HOUNDS OF LOVE

An album of hidden delights. It took a few spins for me to really get into this album, but once I did I discovered a lot of stuff I could enjoy. The dreamy atmospheres, the cheerful pop, and more. Kate Bush has a truly outstanding and unusual voice that makes her one of my favourite female vocalists (second to Nico, of Velvet Underground fame). Also a very attractive woman, in her day (second to Nico of Velvet Undergound fame).

'Running Up that Hill' blasts off with a big beaty, bassy, catchy and intelligent pop song. No faults here. 'Hounds of Love' is a bit less interesting, but good. 'The Big Sky' is another very poppy song, this time bordering on the realms of cheesiness. Not bad though. 'Mother Stands for Comfort' is mellow and beautiful. 'Cloudbusting' is a brilliant up beat, feel good song. Now we have a more progressive suite of songs collectively known as 'The Ninth Wave'. This suite starts with 'And Dream of Sheep', a stunningly beautiful song. 'Under Ice' is an absolute highlight for me, shame its so short. Brilliant atmosphere. 'Waking the Witch' starts with some sampled voices, before rushing into a disjointed dancy beat, and a monstrous male voice chanting over Bush's backing vocals. 'Watching You Without Me' is a tragic atmospheic song. 'Jig of Life' is in the style of an Irish folk song, and again the atmosphere soars. 'Hello Earth' mixe somber pop with experimental ambience, creating a wonderful piece of music. 'Morning Fog', comparitively is nothing special.

This album shows a wide range of pop with progressive tinges, from downright catchy and danceable, to slow solemn, and depressing. The album is well deserving of four stars.