There aren’t many artists you can recognise within seconds but Kate Bush is undeniably one of them. A career spanning over five decades, crossing generations and bringing everything from theatrical art-pop to intimate, piano-led ballads, her records reward close listening and full-album devotion.
Her debut single 'Wuthering Heights' (1978) spent 4 weeks at number one in the UK charts; the first female artist to top the chart with a self-written song. All nine of her studio albums have reached the UK Top 10, alongside 25 UK Top 40 singles, 14 BRIT Award nominations, and a 2023 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Let's dive into the world of Kate Bush.
Essential Albums
Hounds Of Love (1985)
Album number five from Kate Bush sees some absolutely mammoth singles with 'Cloudbusting', 'Hounds of Love' and 'Running Up That Hill' the latter enjoying a massive resurgence in 2022 after featuring in Stranger Things.
The album has received critical and artistic acclaim seeing it feature in 'greatest albums of all time' rankings and has influenced so many artists from Alison Goldfrapp (Goldfrapp), Brett Anderson (Suede), Kele Okereke (Bloc Party) and Stevie Nicks.
The Kick Inside (1978)
This is where it all started, bringing a new kind of theatrical, art-driven alternative pop to the forefront a decade before it became mainstream.
The album peaked at number 3 in the UK charts, with the huge single ‘Wuthering Heights’ storming to number one. Decades later, it’s still embedded in the DNA of British pop and remains one of the great debut albums.
Beth Orton and Fiona Apple have both said that 'The Kick Inside' is one of their favourite albums!
The Sensual World (1989)
Album number six from Kate Bush and it flew in at number 2 in the UK charts. Warmer and more grounded after the ambition of 'Hounds of Love', The Sensual World leans more into texture, storytelling and that subtle groove. It's intimate, intricate and deeply self assured.
Robert Smith (The Cure) named it his ‘album of the year’ upon release, and included it in his list of ‘the best things about the eighties’. Whilst Charli XCX has said that The Sensual World is one of the records that defines her.
Aerial (2005)
After a 12 year break Kate Bush returned with Aerial in November 2005. A double album that feels cohesive rather than indulgent, it has a meditative, nature-focused feel to it that echoes the theatricality of 'The Kick Inside', the intensity of 'Hounds of Love' and the lush romanticism of 'The Sensual World'.
Following the album's release Kate Bush was nominated for Best British Album and Best British Female Solo Artist at the 2006 BRIT Awards and was named the third best album of 2005 by Mojo Magazine.
Deeper Cut
The Dreaming (1982)
Kate Bush at her most fearless, the fourth album is wild, experimental and fiercely uncompromising. Drawing inspiration from figures like Harry Houdini and writers such as Stephen King, the album explores surreal and unconventional subject matter. Self-produced and sonically adventurous, it can be challenging at times; but that’s exactly what makes it so thrilling.
Björk and Big Boi (Outkast) have both said that The Dreaming is one of their favourite albums, while Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree) stated that his 2015 album 'Hand. Cannot. Erase.' was musically influenced by The Dreaming.
Cultural Impact
Kate Bush reshaped what it meant to be a solo artist, she didn't follow trends rather set her own. One of the first major female solo acts to self-produce her own work, she was entirely committed to her creative vision.
Her lasting influence can be seen and heard across all genres and many artists from Tori Amos and Florence Welch to Tupac and FKA Twiggs and so many more. The resurgence of 'Running Up That Hill' introduced Kate Bush to a whole new generation.
Her catalogue continues to inspire artists who value imagination over convention. Whether you're revisiting the essentials or diving into the deeper cuts, there's plenty to discover in her catalogue. You'll find a range of Kate Bush titles in the racks or online at Crash.
If you like Kate Bush, check out some of these:
Fiona Apple - When The Pawn... (1999)
Unpredictable songwriting, rhythmic boldness with literary bite.
Florence And The Machine - Lungs (2009)
Big drama, literary imagery and emotional catharsis.
David Bowie - Hunky Dory (1971)
Piano-led art-pop with character-driven songwriting.
Perfume Genius - Set My Heart on Fire Immediately (2020)
Theatrical vulnerability and art-pop atmosphere.