David Bowie’s 1970s era was a masterclass in reinvention. From glam rock to soul to Berlin minimalism, Bowie didn’t just follow trends—he made them. Here’s a countdown of his top 10 songs from that decade, each one a testament to his fearless creativity.

10. “Sound and Vision” (1977)

From the groundbreaking Low album, this track is cool, minimal, and ahead of its time. The vocals don’t kick in until halfway through, but when they do, it feels like a light turning on in a quiet room. Short, strange, and strangely beautiful.

9. “Rebel Rebel” (1974)

This guitar riff is one for the ages. “Rebel Rebel” is Bowie’s farewell to glam rock, full of swagger and sass. It’s a bold anthem of gender-bending freedom that still hits hard today.

8. “Ashes to Ashes” (1979)

An eerie sequel to earlier characters, wrapped in shimmering synths. “Ashes to Ashes” explores regret and self-reflection with a sound that feels like a dream just out of reach. It closes the decade with a whisper and a sigh.

7. “Starman” (1972)

When Bowie sang about a star waiting in the sky, he wasn’t just singing science fiction—he was offering hope. This song introduced Ziggy Stardust to the world and lit up television screens and imaginations everywhere.

6. “Fame” (1975)

Built on a tight funk groove and co-written with John Lennon, “Fame” is a sharp-edged takedown of celebrity life. Bowie’s voice twists and turns through the beat like a dancer in a hall of mirrors.

5. “Life on Mars?” (1971)

A swirl of piano, strings, and surreal imagery. “Life on Mars?” is Bowie at his most cinematic, mixing the mundane with the mythical. Its soaring chorus is unforgettable, even if you’re still trying to figure out what it all means.

4. “Moonage Daydream” (1972)

Big, brash, and blissfully weird. This glam rock powerhouse features some of the best guitar work of the era. Bowie plays the cosmic narrator, but the whole band sounds like they’re shooting for the stars.

3. “Changes” (1971)

If you had to sum up Bowie in one word, it might be “change.” This track from Hunky Dory speaks to that idea clearly. With its playful piano and stuttering chorus, it’s both deeply personal and wide open.

2. “Heroes” (1977)

A love song caught in the shadow of the Berlin Wall. Bowie’s voice rises with emotion, climbing over cold synths and echoing guitars. It’s a song about brief, beautiful moments—and the power of believing in them.

1. “Ziggy Stardust” (1972)

The beating heart of Bowie’s glam rock era. “Ziggy Stardust” is where the myth met the music, telling the story of a doomed rock star with style and swagger. It’s catchy, dramatic, and pure Bowie—a perfect fusion of sound and story.