David Bowie - Young Americans (REACTION)

[@deniseelliott5632]

In highschool my friend got an apartment, at his very first party we were all dancing and singing to this song👍 the landlady knocked on the door and told him not to unpack and kicked him out! I will never forget that party...and dancing to this amazing song! 😊

[@Lynndane]

David Sanborn on sax! Woo hoo!

[@dennytaylor1005]

Really? I did not know that. Cool. That sax was jammin in the background - its rare that you almost miss it - it takes someone like Bowie to overshadow Sanborn.

[@stevecontini5386]

He kills that sax !

[@brewstergallery]

That is a classic Sanborn solo with his instantly recognizable growl and tasty phrases. Sadly he passed away on May 12th. He will be missed. RIP

[@jeffs1b]

David Sanborn is the best

[@stillstanding8286]

“I heard the news today, oh boy” is a line from the Beatles song “A Day in the Life”.

[@melvinwomack3717]

Indeed it is 👍

[@Chippychap2663]

sampling before sampling was invented

[@324cmac]

No duh.

[@jeffmiller4832]

He performed this song on Soul Train. He was also the first white artist to perform on the show.

[@324cmac]

He does have soul.

[@melvinwomack3717]

Yep

[@mangasky7]

Not accurate. He performed Fame and Golden Years on Soul Train; he performed Young Americans on the Dick Cavett Show.

[@Mente-Cuerpo5]

No. .....He Did Fame and Golden Years. No this song. And yes, He was the first White to play in Soul Train. That was Historic, at that moment

[@alfredlandesman5165]

Davie Bowie played on Soul Train, Nov 4, 1975, but Elton John, who is also WHITE, did Philadelphia Freedom on May 17, 1975. Eltons appearance was epic everybody should go back on KZbin and watch it.

[@kathiek4239]

I can only thank you guys again and again for letting me sit in your room and listen to records with you (as we did when we were kids). I dont know why I get such enjoyment out of watching you listen to my music. Is it nostalgia? Partly. I think it’s mostly a shared joy in music. Your genuine appreciation for music, from the production to the composition to the instrumentation and vocals, is a delight to watch. Thanks for inviting me over to your house to hear your new albums. 🤘🫶

[@AirplayBeats]

Thanks for rocking with us!!

[@KennyCamaro2364]

They take me too. I love these guys!

[@edwardcapobianco2975]

You hit the nail right on the head. There was nothing better than having a new album and turning on your friends by sitting in your room and playing the album for them. Listening to records is a lost treasure it’s not close to the old days when you share a download today compared to having the actual vinyl copy in your hands.. I love listening to records with La and Che! They understand and get it completely!

[@kathiek4239]

@@edwardcapobianco2975 IKR! We spent HOURS sitting around listening to records, back in the day. Such great times. Watching La and Che totally gives that vibe. They remind me of the guys I used to hang out with in middle/high school who played in a “band.” I love these guys.

[@ceejay1794]

@@kathiek4239those were great days weren’t they? Good times

[@TuomasLeone]

"Took him minutes, took her nowhere" really laying into the American male right there...

[@terrycunningham8118]

Could be Spud just as easily.

[@t.j.payeur5331]

She's American..not him.

[@TuomasLeone]

@@t.j.payeur5331 Huh, I always thought they both were.

[@SonicProfessor_a.k.a._T._Andra]

This is about the ignorance of youth (and the inability to comprehend how ignorant you are, at such a moment). The factor of being "American" is a side-bar and chosen, more, to connect to: American music (Soul and R&B), which is something Bowie is not "commenting on," but, rather: paying tribute to and showing admiration for. ...But the commentary is about: being young and not being aware (and how that, definitely, can & will "bite-you-in-the-ass"); not some "slam" on a particular culture, per se. The couple could have, as easily, been British or German or Brazilian (etc.) and had the same experiences.

