This week in 1975, David Bowie's "Golden Years" debuted on the UK charts at number 39. It stayed on the charts for 10 weeks, eventually reaching number 8. It was the lead single from his tenth studio album, "Station to Station" (1976). The song was partially written before Bowie started filming "The Man Who Fell to Earth" (1976) and was primarily assembled in the studio, becoming the first track finished for the album. Bowie co-produced the song with Harry Maslin, and the recording occurred at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles in September 1975. Bowie's heavy cocaine use during this period led him to later admit that he had almost no memory of producing "Station to Station."
"Golden Years" musically channels the funk and disco essence of David Bowie's prior album, "Young Americans" (1975), echoing the track "Fame" but with a more abrasive edge. The arrangement incorporates elements from various 1950s doo-wop songs. The lyrics depict the narrator offering hope to a companion, suggesting a retreat into a limousine away from the world's gaze. Essentially, he guarantees his companion protection and assures a promising future.
"Golden Years" has received positive reviews from music critics and biographers, particularly for its composition. Before its release, Bowie performed the song on Soul Train, where his appearance was noted as incoherent. The song achieved commercial success, reaching number eight in the UK and number ten in the US upon its release. Although "Golden Years" was infrequently played during Bowie's 1976 Isolar tour, it was a staple in later tours. The track has been featured on lists of Bowie's greatest songs and included in various compilation albums. It has been covered by many artists and featured in several films and soundtracks, including a new remix by Bowie's long-term collaborator Tony Visconti for the film A Knight's Tale (2001).
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