THE KICK INSIDE

The debut albums in which Kate Bush's unique and eccentric sound, unique and eccentric voice, unique and eccentric style, and unique and eccentric messages & lyrics were being served unto the public. Many, especially in her native United Kingdom and Ireland, were quick to embrace this fresh new sound (thus, her chart topping singles and album and awards), yet the Kate embrace was not necessarily worldwide and not universal and not all full of praise. While I immediately appreciated and smiled at this courageous little woman, I was not a convert and have never become a fan of either this album, its songs, or the next. This may be, perhaps, due to my usual blindness to lyrics (the human voice is just another delivery mechanism for the comprehensive tapestry of song; rarely do the words or messages impact me), but it also has to do with the rather extreme quirkiness of the music.

Favorite songs (four stars): "Kite" and "The Man with the Child in His Eyes."