You, too, can write like David Bowie
At least according to British psychologist Dr. Nick Troop. Troop has devised a formula for Bowie's pop songwriting success and shares it in this video (he warns not to take it too seriously, though).
TEXT OF STORY
Bill Radke: And finally, a British psychologist thinks he knows why some songs sell millions and others fall flat. Dr. Nick Troop analyzed the lyrical content of David Bowie songs and found the successful ones contain similar kinds of words.
So, Troop created what he calls the ultimate Bowie hit single. If you want a hit record, Troop says,
use lots of words about social interaction and no words about motion, senses or death.
There you go, songwriters, your work is done.
In Los Angeles, I’m Bill Radke. Thanks for tuning in. Have a great Tuesday.