It is called an album without focus; one that dragged on the heels of previous successes. It is known as one of the weakest efforts in David Bowie's career, a blotch on his solo career, surpassing the indignity that was Tin Machine (funny how that conversation continues to emerge as relevant). Clearly, Tonight isn't among the critical favorites.
Without first getting to know the maligned Tonight it's easy to see why someone might say as much. It isn't hit packed like it predecessor Let's Dance, and it certainly isn't genre defining like Ziggy Stardust or Aladdin Sane. Somewhere in a career of over 30 albums, there are lackluster misses, and for most that followed Bowie over his career, Tonight is that record.
To dismiss it though, would be to miss its very interesting, distinguishing characteristics. Bowie is fully ensconced in his most mortal incarnation; that of a hard working pop rock icon. The songs offered are strongly synthesizer influenced, rock infused, with the only thing close to a hit among them being "Blue Jean." While the rest don't resemble hits, they are definitely not throwaway or even forgettable tracks. "Loving The Alien" and "Don't Look Down" are solid, well crafted songs. For fans of Bowie-as-collaborator, there are a number of songs penned with Iggy Pop, including the title song and a delightfully paranoid "Neighborhood Threat."
While it isn't the flamboyant personality altering opus Ziggy Stardust, or a veritable greatest hits collection disguised as an album like he's been prone to release, 1984's Tonight is a solid, elegant and underappreciated effort. Bowie is known for many things, and being understated isn't one of them. This is a glowing example of 80's pop rock, a time capsule of a flawed musical generation, perhaps one of the more underappreciated albums in an illustrious career. |