Kate Bush is a legendary singer, songwriter, and musician known for her unique voice, innovative music videos, and imaginative storytelling. She has been an influential figure in the music industry since the release of her debut album “The Kick Inside” in 1978. Over the years, Kate Bush has earned critical acclaim for her thought-provoking lyrics, intricate compositions, and fearless experimentation with different genres and styles.
In this list of the 10 best Kate Bush songs of all time, we’ll explore some of her most iconic and memorable tracks, from the hauntingly beautiful “Wuthering Heights” to the epic and powerful “Running Up That Hill.” Each of these songs showcases Kate Bush’s incredible talent and unique vision, and has earned a place in music history as some of the most innovative and influential works of art of our time. So, let’s take a closer look at the 10 best Kate Bush songs of all time and discover why she remains such a beloved and respected figure in music today.
1. Wuthering Heights
“Wuthering Heights” was an instant hit, reaching number one on the UK singles chart and making her the first female artist to achieve that feat with a self-written song. The song is based on the Emily Bronte novel of the same name and features Bush’s soaring vocals over a haunting melody. The lyrics tell the story of the novel’s protagonist Catherine Earnshaw and her love for the brooding Heathcliff. Bush’s unique voice and theatrical delivery, combined with the song’s eerie and atmospheric sound, make it a classic and enduring example of her signature style.
2. Running Up That Hill
“Running Up That Hill” is a song by British singer-songwriter Kate Bush. It was released as the lead single from her fifth studio album, “Hounds of Love,” in 1985. The song is known for its memorable opening riff, intricate drum programming, and soaring vocals from Bush. The lyrics explore themes of gender roles and the challenges of communication in relationships. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries, and has since been covered by numerous artists. It is widely regarded as one of Bush’s most iconic and influential songs.
3. Babooshka
“Babooshka” is a hit single by British singer-songwriter Kate Bush, released in 1980. The song, written and produced by Bush, tells the story of a wife testing her husband’s loyalty by pretending to be a mysterious woman called Babooshka. Bush’s soaring vocals, accompanied by a catchy piano riff, percussion, and an orchestral arrangement, create an ethereal and haunting sound. The lyrics draw inspiration from the Russian folktale of the same name, which is about a jealous wife who sends her husband love letters from an anonymous admirer to test his fidelity.
4. Hounds of Love
“Hounds of Love” is a captivating and ethereal track from Kate Bush’s 1985 album of the same name. The song features Bush’s signature soaring vocals and a driving drum beat, accompanied by an array of synths and otherworldly sounds. The lyrics are introspective and contemplative, exploring themes of fear, vulnerability, and the struggle to overcome one’s inner demons. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “I found a fox, caught by dogs,” adds an eerie and haunting quality to the track.
5. The Man With the Child in His Eyes
“The Man With the Child in His Eyes” is a song by Kate Bush from her debut album “The Kick Inside”. The song features Bush’s ethereal vocals, accompanied by a simple piano melody, which later builds into a haunting, yet beautiful arrangement. The lyrics tell a story of a young girl who falls in love with an older man who is caring and gentle, and who makes her feel safe and loved. The song’s emotional depth, combined with Bush’s unique vocal style and poignant lyrics, make it a standout track on the album and a fan favorite.
6. Cloudbusting
“Cloudbusting” is a song by Kate Bush, released in 1985. The song was inspired by the book “A Book of Dreams” by Peter Reich, which chronicles his father’s experiences with the controversial psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich. The song features a catchy melody and driving beat, with Bush’s soaring vocals at the forefront. The lyrics describe a boy’s fascination with his father’s inventions, which he believes can control the weather and make rain. The song’s title comes from the “cloudbuster” machine, a device invented by Wilhelm Reich that he claimed could manipulate the atmosphere to make rain.
7. This Woman’s Work
“This Woman’s Work” is a haunting and emotional ballad by Kate Bush. The song was originally written for the film “She’s Having a Baby” but was later released as a single from Bush’s album “The Sensual World.” The song is filled with powerful imagery, exploring themes of loss, regret, and the complexities of love. Bush’s vocals are both tender and powerful, capturing the raw emotion of the song. The arrangement is sparse, with a piano and strings providing the majority of the musical backing, allowing Bush’s vocals to take center stage.
8. Army Dreamers
“Army Dreamers” is a haunting and emotional song by Kate Bush. The lyrics tell the story of a mother who has lost her son to war, and the devastating impact it has on her life. The song’s gentle melody is accompanied by a military-style drumbeat and haunting backing vocals, creating a powerful and emotional atmosphere. Bush’s vocals are delicate and emotive, conveying the deep sadness and heartbreak of the mother’s story.
9. The Sensual World
The Sensual World” is a song by British singer-songwriter Kate Bush, released in 1989 as the title track of her album of the same name. The song features a prominent sample of the melody from the Bulgarian song “Pilentze Pee,” which was performed by the women’s choir Trio Bulgarka. The lyrics of “The Sensual World” describe the sensuousness of life and the natural world, while also touching on themes of sexual desire and female empowerment. The song features Bush’s distinctive vocals, as well as layered instrumentation that includes traditional Irish instruments such as the uilleann pipes and bodhrán.
10. And Dream of Sheep
“And Dream of Sheep” is a hauntingly beautiful song from Kate Bush’s album “Hounds of Love.” The song features a simple piano melody and Bush’s ethereal vocals, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The lyrics tell a story of someone lost at sea, desperately trying to stay awake and survive the night. The song is part of a larger concept piece called “The Ninth Wave,” which follows a person’s struggle to stay alive after falling into the water. “
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
