Description
Hounds of Love,” the fifth studio album by English singer-songwriter Kate Bush, was released on September 16, 1985, by EMI Records. It quickly became a significant artistic and commercial success, symbolizing a striking return to form after the less favorable reception of her previous album, “The Dreaming.” The album opened at number one on the UK Albums Chart, displacing Madonna’s “Like a Virgin,” and marked Bush’s breakthrough into the American market, particularly with the top 40 hit “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God).
The album is renowned for its innovative use of the Fairlight CMI synthesizer, combining traditional instrumentation with advanced technology. This blend of the electronic with the organic was reflective of Bush’s creative ambitions during a period she spent rejuvenating herself with literature and film, further inspired by a stint in Dublin, Ireland.
“Hounds of Love” is structured in two distinct parts: the first side features five individual pop songs, including hits like “Running Up That Hill” and “Cloudbusting,” while the second side, “The Ninth Wave,” is a conceptual suite of seven songs that tells a continuous story of a woman’s surreal struggle at sea during a night . This side of the album was particularly noted for its thematic depth and the coherence of its narrative, adding a profound layer to the album’s structure.
Critically, “Hounds of Love” has been celebrated for its rich textures and the emotional depth of its music. It’s often cited as Bush’s best work and one of the greatest albums of all time. Upon its release, it received glowing reviews for its ambitious scope and the personal touch in its songwriting. Critics highlighted the album’s ability to balance accessibility with profound artistic statements, making it a landmark in 1980s pop music.
Kate Bush herself has described the album as a dual project with the first half comprising individual love songs and the second half presenting a thematic suite that explores deeper narrative and emotional layers . The success of “Hounds of Love” not only revived Bush’s career but also solidified her status as one of the most innovative artists of her time.
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