Hours...

David Bowie's 22nd studio album, 'hours...', is a masterful collection of songs that showcases the artist's incredible eclecticism. Originally released on 21 September 1999, the album was made available for download on Bowie's website, BowieNet, before its physical CD release on 4 October through Virgin Records. This innovative approach marked one of the first instances of a major artist offering their work for digital download.

The album's material was largely inspired by Bowie's work on the video game Omikron: The Nomad Soul, for which he collaborated with guitarist Reeves Gabrels. The resulting tracks range from soft, lush acoustic ballads to poignant, layered classic rock compositions. From the opening notes of the lead single 'Thursday's Child', it's clear that 'hours...' is an album that defies easy categorisation, instead embracing a wide range of styles and moods.

Recorded between April and June 1999 in studios in Bermuda and New York City, 'hours...' was produced by David Bowie and Reeves Gabrels. The album features a talented cast of musicians, including Mark Plati, Mike Levesque, and Jay Nicholas, among others. The design concept and album cover were conceived by David Bowie, with Rex Ray handling the design and image manipulation.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of 'hours...', Parlophone Records has announced a series of digital and video releases, highlighting the enduring appeal of this gold-certified album. With its unique blend of glam rock and art rock sensibilities, 'hours...' remains a compelling and deeply rewarding listen. David Bowie's innovative spirit and creative genius are on full display throughout the album, making it an essential addition to any music collection.