Recently one of my favorite music blogs, Stereogum, did a feature where they ranked Kate Bush's (one of my favorite artists) studio albums from worst to best. I saw the article, excitedly clicked the link, read the feature and was immediately like:
And many of the comments on the post echo my sentiments. "This is list is completely wrong!!! 'The Dreaming' is miles better than 'The Red Shoes'!!! RAWR!! etc. etc," I thought. But then I thought some more and realized that the mass difference in opinion between myself, the article, and commenters is part of what makes Kate Bush's discography so wonderfully rich. There is something for everyone in her work and we all like different elements of her music. So then I thought even more about how I personally would rank her albums and I came up with the following list, ranked from worst (though worst is a little too strong of a term because there are parts of these albums that I enjoy very much) to best. Enjoy!
10. The Red Shoes (1993)
Commonly considered Kate's worst album and most of the blame is placed on the production. It hasn't aged very well and it gives much of the album a bloated, dated feel (Which Kate Bush tried to rectify in her later release, 'Director's Cut'). But there are still some great songs to be heard and I find that the more time I spend with it, the more I enjoy it.
Stand-Outs: Rubberband Girl, Eat the Music, Lily, Top of the City
9. Lionheart (1978)
'Lionheart' had the unfortunate honor of being the follow up to Bush's outstanding debut (released only 9 months after her first LP) and much of the record pales in comparison; with many of the songs feeling unfocused and unfinished. But the tunes she does nail are splendid.
Stand-Outs: Wow, Symphony in Blue, Fullhouse
8. Director's Cut (2011)
Kate Bush is ever the perfectionist and 'Director's Cut' is an album-long manifestation of that quality in her. Taking a handful of tracks from both 'The Red Shoes' and 'The Sensual World', Kate brings their production into a more modern, subdued sphere and tries to make them sound as she originally envisioned them. Definitely an album for fans to dig into and enjoy but not essential for newcomers.
Stand-Outs: Deeper Understanding, Lily, The Red Shoes
7. Aerial (2005)
'Aerial' is really two albums. 'A Sea of Honey' is the first disc containing unrelated songs about everything from Kate's son Bertie to the number pi to learning how to become invisible; and, unfortunately, some of the tracks tend to drag. Disc Two, titled 'A Sky of Honey' is a 42 minute suite describing the passing of a day, from sunrise to sunset to sunrise; and it's beautiful and nearly flawless. Definitely a "grower".
Stand-Outs: King of the Mountain, Sunset, Nocturne, Aerial
6. Never for Ever (1980)
The first album where Kate's very weird side started to shine through and she began to take control of some of the production. A great bridge between her early, piano-based work and the more experimental, complex stuff that would come in the following years.
Stand-Outs: Babooshka, Delius (Song of Summer), All We Ever Look For, Army Dreamers
5. 50 Words for Snow (2011)
This albums captures all the wonder and beauty of winter like nothing I've ever heard. One of my favorite musical memories involves me walking in the snow and listening to this record; truly magical and transporting. It's a long album that requires your attention to unpack it (the shortest song clocks in at nearly 7 minutes), but it is well-worth the effort.
Stand-Outs: Snowflake, Wild Man, Among Angels
4. The Sensual World (1989)
A natural progression of Kate Bush's music in the 80s, The Sensual World is an album that a few years ago would have been much lower on my list. With each listen to its intricate, overwhelming, and, yes, sensual production I find myself enjoying it more and more. Plus it contains Kate's most beautiful song, This Woman's Work. Solid songs, solid production, solid Kate.
Stand-Outs: The Sensual World, Love and Anger, This Woman's Work, Deeper Understanding
3. The Kick Inside (1978)
A confident and fully formed debut; made all the more impressive by the fact that Kate was only 19 when the album was released and wrote many of the songs as a 13-14 year old. Wuthering Heights has got to be one of the most unique number 1 singles of all time. This album also serves as a good starting point for those interested in Kate's earlier, piano-based work.
Stand-Outs: Wuthering Heights, Oh to Be in Love, Moving, Kite
2. The Dreaming (1982)
'The Dreaming' represents Kate Bush at her most out-there. For the first time, she had complete reign over the entire making of a record and none of her ideas went to waste. An embarrassment of kooky riches, 'The Dreaming' is brimming with ideas, characters, and interesting songs that sometimes get away from themselves. A record that I love for its weirdness, experimental production, and wonderful songs.
Stand-Outs: Suspended in Gaffa, Night of the Swallow, Sat in Your Lap, The Dreaming, Leave It Open
1. Hounds of Love (1985)
A truly perfect album in my book with all sides of Kate represented. I try my best to recommend this album to as many people as I can because it serves as an excellent gateway into her body of work as well as the towering achievement that is her discography. More focused than 'The Dreaming' but just as creative, it truly is one of the greatest albums of all time. It's so good, guys!
Stand-Outs: THE WHOLE THING. Really. But if I have to choose - Hounds of Love, Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God), Waking the Witch, Jig of Life
So that's what I think. What about you, Kate Bush fans? What is your favorite release? Your least favorite? Let me know in the comments!
No comments:
Post a Comment