WOW / FULLHOUSE

In the beginning of 1978, Kate Bush released her debut, The Kick Inside, and at the end of '78, Lionheart. To me, this is a testament of her prodigious wealth of songcraft from her earliest years, from even her teens. "Wow" was released as Lionheart's second single, following "Hammer Horror".

As I've been glad to do here thus far, I also watched its official music video, with less interpretive dancing and more of Kate just standing on some steps ("on the stage tonight", perhaps?), singing passionately and looking wide-eyed into the camera. "Wow" is a classic, haunting number. It features piano, beautifully reverb'd vocals from Kate, and somewhat jazzy bass playing. As to its true appeal to your average Prog fan, I'm not sure I can say, but it's a great song. Always loved the ending.

"Wow" was backed with one of my all-time favorite Kate Bush songs, "Full House". Absolutely fantastic. Eerie chords and yet triumphant use of overall instrumentation. Love the electric key stabs (actually reminiscent to me of Gentle Giant's Kerry Minnear), the softer guitar touches, and the drumming and bass here. Big time frisson country for me. Huge chorus with just an amazing melody (like the rest of the song). It's just plain fantastic song-craft. And essential Kate.

True Rate: 4.5/5.0