Underground (David Bowie song)


"Underground" is a song written and recorded by David Bowie for the soundtrack of the film Labyrinth. It reached No. 21 in the UK Singles Chart.

Details

Bowie and producer Arif Martin recorded "Underground" at Atlantic Studios in New York. The track included a large chorus of backing vocalists and blues guitarist Albert Collins.

Video

directed the video clip for promoting the song, which included some characters from the movie, including Hoggle and the Junk Lady. Jim Henson and his son Brian were impressed enough with Barron's style to offer him a job directing the pilot episode of The Storyteller.
Bowie was not happy with the video, saying in 1987, "I've found that the videos I put into other people’s hands have always been a mistake. Because of my lack of interest, I didn't get that involved with things like 'Underground' which I did for Labyrinth. I just left it up, and the result is just not my kind of video. I was a bit lax there. I didn't feel involved." Despite Bowie's dislike for the video, Entertainment Weekly considered it to be among his best after he died in 2016.

Follow-up singles

"As the World Falls Down" was considered for a Christmas 1986 single release, but was canceled. "Magic Dance" was released as the second single from the soundtrack to limited countries in January 1987.

Track listing

All tracks by Bowie

7" Commercial Single/12" Promo Single: EMI / EA 216 (UK)

  1. "Underground " – 4:25
  2. "Underground " – 5:40
  3. *This is the only Instrumental version featuring the backing singers.
All other Instrumental versions are slightly longer, backing-tracks only except on the back of the promo 12-inch single.

12" Club Single: EMI / 12EA 216 (UK)

  1. "Underground " – 7:51
  2. "Underground " – 5:59
  3. "Underground " – 5:54
  1. "Underground " - 4:25
  2. "Underground " - 5:52

    Download: EMI / iEA 216 (UK)

  3. "Underground " – 4:25
  4. "Underground " – 7:51
  5. "Underground " – 5:54
  6. "Underground " – 5:59

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