Bowie’s Hidden Gems: Songs You Didn’t Know He Wrote

The Chameleon’s Pen: Unveiling David Bowie’s Secret Songwriting Hits

David Bowie, the enigmatic Starman, left an indelible mark on the music industry not only with his groundbreaking performances and ever-evolving personas but also with his prolific songwriting. While many fans are intimately familiar with classics like “Space Oddity,” “Changes,” and “Heroes,” a fascinating layer of his genius lies in the songs he penned for other artists. From chart-topping anthems to obscure B-sides, Bowie’s pen proved mightier than the sword, crafting hits that resonated with audiences worldwide, even if his name wasn’t always front and center. Let’s delve into the lesser-known corners of his discography and uncover ten tracks you might not have realized owe their existence to the Thin White Duke himself.

10. ‘Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Men’ – Cuddly Toys

Kicking off our list is a track that shares a name with a more famous Bowie song, “All the Madmen.” “Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Men” was penned by Bowie and T-Rex icon Mark Bolan. While Bowie didn’t directly hand the song to the British New Wave band Cuddly Toys, it was Bolan who facilitated its journey. A demo recording featuring Bowie, Bolan, and Gloria Jones is rumored to exist, showcasing an early collaboration. Cuddly Toys adapted the song to their distinct style, cementing its place in their discography.

9. ‘I Am a Laser’ – Ava Cherry and the Astronets

The deep connection between David Bowie and singer Ava Cherry is well-documented, but the extent of his songwriting contributions might come as a surprise. Bowie wrote “I Am a Laser” for Cherry, though it was ultimately shelved and didn’t see the light of day until years later. Keen-eared listeners will note its striking resemblance to Bowie’s own “Scream Like a Baby.” Indeed, after the plans for Cherry’s album fell through, Bowie repurposed the melody, rewrote the lyrics, and released it as his own, arguably creating an even more potent track.

8. ‘Silver Tree Top School for Boys’ – The Beanstalkers

This track has a bit of a history, having been passed around by several artists. However, it’s most famously associated with the Glasgow band The Beanstalkers, who even featured Bowie on backing vocals in their rendition. The first known recording was by London’s The Riot Squad in 1967, followed by The Slender Plenty. It was The Beanstalkers, however, who managed to bring the song significant public attention. Regardless of the version, “Silver Tree Top School for Boys” remains a testament to Bowie’s early songwriting prowess.

7. ‘Chingeling Feathers’ – Feathers

For fans seeking truly deep cuts, “Chingeling Feathers” offers a glimpse into Bowie’s early days with the band Feathers. This was, in fact, the only song they ever recorded together. Though the collaboration was short-lived, Bowie’s nascent talent is palpable. Recorded in 1968, the track remained unreleased until 1984. While it may not reach the dizzying heights of his later work, “Chingeling Feathers” is an essential listen for any devoted Bowie aficionado.

6. ‘Over the Wall We Go’ – Paul Nicholas

Paul Nicholas, a familiar face on stage and television, also dabbled in music. In the 1960s, under the pseudonym Oscar, he caught the attention of Bowie. The result was “Over the Wall We Go,” a song with a distinct theatrical flair, fitting for Nicholas’s background. The track unmistakably bears Bowie’s signature songwriting style, a clear indication of his early creative output.

5. ‘All the Young Dudes’ – Mott the Hoople

This iconic anthem is synonymous with Mott the Hoople, but it was David Bowie who gifted it to them. The band was on the brink of disbanding due to financial struggles, despite some previous success. Bowie’s initial song offering was rejected, but when he sat down with the band and played “All the Young Dudes” on his guitar, they were instantly captivated. Their decision to accept the song proved wise, as it became their most famous and enduring hit.

4. ‘Growing Up and I’m Fine’ – Mick Ronson

Mick Ronson, a pivotal guitarist in Bowie’s Spiders from Mars, also benefited from Bowie’s songwriting generosity. When Ronson embarked on a solo career, Bowie allegedly penned several songs for him. “Growing Up and I’m Fine” is perhaps the most notable, sounding quintessentially like Bowie. While other potential collaborations like “Music is Lethal” and “Heyar Hey P.” are harder to definitively attribute to Bowie’s direct input, this track stands as a strong testament to their creative partnership.

3. ‘All You Pretty Things’ – Peter Noone

While David Bowie’s own version of “All the Young Dudes” is widely celebrated, it’s Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits who first brought the song to life. Bowie sent Noone a demo in 1971, and Noone was immediately taken with it. Noone’s rendition even charted at number 12 in the UK. Hearing Noone’s version offers a unique perspective, featuring Bowie on piano and providing backing vocals, adding a special layer to this beloved track.

2. Various Songs – Iggy Pop

David Bowie’s collaboration with Iggy Pop is legendary, and Bowie penned a significant number of songs for the punk icon. Instead of singling out one, we acknowledge the breadth of their partnership. Many of these tracks, including “Funtime,” “Fall in Love with Me,” “Tiny Girls,” and “Tonight,” were released in 1977. “China Girl” is perhaps the most well-known, a song Bowie would later revisit and make even more famous with his own cover. In 1986, Bowie contributed one last song, “Shades,” to Iggy Pop’s discography, solidifying a creative bond that produced some of rock’s most compelling moments.

1. ‘Girls’ – Tina Turner

Topping our list is a powerful collaboration between two titans of music: David Bowie and Tina Turner. In 1986, they teamed up for “Girls.” While not a massive commercial hit, the song is a fantastic display of their combined talent. This marked their only official collaboration, though they had previously worked together on duets. Bowie, ever the artist, released his own version of “Girls” a year later. This anthem, performed by two of music’s greatest voices, serves as a fitting tribute to their enduring legacies.

These ten songs are just a fraction of the musical tapestry woven by David Bowie, proving that his influence extended far beyond his own spotlight. His ability to craft melodies and lyrics that resonated with diverse artists speaks volumes about his unparalleled genius.

Source: Top 10 Songs You Didn't Know Were Written By David Bowie (YouTube)