The Dreaming

I LOVE LIFE

This was strange and disjointed but I enjoyed it. I don’t know if I understand it or if I could really describe it. But worth a listen for sure.

I was only familiar with two of her songs, Running Up That Hill and Wuthering Heights. I wasn't sure I was going to like this after listening to the first two songs. But then the album got a lot better and I started to enjoy the weirdness. She has such an amazing voice.

Great atmosphere, sometimes a little over the top but how can you hate her, she just does her thing unapologetically. You either take it or leave it

Wow, this is great. Have always appreciated Kate Bush, but have been limited to Hounds of Love and the singles. I have a bunch of other records of hers but for some reason never connected with them. This one is super weird and really did the job through headphones on the way to work this morning. Every song has a new surprise, whether it be in the production, or the arrangement, and especially in Kate's super unhinged and flexible vocal delivery. It starts with the high pitched screechiness of "Sat In Your Lap" and ends with the call and response donkey sounds of "Get Out of my House"...guessing it isn't for everyone, but this is a rare find and I'll be definitely be putting this one on again.

I was expecting some basic 80s pop, but I really like the weird shit Kate Bush is cooking up here. Like the backup voice screaming "I love life" on Pull Out the Pin.

pretty delightfully weird, just fires my brain in a great way. it's kind of the opposite of the problem i usually have with jazz and blues records: where an album might blend together a bit in terms of sound, and play a bit like a musical mush from beginning to end, this album almost always feels stimulating or *interesting*, and every song is trying something neat. there's a couple of tracks that are reduced to "only technically having rhythm" and drift a little too close to soundscape, but they're not particularly grating. im not usually compelled to go back and listen to an album through again after i rate it but i think this one's an exception. Night Of The Swallow is my favorite track, im also really fond of Pull Out The Pin and Get Out Of My House (except for the donkey sounds they're evidently too interesting and stimulating for me)

Batshit but I love it

Oh, Kate, you glorious creature! An anomaly in music, all of her albums are highly intelligent, sonically brilliant, and unarguably groundbreaking. Kate was the original fearless performer and she was a master of SO many artistic realms. Bravo!

I kinda love this Favourite song(s): Sat In Your Lap, The Dreaming

Stranger and stranger things.

I don’t know if I enjoyed this. But it’s by far one of the most unique, novel albums here and I really appreciate that. More performance art than music, it pushes the boundaries further than necessary. But what would music be without experimentation or creativity? Even now, we need more of this unabashed, unrestrained expression of imagination like Kate Bush.

I love weird pop, and my bar for weirdness is pretty high, but even by Kate Bush's standards I think this might be her weirdest work. That's a compliment. In a lot of ways, when we think of 80s pop I think we tend to think of Madonna's post-disco grooves or The Human League's icy synthpop, and not almost puppet theatre-sounding plucky piano/bass as Bush goes back and forth between unconvincing cockney and soprano "oh oh! oh oh!"s while singing about a failed bank robbery. And yet that's third single "There Goes a Tenner", Bush's worst performing album single ever. Reading up on this, it seems like the public was just not ready for this, which makes it almost crazier in retrospect that *this* was what preceded the blockbuster that was Hounds of Love. And yet I was pretty fond of this! Of course, "There Goes a Tenner" isn't the only song describing a failed crime on here; my personal favorite is the extended sparrow killing metaphor in the star-crossed smuggling love story "Night of the Swallow", and there's also other songs of escape like "Houdini". Unfortunately this isn't my favorite collection of Kate Bush *songs* but this album might genuinely contain her best vocal performances and some of her most fascinating musical choices; to wit on both ends I direct you to the vocal modulation on "Leave It Open" which anticipates The Knife/Fever Ray a full 25 years or so in advance. This album is true oddity and should be a delight for everyone, even the non-fish people here; submit to the vision and enjoy the ride.

I love Kate Bush but this isn't my favourite album. Her voice just gets a little bit too much to me sometimes. It's musically very good though - better than a 3. It'd an album I'll listen to again, carefully, when I am in the mood for it.

For whatever reason I'd never actually listened to this before. Just astonishing avant-pop and I feel like this will really grow on me (just like all of Kate Bush's other albums)

This is one of the stranger albums that I've encountered in this list. At times lush and beautiful at others dense and just flat out weird. I think this would probably reward repeated listenings. A knee jerk reaction says that this is a 2 or a 3. I'll come back and change the number if I come back to the album

I always think about how Big Boi loves Kate Bush. The fact that this is 1982 is wild.

I'm honestly surprised by how much I liked this album. I was ready to "pffft! Next!" with this album but it's weird enough to get my attention. I believe I liked it because of how much it made me think of Ween. (Of course I say the same thing when I listen to Prince so......) Whatever it is, I think it's good.

this is what the cool girlies were listening to in the 80s and im here for it

Very biased with this particular album as it was a revelation when I heard it for the first time back in 1982. I’d never heard a female singer sing like Kate or be as stunningly inventive and original. Extremely experimental in parts, superb melodies and storytelling. Hooked me immediately and still sounds amazing 43 years later. Not her best or most accessible album (Listen to The Kick Inside, Hounds of Love and The Sensual World, but still superb.

Enjoyed "Sat In The Lap" and "Suspended in Gaffa" the most, but generally enjoyed this! "There Goes A Tenner" and "Night of the Swallow" were also fun.

My fav of the 3 Kate bush on this list!

