Complete List Of Kate Bush Albums And Songs

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Kate Bush began her music career at a young age, releasing her first album, The Kick Inside, in 1978 when she was just 19 years old. Bush quickly distinguished herself with her unique vocal style, expressive range, and innovative music videos. Over her career, she has released ten studio albums, including notable works like Hounds of Love (1985) and Aerial (2005). Bush has not extensively toured, performing only a handful of concerts compared to other artists of her stature; she held her first and only concert series prior to 2014, “The Tour of Life,” in 1979, and returned to the stage in 2014 for a series of performances titled “Before the Dawn.”

Kate Bush has achieved significant chart success with her singles and albums. Her debut single, “Wuthering Heights,” made her the first female artist to achieve a UK number one with a self-written song. She has had 25 singles reach the top 40 of the UK Singles Chart, and her albums, including The Dreaming (1982), The Sensual World (1989), and 50 Words for Snow (2011), have also performed well commercially. Hounds of Love is particularly noteworthy as it went to number one on the UK Albums Chart and included hits such as “Running Up That Hill,” which also saw resurgence and chart success following its inclusion in the TV show “Stranger Things” in 2022.

Bush’s work has earned her numerous accolades, including the Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music in 2002, and she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2013 for her services to music. She has been nominated for 13 British Phonographic Industry accolades, winning Best British Female Artist in 1987. Her innovative contributions to music production and songwriting have solidified her status as one of the most influential and respected artists in the history of British music.

KATE BUSH STUDIO ALBUMS

The Kick Inside (1978)

Released: February 17, 1978

The Kick Inside, Kate Bush’s debut album, marked a significant introduction to her ethereal sound and unique vocal style. Recorded at AIR Studios in London from June to August 1977, the album features the breakthrough single “Wuthering Heights,” which topped the UK charts and brought Bush into the spotlight. The album combines elements of art rock and baroque pop, with Bush herself writing all the tracks.

CD Track Listings:

“Moving” – 3:01
“The Saxophone Song” – 3:51
“Strange Phenomena” – 2:57
“Kite” – 2:56
“The Man with the Child in His Eyes” – 2:39
“Wuthering Heights” – 4:28
“James and the Cold Gun” – 3:34
“Feel It” – 3:02
“Oh to Be in Love” – 3:18
“L’Amour Looks Something Like You” – 2:27
“Them Heavy People” – 3:04
“Room for the Life” – 4:03
“The Kick Inside” – 3:30

Lionheart (1978)

Released: November 13, 1978

Just ten months after her debut, Lionheart was released, underscoring Bush’s prolific creativity. Recorded at Super Bear Studios in France during the summer of 1978, this album continued to showcase Bush’s distinctive and experimental musical style, although it did not achieve the same level of commercial success as her debut.

CD Track Listings:

“Symphony in Blue” – 3:35
“In Search of Peter Pan” – 3:46
“Wow” – 3:58
“Don’t Push Your Foot on the Heartbrake” – 3:12
“Oh England My Lionheart” – 3:12
“Fullhouse” – 3:13
“In the Warm Room” – 3:35
“Kashka from Baghdad” – 3:56
“Coffee Homeground” – 3:38
“Hammer Horror” – 4:39

Never for Ever (1980)

Released: September 8, 1980

Never for Ever, Bush’s third studio album, made her the first British solo female artist to top the UK album charts. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios and others in London between September 1979 and May 1980, the album features a broader use of synthesisers and incorporates a wider range of musical genres. It includes hits like “Babooshka.”

CD Track Listings:

“Babooshka” – 3:20
“Delius” – 2:51
“Blow Away” – 3:33
“All We Ever Look For” – 3:47
“Egypt” – 4:12
“The Wedding List” – 4:15
“Violin” – 3:15
“The Infant Kiss” – 2:50
“Night Scented Stock” – 0:51
“Army Dreamers” – 2:55
“Breathing” – 5:29

The Dreaming (1982)

Released: September 13, 1982

The Dreaming is often noted as Bush’s most experimental album. Recorded at various studios in London, including Abbey Road Studios, from 1981 to 1982, the album reflects Bush’s growing ambition to evolve her sound and lyrical complexity. This album, featuring the title track “The Dreaming,” delves into diverse themes using a wide array of instruments and innovative production techniques.

