David Bowie China Girl – Shake it (1983 Europe) estimated value € 10,00

China Girl

"China Girl" is a song written by Iggy Pop and David Bowie in 1976, and first released by Pop on his debut solo album, The Idiot (1977). Inspired by an affair Pop had with a Vietnamese woman, the lyrics tell a story of unrequited love for the protagonist's Asian girlfriend, realizing by the end that his Western influences are corrupting her. Like the rest of The Idiot, Bowie wrote the music and Pop improvised the lyrics while standing at the microphone. The song was released as a single in May 1977 and failed to chart.

Bowie recorded a more well-known version during the sessions for his 1983 album Let's Dance, reportedly to assist Pop with his poor finances at the time. It was co-produced by Nile Rodgers, who transformed the song into a pop number with an Asian-inspired guitar riff. Bowie's version was released as the second single from the album in May 1983, reaching number two in the UK and number 10 in the US. Its accompanying music video featured New Zealand actress Geeling Ng. Containing an interracial romance and clashing cultural perspectives, Bowie said the video was intended as a statement against racism. He performed the song frequently during his concert tours. Bowie's version has also appeared on compilation albums and lists of the artist's best songs..

Track listing

Side A – China Girl – 4:14

Written-By – David Bowie, Iggy Pop

Side B – Shake It – 3:49

Written-By – David Bowie

Description

Key Details

Album: Originally recorded by Iggy Pop for The Idiot (1977). David Bowie re-recorded the song for his album Let's Dance (1983), where it became one of the album's biggest hits.

Songwriters: David Bowie and Iggy Pop wrote the song together in 1976 during their creative partnership in Berlin.

Production: Bowie's 1983 version was produced by David Bowie and Nile Rodgers. Rodgers transformed the original dark, experimental arrangement into a more commercial pop-rock track.

Recording: Recorded in late 1982 at the Power Station, New York City, during the Let's Dance sessions.

Musicians: David Bowie (vocals), Stevie Ray Vaughan (lead guitar), Nile Rodgers (rhythm guitar), Carmine Rojas (bass), Omar Hakim (drums) and Rob Sabino (keyboards).

Chart Success: Released as the second single from Let's Dance in May 1983. It reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Music Video: The promotional video starred New Zealand actress Geeling Ching (later known as Geeling Ng). Bowie described the video as a statement against racism and cultural stereotyping, portraying an interracial relationship confronting prejudice.

Live Performances: "China Girl" became a concert favourite and was performed extensively during the Serious Moonlight Tour (1983–1984), Glass Spider Tour (1987), Sound+Vision Tour (1990) and several later tours.

Legacy: Although Iggy Pop's original version remained relatively obscure, Bowie's recording became an international hit and remains one of the most recognizable songs of his 1980s catalogue.is het nu compleet ?

Media Condition

Media Condition: Near Mint (NM)
Sleeve Condition: Near Mint (NM)
ring wear: No
All three seams looking perfect: Yes
Picture sleeve looks near mint: Yes
creases or folds: No
stamps or writing: No

 

 

Key Details

Album: Originally recorded by Iggy Pop for The Idiot (1977). David Bowie re-recorded the song for his album Let's Dance (1983), where it became one of the album's biggest hits.

Songwriters: David Bowie and Iggy Pop wrote the song together in 1976 during their creative partnership in Berlin.

Production: Bowie's 1983 version was produced by David Bowie and Nile Rodgers. Rodgers transformed the original dark, experimental arrangement into a more commercial pop-rock track.

Recording: Recorded in late 1982 at the Power Station, New York City, during the Let's Dance sessions.

Musicians: David Bowie (vocals), Stevie Ray Vaughan (lead guitar), Nile Rodgers (rhythm guitar), Carmine Rojas (bass), Omar Hakim (drums) and Rob Sabino (keyboards).

Chart Success: Released as the second single from Let's Dance in May 1983. It reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Music Video: The promotional video starred New Zealand actress Geeling Ching (later known as Geeling Ng). Bowie described the video as a statement against racism and cultural stereotyping, portraying an interracial relationship confronting prejudice.

Live Performances: "China Girl" became a concert favourite and was performed extensively during the Serious Moonlight Tour (1983–1984), Glass Spider Tour (1987), Sound+Vision Tour (1990) and several later tours.

Legacy: Although Iggy Pop's original version remained relatively obscure, Bowie's recording became an international hit and remains one of the most recognizable songs of his 1980s catalogue.

Chart Positions

United Kingdom: #2
United States (Billboard Hot 100): #10
Canada: #3
Australia: #6
New Zealand: #2
Netherlands: #4
Belgium: #5

Personnel

David Bowie – vocals
Stevie Ray Vaughan – lead guitar
Nile Rodgers – rhythm guitar
Carmine Rojas – bass
Omar Hakim – drums
Rob Sabino – keyboards

Trivia

• "China Girl" was originally recorded by Iggy Pop for his 1977 album The Idiot.
• David Bowie and Iggy Pop wrote the song together during their Berlin period in 1976.
• Bowie decided to record the song partly to help his friend Iggy Pop earn additional songwriting royalties.
• The music video was one of the most frequently aired videos on MTV during 1983.
• The video's beach scene was filmed at Doyle's Restaurant in Sydney, Australia.

Single Information

Title: China Girl
Artist: David Bowie
Album: Let's Dance
Label: EMI America
Format: 7-inch vinyl single
Released: May 1983
Genre: Pop Rock, New Wave

Producer: David Bowie, Nile Rodgers

← Back to Bowie singles overview