10 Most Underrated David Bowie Songs

With no new album and minimal public appearances for a decade, many would be forgiven for thinking Bowie had nothing left to say and had unofficially retired. But one day in January 2013, without warning, Bowie shook the music world with the release of Where Are We Now?, the first single from his unexpected forthcoming album, The Next Day.

Upon release, the album was lauded with widespread critical acclaim. As much as anything else, the media and public alike were just happy that Bowie had resurfaced. But The Next Day is an accomplished album, and Valentine's Day is the first of two tracks from said album to be featured on this list.

One of his finest late era tracks, this mid-tempo song has nothing to do with the lover's occasion, as the title may suggest, but instead tackles gun violence. Valentine is actually the name of a troubled school pupil, and 'Valentine's Day' is the occasion in which he plans to enact bloody revenge on all those deemed to have wronged him, including"the teachers and the football star". It evokes memories of Columbine and other school massacres. Bowie's tremendous vocals combine with a piercing guitar to create an atmosphere of futile desperation.

Valentine's Day is a great song, but there is another track from The Next Day that is worthy of even more acclaim...