Bowie’s rise in the last four decades to ascend the heights where rock gods lounge immortal is an astonishing tale of a man who has pursued a modernist’s Holy Grail- fashion, fame and immense wealth.

His changes are legendary, his influence on popular culture a match for his own heroes, The Beatles and The Stones. He has been an all-around entertainer of old school values and an innovator of the highest caliber.

Fakir. Shaman. Showman. David Bowie has always been a man of thousand faces. An actor. Rather an individualist than a leader of any school or rock or pop music.

His first album in ten years, forged in impressive secrecy, meticulously kept by every one involved in the project, is dark, bold and creative, but it’s also a nostalgic affair. It’s not only the modified 'Heroes' (1977) sleeve that re-invents Bowie’s past he can’t escape from, but it’s also Tony Visconti’s production values that brings to mind the famous Berlin era albums.

'The Next Day' is an adventurous journey throughout Bowie’s career.

'The Stars (Are Out Tonight)' and 'Love Is Lost' sound as they re-visit 'Scary Monsters' (1980) while 'You Feel So Lonely You Could Die' is almost a new version of 'Five Years' from 'Ziggy Stardust' (1972).

'Boss Of Me' represents the later 80’s and 'How Does The Grass Grow' re-kindles the electronic experiments Bowie was into during the 90’s. Almost every track on this album has its counterpart in the past.

If  'Young Americans' (1975) was induced by the hazy cocaine times and 'Let’s Dance' (1983) was his struggle to incorporate disco and R’n’B elements, 'The Next Day' has the feel of a classic lost album. It’s retrospective and introspective in the same time. There are heavy riffs rooted in the 70’s, as if Mick Ronson is back from the dead for a while, there’s a somber piano moments ('Where Are We Now') and of course there’s this disarming and heartening voice of Bowie that makes you feel confident throughout the listening experience.

And despite the fact that you’re constantly imprisoned by the haunting feeling of something already heard, 'The Next Day' miraculously escapes repetitiveness. This is something that only a true legend and an untouchable icon can achieve and get away with.