Life on Mars?

Life on Mars? is a masterpiece of art-rock harmony that leans heavily on 20th-century musical theater and classical structures rather than standard pop-rock. Its distinctiveness lies in the constant shifting of the tonal center and the use of chromatic voice leading to connect distant keys. Bowie and Rick Wakeman utilize 'staircase' modulations—specifically the bridge which sequence-shifts through Ab major to land on the new tonic of Bb major—creating a surreal, Salvador Dalí-esque harmonic landscape that mirrors the lyrical content.

Written as a creative 'revenge' after David Bowie’s English lyrics for the French song 'Comme d'habitude' (titled 'Even a Fool Learns to Love') were rejected in favor of Paul Anka's version, which became Frank Sinatra's 'My Way'. Bowie wrote 'Life on Mars?' using a similar chord progression as a parody of Sinatra's hit.

Originally released on the 1971 album Hunky Dory, this track is a definitive glam rock anthem that bridges the gap between Broadway theatricality and abstract expressionism. Featuring Rick Wakeman's virtuosic piano and Mick Ronson's sweeping arrangements, it remains one of the most critically acclaimed songs in music history.