influence, with their mix of reggae beats and synthesizer sounds. Other songs like "Blue Jean" and the title track "Tonight", featuring Tina Turner, likewise communicated a sense of joviality and dance-inducing melodies common of the period's popular music.

Additionally, Bowie paid homage to his adoration for the underground "anti-hero" in his cover of Iggy Pop's "Neighborhood Threat" and "Tonight", the latter being a more mournful take on Pop's original variation. He continued to reinvent himself as an artist, touching on a number of underutilized genres to display his creativity in a new light.

Reception and Criticism
"Tonight" received blended reviews from critics upon its release. Lots of praised Bowie's capability to adjust to brand-new designs while others felt the album was an action back compared to his previous boundary-pushing works. Critics likewise argued that the album was too industrial and watered-down compared to the ingenious and thought-provoking albums of his past.

However, "Tonight" spawned 2 struck singles: "Blue Jean" and "Loving the Alien". Both tracks weren't as successful as his singles off "Let's Dance", but they still ranked on music charts globally. "Blue Jean", including a remarkable video that showcased Bowie's acting abilities, reached number 6 in the UK singles chart.

Legacy and Impact
Although "Tonight" might not be kept in mind as David Bowie's most revolutionary or innovative album, it still holds an important location within his extensive catalog. It shows Bowie's capability and determination to experiment with numerous musical designs and fashion trends, solidifying his status as a real chameleon of popular music.

In addition, the expedition of reggae impacts and the blend of synthesized pop sounds would go on to affect numerous artists in the 80s and 90s, showcasing the forward-thinking nature of Bowie even when he was dabbling in commercially successful endeavors. While "Tonight" might not have actually gathered the appreciation or acclaim of a few of his other works, this diverse and unique album stands as an important part of Bowie's evolution as a famous and boundary-pushing artist.