[@terrycunningham8118]

@@SonicProfessor_a.k.a._T._Andra Maybe, but he specifically mentions "your President Nixon" and "the dues" we have to pay. It was a little preachy, along the same vein as The Clash singing, "never mind the stars and stripes, let's hear the Watergate tapes". Of course, a lot of that went away when Thatcher came along.

[@CoolCoyote]

Young Americans (Original Single Edit) is the best version

[@mkap931]

"Pimp's got a Cady and a Lady has a Chrysler". Classic

[@mitchh9713]

It's one of my favorite Bowie tunes.

[@Karibee61]

I remember Bowie challenging MTV about NOT having black artists on their channel

[@324cmac]

I saw that interview. Bowie was pissed and the MTV person was pathetic.

[@laurabrevitz3944]

That smile Bowie gave when he got Goodman to say it - and Goodman didn't realize the import of what he'd just said. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIGpemxpZaZmrtkfeature=shared

[@brewstergallery]

He made that Goodman worm squirm and righteously too.

[@fatovamingus]

That was a fantastic interview because Bowie was so composed and he did have that smirk it was awesome

[@michaelz9892]

Amazing vocal.

[@mkap931]

Recorded in Philly at Sigma Sound, hence the soul sound during the zenith of The Philly Sound. Thx to Gamble and Huff!

[@kathiek4239]

Yo! Yo! Shoutout to my town!

[@mikecaetano]

Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane,Young Americans, Station to Station, "Heroes"...

[@timmclaughlin537]

The world has existed for 4.5 billion years. Be thankful you were on it the same time as David Bowie.

[@ThomasFamily-jh8tu]

Nice

[@davemorris9805]

Makes you think

[@nazfrde]

This song started my fanatical love of David Bowie, and the line "Ain't there one damn song that can make me.... break down and cry?" never fails to give me chills.

[@JaneDoe-lq3du]

For me it is “we live for just these 20 years, do we have to die for 50 more?”

[@spruce381]

Ashes to ashes is where I jumped in. Love - dig everything, his mod/austin powers 😂 early track.

[@doriwiljt]

You'll be blown away with a song called "Station to Station". Hopefully you'll get to it sometime. Also there is a great live video from a London club from some MTV thing with David singing another favorite called "Blue Jean" ✌🏻

[@jimmymcintyre7944]

That's the next album Bowie put out after Young Americans. The Station To Station tour was the first time I saw Bowie in concert. That was in 1976.

[@fuchsiaswing8545]

Station to Station is where it all came together in the post-Ronson era. The “Plastic Soul” of Young Americans hangs over, but he's entering more experimental territory that gives hints of the ensuing, less-commerical Berlin Trilogy. It's arguably his masterwork.

[@gerardodoherty9178]

Stay is great too, especially the Nassau version.

[@JoTracy]

I saw his Station to Station tour live in Sydney. No words can describe how great it was Best live performance I ever saw ❤️

[@erickent3557]

The mish-mash of feelings and images Bowie had on his first trip to the US came spitting back out as these lyrics

[@billadkins5150]

“Let’s Dance” is a great album.

[@kevin4522]

As we waited for each new Bowie album to drop, we never really knew what to expect. He changed (grew) all throughout his career. Staying two steps ahead of everyone else...and man did we all benefit!

[@nickmcginley4570]

It is impossible to overstate how influential David Bowie was back in the day. Where he went first, everyone else followed. He was truly a thought leader, long before anyone had ever even invented that phrase.

[@personalcheeses8073]

He still is just as influential today. Which self respecting artist does aspire to at least one of his many talents.

[@CuzKatieSaysSo]

This song played at the very first bar I went to when I turned 18. I still remember being out on the dance floor with my high school boyfriend. That was almost 50 years ago.

[@safespacebear]

Some of the best lyrics Bowie ever wrote. "We live for just these 20 years, do we die for the 50 more?".

[@79BlackRose]

Although I am predominantly a rock fan, Young Americans is one of my most favourite tracks of David Bowie. He has the versatility and creativity to turn whatever he touches into gold. I am with you brother, I prefer this to Fame. It's just far out!

