Five of the best from Kate Bush

• Hounds of Love (1985) – Widely considered her masterpiece, Hounds of Love topped the UK charts and contains some of her biggest hits, including “Running Up That Hill” and “Cloudbusting.” It was also critically acclaimed and established her as a leading figure in art pop.
• The Kick Inside (1978) – Her debut album features the hit single “Wuthering Heights,” which made her the first female artist to reach number one in the UK charts with a self-written song. The album was a commercial success and launched her career.
• Never for Ever (1980) – This album was significant as it marked the first time a female artist topped the UK album charts with a self-produced album. Hits like “Babooshka” made it a commercial success.
• The Sensual World (1989) – The album peaked at No. 2 on the UK charts and received critical acclaim for its lush soundscapes and poetic lyrics, including tracks like the title song “The Sensual World” and “This Woman’s Work.”
• Aerial (2005) – After a 12-year hiatus, Aerial was a comeback success, receiving praise for its ambitious two-part structure and reaching No. 3 on the UK charts. Its experimental nature combined with themes of nature and domestic life struck a chord with both critics and fans.

1. Hounds of Love (1985)

Hounds of Love is a landmark in art rock and pop music. The album, known for its innovative sound and production, became a critical and commercial success. With its unique blend of electronic music and orchestral arrangements, Hounds of Love features some of Bush’s most iconic tracks, including the hit single “Running Up That Hill.”

This album marked a significant evolution in Kate Bush’s music career, showcasing her ability to blend storytelling with experimental sounds. Hounds of Love topped the UK charts and solidified Bush’s place in music history. The album is praised for its artistic vision and remains influential, often cited as a key example of 1980s pop music innovation. Fans and critics continue to celebrate Hounds of Love for its bold approach and enduring appeal.

2. The Kick Inside (1978)

The Kick Inside (1978) marked a groundbreaking moment in pop music. The album introduced Bush’s unique voice and songwriting talent to the world, featuring her first major hit, “Wuthering Heights.” This song made history as the first single by a female artist to reach number one on the UK charts with a self-penned track. The Kick Inside is noted for its blend of art rock and theatricality, setting the stage for Bush’s innovative career.

The album was a commercial success and a critical milestone, establishing Kate Bush as a distinct voice in the music industry. The Kick Inside remains a significant release, illustrating Bush’s early ability to craft compelling narratives and memorable melodies. Its influence continues to be felt, making it a crucial part of her discography and music history.

3. Never for Ever (1980)

Never for Ever stands out as a pivotal release in her career. This album, Bush’s third studio effort, was notable for being the first album by a female artist to top the UK charts with a self-produced record. Never for Ever continued to build on her reputation for innovative music, blending art rock with experimental sounds. The album’s production and lyrical depth showcased Bush’s growth as an artist, featuring a mix of haunting melodies and complex arrangements.

Never for Ever was well-received by both fans and critics, reflecting Bush’s unique ability to craft intricate and emotive music. The album’s success further solidified Kate Bush’s position as a leading figure in the music industry, demonstrating her talent for pushing boundaries and exploring new musical territories. Its impact on the music scene remains significant.

4. The Sensual World (1989)

The Sensual World represents a significant chapter in her discography. This fourth studio album, following her acclaimed release Hounds of Love, features Bush’s signature blend of art rock and emotional depth. The Sensual World reached number two on the UK charts, highlighting its commercial success. The album is known for its lush production and thematic exploration of sensuality and intimacy.

Kate Bush’s distinctive voice and innovative arrangements are prominent throughout, showcasing her ability to weave complex narratives into her music. The Sensual World is praised for its lyrical sophistication and musical experimentation, maintaining Bush’s reputation as a pioneering artist. The album’s success reinforced her status in the music industry, making it a key release in her career and a significant influence on the evolution of pop and art rock.

5. Aerial (2005)

Aerial marks a notable return after a 12-year hiatus. This highly anticipated release received widespread acclaim for its innovative approach and ambitious concept. Aerial is a double album that explores themes of nature, life, and domesticity, showcasing Bush’s ability to merge personal storytelling with expansive soundscapes. The album debuted at number three on the UK charts, reflecting its commercial success and strong fan reception.

With its intricate production and diverse musical styles, Aerial highlights Bush’s continued evolution as an artist. The album’s first disc, “A Sea of Honey,” and the second, “A Sky of Honey,” together create a cohesive listening experience that underscores Bush’s talent for crafting atmospheric and emotive music. Aerial solidified Kate Bush’s place in contemporary music and demonstrated her enduring creativity and influence in the art rock genre