One Song Iggy Pop's "Lust for Life"
Nov 13, 2025
Discover how Iggy Pop transformed his career with 'Lust for Life' through his iconic partnership with David Bowie in Berlin. The Motown-inspired drumbeat that drives the track is dissected, highlighting its deep connections to classic hits. Iggy's cutting lyrics reveal a raw vulnerability, while Bowie's production adds subtle complexity. The hosts explore the unconventional song structure and the human imperfections that make it special. Delve into the legacy of Iggy Pop's reinvention and the cultural impact of this timeless anthem.
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1977 Berlin Record That Grew Into A Cult Classic
- Iggy Pop's "Lust for Life" was recorded in Berlin in 1977 and later became a cult classic despite not charting highly in the U.S.
- Trainspotting and other media placements amplified the song's cultural afterlife.
Bowie Helped Pull Iggy Out Of A Dark Place
- David Bowie visited Iggy while he was hospitalized and invited him on the Station to Station tour to help him recover.
- That support led to their move to Berlin and the creative burst producing The Idiot and Lust for Life.
Two Berlin Records, Two Sonic Directions
- The Idiot is Bowie-led and forward-looking while Lust for Life leans more into rock-and-roll throwback energy.
- The two records form a Berlin-era creative partnership with distinct sonic roles.
