Rock legend Bryan Ferry has unveiled plans for an expansive 81-track collection spanning his illustrious career from 1973 to 2023. The announcement comes alongside a mesmerizing cover of Bob Dylan’s “She Belongs to Me,” offering fans a taste of the musical journey to come.
A half-century of musical mastery
Bryan Ferry, the iconic voice behind Roxy Music and a prolific solo artist, is set to release “Retrospective: Selected Recordings 1973-2023” on October 25th. This ambitious project promises to be a comprehensive celebration of Ferry’s unparalleled career, showcasing his evolution as both a songwriter and an interpreter of others’ works.
The collection is being hailed as a tribute to “a master of modern song interpretation through a series of dazzling and inventive covers ranging from Bob Dylan to Amy Winehouse, from Rodgers and Hart to The Velvet Underground, Tim Buckley, Shakespeare, sea shanties, and Sam and Dave,” according to the official press release.
Dylan reimagined: “She Belongs to Me”
To mark the announcement, Ferry has released his rendition of Bob Dylan’s 1965 classic, “She Belongs to Me.” This reimagined version will be featured on a new five-track EP, “Retrospective: She Belongs to Me,” the first of three digital EPs set to drop in the coming months.
This isn’t Ferry’s first foray into Dylan’s catalog. In 1973, while still a member of Roxy Music, he covered Dylan’s apocalyptic anthem “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” on his debut solo album, “These Foolish Things.” Ferry’s ability to breathe new life into classic songs has long been a hallmark of his artistry.
A deep dive into Ferry’s musical universe
“Retrospective: Selected Recordings 1973-2023” will be more than just a greatest hits compilation. The collection will include:
– A new original song titled “Star”
– A CD box set divided into distinct chapters of Ferry’s career:
1. “The Best of Bryan Ferry”
2. “Compositions”
3. “Interpretations”
4. “Rare and Unreleased”
5. “Selected Recordings 1973-2023”
Each disc will explore different aspects and eras of Ferry’s work, from B-sides and outtakes to his genre-defying approach to songwriting. Fans can expect to hear beloved hits like 1985’s “Slave to Love” alongside rare gems and reimagined classics.
The art of interpretation
Ferry’s talent for reinterpreting songs has been a defining feature of his career. His ability to take a well-known track and infuse it with new emotion and perspective is on full display in his cover of “She Belongs to Me.” This skill sets him apart as not just a performer, but as a true artist who can find new depths in familiar melodies.
A legacy in sound
As Ferry approaches his sixth decade in the music industry, “Retrospective: Selected Recordings 1973-2023” serves as a testament to his enduring influence and artistic growth. From his early days with Roxy Music to his sophisticated solo work, Ferry has consistently pushed the boundaries of pop and rock music.
What to expect from the collection
Fans and newcomers alike can look forward to:
– A diverse range of covers spanning multiple genres and eras
– Rare and unreleased tracks offering new insights into Ferry’s creative process
– A curated selection of Ferry’s best original compositions
– Remastered recordings that showcase the nuances of Ferry’s distinctive voice
The impact of Bryan Ferry
As we anticipate the release of this monumental collection, it’s clear that Bryan Ferry’s impact on modern music cannot be overstated. His ability to blend sophistication with raw emotion, to reimagine classics while creating new ones, has influenced generations of musicians.
From the glam rock era to the present day, Ferry has remained a constant innovator, always evolving while maintaining the core elements that make his sound unmistakable. This retrospective is not just a look back, but a celebration of an artist who continues to inspire and create.
As we eagerly await the full release of “Retrospective: Selected Recordings 1973-2023,” Ferry’s cover of “She Belongs to Me” serves as a tantalizing preview of the musical treasures to come. It’s a reminder that in the hands of a master like Bryan Ferry, even the most familiar songs can become new again, resonating with the power to move and inspire listeners across generations.
