Comments:

I have now come into possession of the album "Heathen" from 2002, and have listened to the tracks several times. Due to my modest knowledge of the immediately preceding albums, my references will mostly relate to the legendary 1970s albums. I may be wrong, but I sense on several tracks that Bowie's vocals do not quite have the strength of ancient times, even though it in no way appears weak. Overall, I think the album is quite uneven, although the fact that Tony Visconti is back as producer probably means that several songs have moods a la "Diamond Dogs".

"Sunday" is a quiet opener; one could well imagine the evocative number on a movie soundtrack. However, it is by no means a highlight. The next track "Cactus" is actually a cover version of a Pixies track. Bowie gets well away with it. A track a bit in Velvet Underground / Heroes style with both acoustic guitar and quirky harmonies. A highlight for me is “Slip Away”; a subdued number that could easily lead the mind towards the aforementioned "Diamond Dogs" - melodic and catchy. "Slow Burn" is a straight rocker; again a bit in "Heroes" style. "Afraid" is almost punk with strings. Another cover is Neil Young's "I've Been Waiting for You". It sounds like a hit, which it actually also was. Does not sound like a typical Neil Young song. The arrangement may seem a bit messy. "I Would be Your Slave" does not hit me at all - quite annoying digital drums. It's no better with "I Took a Trip on a Gemini Spaceship" - monotonous dance number. "5:15 The Angels Have Gone" has a good tune, but again a bit tiring drums and a slightly weird arrangement. "Everyone Says Hi" is really great. Bowie from the most commercial and melodic side; it sounds like a hit, which it was. "A Better Future" is at once noisy and melodic - certain passages. The title and closing track "Heathen" is dramatic and a bit doomsday-like.

Not like the David Bowie in his prime, but the album does have a handful of really good songs.