The rumors of retirement weren't true. While it's nearly impossible to keep anything a secret in the 21st century, David Bowie managed to accomplish the feat, recording The Next Day during a period many believed he had sung his last note. Once you hear the album, Bowie's first in ten years and 30th studio effort of his career, you'll be thankful he's come back for more. 
 
Anchored by the reflective single "Where Are We Now?," on which Bowie looks back on his life, The Next Day is produced by longtime collaborator Tony Visconti and spans a diverse array of sonic themes. Slow and funky songs, charged rock fare, evocative soul pieces, and bursts of psychedelia color the music. Bowie's voice remains somehow miraculously untouched by age. Boosted by three bonus tracks, this an LP you'll spin again and again.
 
As the evasive Thin White Duke has announced no plans to tour, this is as good as it gets for the foreseeable future. Thing is, it's hard to imagine it being any better.