HEROES — David Bowie

A decade ago, Rolling Stone Magazine conducted a poll to “determine” the best David Bowie song. HEROES was selected as the #1 Bowie song. HEROES was not a huge hit when it first came out failing to chart. I also was surprised for I have been a big fan for years and this song, although good, was not in my top 10.

But over the years, it just keeps getting better. Some songs hold up and improve. Others sound quaint and should go away. HEROES just keeps getting better.

Some versions that I like:

1. The official video from the orginal album.
2. A slower, casual, more bluesy sound — maybe my favorite.
3. Live Aid — introduces the band and an epic performance in front of 100,000.
4. A classic version — live.

It has also been covered a few times:

1. Motorhead did a gritty version and it takes on a different meaning — rocking hard.
2. Peter Gabriel did an orchestral version — serene and eerie.
3. Depeche Mode did a cover that is closer to Bowie’s but is still unique to them.
4. The Wallflowers version.
5. U2 version in a tribute to Bowie. As only U2 can sound. Bono’s vocals and The Edge’s iconic guitar.

It has also been in numerous movies. But two versions stand out to me.

1. Perks of Being a Wallflower — this movie came out in 2012 and the RS poll was done a year later. I tend to think this might have brought new fans to the song. American teenagers.
2. “Helden” — the German version from the movie Downfall. This is suspenseful. I like how the song is embedded into the story.

Sure there are bad versions of it too (Moulin Rogue) but I am not going to link to it.

A great song that builds over time. A Classic that deserves the adjective and should be capitalized. A moment that will be interpreted for decades by new people.

Bowie lives forever!