Andrew H. Walker/Getty ImagesWhen David Bowie released his most recent album, The Next Day, in March 2013, it certainly felt like it might be his final studio album. Bowie had just turned 66 the previous January, and much of the album's content -- especially the lead single, "Where Are We Now?" -- had the feel of Bowie taking stock of his life and legacy.
Turns out Bowie's got more to say. He revealed late Sunday night his 25th studio album, titled Blackstar, will be released January 8, Bowie's 69th birthday.
"It can now be confirmed that ‘Blackstar’ is the forthcoming single and album from David Bowie," reads the message on Bowie's official Facebook page. "Contrary to inaccurate reporting on the sound and content of the album, only the following can be confirmed: The single will be released on November 20th and is not part of David’s theatre piece ‘Lazarus’. The album will be released on David’s birthday, January 8th 2016."
The Lazarus production is one on which Bowie's currently working in London, based on the 1876 sci-fi movie The Man Who Fell to Earth, which starred Bowie as an extraterrestrial.
We've already gotten a taste of one of Blackstar's songs -- the title track is used in the open credits for the British drama The Last Panthers.
The Next Day was a surprise release for Bowie, announced on his birthday the previous January. It earned the rock icon his first U.K. #1 album in 20 years, and peaked on the Billboard 200 at #2, his highest-ever showing on that chart. The Next Day was also nominated for the Best Rock Album Grammy.
Copyright © 2015, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.