Bowie's most glorious vocal performances - join in and be specific

"Heroes" is an amazing vocal performance. Especially this one:

 

I came here to say just that. He sounds utterly unhinged, in the best possible way. The first time I heard that song, my jaw dropped. Fripp's guitar added to the madness. It sounds like someone's arm being dislocated.

 

Visconti's account of the recording of the Baal EP is worth seeking out, although I have no link, it's in my head from somewhere. They used authentic cabaret pit style players, Visconti said it was one of the most intense and awe-inspiring sessions he ever did with DB, which is saying something indeed!

 

For those of you who enjoy live footage ... how about this rendition of I Would Be Your Slave (London 2002); despite audience recording the best version I could find and exciting 'till the very end

 

Especially--when after the slow buildup---"and ...I've...been...putting...out...fire---" he bellows..."with gasoliiiiiiiiiiine!!" as the band joins in....

 

Wild is the Wind, for the sheer passion he puts into the delivery.
Just listened to Blue Jean last night and was so impressed with his varied expression in the vocal; the way "turned up nose" ascends in note...Dylanesque in execution! Just fun!

 

Dozens of glorious vocal moments I can think of. The end of "Heroes" was already mentioned so I'll go with near the end of "Rock 'N Roll Suicide" when the music stops and Bowie screams "You're not alone!" (After singing: "I've had my share, I'll help you with the pain")

 

That's a much, much more accurate and eloquent way of putting it, thanks!

 

It's No Game #1 scared the crap out of me when I first heard it. I was only 9 but it's one of only a few records that genuinely scared me as a kid (the main one being the first Siousxie and the Banshees album "The Scream" which terrified me when I was about 11 and I didn't play it again for three years). I used to put my chunky, rubbish childhood stylus straight onto track two, Up the Hill Backwards, for Scary Monsters, to avoid the It's No Game disturbances!

 

This is a cheerful version of Heroes in the city where it was once recorded ...as part of a memorable show waiting for release.

 

The whole first part of "Life on Mars" up to the first mention of life on Mars.
It starts with his voice slightly trembling, and gradually goes up in octaves and confidence, almost effortlessly to the high of SAI-LORS, always a level higher than the piano that can't quite seem to meet those high vocal notes, ending with the other high of "Is there life on Maaaaaaaaaars?"

 

'Lady Grinning Soul' ...... his single greatest vocal...... "She'll come, she'll go..."

'The Secret Life of Arabia' ...... he's all over the spectrum in this one

'Lets Dance' ..... "and tremble like a flowwwwwww-wahhh!"

'Dollar Days' ...... that is a really, really beautiful song, gorgeous yearning vocal......

 

Cat People, putting out fire.
the 12" single of that, the movie soundtrack take is amazing

 

Oh You Pretty Things

 

Lady Stardust demo version.Goosebumps every-single-time.

 

"Amsterdam" great vocal workout on this excellent cover.

 

My Death - live in Santa Monica

 

So many, but of the ones not mentioned so far I love his vocal on 'Win' from Young Americans.

Also 'Be My Wife' from Low. How he makes such a simple lyric sound so desperate.

And of course "I've never done good things, I've never done bad things, I've never done anything out of the blue, wo ooh (wo ohh)" The entire Ashes To Ashes vocal is just sublime.

And many many more...

 

Ive always loved his vocal on the album version of Heroes. He just sounds so sincere, he's almost screaming! Is there any live version of Heroes where he goes for the realllllly high notes? Especially the "nothing will drive them awayyy" part. The way he's sings that line on the album blows me away!

 

The whole "Station to Station" album is full of great vocal performances: Station to Station, Stay, Wild is the Wind, TVC15, Golden Years. Considering the state he was in during those recordings this is an amazing feat.

 

"Blue blue electric blue"...

 

Even seeing that written down sends shivers. Good one.

 

Sorry, but I have to comment.
I'm laughing through tears right now!
I have rarely read something so funny and correct described at the same time!
Hats off!

 

Sweet Thing
Go to 1:07 for proof.
Theatrical and Broadway sounding but fabulous.

 

Thanks, sheer brillance isn't it? I got the 45 of Ashes To Ashes when I was 6 years old in 1980. I've never tired of it after what has to be hundreds if not thousands of listens. I'm now 41!

Seeing all these great vocals on this forum as well as the ones going around my head at the moment it's just staggering what a range of emotion and styles Bowie covered with total conviction. One of the truly great vocalists without question.