Kate Bush - Discography (1978-2011)
Kate Bush - Discography (1978-2011): A Review of the Iconic Singer-Songwriter's Career
Kate Bush is one of the most distinctive and influential artists in the history of pop music. Her discography spans 10 studio albums, two live albums, two compilation albums, six video albums, four box sets, five extended plays, 36 singles, seven promotional singles, and 39 music videos[^1^]. From her debut single "Wuthering Heights" in 1978 to her latest album "50 Words for Snow" in 2011, she has explored various genres, styles, themes, and emotions with her unique voice and vision. In this article, we will review her discography and highlight some of her achievements and innovations.
Kate Bush - Discography (1978-2011)
The Kick Inside (1978)
The Kick Inside was Kate Bush's first album, released when she was only 19 years old. It was a commercial and critical success, reaching number 3 in the UK and number 2 in New Zealand[^1^] [^2^]. The album showcased her remarkable vocal range and songwriting skills, as well as her influences from classical music, literature, and mythology. The lead single "Wuthering Heights" was inspired by Emily BrontÃ's novel of the same name and became a number one hit in four countries[^1^]. Other notable songs include "The Man with the Child in His Eyes", which won an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding British Lyric[^3^], and "Them Heavy People", which featured backing vocals by Roy Harper.
Lionheart (1978)
Lionheart was Kate Bush's second album, released only nine months after The Kick Inside. It was recorded in France under pressure from her record label to capitalize on her success. Despite the rushed production, the album received positive reviews and reached number 6 in the UK and number 5 in Norway[^1^] . The album continued her exploration of literary and historical themes, such as "Oh England My Lionheart", which depicted a dying soldier's nostalgia for his homeland, and "Hammer Horror", which was inspired by the British film studio of the same name. The album also featured more elaborate arrangements and instrumentation, such as the use of mandolin, balalaika, and uilleann pipes.
Never for Ever (1980)
Never for Ever was Kate Bush's third album and her first to reach number one in the UK[^1^]. It was also her first album to feature synthesisers and drum machines, which gave it a more contemporary and experimental sound. The album was co-produced by Jon Kelly and Kate Bush herself, marking her increasing involvement in the production process. The album contained some of her most popular songs, such as "Babooshka", which told the story of a woman who tests her husband's fidelity by disguising herself as a younger woman, and "Army Dreamers", which lamented the loss of a young soldier. The album also featured guest appearances by Alan Murphy on guitar and Max Middleton on piano.
The Dreaming (1982)
The Dreaming was Kate Bush's fourth album and her first to be entirely self-produced. It was also her most experimental and ambitious album to date, incorporating diverse influences from world music, folk music, electronic music, and sound effects. The album received mixed reviews from critics who found it either brilliant or baffling, but it reached number 3 in the UK and number 5 in the Netherlands[^1^] . The album explored various topics such as war ("Pull Out the Pin"), crime ("There Goes a Tenner"), environmentalism ("Leave It Open"), Aboriginal culture ("The Dreaming"), and psychoanalysis ("Sat in Your Lap"). The album also featured contributions from Percy Edwards on animal sounds, Rolf Harris on didgeridoo and vocals, and Dave Gilmour on guitar.
Hounds of Love (1985)
Hounds of Love was Kate Bush's fifth album and her second to reach number one in the UK[^1^]. It was also her most successful album internationally, reaching number 12 in the c481cea774