"The Dreaming" is the fourth studio album by English singer-songwriter Kate Bush. Art rock, avant-pop, progressive pop and progressive rock are the Wiki-listed genres. The album was recorded over two years entirely produced by Kate. It is characterized as her most uncommercial and experimental release. Kate was on lead and backing vocals and played piano, synthesizers and strings. 16 additional musicians were used. Commercially, the album reached #3 in the UK and #157 on the US Billboard 200. Initially, it had mixed reviews but its critical standing has improved over time. The albums opens with "Sat in Your Lap." Loud drums, piano and synth horns. Kate on lead and screaming and echoing vocals. Dramatic. Busy. For some reason, I thought of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Frustration and the search for knowledge. "Suspended in Gaffa" has a prancing melodic piano and synth fills. Glimpsing a truth but you need to work for it. The second side opens with the self-titled "The Dreaming." Kate tells a tale of the plight of the indigenous Australians. The songs begins with various percussions and a tribal beat. The song ends with a bullroarer and digeridoo. The album closer "Get Out of My House" was inspired by Stephen King. Guitar riffs, pounding drums and a prominent bass. Kate amps the "scarry factor" with some more screaming vocals. Experimental, indeed! A bullroarer, uilleann pipes and a digeridoo. Various percussions and time signature changes. Kate's lead vocals are mostly pretty standard but her backing vocals can be screaming, emotional and echoing. The lyrics can be stories or or have abstract meanings with topics such as Vietnam, a crime story, indigenous Australians and Harry Houdini. Kate cited Peter Gabriel's third album ("Melt") as an influence and you can definitely hear that. I have to admit that I was confused on the first listen, not really connecting the songs, but it grew on me with repeated listens; I started to appreciate all the experimentation and busy-ness going on. Although initially difficult, this album is worth listening to and giving it time. Also, anyone who's a Peter Gabriel "Melt" fan should appreciate some of the instrumentation.

So so close to 5 but just wasn't on Hounds of Love's level

Ouffff nice

really liked but definitely need to listen more closely

Abrasive, weird, and experimental, but still genuinely fun. So many artists use "experimental" as a cover for stuff that's just wonky and unpleasant but I genuinely enjoyed listening to this, especially after I calibrated my expectations a bit. Definitely gonna revisit this one.

Big Boi is right

Kate Bush is the full package: Creative, talented, and in this album, willing to take significant risks. For me this album is too experimental to win full score as a timeless favorite, but it's absolutely a great, listenable album even when it's pushing boundaries.

This album was honestly incredible. I felt like I was listening to a revolutionary piece of media, but also something that seems so fitting with today’s age. Kate Bush was very much ahead of her time. This album felt like such a strange wild ride that constantly kept me engaged

Первая песня запоминается, в первую очередь, запоминается своим будоражащим душу вокалом. Sat in lap прекрасна своей искренностью и открытостью. Курт Кобейн для девушек.

"I want this man to go away now." Same, girl, same

Not as dreamy as Hounds of Love, but damn does it rhyme. Equally unconventional and ambitious, Kate Bush is what the art in Art Pop stands for.

Vals ✅ Ännu mer 80tal ✅ Lite som att So, Synchronicity och The dreaming hör ihop, men det blir gradvis sjukare. PGs skiva är den mest kommersiella (?!) medan Sting och Kate Bush kör någon form av tävling i dissonans. Men ah de är ball som fan. Ännu en fyra till 80-talet, ingen är mer förvånad än Dino. Märks att Steven Wilson har inspirerats!

Love Kate bush

That's a lot. Clearly there's a lot going on, and most of it is both interesting and works, but I think you have to be a Kate Bush fan and spend a lot of time with this to actually get it.

140/1001 Kate Bush - The Dreaming Heard before? ✅ Revisit? ✅ This is the sort of weird and experimental I find so captivating. Honestly some of the stuff on this is mad. It combines pop sensibilities with the theatrical. There's elements of prog, with the song structures and floats between genres. Sure not everything works, but I enjoyed revisiting this today.

It has its moments, but it’s not as good as some of other work.

We should all be grateful that Kate Bush, during the 1980s (the human era defined by a ruthless conflict between proponents of synth based music and lovers of hard rock riffs) regularly left her realm of elves and imparted her advanced elven musical knowledge on us mortals. Her benevolence helped expand the mind of humans, spread potent weirdness into the world and prepared us for the new millennia. Iooo iiiooo iiooo

This is a really interesting album. The lyric writing is okay for the most part and the lyrics are fine, but the music itself is really interesting. Like super cool. I've always loved Sat In Your Lap - it's one of my favourite songs by Kate. There's a few other songs which are quite good: Pull Out the Pin and All the Love are quite nice. I don't need all of the songs from this album, but it was really cool to listen to yo. 4/5 stars.

Yay to Kate Bush! I only really know Hounds of Love but this is weird and catchy and tons of fun.

Great. It’s Kate Bush. Have we had her on here before? If not, I’m sure she’ll pop back up.

Album 947 of 1089 Kate Bush - The Dreaming (1982) Rating : 3.5 / 5 Good stuff. This one came out while I was still in high school, but I don’t recall anyone around me playing it - and I really wish they had. I would’ve loved to have known this back when it was first released. There’s something about her music that pulls you in and makes you pay attention, even when it’s going in directions you don’t expect. I dig her style - it’s theatrical, inventive, and bold without being overbearing. Every track seems to take a different turn, mixing art-pop, storytelling, and sound experimentation in ways that still sound fresh decades later. Some songs are haunting, some playful, but all of them feel unmistakably hers. It’s easy to see why so many artists since have drawn influence from her. Not every moment is “radio-friendly,” but that’s part of the appeal - it’s art made on her terms. The more I listen, the more I want to hear from her. The Dreaming may not have been a huge hit when it came out, but it’s definitely an album that rewards anyone who gives it their full attention.

Really good

great album

Mother

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Don't know that I love it, but I like it a lot and it has so many interesting interlocking parts that a return to this album is inevitable.

Enjoyed this and I will be revisiting!

She’s so weird and I love her for that

Intense, other-worldly, very Kate Bush. 4/5

Not easy listening. Sounds like supertramp. Highly theatrical. Not really my style. First track kinda the shaggs core. actually really good at what it does. 8/10.

I don't know if I'll ever dive into this album again, but i admire the big swing. If nothing else it's always interesting and subverting expectations. I would say the same about this as Eno. Probably a 3.5, but bumping.

