China Girl cover

China Girl

David Bowie · 1983

8 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock ยท electronic ยท hard rock

A sultry blend of new wave rhythms and evocative lyrics that embody longing and desire.

China Girl is a single by David Bowie, released in 1983. A sultry blend of new wave rhythms and evocative lyrics that embody longing and desire. 'China Girl' became one of Bowie's most recognizable tracks, reaching No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its provocative themes and catchy melody solidified its place in pop culture, while also sparking discussions around race and identity, especially given Bowie's personal history with cultural appropriation. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does China Girl sound like?

A sultry blend of new wave rhythms and evocative lyrics that embody longing and desire. Rooted in alternative rock and electronic.

What makes China Girl by David Bowie notable?

'China Girl' became one of Bowie's most recognizable tracks, reaching No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its provocative themes and catchy melody solidified its place in pop culture, while also sparking discussions around race and identity, especially given Bowie's personal history with cultural appropriation. By 1983, David Bowie was in a phase of commercial resurgence following the success of his 1980 album 'Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)'. 'China Girl' marked his collaboration with producer Nile Rodgers and was part of the album 'Let's Dance', which brought Bowie back to mainstream prominence. This period saw him embracing a more accessible sound while still retaining his artistic edge.

How many songs are on China Girl?

China Girl has 2 tracks, running approximately 8 minutes.

Tracklist

2 tracks·8:00

Best experienced from track one โ€” press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 China Girl Standout 4:11
  • 2 Shake It Standout 3:49

Release Date

May 1, 1983

Artist Origin

United Kingdom

Runtime

8 min 0 sec