CoronaVinyl Day 168 (B): Let's Dance by David Bowie

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Today's CoronaVinyl category is "B," and I'm going with David Bowie's 15th studio album, 1983's Let's Dance.

Ever the rock and roll chameleon, Bowie once again reinvented himself with Let's Dance.  Co-produced by Bowie and Chic's Nile Rodgers, the album combined pop melodies with funk rhythms and guitars from one of the best there ever was (Stevie Ray Vaughan).  The result was Bowie's best-selling album ever, introducing him to a whole new audience.

Let's Dance was a hit in the U.S., the UK, and elsewhere.  In the U.S., it hit #4 on the Billboard album chart, becoming his fourth Top 10 album in the U.S.  In the UK, it became his fourth #1 album on the UK album charts.  All in all, it was a Top 5 album in 13 countries, and it topped the charts in 7 of those.

The album also included some of Bowie's most memorable songs and biggest hits.  The title track hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (his second #1 in the U.S. after "Fame" in 1975) and on the UK pop charts -- making it his only song to top both charts -- as well as 13 other pop charts.  "China Girl" -- which was co-written with, and originally recorded by, Iggy Pop -- reached #10 on the Billboard Hot 100, #2 on the UK pop chart, and was a Top 10 song on 12 other pop charts.  "Modern Love" hit #14 on the Billboard Hot 100, #2 in the UK, and was a Top 10 song on 9 other pop charts.

Now I'm not gonna blow smoke up your ass and say that Let's Dance is anywhere near Bowie's best album or anywhere near my favorite Bowie album, but with Rodgers co-producing and co-arranging and with SRV's subtly delicious guitars, it's a pretty damn good '80s pop-funk-rock album.

Favorite song from Side 1:  "Modern Love"

This is one of my favorite Bowie songs.  I love Vaughan's guitar intro/riff that grabs your attention.  Then the rest of the song is a sax-laden, catchy early '80s tune about the struggle between God and man –- or should I say between Bowie and Bowie?

Favorite song from Side 2:  "Cat People (Putting Out Fire)"
Originally, this song was released in 1982 as the theme song to the erotic horror film Cat People.  Bowie re-recorded it for this album because the label that owned the original wouldn't let him use the original, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise because Vaughan really shines on this version.  He doesn't get many opportunities to show of his skills, but I feel like he gets his shot on this song, with a few nice little solos.