Suspended in Gaffa is so good. The rest of this record is just as good.

Borderling 3 or 4 undecided but will continue to revisit over the years

For all of the weirdness that Bush perfected on Hounds of Love three years later, The Dreaming has an endless supply of. It may be alienating, it may take a few listens to ‘get’, and it may just plainly not be for you. But what you cannot possibly deny is its ambition and its impact. Starting as she means to go on, Sat in Your Lap is a no-compromises, staple ‘weird 80s’ tune that I had a phase of listening to non-stop about 2 years ago. Maybe it’ll go back into rotation after this revisit. If I had zero attention span then track 2, There Goes a Tenner, would turn me off the album immediately with its quintessentially British slurring-in-your-ear vocals, but stick it out and ye shall find yet more slightly experimental, ‘prog pop’ sounding songs, each different to the last in one way or another. A highlight of these being Night of the Swallow, in my opinion the track that pulls in all the great aspects of this album into one. Regardless of what you or what Big Music thought of The Dreaming, it was enough to catalyse Bush’s later output that combined both her earlier hits with this era of whimsy, and probably enough to inspire a whole lot more of music in a similar vein.

Fantasticamente estranho e não ortodoxo. Certamente mais experimental que o outro disco dela que peguei na lista até então, "Hounds Of Love". As faixas aqui não são necessariamente minha pira, tanto que eu não salvei nada na minha playlist pessoal, mas mesmo assim, o disco em si é incrível. Uma aventura sônica sem igual. Kate Bush é uma artista inigualável, fica claro que mais ninguém no mundo poderia ter feito este álbum, e eu sempre considero isso um enorme ponto positivo. É uma obra densa de simbolismos e de sonoridades estranhas e excêntricas. Não é um álbum fácil de ouvir, mas certamente escutá-lo pela primeira vez é um deleite, uma aventura, assim como foi Hounds of Love, e assim como eu suponho que seja todos os discos dela. Isso se deve à voz da artista, e da maneira inusual em que ela emprega seu canto. Cada uma de suas canções é repleta de surpresas nas tonalidades e timbres explorados. Nada aqui é previsível. E é possível se dizer o mesmo a respeito da produção do disco, feita pela própria Kate Bush, outro feito comendável. Ao todo, é uma obra deliciosa de se ouvir pela primeira vez, mas que eu não sei ao certo o quão frequentemente eu irei revisita-la. Desta forma, acho um 4 bem justo. Prefiro o Hounds Of Love. 4/5

Mainio taidepop-levy. Ehkä vähän liikaa Bushin äänen kiduttamista, mutta kyllä se nelonen sieltä tulee.

This one was yet another pleasant surprise. I wasn't expecting much from this one or for it to be for me, and was surprised by how much I liked it. A very wacky, very fun listen.

Right off the bat this album gets to a... Striking and unique start. I've heard that Kate Bush music was a bit weird, but this was a surprise. It's not like any other music I know, and reading that it's considered her most experimental album makes a lot of sense. I'm not sure how exactly I feel on it just yet. It's well made, and it's not unpleasant. But it's hard to get past how weird the music is. After listening to the album again and thinking on it, this is good. It's not really my thing but I appreciate the weird, there needs to be someone making weird music and I am glad that someone as good as Kate Bush is making it.

Beguiling. When this came out in 1982, post punk was reaching a fervor. This record has always reminded me of a combination of early Sparks (before the disco shift) and Siouxsie & The Banshees. Kate’s remarkable voice with the use of piano and Fairlight and left field lyrics were difficult to absorb as it seemed this was designed to bewilder the listener. For me, it was Suspended in Gaffa that unlocked the record for me. I did not revisit the record often because the post-punk explosion and the morphing of punk into new sub-genres held a fascination that continues to this day. Revisiting this record in 2025 is rewarding perhaps because some of the sounds seems more familiar having been incorporated into several artists sounds (Bjork comes instantly to mind) and perhaps my experience with music has built a knowledge base where I appreciate experimental records much more so than as a 24 year old. Here, Night of the Swallow is compelling and The Dreaming is more comprehensible than the original record. The shifting time signatures and multitude of sounds create both sensory overload and tension - making this record sound much darker than probably intended. It could also be All the Love with its opening Lyric - “The first time I died…” and the eerie sounds creating an allusion of fog. All that said, even if this record is not in your wheelhouse, it is an interesting experience worthy of some time exploring the multi-faceted sounds highlighted by Kate’s incredible (as that word actually means) vocals.

Okay. I freaking love this.

My first listen and impression of this album gave me mixed feelings on many of the songs of album. However, after doing more research on the album I doing that it was produced entirely by Kate Bush herself which cleared up a lot of the questions. Producing an album entirely is impressive in itself but you can see the artistic and uniqueness of Kate Bush in each song of the album. After a second listen, the album grew on me as I was able to actually listen and understand each song. Though not one of Kate’s more popular albums, you can see that she was ahead of her time when she released this album.

I did not enjoy it as much as Hounds of Love, but there are still some very interesting tracks on this album.

It hasn't been long since I listened to "Hounds of Love," and my comments about Kate Bush's style still stand. I don't care for this album quite as much, it's more subdued in a way. Favorite track: maybe "Night of the Swallow"

Кейт Буш це моя любов і треба сказати що в її дискографії майже нема прям поганих альбомів. Я не можу сказати що Dreaming мій улюблений, але все ж. Houdini недооцінений трек. Тут є прям все за що можна любити Кейт Буш.

go girl!!