[@realbser1956]

My favorite Bowie song by a long shot. As others have said Luther on backing vocals and David Sanborn on sax. David is a rabbit hole you want to get into if you want to hear some fine jazz. 🎷🎷

[@danroenna5439]

Great reaction as always “Fascination” off this same record is my recommendation. You fellas will love it!

[@gavinschwier8242]

Don’t miss Luther’s backing vocals on this! ❤

[@AirplayBeats]

Was that Luther!?!!

[@themadcow71]

@@AirplayBeats Yes

[@detroitrocker4098]

Mr. Vandross himself!​@@AirplayBeats

[@gavinschwier8242]

@@AirplayBeats Yes sir, that it was!

[@melvinwomack3717]

Co wrote the Hook,You guys should definitely check out his first Solo album Those choir like harmonies are all over it . the album is simply called "LUTHER"it has the song everybody rejoice/ Brand New Day from the WIZ which Luther also wrote 😅 just a lil fun facts

[@kellahella5286]

Few artists/bands are a genre unto themselves. David Bowie is one of them.

[@dannycasson1551]

"...we lived for just these twenty years, do we have to die for the fifty more." I'm not sure if I got the lyrics right or even exactly when he meant but that line always intrigued me, especially now that I'm in my sixties. My twenties were so exciting, where anything and everything was possible. Now, it's like I'm trying recapture that feeling over the next fifty years, and of course it's not possible or feasible.

[@Christopher-Baltimore]

Oh, one of my fav Bowie tracks

[@jimmymcintyre7944]

In 1970, the Beatles broke up, and I heard Space Oddity on the radio. At that moment Bowie became my favorite. 1975 was when this came out if I'm not wrong. Have most his albums and have seen him twice in concert.

[@kimzwolinski9919]

His voice is so unique. I love it 😊

[@324cmac]

Even though he's not technically a great singer, his voice is perfect for the songs he writes. It's the emotion that makes his voice great.

[@josephtedrick7706]

David Sanborn’s sax was perfection.

[@mainmac]

RIP

[@mangasky7]

Bowie, the GOAT, with one of the finest white soul anthems of all-time.

[@SonicProfessor_a.k.a._T._Andra]

Young Americans (the album and the song, specifically) are what Bowie referred to as: "plastic soul"- supposedly meaning "an artificial version of actual soul" and, definitely, based-on & influenced by (then-still-current) "Philly Soul" (the Gamble & Huff empire). This was Bowie playing around with things which fascinated him at the time. More closely-aligned with the Philly Saul sound but (of course, as that, itself, is a derivative of) also, less so/more mildly: Stax Records and Memphis Soul and Motown, Bowie, even, went to Philly to record this album. Ava Cherry, Luther Vandross (yes: THAT Luther Vandross! -before anyone knew him! He was barely singing back-up for other artists, in NY.C. at the point that Bowie grabbed him) and Robin Clark are the backing vocalists and are the vocalists who sing on a preponderance of the album. Bowie even does a Vandross song -see: "Fascination" (based on the Vandross-written: "Funky Music (Is A Part Of Me)")-Bowie (of course) rewrote the existing lyrics and changed on or two elements of the structure (maybe a chord voicing, here and there, also) and reconfigured the arrangement and "interspersal" of the backing vocals. ...This was, all, about to move onto Bowie's "Thin, White Duke" persona ("cocaine vampire" for lack of a better description), which would see him, literally, lose his mind, as well. ...but this was JUST prior to all of that and the "reboot" he got/'found,' working with: Iggy Pop [on Ig's first 2 solo albums-which Bowie helped produce and was in the touring bands for!], Tony Visconti (his long-time producer, musician and friend) and Brian Eno "the Berlin albums" (only one of which was, actually, recorded IN Berlin [West Berlin at the time-This was during the wall/the time of russian occupation] ...so: a unique and important point in Bowie's career and, definitely, one of the more evocative ones (I.M.O.!) (As if: most of the periods in Bowie's career weren't "evocative" or "striking" in their own right! 😛😝🙄🤦) . I am pretty sure that you guys would be big fans of the entire Young Americans album, as well as Station To Station (which is equally "funky," but "dry," "cold," "futuro-funky" ...much moreso than anything Bowie's ever done. ...and Young Americans -while it deals with darker feelings/"issues"( 🤷🤔-questionable) and disillusionment (released just about a week after Nixon resigned from office!)-, in sound and "texture" it is "warm" and "friendly" ..."non-threatening...🤔," "embracing" (almost) ...and more evocative of earlier soul music (although, as always: in a David Bowie style.). ...Those are Bowie's, "direct": "R&B"/"Soul" albums (if you want to look at them that way.)👍.

