Title: Reality

Label: Sony

By Orren Merton

If an artist reaches a certain level of talent, achievement, and ability, you can count on the fact that no matter what they release, it's going to be at least at a certain level of quality. David Bowie is one of those artists. The man isn't capable of putting out a truly bad album. He is too gifted a songwriter, and works with too high of a caliber of musician, for any album he does to really be an artistic letdown. And it was with this in mind, I picked up "Reality," without so much as hearing a note from it.

While in the mid-90s Bowie experimented with really cutting edge techno industrial songs thanks to the able co-writing and production assistance of guitar hero Reeves Gabrels, these days Bowie has found a more laid back, mid-tempo rock sound that while not as adventurous, Bowie seems very comfortable with. The songs are still kept fresh by the unique guitar styling of experimental fusion guitarist David Torn and a fresh, modern production utilizing both vintage and cutting edge computer technology. And musically, while mid-tempo, these songs to have some real guts to them, especially "New Killer Star," "Looking for Water," the blistering title song "Reality," and the excellent cover of Jonathan Richman's "Pablo Picasso" which I feel improves heartily on the relatively languid original.

The album's theme seems to be that of older adults coming to grips with their lives, the world around them, their mistakes, and their remaining challenges. Songs like "The Loneliest Man" and "Days" really hammer that home, being thought provoking without being preachy. "Never Get Old" captures the tensions and fears of middle age with an almost heartwrenching poignancy. Really, the only songs on the record I feel miss the mark are the jazzy final song "Bring Me The Disco King," a sort of lament over failed promises, and a relatively bland cover of a relatively bland George Harrison song, "Try Some, Buy Some."

For fans of David Bowie, this album is certainly a fine addition to his catalog. For those looking for an introduction to Bowie, better to start with the classics and work up to this album. And for those of us looking forward to future Bowie, I think this album is ample proof that while time may change him, it hasn't diminished him--and very likely never will.