THE KICK INSIDE

I remember listening to Wuthering Heights in 1978, it was a big hit in Brazil (I guess it was a hit everywhere, wasn´t it?). I was mesmerized by this song and to this day it still moves me deeply when I hear it. It was the height of the discotheque and it was so refreshing to hear this beautiful, haunting and strange song n the radio! It was original and at the same time so melodic, even the lyrics were a novelty. But the most impressive was Bushs vocal delivering, so unique, powerful and emotional for a 19 year old! When I heard she was also the songwriter and pianist on the song I knew we were introduced to a great talent. But somehow I missed the album., I was just another teenager facing the usual lack of money to buy all the records I was interested in. I had to be very selective and I guess Yes Tomato and Gentle Giant´s Playing The fool had some prerogative over most new acts.

It took me 40 years to finally listen to get The Kick Inside and give it the attention it deserved. And I was impressed. I should have bought it at the time after all. Well, better late than never. Although no track here surpass her most famous hit song (how could it be different?), I was stunned how strong and mature her debut CD sounds after all those years. Still a teenager, she sounds as confident as any seasoned pro. Songs like Movin, The Saxophone Song, James And The Cold Gun, Feel It and The Man With A Child In His Eyes are the kind of stuff most artists would kill for. In fact, it´s easier to point the weaker tracks, like Kite or Them Heavy People, but even they are at least original and interesting. Well, and considering that some of them were written when she was 13 make them even the more remarkable!

Of course the fact that the album was very well produced and arranged does not hurt either. She was backed by some of the finest musicians at the time: most of them from the Alan Parsons Project, which helped to give the record a bands feel and a cohesive whole, even if some of the stuff was quite varied. Producer Andrew Powell (also from APP) provided orchestrations for two of the tracks.

Al in all a stunning debut for this great artist. Maybe her most accessible album in her long career. Not perfect, of course, but an incredible start for someone so young. And one who stood so well the test of time. If you like me, only know her for her hits, give this CD a try and you´ll be rewarded. A must have for any music lover.