[@SonicProfessor_a.k.a._T._Andra]

...and, yeah: The Beatles quote was, kinda, like "the capper," here. 💜🤘🤘 ...but also: Bowie covers The Beatles on this album and got John Lennon to come down from N.Y.C. and work on "Fame" with him, later, so 🤷🤷🤷 (maybe, just: "par for the course" 🤷🤪😛 😉) ...

[@kevinsenquiz8735]

David Sanborn blowing that sax!! R.i.P

[@josiepkat]

This is why I cried for months when Bowie died. Only one other artist I'll cry like that for. This made me pull out the Bowie albums I have and play them - one of the best reactions to this song! Love you guys!

[@amrak5028]

One of my All Time Favorites, Changes, Ziggy Stardust.

[@themadcow71]

Ready for the Beatles - White Album reaction!

[@michaelz9892]

"This dude doesn't miss" When this was released they said "Bowie's back and he's black!"

[@vegdagol2843]

WIN from this album is perhaps the most tasteful but yet lush Ballad Bowie ever did. Perfection

[@Sirknight47]

when my son was a baby he would cry at times in the car as babies do. I noticed if I would play Young Americans any song on that cd and that cd only, he would stop crying and was happy. If I turned it off he would cry. For an amazing amount of time this went on, he loved the cd but the funny thing I never once got tired of any of the song ether. The whole album is amazing. Loved seeing you two’s reaction to this song, you’ll love the whole album I believe. Steven

[@JJReagan]

Bowie’s “Soul Man Era”. Awesome choice guys!

[@encoreunefois1X]

This is where Luther Vandross got his first big exposure. We should remember Ava Cherry too.

[@spruce381]

Checking someone said it. Ta.

[@SpencerBBS]

Absolutely amazing song.

[@monicamad1285]

Robin Clark and Luther Vandross on backing vocals, amazing! 😍

[@ericj166]

Watch him live in Berlin singing " I'm afraid of Americans " - another banger

[@cynthiaschultheis1660]

"THEY JUST DON'T WRITE LOVE SONGS LIKE THAT ANYMORE!!" ---BOWIE

[@ericv181]

Later in the 90’s Bowie releases “I’m afraid of Americans” with music by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails

[@willowvee5844]

My hands are raised up on every chorus!😄

[@brewstergallery]

Carlos Alomar on guitar, David Sanborn on blastin Sax, Luther Vandross on background and arrangement, killer singers Robin Clark and Ava Cherry , Willie Weeks on bass, Earl Slick guitar, his longtime keys man Mike Garson and Tony Visconti producing..an the cherry on top an incredible vocal by Bowie. Thanks fellas for playing this to remind us how great music can be.

[@belyndamorris6987]

This!! ⚡

[@julietate7806]

I LOVE you guys!! You bring such joy to my heart when I watch you listening to the music I grew up with. Here's' to staying "young!"

[@Mente-Cuerpo5]

My favourite from the album Young Americans IS "Right", and, there IS a fantastic video of this Song with Bowie, Luther Vandros and all the band making arragemetns and recording the song in the studio

[@rubyswaim1441]

That's my favorite cut on this album. Luther's a brilliant backup singer.

[@krob-sn7ek]

Station to Station would be your next NEW fave !! Hahaha !10 minutes of space tripping Bowie.....He is so damn good a lot to cover Thanks !