CD Track Listings:

“Sat in Your Lap” – 3:29
“There Goes a Tenner” – 3:24
“Pull Out the Pin” – 5:26
“Suspended in Gaffa” – 3:54
“Leave It Open” – 3:20
“The Dreaming” – 4:41
“Night of the Swallow” – 5:22
“All the Love” – 4:29
“Houdini” – 3:48
“Get Out of My House” – 5:25

Hounds of Love (1985)

Released: September 16, 1985

Hounds of Love is widely regarded as one of Bush’s greatest works, achieving significant critical and commercial success. It was recorded at her home studio in England, and features two distinct parts: ‘Hounds of Love’ and ‘The Ninth Wave.’ The album includes the hit singles “Running Up That Hill” and “Cloudbusting.”

CD Track Listings:

“Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)” – 5:03
“Hounds of Love” – 3:02
“The Big Sky” – 4:41
“Mother Stands for Comfort” – 3:07
“Cloudbusting” – 5:10
“And Dream of Sheep” – 2:45
“Under Ice” – 2:21
“Waking the Witch” – 4:18
“Watching You Without Me” – 4:06
“Jig of Life” – 4:04
“Hello Earth” – 6:13
“The Morning Fog” – 2:34

The Sensual World (1989)

Released: October 16, 1989

The Sensual World marks Kate Bush’s continued exploration into more intricate and mature themes. Recorded at her personal studio in England, the album integrates elements of folk, world music, and experimental rock, supported by her poetic lyrics. The title track, “The Sensual World,” is notable for its evocative lyrics inspired by James Joyce’s Ulysses.

CD Track Listings:

“The Sensual World” – 3:57
“Love and Anger” – 4:42
“The Fog” – 5:04
“Reaching Out” – 3:12
“Heads We’re Dancing” – 5:17
“Deeper Understanding” – 4:43
“Between a Man and a Woman” – 3:30
“Never Be Mine” – 3:44
“Rocket’s Tail” – 4:06
“This Woman’s Work” – 3:38

The Red Shoes (1993)

Released: November 2, 1993

The Red Shoes, inspired by the 1948 film of the same name, features a vibrant mix of pop, rock, and traditional Irish folk music. The album was recorded at various studios, including Abbey Road, and reflects a period of personal turmoil for Bush, involving intense emotion and storytelling. It includes “Moments of Pleasure,” a poignant reflection on people in her life who had passed away.

CD Track Listings:

“Rubberband Girl” – 4:44
“And So Is Love” – 4:17
“Eat the Music” – 5:10
“Moments of Pleasure” – 5:16
“The Song of Solomon” – 4:26
“Lily” – 4:04
“The Red Shoes” – 4:00
“Top of the City” – 4:13
“Constellation of the Heart” – 4:46
“Big Stripey Lie” – 3:30
“Why Should I Love You?” – 5:02
“You’re the One” – 5:49

Aerial (2005)

Released: November 7, 2005

After a twelve-year hiatus, Aerial was released, showcasing a double album that features a mix of reflective, meditative songs and vibrant, joyful pieces. Recorded in her home studio, the album is divided into two parts: ‘A Sea of Honey’ and ‘A Sky of Honey,’ and it explores themes of nature, love, and family. The track “King of the Mountain” serves as the lead single.

CD Track Listings:

“King of the Mountain” – 4:53
“π” – 6:09
“Bertie” – 4:18
“Mrs. Bartolozzi” – 5:58
“How to Be Invisible” – 5:32
“Joanni” – 4:56
“A Coral Room” – 6:12
“Prelude” – 1:26
“Prologue” – 5:42
“An Architect’s Dream” – 4:50
“The Painter’s Link” – 2:58
“Sunset” – 5:58
“Aerial Tal” – 1:01
“Somewhere in Between” – 5:00
“Nocturn” – 8:34
“Aerial” – 7:52

Director’s Cut (2011)

Released: May 16, 2011

Director’s Cut features reworked versions of songs from The Sensual World and The Red Shoes. Recorded at her home studio, the album allows Bush to revisit her earlier works with new insights and interpretations, providing a fresh take on some of her previous songs.

CD Track Listings:

“Flower of the Mountain” – 5:15
“Song of Solomon” – 4:44
“Lily” – 4:05
“Deeper Understanding” – 6:33
“The Red Shoes” – 4:58
“This Woman’s Work” – 6:30
“Moments of Pleasure” – 6:32
“Never Be Mine” – 5:05
“Top of the City” – 4:23
“And So Is Love” – 5:16
“Rubberband Girl” – 4:37

50 Words for Snow (2011)

Released: November 21, 2011

50 Words for Snow is an album of new studio material, featuring seven lengthy compositions that revolve around the theme of winter. The album was recorded at her home studio and is noted for its minimalist, jazz-inflected soundscapes. It includes the track “Misty,” which unfolds over nearly fourteen minutes of atmospheric storytelling.

CD Track Listings: