David Bowie - Slow Burn

Review by Guilherme Reis

Slow Burn by David Bowie: A Genre-Blurring Gem That Still Smolders Let’s cut to the chase—David Bowie’s Slow Burn (2002) is like that one friend who shows up late to the party but still steals all the attention. Released across continents from Japan to Mexico, this album doesn’t just stick to one genre; it dabbles in Pop/Rock, Art Rock, Experimental Rock, and even throws a nod to Classic Rock for good measure. If you’re looking for something predictable, keep scrolling. But if you’re into music that feels like an unpredictable road trip with detours into weirdness and brilliance, buckle up. The Tracks That Stick Like Glitter on Your Jacket First off, let’s talk about the titular track, “Slow Burn.” It’s got this eerie yet hypnotic vibe, thanks in part to Tony Visconti’s basslines and Pete Townshend’s guitar work (yeah, THE Pete Townshend). There are multiple versions of this song floating around on the album—edit versions, radio edits, remixes—but honestly? They’re all worth your time. What makes “Slow Burn” unforgettable isn’t just its layered sound but how Bowie’s vocals seem to hover between urgency and calm. It’s as if he’s whispering secrets directly into your ear while simultaneously warning you not to trust him. Classic Bowie move right there. Then there’s “When The Boys Come Marching Home,” which hits differently. This track has a raw edge, almost like Bowie decided to channel his inner protest singer while hanging out with The Borneo Horns. Sterling Campbell’s drumming gives it a marching-band-meets-rock-show energy, and when those horns kick in, you can practically picture a parade of misfits storming through the streets. It’s chaotic, bold, and oddly uplifting—all at once. You’ll find yourself humming it hours later, wondering why anyone hasn’t used this in a war movie yet. Behind the Curtain: Credits Worth Noting Props where they’re due: Tony Visconti didn’t just produce half the album—he also played bass, handled backing vocals, and probably made coffee during recording sessions (okay, maybe not the last bit). And shoutout to Markus Klinko for the photography because, let’s be real, no one looks cooler than Bowie in front of a lens. Oh, and did I mention Pete Keppler engineered some tracks? Yeah, these folks weren’t messing around. Reflections and Random Thoughts Listening to Slow Burn feels like flipping through a scrapbook of Bowie’s wildest ideas. Some moments feel polished, others rough around the edges, but every track carries his unmistakable stamp of creativity. Sure, 2002 wasn’t exactly peak Bowie era for everyone, but this album proves he was still experimenting, still pushing boundaries, still being… well, Bowie. And here’s the kicker: In a world obsessed with perfection, Slow Burn reminds us that art doesn’t have to be flawless to leave a mark. So next time someone asks what makes David Bowie so iconic, point them toward this underrated gem. Or better yet, blast “Slow Burn” loud enough to annoy the neighbors. Trust me—they’ll thank you later.

Artist: David Bowie
Album: Slow Burn

2002

Rating: 3.0

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Catalog Numbers
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Interesting fact
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Filename: david-bowie-slow-burn.zip

MP3 size: 53.3 mb
FLAC size: 748.8 mb

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Tracks

Track	Duration	Preview
When the Boys Come Marching Home	04:46
SLOW BURN
When The Boys Come Marching Home	4:44
Slow Burn (Edit)	3:55
Slow Burn	3:55
Slow Burn (Radio Edit)	3:55
Wood Jackson	4:48
Shadow Man	4:46
Slow Burn (Edit Version)
You've Got a Habit of Leaving	04:51
Baby Loves That Way	4:44
You've Got A Habit Of Leaving	4:51
Slow Burn - Edit	3:55

Video

David Bowie - Slow Burn

Images

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Catalog Numbers

Labels

Sony Records Int'l
Not On Label (David Bowie)
Columbia, ISO Records
Sony Records Int'l, ISO Records
Columbia
ISO Records
SONY JAPAN
Sony Music Japan International Inc., ISO Records

Listen online

online luisteren
écouter en ligne
lyssna på nätet
lytte på nettet
escuchar en línea
ouvir online
kuunnella verkossa
online anhören
ascolta in linea

Formats

CD
Single
Promo
CDr
Card Sleeve
Maxi-Single
EP
Vinyl
7"
45 RPM
Orange

Companies

Role	Company
Phonographic Copyright (p)	ISO Records
Licensed To	Sony Music Entertainment Inc.
Record Company	Sony Music Japan International Inc.
Manufactured By	Sony Music Japan International Inc.
Copyright (c)	ISO Records
Published By	Nipple Music
Distributed By	Sony Music