[@frankpentangeli7945]

Young Americans is my second-favourite Bowie album after Station to Station. SO MUCH SOUL!!!

[@cygnus62]

Luther Vandross was singing backup vocals on this track.

[@Thejazzfan66]

It’s nice to hear this. My brother (RIP) was a big Bowie fan….

[@cynthiaschultheis1660]

GENIUS...🎷🎷🎷🎤🎤🎤🎹🎹🎹👍🏼👍🏼🎶🎵🎶🎸

[@rockandrollpaddy]

White Boy 'Plastic Soul' as Bowie called it. This album, released in 1975, followed the glam rock & roll of the Ziggy years and caused shock waves. No-one had crossed over from rock & roll to R&B. Check out the live performance from the Dick Cavett show with Luther VR on backing vocals. Though Bowie's voice is shot from cocaine, it is a wonderful piece of music history. There are also some clips on YT of Bowie and the band in the recording studio making the album which are great watch. The next album, Station to Station, from 1976, where he crosses funk, rock & roll, and electronica is even better!

[@brianwalsh3091]

Fascination……..can you hear me….right….win…….the whole album is flawless

[@membysteph64]

Great reaction gentleman. This is my favorite by the late great David Bowie. Keep up the phenomenal job guys.

[@douglasg.9271]

“Changes One” is basically an early greatest hits album. “David live” is a great live album (my favorite)

[@mana3735]

Bowie was in a completely different dimension than Elton.

[@philipmccarthy6175]

Luther Vandross is one of of the backing on this & he won a grammy for the vocal arrangements on this song.

[@johndbrandhorst4434]

Ain't there one damn song that can make me Break down and cry?❤🎸🎶

[@rdr61]

The background vocals definitely make this song !

[@susiedawson3349]

I love this song! I got to see Bowie on his Sound and Vision tour in the 90's. We had great seats close to the stage and he was AMAZING! I've been a fan of his music since the early 70's, man. LOL! Thanks La and Che. Love your reviews, open minds, and appreciation of many trailblazing artists.

[@AirplayBeats]

Thanks for rocking with us for so long!!

[@tonic8945]

Just one of my favourite Bowie tunes, first heard Man who sold the world in early 70s ❤

[@chaosandcreation4118]

This is straight out of Philly and the Philly sound, right after Diamond Dogs. Think of the O'Jays. All the backup singers are from that crowd. Check out his Soul Train appearance.

[@davidwilkins5932]

This album was yet another “departure” for the enigmatic Mr. B. This was his “Philly soul” album, paying tribute to a sound he loved. PLEASE react to the track ‘Win’, also from this album.

[@Azabaxe80]

One of my favorite artists is a guy named Jeffrey Gaines. First time I saw him live he closed his show with “Five Years”. He took over the drums for that song. A couple of years later, on his second album, he added an acoustic track called “Win”. I was unfamiliar with the song and I had never heard him perform it live. The credits said it was a Bowie song. Gaines was very instrumental in my appreciation of David Bowie. Even though his music is not as obviously linked to Bowie as MGMT, for example, if you pay attention you’ll pick up the vibe.

[@jaquestraw1]

Get this LP on vinyl for sure! 👍 5⭐ album

[@212x3]

We'll never see the likes of Bowie again.

[@TeresaMount-t9o]

Wow one of my top favorite songs I hadn’t heard it in awhile thank you so much for reviewing it.

[@danconroy8293]

When Fame 1st came out in 76 was my senior year in HS,1976. This song was the fav of my class ,black and white.

[@NancyMoran-r3b]

I read the news today, oh boy! Beatles’ reference Song- A Day In the Life

[@chrishayes4323]

"Live for just these 20 years to have to die for the 50 more"

[@susiedawson3349]

And Sound and Vision is a great song too!

[@andylynch473]

Bowie was a master craftsman... If you are buying an album, Hunky Dory gets my vote.. Every track is 👌🏼👌🏼

[@VintageTealDog]

Fabulous song… so happy y’all reacted to this one 😁

[@timbeatty8411]

I would suggest any of David Bowie's first 15 records.

