Absolute Beginners

David Bowie

About Absolute Beginners

"Absolute Beginners" is a song written and recorded by David Bowie. Released on 3 March 1986, it was the theme song to the 1986 film of the same name (itself an adaptation of the book Absolute Beginners). Although the film was not a commercial success, the song was a big hit: reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart. It also reached the top ten on the main singles charts in eight other countries, becoming his last single to achieve that. It was less successful in the US, peaking at No. 53 on the Billboard Hot 100. Bowie performed "Absolute Beginners" live on his 1987 Glass Spider Tour, his 2000 "Mini" Tour, and his 2002 Heathen Tour. The song has been included on a number of Bowie's compilation and "Best-of" releases, and was included as a bonus track on the 1995 re-release of Tonight (1984). 


Year:
1993
76 
#1

Lyrics currently unavailable…


David Bowie

David Robert Jones (8 January 1947 - 10 January 2016), known by his stage name David Bowie ( /ˈboʊ.i/ BOH-ee), was an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s. He is known for his distinctive voice as well as the intellectual depth and considerable eclecticism of his work. more »

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13 facts about this song

Release Date
"Absolute Beginners" was released in the U.K. on March 3, 1986. In the U.S., the song was released later in the same month.
Movie Tie-in
The song served as the theme song for a British musical film of the same title, 'Absolute Beginners,' directed by Julien Temple.
Chart Performance
In the UK, the song peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart. In the U.S. it reached number 53 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Length
'Absolute Beginners' is one of Bowie's longest single releases with a running time of approximately 7.54 minutes for the full-length version. A shorter, edited version of approximately 5.35 minutes was also released.
Producer
The song was produced by David Bowie in collaboration with Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, known for their work with successful British bands like Madness.
Fusing Styles
The song is a fusion of doo-wop style with a modern beat, exhibiting Bowie's ability to blend traditional rock n’ roll with contemporary music styles.
Music Video
The music video, directed by Julien Temple, was an elaborate production, depicting Bowie walking in a rainy street scene with various references to his past music videos and films.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by a number of artists including Carla Bruni, Steve Harley, Frank Sidebottom, and Tin Machine.
Critic Acclaim
Critics usually list 'Absolute Beginners' among Bowie's best work and it often ranks highly in his discography despite the mixed reviews of the film it was associated with.
Instrumentation
The song features a powerful saxophone solo played by long-time Bowie collaborator, Don Weller. Weller wasn’t a known rock musician, primarily playing in jazz bands.
Backing Vocals
The distinctive backing vocals on the track were provided by Janet Armstrong and The Phantom Horns.
Personal Meaning
Bowie claimed in interviews that he wrote 'Absolute Beginners' to express the feeling of finding a kind of 'real love' at last, as reflected in the song’s lyrics like “I absolutely love you.” Some believe the song was inspired by his relationship with his then-wife, supermodel Iman.
Musical Influence
The song has had a lasting cultural impact and has been used in various media, including commercials and television series.

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    Absolute Beginners

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1986

    Billboard #53


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