What makes Telling Lies by David Bowie notable?

'Telling Lies' was notable for being one of the first songs to be released exclusively on the internet, reflecting Bowie's forward-thinking approach to music distribution. The song gained significant attention, peaking at number 16 on the UK Singles Chart and showcasing Bowie's ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes. Released in 1996, 'Telling Lies' marked a transitional phase for David Bowie, following his critically acclaimed album 'Outside' from the previous year. This period saw Bowie exploring more electronic influences, moving away from traditional rock structures as he embraced digital production techniques.

How many songs are on Telling Lies?

Telling Lies has 3 tracks, running approximately 14 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

Telling Lies

David Bowie · 1996

14 min · 3 tracks · alternative rock

A pulsating blend of electronic beats and Bowie’s signature vocal flair creates an immersive auditory experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Telling Lies (Feelgood mix) — This version highlights Bowie's dynamic vocal delivery against a backdrop of pulsating electronic rhythms, encapsulating the album's innovative spirit.
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Telling Lies (Paradox mix) — Featuring a deeper groove and atmospheric layers, this mix emphasizes Bowie's experimental side while maintaining accessibility for mainstream listeners.
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Telling Lies (Adam F mix) — This track showcases a fusion of drum and bass elements with Bowie's lyrics, illustrating the crossover between genres during the mid-90s.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The remixes offer varied takes on a solid track, but the single format limits depth and cohesion.

What we noticed

The single features three distinct remixes, each with varying levels of electronic intensity and arrangement.
The original track is characterized by a driving beat and layered synths, while the remixes explore different rhythmic structures.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Shows a departure into electronic music and innovative distribution methods.
Themes: digital deception· internet-era introspection· artistic reinvention
Career context: Released in 1996, 'Telling Lies' marked a transitional phase for David Bowie, following his critically acclaimed album 'Outside' from the previous year. This period saw Bowie exploring more electronic influences, moving away from traditional rock structures as he embraced digital production techniques.
Stylistic neighbors: Brian Eno· Roxy Music· Talking Heads