She Rocks: Our Top 5 Kate Bush Albums – Phil and Sue Aston
Watch the video for the full show
Welcome to the very first episode of our new series “She Rocks,” where we spotlight extraordinary female musicians who have left an indelible mark on rock and pop music. In this debut episode, Sue and I (Phil Aston) dive deep into the unique, imaginative, and captivating world of the legendary Kate Bush. We each selected and ranked our top five Kate Bush albums, discovering along the way just how diverse and personal our reasons are for connecting with her music.
Phil Aston’s Top 5 Kate Bush Albums:
Hounds of Love (1985) – A deeply personal album, profoundly resonating with me, particularly during the challenging year my father passed away. Tracks like “Running Up That Hill” and “Cloudbusting” feel intensely spiritual and human.
The Sensual World (1989) – Rich instrumentation and emotionally charged songs like “This Woman’s Work” deeply touched me. A standout album featuring collaborations with artists like David Gilmour and Nigel Kennedy.
Aerial (2005) – A double album that beautifully captures nature and soundscapes, with “King of the Mountain” and innovative tracks using natural sounds like bird songs.
50 Words for Snow (2011) – Reflective and meditative, this album features subtle yet mesmerizing tracks ideal for introspective listening.
The Kick Inside (1978) – An iconic debut that was unlike anything else at its time, highlighted by “The Man with the Child in His Eyes.”
Sue’ Aston’s Top 5 Kate Bush Albums:
The Kick Inside (1978) – This stunning debut immediately captivated me as a young girl; Kate’s voice and artistic vision were incredibly influential.
Lionheart (1978) – Filled with theatricality and poetic storytelling, tracks like “Wow” and “Hammer Horror” resonated deeply during my teenage years.
Never Forever (1980) – Received as a Christmas gift, the album’s rich instrumentation and innovative style with songs like “Babooshka” created lasting memories.
Hounds of Love (1985) – Kate at her energetic, pop-infused best with memorable hits like “Running Up That Hill” and “Cloudbusting.”
Aerial (2005) – Unique, quirky, and incredibly imaginative with standout tracks like “Pi” and “Mrs Bartolozzi,” perfectly showcasing Kate’s creative genius.
Kate Bush is a visionary artist whose music transcends traditional boundaries, incorporating vivid storytelling, evocative visuals, and profound emotional depth. For Sue, Kate’s artistic integrity, vocal range, and her refusal to conform to industry norms were deeply inspiring, particularly during challenging personal times. For Phil, the emotional resonance and musical intricacies of Kate’s albums created a profound connection.
We also briefly discussed albums that didn’t quite make our top five, such as “The Dreaming,” “The Red Shoes,” and the live album “Before the Dawn,” highlighting the extraordinary depth and diversity of Kate Bush’s catalog.
We’d love to hear your thoughts—what are your favorite Kate Bush albums? Which songs resonate most deeply with you, and why? Please share your personal rankings and stories in the comments!
Stay tuned for more episodes of “She Rocks,” celebrating the incredible contributions of women in music.
Phil & Sue Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
