David Byrne discography


This page contains a comprehensive collection of information related to recordings by Scottish-American composer, musician, and producer David Byrne, former singer for Talking Heads.

Talking Heads

Byrne appeared on every release by Talking Heads, including their studio albums:
YearAlbum details
1977
1978More Songs About Buildings and Food
  • Released: July 14, 1978
    • 1979Fear of Music
  • Released: August 3, 1979
    • 1980Remain in Light
  • Released: October 8, 1980
    • 1983Speaking in Tongues
  • Released: May 31, 1983
    • 1985Little Creatures
  • Released: July 15, 1985
    • 1986True Stories
  • Released: October 7, 1986
    • 1988Naked
  • Released: April 3, 1988
    • And the live albums:
    YearAlbum details
    1982The Name of This Band Is Talking Heads
    1984Stop Making Sense
  • Released: October 15, 1984

    • Solo career

    While recording with Talking Heads, Byrne started working on collaborations and albums with the band.

    Studio albums

    In addition to the scores and soundtracks that have been released as albums, Byrne has written music for several other productions:
    YearArtistReleaseNotes
    1978Dinosaur"Kiss Me Again" singleGuitar
    1980Love of Life Orchestra"Extended Nicities" singleGuitar
    1980Robert FrippGod Save the Queen/Under Heavy MannersVocals on "Under Heavy Manners"
    1984The Staple Singers"Slippery People" singleGuitar, Talking Heads cover version
    1986Philip GlassSong from Liquid DaysLyrics on "Liquid Days" and "Open the Kingdom"
    1988Tom Tom ClubBoom Boom Chi Boom BoomVocals on "Femme Fatale"
    1988Tom Tom Club"Femme Fatale"Vocals, also features Marshall Jefferson remix
    1990Margareth MenezesElegibôVocals and production on "Canto pra Subir" and "Abra a Boca"
    1990Bernie WorrellFunk of AgesCo-writing and vocals on "Sing"
    1992Richard ThompsonAn Acoustic EveningRecorded live at St. Ann & The Holy Trinity, Brooklyn Heights, March 24, 1992.
    1992Balanescu QuartetByrne/Moran/Lurie/TorkeComposition on "High Life for Strings"
    1992Tom Zé'Vocals and guitar on "Jingle do Disco", released on Luaka Bop
    1995SelenaDreaming of YouVocals, co-writing, and production on "God's Child "
    1996Café TacubaAvalanche de ExitosVocals on "No Controles"
    2000Peret and Carol CTributo a PeretVocals on "Si Fulano"
    2001Vinicius CantuáriaViniciusLyrics and vocals on "Rio"
    2002X-Press 2Lazy Co-writing and vocals, later released on Grown Backwards
    200410,000 Maniacs'Vocals "Let the Mystery Be", originally recorded for 1993's MTV Unplugged, along with cover versions of "Dallas" and "Jolene"
    2004Thievery CorporationThe Cosmic GameLyrics and vocals on "The Heart's a Lonely Hunter"
    2005FischerspoonerOdysseyLyrics on "Get Confused"
    2006Forro in the DarkBonfires of São JoãoVocals on "Asa Branca" and "I Wish "
    2006La PortuariaLa PortuariaLyrics and vocals on "Hoy no le temo a la muerte"
    2007Baby ElephantTurn My Teeth Up!Vocals on "How Does the Brainwave?"
    2007Marisa MonteUniverso Ao Meu RedorVocals on "State of Liberty"
    2007David ShrigleyWorried NoodlesVocals on "For You"
    2007Paul Van DykIn BetweenVocals on "Fall with Me"
    2008The BPA and Dizzee Rascal"Toe Jam"Vocals
    2009N.A.S.A.The Spirit of ApolloVocals on "The People Tree" and "Money"
    2009Brazilian Girls"I'm Losing Myself"Vocals
    2010If By Yes"Salt on Sea Glass"Vocals on "Eliza"
    2010Maximum Balloon"Maximum Balloon"Vocals on "Apartment Wrestling"
    2011Arcade FireThe Suburbs Vocals on "Speaking in Tongues"
    2014Anna CalviStrange Weather''Vocals on "I’m the Man, That Will Find You " and "Strange Weather "
    2016De La Soul"Snoopies" Vocals

    Compilation appearances

    Production

    Talking Heads produced or co-produced all their own music; in addition, Byrne has produced:
    YearArtistReleaseNotes
    1982The B-52'sMesopotamia—
    1983Fun Boy ThreeWaiting—
    1986Various artistsSomething WildCo-produced, also co-write and sang on "Loco de Amor"
    1990Margareth MenezesElegibô"Canto pra Subir" and "Abra a Boca" also performs vocals
    1995SelenaDreaming of You"God's Child " also performs vocals and co-wrote

    Other projects

    Byrne has released a handful of books, including Arboretum, a collection of sketches of some of his favorite trees, and The New Sins, a work about sin in the 21st century. He has also made several public art installations, speaking engagements on art and technology, and PowerPoint presentations. In addition to a recording career as a solo artist, he also founded the record labels Luaka Bop and Todo Mundo.