Modern Love

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to Modern Love by David Bowie from his 1983 album Let's Dance! This high-energy track, co-produced by Nile Rodgers of Chic, was inspired by the legendary Little Richard, with Bowie channeling his call-and-response style into a rock anthem that explores the tension between romance and religion. Bowie once shared that the song reflects a struggle between "God and man," with lyrics like "church on time terrifies me" hinting at his skepticism about societal norms. Recorded at the Power Station in Manhattan, it was one of the first tracks laid down for the album, featuring the then-unknown Stevie Ray Vaughan on guitar, whose bluesy edge gave the song its distinctive bite. Fun fact: the music video, directed by Jim Yukich, was shot during Bowie’s Serious Moonlight Tour in Philadelphia on July 20, 1983, capturing the electric energy of a live performance that often closed his shows.

Another tidbit comes from Nile Rodgers, who recalled Bowie showing him a photo of Little Richard in a red suit climbing into a Cadillac, saying, “Nile, darling, that’s what I want my album to sound like.” This vision shaped Modern Love’s vibrant, danceable vibe, blending R&B-soaked rhythms with new wave flair. Some fans on Reddit have speculated about the song’s lyrics, with theories ranging from it being a commentary on modern romance to a coded reference to Bowie’s personal struggles, though Bowie himself never fully explained the “paperboy” line, leaving it open to interpretation. The song’s infectious chorus and relentless energy made it a No. 2 hit in the UK and No. 14 in the US, cementing its place as one of Bowie’s catchiest pop offerings.

David Bowie, born David Robert Jones on January 8, 1947, in London, began his musical journey as a teenager, playing in local bands like The Konrads and The King Bees. His early love for rock and roll was sparked by artists like Little Richard and Elvis Presley, but it was his 1969 single Space Oddity, timed with the Apollo 11 moon landing, that marked his first commercial breakthrough. Before fame, Bowie was a chameleon, dabbling in folk, mime, and R&B, even studying under dancer Lindsay Kemp, who taught him to express himself through movement. This eclectic background shaped his ability to reinvent himself, from the glam-rock Ziggy Stardust to the soulful Young Americans era. By the time he hit the 1980s with Let’s Dance, Bowie was a global icon, blending genres and pushing boundaries with every release.

Though Bowie passed away in 2016, his legacy lives on through his official platforms and fan communities. Check out his official website at davidbowie.com for news and archives. Follow his official Facebook and Instagram for updates on releases and tributes, and join the conversation on X for the latest fan buzz. Fans also gather on the r/DavidBowie subreddit, a vibrant community sharing memories and trivia. For deeper dives, visit fan sites like The Bowie Bible or join David Bowie Fans on Facebook to connect with fellow Zoo Freaks celebrating his genius.