Credits

Role	Credit
Liner Notes	北沢杏里
Photography By	Markus Klinko
Art Direction	Barnbrook Design
Design	Barnbrook Design
Engineer	Pete Keppler (tracks: 3), Tony Visconti (tracks: 1, 2)
Producer	David Bowie, Mark Plati (tracks: 3), Tony Visconti (tracks: 1, 2)
Vocals	David Bowie
Written-By	David Bowie
Photography	Markus Klinko
Bass	Tony Visconti
Recorder	Tony Visconti
Backing Vocals	Tony Visconti
Drums	Sterling Campbell (tracks: A)
Percussion	Matt Chamberlain (tracks: B)
Guitar	David Torn (tracks: B), Pete Townshend (tracks: A)
Horns	The Borneo Horns (tracks: A)
Lead Vocals	David Bowie
Keyboards	David Bowie
Organ	Jordan Rudess (tracks: B)
Piano	Kristeen Young (tracks: A)

Notes

1-track promo-only CD single.
Four-page insert includes liner notes (including a discography of Bowie's works produced by Tony Visconti) in Japanese, plus lyrics to Slow Burn in English and Japanese. Front cover text highlights the Japanese release of Heathen being a week prior to its USA release.
Issued in a slimline case with no back inlay.
A promotional release, made in Austria. "Promotional Copy - Not For Resale" written on the sleeve and disc.
Pete Townshend appears courtesy of Eel Pie Recording Productions Ltd.
Emm Gryner appears courtesy of Dead Daisy Records.
Holly Palmer appears courtesy of Reprise Records.
℗ & © 2002 ISO Records under exclusive license to Sony Music Entertainment Inc.
Track 1, 2: Nipple Music/RZO Music Ltd.
Track 3: Jones Music America/RZO Music Ltd., EMI Music Publishing, Ltd.
Track 4: EMI United Partnership Ltd (PRS).
Track 5: Dominion Music Company EMI Music Publishing, LTD.
Comes in a standard jewel case with clear tray (disc face outward) and without a traycard.
Includes obi and eight-page booklet including lyrics in English and Japanese.
Promotional copy with "SAMPLE - LOANED" printed on CD hub and a promo sticker placed over the barcode on the obi.
1 track CD Promo
1, Nipple Music/RZO Music Ltd.
Made in US
This Mexican single is the most unusual of the 'Slow Burn' promos.
Made in Australia
1, 2 & 4: Nipple Music/RZO Music Ltd.
3: Jones Music America/RZO Music Ltd., EMI Music Publishing, Ltd.
5: EMI United Partnership Ltd (PRS).
Made in Austria
Art Direction & Design – Barnbrook Design
Distribution Sony Music.
Release comes in standard jewel case without back inlay.
With obi-strip and 8 page booklet including lyrics in both English and in Japanese.
CDR with printed surface, no artwork
PROMO COPY OF THE SINGLE ''SLOW BURN''
LIMITED EDITION - JAPAN
STILL SEALED!!!
2-track orange vinyl 7" single, glossy picture sleeve.

Barcodes

Matrix / Runout: PRS-239 1
Mastering SID Code: IFPI L274
Mould SID Code: IFPI 4574
Rights Society: JASRAC
Barcode: 5 099767274415
Matrix / Runout: S6727441000-0101 14
Rights Society: MCPS/BIEM/SDRM
Matrix / Runout: PRA-188 2
Mastering SID Code: IFPI L275
Mould SID Code: IFPI 4565
Barcode (External Ring): 0147615 01
Mould SID Code: IFPI 5522
Mastering SID Code: IFPI L801
Other: SMEA
Barcode: 5 099767 274422
Label Code: LC 00162
Rights Society: SACEM SDRM SACD SGDL BIEM
Other: CB 608
Matrix / Runout (Variant 1): S6727442000-0101 15 A1 SONY MUSIC
Matrix / Runout (Variant 2): S6727442000-0101 15 A3 SONY MUSIC
Mastering SID Code: IFPI L555
Mould SID Code: IFPI 941L
Other (ISRC Track 1.): US-RF3-02-00004
Other (ISRC Track 2.): US-RF3-02-00016
Other (ISRC Track 3.): US-RF3-02-00017
Other (ISRC Track 4.): US-RF3-02-00018
Other (ISRC Track 5.): US-RF3-02-00019
Barcode (String): 4547366005790
Barcode (Text): 4 547366 005790
ASIN: B000067JQA
Barcode: 5 099767 274477
Rights Society: SACEM BIEM
Matrix / Runout (A side runout): 672-744-7-A
Matrix / Runout (B side runout): 672-744-7-B

About David Bowie

British pop/rock singer, musician, songwriter, and actor. Born: 8 January 1947 in Brixton, London, England, UK. Died: 10 January 2016 in Manhattan, New York City, USA (aged 69). Bowie is recognized as one of the most respected contemporary musicians of his period. He was a leading figure in the music industry and is considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Inducted into Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. For a list of all band and group involvement, please see .