Had not heard this Kate Bush album before. Very interesting album, definitely needs a few more listens but I really enjoyed it. Her accent work raised an eyebrow! Heard before? No Owned: No. 8/1001, 8/33 (24%) Will I get? Yes Recommend: No sure

Haven’t listened to this in a while. If I’d never heard this before the grade would be lower, but while some of the songs are a fair bit too quirky compared to her first three albums (Leave it Open, the title track, Houdini, Get Out of My House) there’s still a lot of good songs here. The first four are good to great, and the other non-quirky tracks are pretty good. The self-production is varied and always interesting. Very little guitar on the album, dominated by her keyboards. This and Hounds of Love are the only two of hers in our 1,001. I would have dropped this album and put in Never for Ever. 3.5 rounded up because it’s KB. This makes me want to listen to her stuff more, especially her catalog after The Hounds of Love, which is from 1985. I listened to her and all music a bit less (just a bit) after our kids were born. Making up for it now.

Ganska många låtar som jag inte hört förut. Det är ett bra album.

Brilliant lp, not her best but it's a fantastic album. Well worth listening to

It’s one of those albums that it has its own musical experience while listening to, it’s not like much I’ve heard before I was listening while making matcha and lunch for myself and matcha for my mom at first I can see people getting irritated with it because soooo unique and different that if your not open minded it kinda like piss you off but when you start to be in tune to the lyrics themselves you(I) start to relax it’s a interesting listening experience

Very interesting throughout. Production was alternating between innovative and utterly lacking/distracting. Thematically interested in this album, even if the upshots were all over the place after bouts of beautiful poetry. I’m definitely happy to have listened to this though. This is another album I have very little context for but it is just fascinating throughout, though uneven. The dreaming simply has to be considered offensive. Favorite track: pull out the pin

Great early album! I need to do a Kate Bush deep dive to figure out my genuine ratings and favorites after several listens, but love it for sure.

she's a nutter

Baffling and great all at once

So weird. Genuinely don’t understand why I liked this so much.

Good album and the influence on Florence + the machine is noticed.

Kate Bush is more interesting than I have given her credit for. This album is fierce and ambitious. Not for me, but it's a singular work from a singular artist.

Her voice is, as expected, extremely powerful and impressive. The production, lyrics, and general vibe of the songs are a bit off the wall, in an enjoyable way.

Kate Bush delivers progressive pop and does the occasional emotional shouting. It's not as good as the Hounds of Love though where more eccentric elements bought out some cool stuff.

So original and very interesting to listen to. I found it very enjoyable

7/10…art pop / witchy rock

Liked this quiiiite a bit. Listened on an airplane and then turned around and listened again immediately.

4 out of 5. Not my favorite of hers but still an experience.

I know Tori Amos loved this one

The vocals are insane as kate bush usually delivers, but I wanted to like it more. Houdini slaps.

A pop album that is not only unique and interesting in its presentation but also actually fun and catchy? That is, unfortunately, very rare, but this album is one of the examples. I wasn’t expecting to like this one because I thought that Kate Bush was another one of the pop singers with slow, mellow music that I don’t like at all, but this album turned out to be completely different and much better than I was expecting. Most songs here are eclectic, engaging bangers with exciting ideas, most of which work quite well. I'm still not a huge fan of vocal-focused music, and although, I think this album is miles better in terms of instrumentation than 99% of pop records, the vocals, as good as they are, don't fully let them shine. This still was a blast, though.

This is why its so important to listen to the full album - if I hadn't I might have missed Night of the Swallow which is such an incredible track and I've been listening to it on repeat all day! I really love the rhythm and the uilleann pipes! The rest of the album is interesting, wild and experimental, but not something I'd listen to again. All these stars are for that one track and also that Kate Bush is an incredible musician, innovative, gutsy and an inspiration to many! I wish there was more amazing female artists on this list.

Theatrical vocals

idk how to describe this album musically but i do know that it is rlly fucking good

Very unique and I can definitely see where Tori Amos got her sound

Delightfully weird and unapologetic. Really cool and pretty avant-garde for 1982. I loved “suspended in gaffa” with is discordant singing and odd timing.

If there's any album out there that I can call "Fuckin' Nuts" in the most endearing way possible, it might just be The Dreaming. Kate Bush is an absolute icon in my eyes. Obviously, Hounds of Love is one of the greatest pop albums of all time, but it's worth looking at some of the other albums in her discography to see where else her talents lie. The Dreaming may just be the perfect example to use for this. You'd think that Kate would decide to get freaky like this after a smash success like Hounds of Love, but no. She made this freakshow of an album and THEN decided 3 years later to make one of the greatest albums of all time. How does she do it? The Dreaming may not be my favorite Kate Bush album, but it is absolutely an uncompromised artistic statement that I have nothing but respect for. This is a pretty experimental album all things considered. Because of this, The Dreaming is not going to click with everyone. While I myself am not in love with it in the same way as I am with other albums or as others are with this album, there's still a lot that I love. The writing is just as great as ever. Kate Bush was always something of a storyteller. However, this album's stories actually matter more than those of something like The Ninth Wave from Hounds of Love because many of The Dreaming's stories are more real. Take something like the title track for instance, which is this crazy song about the mistreatment of Aboriginal Australians, complete with a didgeridoo and everything! It's an odd song, but it just works. Other songs aren't as clearly based in history, but there's still a ton of depth to them. The instrumentation is all over the place and I like it. The production on this thing is just incredible. Kate's singing is as whimsical as ever. This is one of those albums that saw a lot of criticism upon release but has since become a fan-favorite of the highest caliber in the decades since its release. While I can understand why some may not vibe with this album as much as some of the albums that followed, I can also see how others might even prefer this album to those albums. I myself don't prefer The Dreaming, but if someone told me their favorite Kate Bush album was The Dreaming, I'd give them a nod of approval. This is what it looks like when an artist makes art just for the sake of making meaningful art. It's great. Strong 4/5.

Solid.

Very good

Shit rocks

Really great, big band-y although a bit circusy at times. Good upbeat variety, interesting.

This is weird, but you can't deny it's original. Nice to have something different!

An album before the big one. I’ve always like Ms. Bush and this out there album is out there.

