🔘 Changes – Single: Jan. 1972

In the cold January of 1972, David Bowie was on the cusp of major stardom. Fresh from the critically acclaimed album *Hunky Dory*, he released “Changes” as his first single for RCA Victor. The track showcased Bowie’s evolving songwriting with its introspective lyrics about time, identity and reinvention, delivered over a memorable piano riff and dramatic arrangement.

Released on January 7, 1972, the single appeared on RCA Victor under catalogue number RCA 2160 (also listed as 74-0605). Backed with “Andy Warhol,” this 7-inch release marked Bowie’s debut on the RCA label and introduced many listeners to the sophisticated art-pop sound that would soon explode with the Ziggy Stardust era.

Label: RCA Victor

Catalogue Number: RCA 2160 / 74-0605

Format: 7" Vinyl Single (Push-Out/Solid Centre)

Released: January 7, 1972 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — RCA Victor – RCA 2160 — 1972

A. Changes

B. Andy Warhol

Written by: David Bowie (both tracks)

Produced by: Ken Scott and David Bowie

Recorded: 1971 at Trident Studios, London

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released January 7, 1972

• David Bowie’s first single for RCA Victor

• Iconic piano-driven track that became one of his signature songs

• Featured Bowie’s expressive vocal and introspective lyrics about change and identity

• Chart debut: Did not chart significantly on original 1972 release (reached No. 49 on reissue in 1975)

🔘 The Story

“Changes” was written in 1971 during a period of intense creativity for Bowie. The song’s famous opening piano line and reflective lyrics captured his feelings about artistic evolution and the pressures of fame. Although it was not a major hit upon initial release, the track gained huge popularity over time and is now regarded as one of Bowie’s most enduring and personal anthems.

The B-side “Andy Warhol” paid tribute to the New York artist with a cool, detached delivery and quirky arrangement. The single helped bridge Bowie’s early folk-rock phase with the glam explosion that was about to arrive later in 1972. Its eventual reissue in 1975 finally took it into the UK Top 40, reaching No. 49.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — RCA Victor – RCA 2160 — UK — 1972

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — RCA Victor – RCA 2160 — UK — 1972

• Issued in standard RCA company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Did not chart significantly on original 1972 release. Reissued in 1975 and peaked at No. 49.

Total Weeks: Limited on original release

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “Changes” – piano-led art-pop classic exploring themes of time, identity and transformation.

• B-side: “Andy Warhol” – cool, eccentric tribute to the pop artist.

• Production: Ken Scott and David Bowie – delivering a clean, sophisticated sound.

• Sleeve notes: Standard RCA company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released in the early stages of Bowie’s transformation into a glam icon, serving as a bridge between *Hunky Dory* and the Ziggy Stardust era.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: A staple on nearly every David Bowie greatest hits collection and *Hunky Dory* reissues.

🔘 Related Material

• Starman (1972)

• Hunky Dory (1971)

• Life on Mars? (1973)

• Ziggy Stardust (1972)

🔘 Discography

(Previous singles on Mercury)

Changes – Single: 1972

Starman – Single: 1972

John, I’m Only Dancing – Single: 1972

The Jean Genie – Single: 1972

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1971 — Recorded at Trident Studios for *Hunky Dory*

✦ January 7, 1972 — UK single released

✦ Did not chart strongly on original release

✦ 1975 — Reissued and reached No. 49 in the UK

🔘 Glam Flashback

Even before the lightning bolt and Ziggy persona fully arrived, David Bowie hinted at his chameleon nature with “Changes” in January 1972, quietly preparing the world for the glam revolution to come.

#ReleaseChronicle #DavidBowie #Changes #1972 #RCAVictor

🔘 Sources

Primary reference sources: RCA Victor, Discogs, Official Charts Company, contemporary music-press documentation, archival references.