David Bowie: Fashion Single (1980)

A New Wave Dancefloor Anthem

David Bowie’s “Fashion” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on October 31, 1980, on RCA Records (catalogue: BOW 7). Backed with “Scream Like A Baby,” this infectious new wave and funk-infused track, written by Bowie, was the second single from his critically acclaimed album Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps). Produced by Bowie and Tony Visconti, “Fashion” featured Robert Fripp’s distinctive guitar and a danceable rhythm, peaking at No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart for 11 weeks. Issued in a picture sleeve with Bowie’s iconic Pierrot clown imagery, it’s a defining moment of ‘80s post-punk pop.

Single Overview

A-Side: “Fashion” (4:46, David Bowie)

A funky, new wave anthem with sharp guitar riffs, pulsing bass, and Bowie’s sardonic lyrics about style and conformity. Produced by Bowie and Tony Visconti, it became a club staple and a hallmark of his early ‘80s reinvention.

B-Side: “Scream Like A Baby” (3:35, David Bowie)

A dark, synth-driven track with Bowie’s emotive vocals exploring dystopian themes, also from Scary Monsters. Produced by Bowie and Visconti, it showcased his experimental edge.

Release Details:

7"

Label: RCA – BOW 7, RCA – PB 9622

Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo, Solid Centre

Country: UK

Released: Oct 31 1980

A Fashion (Edited Version) 3:23

B Scream Like A Baby 3:33

Country Variations

The single was released in several countries with minor variations:

UK (RCA BOW 7): Released October 31, 1980. Standard tracklist, picture sleeve

US (RCA PB-12134): Released November 1980. Same tracklist, catalogue PB-12134, similar sleeve with RCA branding.

Germany (RCA PB 9622): Released 1980. Same tracklist, catalogue PB 9622, German sleeve with localized text.

Japan (RCA RPS-25): Released 1980. Same tracklist, catalogue RPS-25, with obi strip and Japanese liner notes.

Australia (RCA 103374): Released 1980. Same tracklist, catalogue 103374, company sleeve.

Canada (RCA PB-12134): Released November 1980. Same as US, catalogue PB-12134.

12"

Label: RCA – BOW T 7, RCA – PC 9622

Format: Vinyl, 12", 45 RPM

Country: UK

Released: Oct 31 1980

A Fashion 4:46

B Scream Like A Baby 3:35

Label: RCA – PC-129622

Format: Vinyl, 12", 45 RPM, Single

Country: Netherlands

Released: 1980

Label: RCA Victor – PD-12145

Format: Vinyl, 12"

Country: US

Released: 1980

A Fashion 4:45

B Scream Like A Baby 3:33

Label: RCA Victor – JD-12140

Format: Vinyl, 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Single, Promo

Country: US

Released: 1980

A Fashion 4:45

B Fashion 3:23

Label: RCA Victor – PC 9638

Format: Vinyl, 12", 45 RPM, Single

Country: Germany

Released: 1980

A Fashion 4:45

B Scream Like A Baby 3:33

Label: RCA Victor – TDS-088

Format: Vinyl, 12", 45 RPM, Single

Country: Australia

Released: 1980

A Fashion 4:44

B Scream Like A Baby 3:33

Production and Context

Recorded in 1980 at The Power Station, New York, and Good Earth Studios, London, the single was produced by David Bowie and Tony Visconti. The lineup featured Bowie (vocals, keyboards), Robert Fripp (guitar), Carlos Alomar (guitar), George Murray (bass), Dennis Davis (drums), and Andy Clark (synthesizers). “Fashion” blended funk, new wave, and post-punk, reflecting Bowie’s shift from his Berlin Trilogy to a more commercial sound. Released during the new wave era, it competed with Talking Heads and Blondie, cementing Bowie’s influence on ‘80s pop.

Chart Performance

“Fashion” was the second single from Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps), following “Ashes To Ashes”:

“Fashion” (1980, RCA BOW 7):

UK Chart Data: Entry Number 20

October 26 - November 1, 1980. (12 Weeks)

International: US No. 70 (Billboard Hot 100, 8 weeks), Australia No. 27 (Kent Music Report, 6 weeks), Ireland No. 4, Germany No. 29, Netherlands No. 25, New Zealand No. 22, Canada No. 21 (RPM), Norway No. 9, Sweden No. 7.

Have you snagged this Bowie gem in your vinyl collection? Does “Fashion” get you strutting? Share in the comments!

Sources

Discogs: Fashion (1980)

Official Charts Company: David Bowie Singles

AllMusic: David Bowie Discography

Wikipedia: David Bowie Discography

Billboard Chart History: David Bowie