Bowie described his recent album Young Americans as "the definitive plastic soul record. It's the squashed remains of ethnic music as it survives in the age of Muzak, written and sung by a white limey." [source]I had no idea that the term plastic soul was a term coined by unnamed black musicians to describe Mick Jagger. It makes some sense. Bowie, then, described some of his output as plastic soul.
Lots of people argue that this record has some weak songs on it. I disagree. We get Young Americans which is one of my favourite Bowie tune. Plus, you get Win, Fascination, Somebody Up There Likes Me, Across the Universe (the Lennon and McCartney tune) and Fame (co-written with John Lennon). I remember the look on my dad's face when that song came on the radio on one of our lengthy car trips to get to our annual late August campsite. Also, the album cover rocks.
Have you have been an un-American?
Just you and your idol singing falsetto 'bout
Leather, leather everywhere, and
Not a myth left from the ghetto
Well, well, well, would you carry a razor
In case, just in case of depression?
Sit on your hands on a bus of survivors
Blushing at all the afro-Sheilas
Ain't that close to love?
Well, ain't that poster love?
Well, it ain't that Barbie doll
Her heart's been broken just like you have
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