January 8 marks the birthday of David Bowie (1947–2016), one of the most influential artists in modern music history.
Few musicians have shaped popular culture as profoundly as Bowie. Across five decades, he redefined what it meant to be an artist, constantly evolving his sound, image, and storytelling, and never staying in one lane for long. It has been 10 years since David Bowie’s passing. Jennifer marked the moment with a tribute ride and playlist, a fitting way to honor both his birthday and the tenth anniversary of his death. (You can find that profile here.)
Known as the original pop chameleon for his ever-changing appearance and sound, Bowie released 26 studio albums and sold more than 100 million records worldwide. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, earned multiple Grammy Awards, received a BRIT Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music, and later received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 1969, Bowie released “Space Oddity,” his first major hit, which became closely associated with the Apollo 11 moon landing. In 1972, his transformation into Ziggy Stardust launched him into superstardom and permanently changed the relationship between music, identity, and performance. Beyond music, Bowie acted in film and theater, starred on Broadway in The Elephant Man, and left a lasting imprint on fashion, gender expression, and visual art.
Musically, Bowie was fearless. He helped bring glam rock into the mainstream, embraced soul and funk in the mid-’70s, and later became a pioneer of electronic and ambient music through his Berlin Trilogy (Low, Heroes, and Lodger). He collaborated with artists including Brian Eno, Nile Rodgers, Queen, Mick Jagger, John Lennon, and Iggy Pop, while influencing generations of artists across rock, pop, alternative, and electronic music.
Even at the end of his life, Bowie was creating at the highest level. His final album, Blackstar, released on his birthday just two days before his death, was widely praised as a powerful and intentional artistic farewell, reinforcing his legacy as an artist who used creativity as a form of expression until the very end.
In honour of David Bowie’s birthday and his lasting impact on music and culture, add one of his iconic tracks to your ride.
Here are some of our favorites:
Heroes, David Bowie, 112 bpm, 6:11
Produced with Brian Eno, this is one of Bowie’s most powerful and enduring songs. The track tells a story of defiance, hope, and human connection against impossible odds.
What makes “Heroes” so effective in the studio is its gradual build. The song begins restrained and controlled, then steadily builds in volume and intensity, making it ideal for a progressive crescendo. By the final chorus, Bowie’s raw, soaring vocals create a sense of release that feels earned rather than forced.
More than just a song, “Heroes” became an anthem. Its message of finding strength in a single moment continues to resonate decades later, making it a timeless choice when you want riders to dig deep and stay present.
Fame, David Bowie, 95 bpm, 4:21
Co-written with John Lennon and Carlos Alomar, “Fame” marked a bold shift in Bowie’s sound, leaning into funk, groove, and sharp social commentary. It became Bowie’s first number-one single in the U.S., proving once again his ability to reinvent himself and stay ahead of the curve.
Use this for a steady, fast flat road. For extra challenge, gradually add resistance every minute. It can also fit in well as your first song.
Let’s Dance, David Bowie, 115, 4:05
Produced by Nile Rodgers and featuring Stevie Ray Vaughan on lead guitar, “Let’s Dance” blends funk, pop, and rock into one of Bowie’s most danceable tracks. The rhythm guitar parts in the verses are instantly recognizable, driven by Rodgers’ tight funk style and trademark delayed guitar hits, while Vaughan’s blues-influenced solos add bite and energy.
A perfect choice for steady efforts or rolling terrain, this track brings momentum, groove, and unmistakable Bowie flair to any ride.
Space Oddity, David Bowie, 134 bpm, 5:18
Released in 1969, “Space Oddity” was Bowie’s breakthrough song and the track that first introduced the world to his gift for storytelling. Framed as a conversation between Major Tom and Ground Control, the song captured the imagination of listeners at the exact moment the world was watching the Apollo 11 moon landing.
“Space Oddity” didn’t just launch Bowie’s career. It showed that pop music could be cinematic, conceptual, and deeply human, setting the tone for everything that followed.
A perfect climb at 67 rpm, proving that anything is possible.
Under Pressure, Queen & David Bowie, 114 bpm, 4:08
Created during an unplanned late-night studio session, “Under Pressure” brought together two of rock’s most iconic voices, pairing Freddie Mercury and David Bowie’s contrasting vocals to powerful effect. A timeless collaboration that proves pressure can produce something truly extraordinary.
A strong second track for spin-ups, or an excellent choice for HIIT-style intervals.
Dancing in the Street, David Bowie & Mick Jagger, 131 bpm, 3:24
Recorded as a spontaneous collaboration, “Dancing in the Street” pairs David Bowie and Mick Jagger in a high-energy reinterpretation of the Motown classic.
This track brings instant lift. Its upbeat tempo and infectious feel make it a natural fit for cadence builds, or short interval work when you want energy without heaviness. It’s light, fun, and unapologetically joyful.
A reminder that sometimes the best motivation is simply moving to the music.
Modern Love, David Bowie, 91 bpm, 4:48
Released in 1983 on Let’s Dance, the song captures Bowie at his most playful and energetic, blending pop and rock into a forward-moving groove that gently lifts heart rate without feeling heavy. A great warm-up track with an easy rhythm that encourages smooth cadence and early energy without pushing too hard. You can also amp up the intensity for a high-cadence threshold interval.
Young Americans, David Bowie, 84 bpm, 5:13
“Young Americans” marked a clear shift in Bowie’s sound, leaning fully into soul and R&B with a smooth, laid-back groove. Influenced by Philadelphia soul and recorded with a group of American musicians, the track showcases Bowie’s ability to absorb new styles and make them entirely his own.
In the studio, the tempo makes this an excellent choice for a controlled warm-up or seated flat road. The relaxed rhythm encourages smooth, connected pedal strokes, while the subtle groove keeps riders engaged without pushing intensity.
David Bowie’s music creates mood, narrative, and movement. His tracks support steady endurance, powerful climbs, and moments of reflection, reminding riders that reinvention and creativity are powerful forces.
A true innovator. A fearless artist. A reminder that music can be limitless.
To build a playlist with more songs like David Bowie’s, check out Spotify’s David Bowie Radio Channel.
We’d love to hear your favorite Bowie tracks. Please share them in the comments!