HOUNDS OF LOVE

This is not only Kate Bush's masterpiece, it is also on my list of perfect albums. It is one of those rare albums that I consider a 6 star recording. This is an amazing album with a wide variety of moods, styles and dynamics. It's one thing that KB has one of the most versatile and unique voices in music and that makes her music original and interesting. But to add to that the genius that so very few artists can do so well as what Kate did on this album and that is to mix the perfect blend of pop, experimentation and prog to make not only a successful album, but also one that is so amazing and that keeps it's timelessness over the years to still remain so great and not ever get stale. This is one album that I still enjoy as much as I did in it's day. If anything, my appreciation for it has grown.

The album is divided into two suites. The first 5 tracks are more individual, but have an underlying theme of different aspects of love. "Running Up That Hill" is the classic KB song full of mystery and lushness that is unbeaten. It reminds one of a foggy morning, so beautiful and strange. That feeling continues with "Hounds of Love". Both of these tracks carry with them the love of life that exists even with the limitations that humans have, the 2nd one being more carefree, while the 1st is more of a yearning for the impossible. "The Big Sky" also continues the poppish sound, but through these songs, you hear a constant beat, but there is an underlying current that makes the music so very un-typical of pop music that hasn't been copied or never will be. There is that air of mystery always apparent, yet almost with a childish attitude of happiness that comes with human nature, especially when it comes to love. "Mother Stands for Comfort" is probably the most inaccessible song on this side of the album. It is a moody slower song with some strange sounds and atmospheres. It includes a lot of vocal tricks of which Kate always has plenty of up her sleeve. This is one thing that has kept her from being completely pop fodder, her voice is unconventional, yet so beautiful and acrobatic. The music that accompanies her voice is not just backup sounds either, it is always important and interesting, just as interesting as the voice and the lyrics. Even on this album, it's still unconventional even with it's vicinity to pop. I hate calling this album pop by the way, because it is so much better than that genre. The last song on this side is "Cloudbursting" which is based on a relationship with a scientist and the work they are experimenting with. This returns to a consistent beat that was evident in different forms throughout the first side except for the 4th track.

The 2nd half of the album is even more interesting, beautiful and amazing. This suite is called "The Ninth Wave" and consists of tracks 6 - 11. Even with the greatness of the first half, this side is even better, mainly because there are a lot more prog elements in the music and because it is so original. The vocals and lyrics still retain their importance, but the instruments now are even more important and are used so well. There is an underlying story to the concept of this part of the album that has to do with dreaming, drowning and dying but living afterwards in a different realm. "And Dream of Sleep" is one of the most beautiful songs ever sung, so peaceful, yet so powerful. "Under the Ice" is so mysterious and uses strings to build tension and work together with the voices here to add suspense. The very strange yet wonderful "Waking the Witch" utilizes some amazing recording tricks that continue with the tension building, and this almost seems to be inspired by Pink Floyd's "The Trial" off of The Wall album. The music isn't copied, but the idea is similar with a dramatic ending. The helicopter sound effect is actually taken from The Wall and credit is given. "Watching You" is more of a floating piece with some cool percussive sounds and more of a minimalistic approach but Kate's vocals soar and flow around the instruments. "Jig of Life" is based on celtic music but starts off in minor key to build more tension and drama, but the tension is released as suddenly the jig takes on a major key and becomes very traditional sounding Irish dance tune for a short while after which Kate interrupts and starts putting moments in their proper places....suddenly the jig is minor again and a male voice builds tension again as poetry is recited. Quite an amazing song. "Hello Earth" closes out the suite in a beautifully sung quieter piece that is interrupted a few times by a Gregorian style chant with minimal strings or syth is played in the background. This is surprisingly effective especially with the release of the tension, even though she is free floating above the earth and all seems perfect, the chanting is done in minor key and reminds you that not all is as great as it seems. Simply amazing music, I can't describe how much I love this album. The last song is actually not part of the suite, but is more of a stand-alone song called "The Morning Fog" which brings everything back to earth again. This is a short piece that is reminiscent of Kate's earlier works and it actually fits in well with the rest of the album.

I can't help but love this album, I think it is probably my favorite album of that decade when it was released, in the 80s. If it isn't my favorite, then it is definitely up there with the best. Perfect musicianship, so many little inticricies and little nuances that keep it constantly fresh and interesting to listen to. No doubt I have to call this one of the most important recordings of it's time and even still to this day. Like I said before, this is a 6 star album in my own book, but I only have 5 to work with here. This is a masterpiece.