David Bowie was perhaps one of the most influential musicians of the 70s, 80s, and even from the 90s to now. Unfortunately, he passed earlier this year. But his music is still as powerful as it ever was. Everyone knows the hits, but here are eight songs that capture the true artist at his finest moments. These songs, while maybe more obscure than others, are all equally brilliant. Check them out.

1. "Teenage Wildlife"

Off of his experimental album Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps), this song captures the beautiful, straightforward melody that he mastered in the song "Heroes," and takes it to the next level. The lyrics, as always, are deep and thoughtful, and the pace never lets up. It's a longer tune, and the guitar solos near the end are absolutely spectacular.

2. "Lady Grinning Soul"

This piece has it all. It's mysterious, thoughtful, and very much a masterpiece. It closes his album Aladdin Sane and does so beautifully. The soaring piano at the beginning takes the song to another world, and his voice is as haunting as ever. It'll give you chills.

3. "The Next Day"

This is a newer song, off of his second to last album by the same name. The title track starts with a bang and doesn't let up. It includes some of my favorite lyrics and it's really fun to sing along to. It's quirky, and just what you'd expect from the musician.

4. "Wishful Beginnings"

If any song on this list is obscure, it's this one. It's not much of a song as it is a weird, hypnotic journey into a madman's mind. It's his "scariest" sounding piece, and is a part of the story within his concept album 1.Outside. Seriously, listen to it in the dark. Freaky stuff.

5. "Ashes to Ashes"

OK, so this is more of a hit. It's not as well known, however. But man, is it one funky song. It's a sequel (yes, songs have those) to his first hit "Space Oddity." It is also off of Scary Monsters and it has such a bright and out-of-this-world kind of beat. The lyrics don't disappoint either.

6. "We are the Dead"

This is another song that's most likely not as well known. It's off of Diamond Dogs, and this ones most powerful component is its lyrics. It's very much about the poetry here, as most of the song is Bowie reciting, essentially, a poem. The lyrics are in-your-face and the music backs it up nicely, giving the tune an eerie vibe. Bowie never shied away from making a song weird and un-radio-friendly.

7. "Queen Bitch"

This song, off of Hunky Dory, shows his folk rock roots. It's a fast-tempoed rocker that relies on a screaming guitar (literally, it's kind of high-pitched) along with an acoustic to back it up. Here his voice is light and very young, but it's probably the most rock and roll you'll find on the record, one that's full of acoustic numbers. But it's a great, fun song.

8. "Aladdin Sane (1913-1938-197?)"

This is one of my favorites. It has the piano that dominated "Lady Grinning Soul," but in a much different manner. Halfway through the song, you are subjected to the most insane piano solo you'll ever hear. It's so off-key and strange, yet it makes sense. The song is kind of crazy, too. But it has a fantastic melody to it. The lyrics are great, and his voice is absolutely spot on.

Honorable Mentions

"The Heart's Filthy Lesson" (1.Outside and the film Se7en)

"Beauty and the Beast" (Heroes)

"Up the Hill Backwards" (Scary Monsters)

So there you have it. Bowie has a ton of great music. It's all worth checking out. But these are all fantastic tunes. Definitely worth a listen.