Weird but interesting. Night of the Swallow was something else. Maybe we don’t need so much KB on the list but I kind of liked this. Light 4.

I respect Kate Bush a lot as an artist. She’s definitely inspired work by some of my favorite, current day artists, like Caroline Polachek, and I love that. But while I do really like some songs by Kate Bush, she’s unfortunately never really “clicked” with me, and this album is the same. Nonetheless, I understand its significance in the genre (also, I love the use of drums and Celtic instruments).

I love Kate Bush, and Suspended in Gaffa is a massive banger, but this album was a little "cooler" than it was "good sounding" at times. That being said, what a massive relief to have a bit of a mix up. Overall, though, this one is my favorite we've listened to so far.

This is a crazy record! But I do like it. Some songs where very awesome.

Divisive presentation but it is still so bold and exciting for a pop album.

I was never a Kate Bush fan back in the day, but this album was very interesting to listen to. While nothing jumped out at me on the first listen, I definitely enjoyed it. This must have sounded a bit odd and experimental in 1982, but it works. You can definitely hear Bush's influence on an artist like Björk on this album. Though you would have to say Bush is much more consistent and a bit easier on the ears. This is an excellent album.

Sat in Your Lap There Goes a Tenner Suspended in Gaffa The Dreaming Night of the Swallow

AAAAAAAAA

This was a trip, lol. I can't imagine revisiting it any time soon but it was weird and I appreciated it. Kinda felt like cursed pirate music at times.

'Sat in Your Lap' opens the album with intent - all the alternative rhythm and labyrinthine lyrical delivery of Talking Heads and Bowie. Along with the use of sampled sounds via the CMI Fairlight, it gives off a fantastic manic energy. It does fall down in places though. The worst offender is the title track - a comical Rolf Harris impression, on account of the ridiculously bad accent, heavy breathing and didgeridoo. There feels the shadow of Gabriel's Melt hanging over the album (tribal drums, Gothicism), and this is like an ill-advised revisit to 'Biko'. The next album probably takes some of the more experimental edges and gives them a pop rock sheen without losing them, which is the sweet spot for me. Not all if these tracks hold up to the depth of Cloudbusting and co. Nevertheless I've got to admire an album that is deliberately trying to be different when she was at an apex of her career. A singular focus on what she wanted to do is nothing but admirable. And out of that come several tracks that stand up to the classics; and always a ghostly beauty. Now we are acquainted, it may ingratiate itself further.

Visionary and ahead of its time. An album to be listened to from start to finish, which is rare

really weird on first listen but it does warm up to you... i'm sorry i ever doubted you queen

Not my favourite Kate Bush album, but hopefully this isn't the only Kate Bush album in this list. Five of the ten tracks on this album were released as singles, including "Sat in Your Lap", and the brilliant title track "The Dreaming".

This was either the worst or best thing I’ve ever heard but I’m not sure which.

This is the best Kate Bush album on here, and also the best of what I like to call the overly dramatic shouting broad genre, standing head and shoulders above the likes of Bjork and Fiona Apple.

Remarkable

Revel in the weirdness

This is definitely not an accessible listen. Kate Bush has her own unique style unlike any other artist. I thought this was really good, but I can understand why many might not like it. Favorite songs were Pull Out The Pin, Suspended In Gaffa, and Night Of The Swallow.

The combo that this is her wildest album and it's the first one she produced entirely herself is pretty dope. She's been fearless since day one. Beauty and madness. I like that she plays with arrangements, vocals, sounds, but it doesn't feel chaotic. Each song feels like a foreign country or world to explore, haha, which feels like a metric of quality, like I need a tour guide. Donkeys!

Unexpectedly experimental

I became aware of Kate Bush through the fabulous The Whole Story, a greatest hits compilation but had never heard a complete album. Big mistake. This was a time of creativity with the release of Avalon, Thriller, and Imperial Bedroom and this album fits right in. Heavy drum beats and Bjorkish vocals create an alternative to the horrors of 80’s music yet to come.

84/100. The Dreaming by Kate Bush is a great art pop record, full of bold experimentation and creativity. The album blends inventive instrumentation with her distinctive, expressive vocals, creating a sound that's both challenging and captivating. It’s a unique and adventurous listen that showcases Bush at her most fearlessly imaginative.

I’ve somehow not heard the songs on this album, but they’re great! Some incredible vocal work from Kate Bush on this one including a lot of growling and snarling which really added to the sound. Will be listening to this one again for sure.

Ok so this is a fantastically strange record. Oh yes Kate! We let the weirdness in. I get it. You absolutely have to go in with that mindset. There Goes a Tenner was a single? And Kate mate, why are you doing a terrible mockney accent? Nothing normal about this song at all, and then it just stops. Sat in Your Lap is bonkers and brilliant though. The strangled cry of 'I love life' in Pull Out the Pin is great. Leave It Open is Bush at her most rockiest? The Dreaming is a didgeridoo sea shanty. Well why not. No Kate, no. Stop doing the accents. Depeche Mode seem to have nicked an idea from this for Personal Jesus. Night of the Swallow is kind of almost the only recognisably Kate Bush song yet, in that it sounds a bit like Babooshka I guess. Two strong songs to finish. I totally understand why none of these have received radio play in favour of her more commercial efforts. I'm gonna have to revisit this but I will. Very good and very interesting record.

Kate Bush is singular. There’s nothing else out there that’s quite like her. It’s a challenge to box in this album - It fits the descriptors arty/experimental/progressive, but then what? Is it pop, rock, some degree of post-punk, other, all? Many songs don’t include pop music structures or sing-along melodies. It’s innovative, weird, and varied in instrumentation, accessibility, and sonic palette. It stuffs in megatons of ideas and sounds. But it is also united and all sounds like Kate Bush. It’s quite interesting but final result doesn’t always stick, there are many “wow” moments but also some less interesting tracks. But it’s certainly a unique and somewhat mesmerizing listen and an artists I’ve come to respect and enjoy in this project. Something I’d like to revisit and let sink in more.

