David Bowie's Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Oh You Pretty ThingsDavid Bowie22rank/position

David Bowie – Oh You Pretty Things

Written by David Bowie in 1971, the song is included on the album Hunky Dory.

Beginning with a simple piano style, it is thought to have been inspired by the occultist Aleister Crowley, the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, and the novel The Coming Race.

QuicksandDavid Bowie23rank/position

David Bowie – Quicksand

“Quicksand” is included on the glam rock-era album “Hunky Dory.” It’s a track that conveys a sense of transience and powerlessness, revealing Bowie’s introspective side.

There’s also a demo version of “Quicksand” recorded with just an acoustic guitar, which fans often praise as “more moving than the official version.”

Sound and Vision (Sonjay Prabhakar remix)David Bowie24rank/position

David Bowie – Sound and Vision (Sonjay Prabhakar remix) 2013

An art rock track released in 1977 by David Bowie.

This remix version was used in the 2013 Sony Xperia Z commercial “Sound, Vision, Colour and Detail,” which features India’s colorful festivals.

SundayDavid Bowie25rank/position

David Bowie – Sunday

A song that came to heal the souls of the wounded.

Legendary musician David Bowie’s 25th album, Heathen.

Chosen as its opening track is Sunday.

This song is imbued with a solemn beauty that could be called David Bowie’s own hymn.

Now, the reason this song came to heal people’s souls is that the year before the album was released, the worst coordinated terrorist attacks in American history occurred.

Although this song seems to have been written earlier, when you read the lyrics, there are parts that feel as though they speak of that event.

In the face of overwhelming shock and immense sorrow, this song offered a gentle yet powerful light to those who had lost their way on how to go on living.

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The Stars (Are Out Tonight)David Bowie26rank/position

David Bowie – The Stars (Are Out Tonight) (Official Video) [HD]

A song that evokes the depths of the cosmos, a tour de force by the British artist David Bowie.

The cool yet tense vocals create a unique atmosphere, and the guitar riffs call to mind the sparkle of the stars.

The lyrics, which sharply depict the light and shadow of celebrity, pierce the listener’s heart.

Released in March 2013, this track drew attention as a single cut from his first album in ten years.

It’s recommended not only for those who love stars and space, but also for anyone seeking deep human insight.

Every time you look up at the night sky, this song may echo in your mind.

When the wind blowsDavid Bowie27rank/position

David Bowie – When the wind blows

A single released in 1986.

Born in 1947.

A singer-songwriter and actor from London.

This is the theme song for the film “When the Wind Blows,” which features an elderly couple encountering nuclear war as its protagonists.

Backed by a solid, mid-tempo rhythm and a powerful melodic line, his richly emotive vocals are a perfect match for the track.

Young AmericansDavid Bowie28rank/position

Young Americans (2016 Remaster)

Introducing David Bowie’s 1975 masterpiece, deeply influenced by soul and gospel.

The song sharply depicts American social issues and the struggles of young people, reflecting the complexities of the United States at the time.

It’s a track that showcases Bowie’s protean musicality to the fullest, with David Sanborn’s alto saxophone playing a crucial role throughout.

His solos in the intro, bridge, and finale are especially breathtaking.

Released as a single in February 1975, it reached No.

18 in the UK and No.

28 in the US.

A breakthrough in America, this song still captivates today with its undimmed appeal as an anthem that resonates with youths troubled by society’s contradictions.