"Heroes" is the twelfth studio album by David Bowie, released on October 14, 1977, through RCA Records. It marks the second installment of his Berlin Trilogy, following Low from earlier that year. Recorded in collaboration with Brian Eno and produced by Tony Visconti, Heroes was the only album in the trilogy to be entirely recorded in Berlin, at the Hansa Studio 2, located near the Berlin Wall.
Following the completion of Iggy Pop's Lust for Life, Bowie and Eno regrouped in mid-1977 to develop new concepts for this album. Much of the recording involved improvisation, with Bowie writing lyrics spontaneously as he stood before the microphone. The core band, including Carlos Alomar, George Murray, and Dennis Davis, returned, and Robert Fripp of King Crimson joined in on guitar. The sessions were noted for their energy, fueled by the provocative atmosphere of the studio's history and location.
The album maintains the electronic and ambient styles introduced in Low, yet it adopts a more positive tone. It features a mix of conventional rock tracks on side one and more instrumental pieces on side two. The lyrics are often abstract, inspired by the imagery of the Berlin Wall and exploring themes of love and resilience. The title track, "Heroes," captures a sense of hope amidst despair, while other songs like "Sons of the Silent Age" reflect on past influences.
Upon its release, Heroes received critical acclaim, being named album of the year by NME and Melody Maker. It peaked at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart and achieved gold status in the UK, though it fared less well in the US, reaching number 35. The title track was initially a modest success, later gaining recognition as one of Bowie's signature songs, particularly after his performance at Live Aid in 1985.
Heroes has been reissued multiple times, with a remastered version released in 2017 as part of the box set A New Career in a New Town (1977–1982). It remains a seminal work in Bowie's discography, celebrated for its innovative sound and emotional depth, further solidifying his legacy in the landscape of rock music.
