The Art-Pop Masterclass
"Ashes to Ashes" is widely considered one of David Bowie's masterpieces from the 1980 album Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps). Serving as a sequel to "Space Oddity," the song revisits the character of Major Tom. For singers, this track is less about vocal gymnastics and more about character, tone, and emotional detachment.
To sing this well, you need to channel a "nursery rhyme" quality—innocent yet eerie. The challenge lies in balancing the spoken-word style verses with the melodic, haunting chorus lines. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it.
AI Coach Tip: Don't Over-Sing
Many singers try to add too much vibrato to the verses. Bowie's delivery is intentionally flat and dry. Our analysis shows that a straighter tone scores higher on authenticity for this track.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low Register)
The verses ("Do you remember a guy that's been...") sit comfortably in the Baritone range. The key here is diction. Bowie articulates clearly but with a sense of weariness.
The Trap: It's easy to sound bored rather than detached. Maintain a consistent volume and ensure your low notes (down to G#2) have enough breath support so they don't fry out.
Phase 2: The Chorus (Funk to Funky)
Here the melody lifts. The line "Ashes to ashes, funk to funky" requires rhythmic precision. You must lock in with the slap-bass rhythm.
- Phrasing: The words are staccato. Do not drag them out.
- Major Tom: On the line "We know Major Tom's a junkie," let your voice thin out slightly to match the vulnerability of the lyric.
Phase 3: The Outro Chant
The song concludes with the repetitive "My mama said, to get things done..." This mantra acts as a rhythmic fade-out. Keep your pitch center steady here. As the track fades, you can experiment with the higher harmony lines that Bowie layers in using falsetto.
To nail the falsetto backing vocals throughout the song, visualize the sound resonating in the top back of your head, keeping it light and airy rather than powerful.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main melody goes up to roughly E4/F#4 in chest mix, but the background falsetto harmonies reach up to an F#5.
Yes, especially for male voices with a lower range. The melody isn't fast, allowing you to focus on tone and storytelling. Singing Coach AI can help monitor your pitch drift on the long notes.
Bowie often used a technique where he dropped his jaw slightly more than usual, creating a darker resonance. Try experimenting with vowel shapes to match his unique timbre.
