The career trajectory of David Bowie serves as a fascinating reflection of his musical evolution and artistic experimentation. Spanning over four decades, beginning with his self-titled debut album in 1967, which starkly contrasts the innovative sounds he would develop in subsequent years, to the hauntingly beautiful Blackstar, released just days before his passing in 2016, Bowie’s journey is marked by a relentless quest for artistic identity.

Throughout his prolific career, he adopted numerous personas and explored a myriad of musical genres, some of which resonated deeply with audiences, while others remained more obscure. The dynamic nature of his artistry allowed Bowie to become a defining figure in modern music, ultimately leaving behind a rich legacy consisting of over two dozen albums that vividly illustrate the evolution of popular music over the span of 40 years. His work traversed a diverse landscape, encompassing styles such as rock, pop, dance, electronic, jazz, glam, blues, industrial, ambient, and nearly every other genre imaginable.

READ MORE: Top 10 David Bowie Songs

Determining the best song from each of David Bowie’s albums became a more straightforward task during the less prolific phases of his career, particularly in the 1980s following the commercial success of Let’s Dance, as well as in the 1990s and the early years of the 2000s. However, during pivotal periods, especially throughout the entirety of the 1970s, one could curate extensive multi-disc compilations based solely on his remarkable LPs. Each album from this era is a testament to his innovative spirit and musical prowess.

Regardless of the fluctuations in his commercial success, Bowie remained a pivotal figure in the music landscape up until his final days. His remarkable resurgence in the 2010s produced two of his most acclaimed albums, solidifying a legacy that had long been established before he sought to adapt to the evolving musical tastes of the time. Even when his newer records did not achieve the same level of commercial success as his iconic classics, they were still celebrated events that captivated audiences and critics alike.

Only a select few artists have achieved such an extraordinary level of influence and significance over the past century. The endeavor to identify the best song from each of David Bowie’s albums merely scratches the surface of his monumental legend and the profound impact he has had on music history.