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The Morning Show - With Jill Riley

Coffee Break: songs from final albums -

Coffee Break: songs from final albums

Copies of 'Blackstar,' the final album by British musician David Bowie, seen on display in a branch of HMV in central London on January 11, 2016.
Copies of 'Blackstar,' the final album by British musician David Bowie, seen on display in a branch of HMV in central London on January 11, 2016.JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images

by Jill Riley and Luke Taylor

January 10, 2023

Today we’re remembering the prolific artist and pop culture icon, David Bowie. Something rather poetic about Bowie’s passing is that he died two days after he released his final album, Blackstar. Tony Visconti, who co-produced the album with David Bowie, described Blackstar as a swan song and “parting gift” from David Bowie to his fans. Not only that, Blackstar was a critical and commercial success; it was a chart-topper that has since been certified Gold in the United States and Platinum in the United Kingdom. David Bowie’s final album is a remarkable conclusion to a stellar career and a brilliant, well-lived life.

Certainly Blackstar is a shining example of a final album, but there are many other final albums — whether thoughtfully planned or not — that are also iconic and hold a special place in music history. For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs from a band’s or artist’s final album do you want to hear?


Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played:
John Prine - When I Get To Heaven
Amy Winehouse - He Can Only Hold Her
Nirvana - Heart Shaped Box
Sonic Youth - Sacred Trickster
R.E.M. - Mine Smell Like Honey
Soul Coughing - Circles
Leonard Cohen - You Want It Darker
The Beatles - Come Together
The White Stripes - Conquest (bonus)