The ‘Mercury’ Demos cover

The ‘Mercury’ Demos

David Bowie · 2019

41 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock · electronic · hard rock

Intimate and raw demos reveal the embryonic stages of Bowie's cosmic storytelling and musical experimentation.

Why this album works

Best for
intimate glimpses of creative process reflective moments for quiet listening raw emotion in simple arrangements
Context
The 'Mercury' Demos were released posthumously in 2019, showcasing early versions of songs that would later appear on Bowie's seminal self-titled album from 1969. At this time in his career, Bowie was evolving from a quirky folk artist into a groundbreaking figure in glam rock, setting the stage for his future innovations.
If you like
alternative rock, electronic, hard rock

The ‘Mercury’ Demos is an album by David Bowie, released in 2019. Intimate and raw demos reveal the embryonic stages of Bowie's cosmic storytelling and musical experimentation. This collection is significant for its insight into Bowie's creative process and the evolution of his sound during a formative period. The demos highlight how songs such as 'Space Oddity' were developed, providing fans and scholars with a deeper understanding of Bowie's artistic trajectory and influence. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

New to David Bowie? Read our guide on where to start.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The ‘Mercury’ Demos sound like?

Intimate and raw demos reveal the embryonic stages of Bowie's cosmic storytelling and musical experimentation. Rooted in alternative rock and electronic.

What makes The ‘Mercury’ Demos by David Bowie notable?

This collection is significant for its insight into Bowie's creative process and the evolution of his sound during a formative period. The demos highlight how songs such as 'Space Oddity' were developed, providing fans and scholars with a deeper understanding of Bowie's artistic trajectory and influence. The 'Mercury' Demos were released posthumously in 2019, showcasing early versions of songs that would later appear on Bowie's seminal self-titled album from 1969. At this time in his career, Bowie was evolving from a quirky folk artist into a groundbreaking figure in glam rock, setting the stage for his future innovations.

Who is The ‘Mercury’ Demos for?

The ‘Mercury’ Demos works well if you're into intimate glimpses of creative process, reflective moments for quiet listening and raw emotion in simple arrangements.

How many songs are on The ‘Mercury’ Demos?

The ‘Mercury’ Demos has 10 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Tracklist

10 tracks·41:44

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Space Oddity Standout 5:28
  • 2 Janine 3:53
  • 3 An Occasional Dream 3:18
  • 4 Conversation Piece Standout 3:31
  • 5 Ching‐A‐Ling 3:35
  • 6 I’m Not Quite 4:04
  • 7 Lover to the Dawn Standout 5:01
  • 8 Love Song 4:08
  • 9 When I’m Five 3:13
  • 10 Life Is a Circus 5:33

Release Date

June 28, 2019

Artist Origin

United Kingdom

Runtime

41 min 44 sec