With her compelling storytelling and playful retro pop sound, it is no surprise that Annabel Gutherz takes inspiration from the legendary David Bowie. We have heard this through the songs on her debut album, Loose Ends, along with subsequent releases like “Retrograde,” fusing what she has learned from Bowie with her own style. With her latest release, she has decided to pay direct homage to him by covering “Life on Mars,” which is one of her all-time favorite songs. This release also comes at a perfect time, coinciding with the release of the new Bowie documentary, Moonage Daydream.
Nearly fifty years old, “Life on Mars” came well before Annabel’s time, but its depth and emotional complexity is and will always be relevant. The track is a sweeping look at society, pairing observational lyrics with theatrical melodies and vocals. On Annabel’s version, she retains these melodies and ensures that the lyrics are conveyed with the same conviction that was felt on the original. Overall, her cover is more of a modern, younger take on the track, but its timeless spirit remains. You can listen to it below.
About the cover, Annabel shares,
“My interpretation of the rich narrative conveyed through Bowie’s abstract and surreal lyricism is one of sadness, longing, and hope, with a commentary about society and the media that still rings true today. I love the emotional dimensionality of the story being told, the melody, the production…everything! I hope to honor Bowie, one of the most prolific and brilliant artists of our time, and his lasting legacy with this cover.”
You can listen to “Life on Mars” on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
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