Synopsis

David Bowie appears in a sequence of photographs from the Hunky Dory album sessions, shifting between poised portraits, candid studio moments, and close-ups that capture his early-1970s transformation. The song's lyrics are presented on screen as the imagery moves through different poses and expressions, linking Bowie's changing appearance to the track's theme of reinvention. Rather than telling a literal story, the video functions as a visual portrait of an artist on the verge of becoming one of rock's most recognizable figures.

Factoids & Trivia

• The official lyric video was released in December 2021 as part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations for Hunky Dory. It uses previously unpublished photographs from the album cover session.

• "Changes" first appeared on Hunky Dory, released in the United Kingdom on December 17, 1971. The single followed in January 1972.

• Bowie recorded the song at London's Trident Studios on July 30, 1971. He co-produced it with Ken Scott.

• The recording features Rick Wakeman on piano, with Mick Ronson, Trevor Bolder, and Mick Woodmansey - the musicians who would soon be known as the Spiders from Mars.

• The single initially performed modestly, reaching No. 66 in the United States in 1972. After Bowie's breakthrough, it returned to the US chart in 1975 and climbed to No. 41.

• The song became closely associated with Bowie's continual artistic reinvention. Its placement as the opening track on Hunky Dory helped introduce a lighter, more theatrical sound after the harder-rocking approach of The Man Who Sold the World.

• A new alternative mix was created by Ken Scott for the 2021 anniversary campaign. Scott revisited the original multitracks and included a different saxophone solo at the conclusion.