Music critics and radio people, like myself, have always believed that chart position is only ONE indicator of a “Great Song.” And Sometimes it has no bearing whatsoever! “Changes” by David Bowie is a perfect example.

In 1972, David’s first wife, Angela was about to give birth to their first child (Duncan), and David was excited by the prospect of being a father. It made him quite introspective… and inspired his penchant for reinvention, which was a hallmark of his entire career.

The immediate result was “Changes.” It started out as a parody of a nightclub song…but at the same time, it was about defying your critics and stepping out on your own.

At first, David was surprised to hear crowds chanting it at his concerts, but he quickly realized that his young audiences were relating to the lyrics–especially THIS section:

“And these children that you spit on
As they try to change their worlds
Are immune to your consultations
They’re quite aware of what they’re going through.”

You may remember These lyrics were later used to great effect to open the film “The Breakfast Club,”

For a long time, There was a definite disconnect between the actual popularity of the song, and the charts. When “Changes” was released in 1972, it peaked at just #66 on the Hot 100… and when it was re-released in 1975, it did a little better, peaking at #41.

It took David’s death in 2016 for the song to re-appear and reach #10 on Billboard’s Rock Chart.

By then however, it had already garnered some impressive accolades:

It appeared on Rolling Stone’s list of The Top 500 Songs of All Time

It’s was listed in the the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. AND it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

So forget the charts. “Changes” by David Bowie is a “Great Song of the ’70s (and 2016).

For the stories behind more than 1,500 Great Songs of the ’70s and ’80s, visit my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MichaelCuuuk