David Bowie’s ‘The Next Day’ Is ‘Classic,’ ‘Innovative’ and ‘Quite a Rock Album,’ Producer Says

David Bowie gifted fans on his birthday, announcing his new album 'The Next Day,' his first in a decade, would drop in March and sharing the single 'Where Are We Now?' It was a Bowie overload of sorts, since many had assumed he had retired from active duty. More details have come to light regarding Bowie's 30th studio release, courtesy of producer Tony Visconti, who shared some information about how the record sounds and what the recording process was like. After all, he would know!

In a chat with the BBC News, Visconti labeled 'The Next Day' as "quite a rock album" that mixes "classic Bowie" with "innovative Bowie." It was penned over a period of stops and starts in the past two years, he reveals.

The producer said he was surprised that the "reflective" song was released first, and that it was was looking back on the singer's "Berlin period." He questioned the release of the "slow, albeit beautiful" ballad as the first single but was quick to proclaim that Bowie is in control and knows what he's doing, and that it's wise to link eras.

"I thought to myself: 'Why is David coming out with this very slow, albeit beautiful, ballad? Why is he doing this?" Visconti said. "He should be coming out with a bang.' But he is a master of his own life. I think this was a very wise move, to link up the past with the future, and I think the next thing you hear from him is going to be quite different."

He also shared that while making the album, Bowie was "smiling all the time, happy to be back in the studio." He also shot down rumors that Bowie had retreated from the spotlight due to health problems. Visconti said Bowie is "is extremely healthy and rosy-cheeked" and commended the fact that he still has power in his chest.

He essentially said that whatever your Bowie pleasure, sonically speaking, you'll find it on this album.