[@JeanneJohnson-lj9ur]

Bowie has been the best creator since Ziggy Stardust! You either get Him or not! So glad you are feeling it

[@jrgarciab]

This is a Blue-Eyed Soul M A S T E R P I E C E ! Thanks for reacting, guys!

[@faaqcee3]

Well produce pop. Cutting edge for the day. Glam Rock I saw him twice. Serious moonlight and glass spider He put on a hell of a show Again, well-produced pop, Costumes, backup singers, horns, lights, dance choreography, all of it. Every tour was a sellout in Philadelphia. He loved coming here. Soupy sales' son was the guitarist in serious moonlight. Peter Frampton was the guitarist for glass spider. Thanks for the video!

[@mattiefee]

Take a daring journey and jump to his last album hit the title track BLACK STAR! it is something else to hear

[@324cmac]

This and Space Oddity are my fave Bowie songs.

[@melvinwomack3717]

You can't leave out is there life on Mars, soul love,starman, Rock and roll suicide, ashes to ashes🤓 modern love is fantastic if you listen to the piano all through the track it's in the key of hear comes the bride 🤓 mybad I just nerded out on you 🤣

[@324cmac]

@@melvinwomack3717 He's never been at the top of my list. I'm more of a Jimi/Sly/Marvin person. These are my favorite songs by Bowie.

[@melvinwomack3717]

@@324cmac no biggie I just thought I'd give you a few suggestions 😁

[@324cmac]

@@melvinwomack3717 I've been around since Bowie's first album and I saw him live in the 80s for his Let's Dance tour but thanks.

[@melvinwomack3717]

@@324cmac Nice 👍🏾

[@diannebrownlee9806]

Also 'I'm Afraid of Americans" is a great one!

[@Sal-pm8lg]

DAVID. Rest in peace. ❤

[@vaguelyright6833]

One of those backing singers was Luther Vandross!

[@dianedavies8291]

Recorded here in Philly at Sigma Sound Studios. Always on my playlist. ✌️♥️🎶

[@kathiek4239]

Girl, representing. 🤘

[@CoolCoyote]

in case you missed it, theres more than a touch of cynicism in his lyrics from the pov of a middle class Englishman simply because they looked in awe to americans and their wonderful sunny warm lifestyles from the 60's 70's

[@cynthiaschultheis1660]

FIVE YEARS...GREAT TALK NE❤❤❤❤🎤🎷🎶

[@anthonydarby3973]

Hey guys, listen to the whole album, absolutely brilliant

[@amrak5028]

This is a TOP 5 Airplay Beats Reactions. Yes EARLIER IN MOST of the Huge rockers from the Era have the Music and Tunes that made them a Respected leader.

[@jimmoore8951]

From the sax to the BGVs to the drum fills to Bowie's magic vocals... nothing but good times here

[@kimreed4468]

I grew up with this over 40 years ago, glad you finally got around to it.

[@adk100m]

You fellas continue to amaze. Your energy for "this" zone of music is wonderful to experience. Always put this the era of "Fame" (nice collab with Lennon)--call call La. Che: you always to seem to appreciate Dave's "futuristic" quality. Check out the entire "Station To Station" album--it has hits on it all cued up for 2035 to 2050. See TVC 15, Station To Station, (I think you guys did "Stay" right?). AND, my continued recommendation of "Wild Is The WInd"--Dave goes Frank Sinatra on us. Dave as Crooner. Check it out!

[@tonyetchells6051]

Hope you listen to "Win" and "Right' from this album, both sensational.

[@grandwazoodebris1015]

Fame and Young Americans were 2 of my fav Bowie songs, both from this album. Very fine.

[@MTB-Idle]

I love pretty much everything that Bowie has done but this is my absolute favourite, so glad you enjoyed it

[@peterdellos8824]

You two have a great thing going with these fantastic, detailed reactions. Bowie's funkiest single, for sure.

[@2869may]

"LET'S DANCE" and "MODERN LOVE" Are his best...!