This is one that demands full attention. With so much complexity afoot in this release, trying to use this as background music would serve as a distraction.

Pretty interesting, quite theatrical

This album is quite a paradox. I didn’t care much for the music, but I couldn’t stop listening (and not in a “how bad is this going to get?” way, but more like “I don’t understand this and feel like I really should.”). Could hear the influences that passed on through Tori Amos to Lady Gaga, also in good ways.

She takes some time to adjust to, but this album’s emotions come through in every song. I’m becoming a fan.

Fucking nuts awesome

Need to listen to again to figure out if I should give my first 5, don't want this to be Sam Cooke 2.0. This album was all over the place in the best of ways, amazing shit. I can't believe I haven't heard ANY of it. Listened again, it does sort of tail at points, but I do fucking love it as this wild piece of work. So will go down as a 4, but I loved it. May regret anyways

At first I was like "meh" but then it put on a ton of Bjork, so I had to bump the ratings here too.

Didn't know Kate Bush until Stranger Things and now she's on my regular rotation.

I’m buying into Kate’s mystical, dreamy side. And her quirkiness too; a unique blend that helps the album stand out.

Kate Bush is such an unique and authentic artist. She wrote and recorded this album when she was 22-23 years old and this was the first album that was produced by herself. This led her to experience more in the studio and it is still her least accessible albums she's made - as she has pointed out later, it is her "she's gone mad" album. It really sounds like a fever dream or a nightmare, confusing, interesting, abstract and extremely layered with a lot of different styles in music and vocal layers. I like it very much and I'm glad it was included in this list (I love her debut, the Kick Inside, too, which is, I think not on this list).

Kate Bush - ä Ikone. Mer chanere sicher nüd Mainstream vorwärfe, und lieblich isches au nöd. Cool.

Uii höchs vieri. Has huuuere guet gfunde, mega weird. Kenn nüt wo so tönt. Wirds sicher no paar mol lose

8/10 Wish there were more albums that experimented with the backing vocals and layering like this album does. Shoutout Kate Bush for this banger. Favorite Song: Night of the Swallow

Not her greatest but it’s still very good. Lacks any standout tracks.

1/02/25 This album was quite good. I'm sure more will come up.

Very weird, but my kind of weird. It's no wonder she collaborated with Peter Gabriel, because these tracks have a very Gabriel-first-4-albums-flair (but are also highly original...and did I mention weird?). Favorite tracks: Sat In Your Lap, Pull Out the Pin, The Dreaming, Night of the Swallow, All the Love.

Kate Bush is a treasure. I like a couple of her other albums better, and haven't listened to this much, but boy, she really went for it... this record is really out there. Her range is "chef kiss"!

An interesting album. Feels like some alternate pop with just enough levels of weird that I don't automatically dismiss it. This album has its moments where Kate is making some strange ad-lib background vocal sounds ranging from high pitched "Toad from Mario" to scratchy screams. Overall I enjoyed Kate's performance and the overall flow of the album.

Quite heavy, commercial but crazy, in a good way

Sehr interessant und anders als erwartet, DARK, goth, anders als running up that hill, experimenteller

always yes kate

If I had heard this album when it was released, it certainly would have been among my favorites beside Depeche Mode, Peter Gabriel and Sam Phillips. Unique, and out-of-your-mind bonkers. It will require much more examination. 4.5/5

