I have been sadly
remiss in not exploring the seminal 1970s albums from the likes of Elton John, Rod Stewart and David Bowie.
However you quickly absorb the famous songs from popular culture, and Bowie's "Heroes"
is one of the undeniable classics.
It appeared
in the middle of his trilogy of Berlin albums - addicted to cocaine, seeking a
new challenge after his wildly successful "glam" years. They were
recorded at the legendary Hansa studios, in the shadow of the Berlin Wall, which
then divided the East and West.
The booming and
thundering melody came first, from Brain Eno's (Roxy Music) synthesiser and
Robert Fripp's (King Crimson) guitar solos and feedback. It was big, bombastic
and, even (pun intended) heroic.
The words
came later, inspired by spying the producer Tony Visconti illicitly kissing the
backing vocalist Antonia Maass, near the Wall. It prompted the idea of love against the odds, a forbidden relationship,
a Romeo & Juliet of doomed but pure love.
He embroidered
the scenario ("Standing by the wall / And the guns shot above our heads / And
we kissed, as though nothing could fall"). Although there is an acknowledgement that it will be too difficult
("nothing will help us"), the love can
beat all adversity, even if only for "just
for one day".
This is one
of Bowie's most passionate and emotional vocals, starting hushed, building and straining towards the end.
The backing vocals are so effective too, repeating Bowie in the bridge ("I
remember").
The song was
released in a variety of formats, a three minute single, the six minute album
track, the wonderful German language version ("Helden"), and French too. Surprisingly it was
only a minor hit in England, and not at all in the US.
However its
reputation has soared over time, with Bowie choosing it for emotional occasions,
like Live Aid, a 9/11 tribute and in a reunited Berlin. It has also sound-tracked
so many TV and sporting events (the GB team used it in the 2012 Olympics
opening ceremony).
"Heroes"
is an inspiring epic love song with a powerful sound, is not only one of
Bowie's finest moments, but of all-time.
Hear Now - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEqSOst1dg8 and the German version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb6Gbi1MpoE
Hear Next -
There so many Bowie albums, it may be difficult to know where to start,
so I would recommend one of the many "best of" compilation albums.
