With the possible exception of Madonna, no one has gone through as many changes as David Bowie has. From The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust to Earthling, Bowie has set trends time and time again. In updating himself, he has almost always raised the bar for all of those who follow. But Hours lacks the heart and soul that set the superstar apart from the man.
This album sounds like Bowie from the days of Hunky Dory and Ziggy Stardust, but it’s definitely not. Most of the songs never grow up. “If I’m Dreaming My Life” is not only the longest track, lasting over seven minutes, it might just be the best track. “Seven” follows with an acoustic dish only a step above mediocrity. “What’s Really Happening?” is a psychedelic trip. Nothing gained, nothing lost, and it really sounds like a remade rip off of the Supremes’ “You Keep Me Hanging On”.
With only ten tracks, one being an instrumental, I can’t help but feel let down. When I heard Bowie was preparing his first release in a few years, I was, to say the least, filled with eager anticipation. Then when Bowie announced it was going to sound like the Bowie of old, I couldn’t help but be excited. And now, well, all of that is long gone. I’m left deflated. You either love him or hate him, and as much as I love to love him, I’m wondering if I’ve really loved him since he broke my heart in the ’80’s. I only hope his best days aren’t behind him.
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