## In-Depth Review of *The Dreaming* by Kate Bush Released on September 13, 1982, *The Dreaming* marks a significant turning point in Kate Bush's career. It is her fourth studio album and is often regarded as one of her most ambitious and experimental works. This review will explore the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, while also outlining its pros and cons. ### Lyrics ****Exploration of Themes The lyrics of *The Dreaming* are a rich tapestry of narratives that delve into complex themes such as identity, love, war, and existentialism. Bush's writing showcases her ability to weave intricate stories, often drawing from personal experiences and broader cultural references. - **"Sat in Your Lap"** opens the album with a frenetic energy that captures the struggle for knowledge and power. The repeated phrase "I love life!" juxtaposes with darker undertones, hinting at the chaos of existence. - **"Suspended in Gaffa"** reflects a yearning for spiritual connection while grappling with the unattainable. The song's imagery evokes a sense of longing and frustration. - The title track, **"The Dreaming,"** employs vivid imagery to address colonialism and the plight of Indigenous Australians. Bush's use of didgeridoo and various vocal techniques adds depth to this poignant commentary. - **"Get Out of My House"** is perhaps the most theatrical track, inspired by Stephen King's *The Shining*. The lyrics convey a sense of fear and madness, showcasing Bush's flair for storytelling through song. Bush's lyrics are often layered with meaning, inviting listeners to engage with them on multiple levels. This complexity can be both a strength and a barrier to accessibility. ### Music ****Musical Composition Musically, *The Dreaming* is characterized by its eclectic soundscape and innovative use of technology. Bush took a bold step in embracing production techniques that were groundbreaking for the time. - The album prominently features the Fairlight CMI synthesizer, allowing for unique sound manipulation and sampling. This technological advancement enabled Bush to create textures that were previously unattainable in pop music. - Tracks like **"Houdini"** showcase lush arrangements that blend classical elements with contemporary pop sensibilities. The interplay between orchestral instrumentation and electronic sounds creates an immersive listening experience. - **"Night of the Swallow"** incorporates traditional Irish instruments, reflecting Bush's appreciation for diverse musical styles. The emotional delivery enhances the narrative of longing and separation. Bush's willingness to experiment with form and structure results in an album that defies conventional pop norms. However, this experimentation can lead to moments that feel disjointed or overly complex. ### Production ****Innovative Production Techniques *The Dreaming* is notable not only for its musical content but also for its production process. Bush took on the role of producer for the first time, collaborating closely with engineers but ultimately guiding the project herself. - The recording sessions were extensive, taking place over a year across various studios in London. This labor-intensive approach allowed Bush to refine her vision meticulously. - Del Palmer, Bush's partner at the time, played a significant role in shaping the album's sound. Their collaboration resulted in an intricate layering of vocals and instrumentation that enhances the emotional weight of the songs. - The album's mix is dense yet cohesive; each track offers something new upon repeated listens. This complexity reflects Bush's artistic ambition but can also overwhelm some listeners who prefer more straightforward compositions. ### Themes ****Diverse Themes Thematically, *The Dreaming* explores a wide range of subjects: - **Existentialism:** Many tracks grapple with questions of existence and purpose, particularly evident in songs like "Get Out of My House." - **Love and Relationships:** The interplay between romantic desire and disillusionment is explored throughout the album, particularly in "Never Be Mine," where idealized love contrasts with reality. - **Cultural Commentary:** Tracks like "The Dreaming" address issues such as colonialism and cultural identity, showcasing Bush's engagement with social issues through her art. Bush’s ability to tackle such diverse themes within a single album speaks to her depth as a songwriter but may challenge listeners seeking more relatable content. ### Influence ****Impact on Music *The Dreaming* has had a lasting influence on artists across genres. Its innovative approach to production and songwriting has inspired countless musicians who seek to push boundaries within their own work. - Many contemporary artists cite Bush as an influence due to her fearless experimentation with sound and narrative structure. Her impact can be seen in genres ranging from art rock to pop music. - The album’s avant-garde nature has led it to be re-evaluated over time; what was once considered too eccentric is now recognized as pioneering. It paved the way for future artists to explore complex themes without fear of commercial backlash. ### Pros and Cons ****Pros - **Innovative Sound:** The use of technology like the Fairlight CMI creates a unique sonic landscape that was ahead of its time. - **Complex Lyrics:** Bush’s storytelling ability offers depth and invites listeners to engage critically with her work. - **Artistic Freedom:** The album represents a bold departure from mainstream expectations, showcasing Bush’s desire for creative autonomy. - **Cultural Relevance:** Themes such as colonialism resonate deeply today, making the album relevant across generations. ****Cons - **Accessibility:** The complexity of both lyrics and music may alienate casual listeners who prefer more straightforward pop songs. - **Commercial Reception:** At its release, *The Dreaming* did not achieve commercial success comparable to her earlier works, leading some to view it as a misstep. - **Dense Production:** Some tracks may feel overwhelming due to their intricate arrangements and layered sounds. - **Eccentricity:** The album’s avant-garde nature may not appeal to all audiences, potentially limiting its reach. ### Conclusion In summary, *The Dreaming* by Kate Bush stands as a landmark achievement in music history. Its innovative soundscapes, complex lyrics, and bold themes reflect an artist unafraid to explore new territory. While it may present challenges in accessibility and commercial appeal, its influence on subsequent generations of musicians cannot be overstated. As listeners continue to discover or revisit this remarkable work, they are reminded of Bush's unparalleled artistry and vision—a testament to her enduring legacy in music.

Fantastic Kate Bush album, one of my favorites from her and has a darker, more experimental sound than Hounds of Love.

I gotta stop reading the user reviews on this website. Like what are you even doing here if something like this is too much for you. Anyway it’s really good.

Houdini - would not have made an album quite like this. It’s fun! It’s like a very artsy, sometimes a bit too Celtic, broadway show. The high backing vocals really add a lot. I really dig this sort of stuff that’s a little more experimental and weird than normal while still being digestible for your everyday listener. Like a gateway drug. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard something quite like it. Probably not a regular listen album but I could see myself throwing it on at any occasion I’d put on Laurie Anderson. Best - Sat On My Lap

I don’t think there were any tracks here that I’d heard before. I have certainly heard Kate Bush before on other albums, and she’s pretty fantastic. Thankfully, this album stays as expected. Her voice if brilliantly unique, and the music itself it catchy, yet odd enough for it to be a stretch to simply call it “pop music”. That’s probably what I like most about Kate Bush, and this album further solidifies that sentiment. Not my favourite album of hers, but still a really good album.

Wow, who would have thought that Fran Drescher could have made an actually good 80s artsy album. Color me impressed.

I have never really listened to Kate Bush before so this is my first serious listen. This is an interesting and eclectic listen. She strikes me as a bit like a female version of Peter Gabriel. She is pushing the boundaries of music. I liked it. I will check out her other releases.

More theatrical than the last Kate Bush if I remember right. Not entiiiiirely my vibe & also theatrical in the way of being dragged to a play and you're like "maaaannnn I don't like plays". There's a dance number and you're like c'mmooonnn half-rolling your eyes. at some point it is strikingly moving. the play rocks. you're like wtf. wow. art. music: appreciated. (⌐■_■)

Maybe the biggest value of doing this list is that every once in a while it shines a light on a blind spot. I haven’t found all that many acts that I didn’t previously know at all, but there have been a few that I just neglected until my phone sat me down and said “Listen to this.” Kate Bush is one of em, Kate Bush rules.

Honestly I'm not sure what I just listened to. It was so weird. It wasn't bad! In fact it was kinda good? But so so strange I'm still not sure what it was. Give it a listen

Favourite tracks: sat in your lap; night of the swallow; the dreaming; all the love

Turns out that, when equipped with some of the most advanced, state-of-the-art instruments of the time, you do have the right to go a bit mad. Kate Bush was three albums deep into her already bold enough career when she dropped this audacious and occasionally batshit record; the kind of record no record executive would want to have soundtracking their darkest nightmares. Time has been kind to The Dreaming, not to mention the admirers it has, may they be as disparate as the subjects the album tackles. Whether or not it may be for you, it is worth a listen. Favorites: Sat in Your Lap, There Goes a Tenner, Pull Out the Pin, Suspended in Gaffa, The Dreaming, All the Love, Get Out of My House.