Real Name

David Robert Jones

Name Vars

Boh Oui
Bowie
Bowie D.
Bowie David
Bowie!
Bowie, David
Bowre
D .Bowie
D Bowie
D. Bowie
D.Bowie
DB
DBowie
Dave Bowie
David
David B.
David Boh Oui
David Boowie
David Bovie
David Bow-ie
David Bower
David Bowie '83
David Bpwie
David Dowie
DavidBowie
Dawid Bowie
Mister Bowie
Mr Dave Bowie
Mr. David Bowie
bowie
db
Д. Боуи
Дейвид Боуи
Дејвид Боуви
Дэвид Боуи
ÇÓÃÉÜ¦¤
ÇÓÃÉûÜ¥¤
ÇÓÃÉûÜ¦¤
ÇÓÃÉûÜ¦¤ü
Çô£ÃÉûÜ¦¤
Çô§ÃÉûÜ¦¤
ÇôÃÈûÜ¦ü¤
ध࡛஑༊
Ͱݴ๗ ೴܄

Aliases

The Actor
David Robert Jones
Ziggy
The Rebels
Davey Dream

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know that David Bowie’s *Slow Burn* album, released in 2002, was a global project with releases spanning countries like Japan, the US, the UK, and even Mexico? What’s fascinating is how hands-on Bowie was— not only did he write and perform the tracks, but he also co-produced most of them alongside Tony Visconti. The album blends genres like Art Rock, Experimental Rock, and Classic Rock, showcasing Bowie’s knack for reinvention. Fun detail: Pete Townshend of The Who played guitar on one of the tracks! It’s wild to think about all the creative minds and talents that came together to make this record happen.

Comments

drwattson

2025-03-06

Here shall we live
In this terrible town
Where the price for our eyes
Shall squeeze them tight like a fist
And the walls shall have eyes
And the doors shall have ears
But we'll dance in the dark
And they'll play with our lives
Like a slow burn
Leading us on and on
(On and on, on and on)
Like a slow burn
Turning us round, and round, and round
(Round and round, round and round)
But who are we
So small in times such as these?
Slow burn
Slow burn
These are the days
These are the strangest of all
These are the nights
These are the darkest to fall
But who knows?
Echoes in tenement halls
Who knows?
Though the years snare them all
Like a slow burn
Leading us on, and on, and on
(On and on, on and on)
Like a slow burn
Turning us round, and round, and upside down
(Round and round, round and round)
There's fear overhead
There's fear all around
Slow burn
Slow burn
Like a slow burn
Leading us on, and on, and on
(On and on, on and on)
Like a slow burn
Turning us round, and round, and round
(Round and round, round and round)
And here are we
At the center of it all
Slow burn
Slow burn
Slow burn

kienthuckythuat

2025-03-05

We all know he wasn’t from here. Just voting to plant a seed of love and inspiration then off he went.

kodyworld

2025-03-05

That intro... ?

career12steps

2025-03-05

Miaou

homemadefacial

2025-03-05

This really felt like an understated song to capture the period just after 9/11 (it came out a year after) although it's no doubt applicable to a lot of times since.

sevangely

2025-03-04

Amazing guitar work by Pete Townshend

rodasultransportes

2025-03-03

Oh, these are the days
These are the strangest of all
These are the nights
These are the darkest to fall

jiant933

2025-03-02

I can only say I like 'Ashes to Ashes' better than this in my list of favourite Bowie songs. Pete Townshend's guitar work is among his best too. Bowie's vocal is amazing, it quivers at times......in a beautiful yet haunting way.

johanaortizvazquez123

2025-03-01

I love what pete townsend brought to this

larsenwilliams

2025-03-01

22.02.2022

jrillustration

2025-02-28

Yeah you would

at0554a

2025-02-28

Beautiful!!!

whitneymichellebiz

2025-02-28

This is a perfect final song of the second disc of the Best of Bowie. It is a beautiful song. :)

nishasharma180917

2025-02-28

Fuck yes

hilmiture

2025-02-28

Incredible how it fits in our current times. Always amazing Bowie!

aizasoriacasaljay

2025-02-28

The lyrics remind me a lot about scenes from (the novel/ movie) Persepolis... I wonder if life under Islamic militancy/the Taliban was ever an inherent theme here?...Certainly still relevant... A never ending middle eastern war is a slow burn indeed.