So this is what true artistic freedom sounds like. Suspended in Gaffa is another discovered cover. It's wildly weird and impressive. Hard to get around that it can be difficult to listen to at points, yet that balance is also what makes it interesting and inspiring. People from Bjork to Big Boi list it as a favorite and it's clear to see why

This is a musical theater person album through and through. I’m really tempted for the five star rating because it’s so amazing but I can’t imagine listening to many times.

Only receiving 4 because Hounds of Love clears Dreaming, sorry Kate

Was expecting weirder since everything called it her most experimental album but it was very enjoyable.

Although this album doesn't have any of the hits on it, I still enjoyed it a lot. Favorite songs: Night Of The Swallow, Houdini

Second album from Kate. I thought the spell was over and i wouldn't enjoy this one but... Happy i was wrong. Her music is not easy to consume, but several of these songs seem to have the potential to really grow on me after a few listens=)

Experimental, busy to listen to

While Hounds of Love is my favourite album by Kate Bush, that says more about that album than about this. This quirky beautiful record is an acquired taste for sure, but I somehow like it quite a lot.

This is like a 5 star for entertainment (4 if you're sane), and a 3 star for music (2 if you're sane)

As I go through this project, I’m starting to realise that the albums I like best are the deeply personal ones. The ones with a clear identity that shines through in every track. That presents a difficulty for me here because I always thought I disliked Kate Bush. After listening to it properly though, I’ve realised that I don’t dislike Kate Bush. Kate Bush is incredible. She’s a singular figure, distinct in a crowd of thousands and fascinating to witness. I adore her. I do, however, hate Kate Bush’s voice.

Albumi #74, 10.10.2024 Kate Bushin neljäs albumi ilmestyi vuonna 1982. Albumi on ensimmäinen hänen itsensä täysin tuottama albumi ja se näkyy albumin tietynlaisena kokeellisuutena. Kiinnostava albumi kokonaisuutena. Sekä sanoitusten aiheet ja sävellykset ovat varsin moninaiset. Käytettyjen instrumenttien ja tekniikoiden skaala on laaja ja tahtilajitkin vaihtelevat.

Second best

4.3 - I didn't always enjoy the song, but I loved the madness of this album. Really looking forward to more.

Fun, quirky, quintessentially Kate Bush, but I don’t think her best. Fave Tracks: Sat in Your Lap, Houdini 3.7/5

I guess i'm more used to Kate Bush. Seemed less weird then the other 2 we did. I'd give it another listen.

Actually really enjoyed this and want to come back to it more. It’s a little experimental but those things over time will become normal. Kate’s style on this album reminds me of Yoko Ono (if she didn’t suck). Even the last track with being almost scary after a few listens it is amazing.Her voice does all these little characters . The sound effects that is done with her singing is a bit mind blowing 4/5

This is a fun album - I love the wide variety of topics and themes. Reading about the meaning behind each song has been really interesting, and I give her points for taking some risks here. Each song is its own in depth story. In that way, it reminds me of Taylor Swift's Folklore album.

Experimental, but I liked it.

Кейт Буш - наверное значимая артистка в день сегодняшний с бесчисленным (и это отлично) числом самобытных поп-исполнительниц. Будет ли это большим стретчем, сказать, что Кейт Буш буквально заложила брат саммер лет так сорок назад? Пожалуй, достаточно большим. Но я так чувствую здесь и сейчас. Лучшая песня - Houdini.

This was way weirder than I expected having only heard a couple hit songs from Kate Bush like Wuthering Heights. I was a little unsure at first but by the end it felt like a good and fun weird rather than an unsettling weird. Favorite songs were: The Dreaming Pull out the Pin 7/10

This album is sooooooooo good. Pull out the pin is one of my favorites of all time.

A reminder of hounds of love. Wayyy better than sensual world.

Kate Bush continues to be one of the greatest artists to come out of the UK in the 80s!

I'm a big Kate Bush fan, in fact her picture is on my wall here as I type this.. but The Dreaming is not one of my favorite albums,

You know in movies when the adults hand over the keys of the car to the teenager and tell him to “Have fun but be safe” and then all hell breaks loose? This album is the equivalent of that with a synchroniser. I’m tickled by Neil Tennant in his curmudgeonly pre-fame days remarking how uncommercial this sound is. And of course Kate said the same thing when she reviewed this album a few decades later. It might be a bit too toothy for me to be a 100% convert. Still, when Bjork, Big Boi, and Beyoncé (I see you) obviously adore this album - well you can’t argue with such company, eh?

My heart sank a little when Kate Bush came up. However, I was surprised with this. She sounds sweet, chivvy and mental. First half of album was confusingly brilliant at times. 7.5/10

Not what I was expecting

Wonderfully weird. I couldn't always follow what she was on about, but I liked the music, I liked her weird singing. Idk what else to say.

Before this I only knew Running Up That Hill and I am sad Kate Bush has been hid from me for so long. This album is really, really good. 4/5

This one isn't anything close to an easy-listening experience which is a huge plus; i.e. none of these songs are "just push play" or follow any clichéd arrangement - meaning they jump around rhythmically, unexpected instrumental passages, changing time signatures within songs, etc. Too easy to say she's the opposite gender companion to early Peter Gabriel but it kind of fits. Very proggy which is what initially drew me to her. Lyrically she almost takes an 80s-Neil Peart path (or maybe he borrowed from her) - another huge plus. Yes sometimes her voice is *adventurous* :) but I like that she goes for it rather than take the easy route. TL;DR: right up my alley and definitely an album to enjoy solo rather than during a cookout. 8/10 4 stars.

Insane lyricism and eccentric vocals make this an amazingly solid record… 8/10 favorite tracks: The Dreaming & Sat in Your Lap

Somewhere round the 3rd or 4th ranked KB album I would think, but still an excellent record.

Bizarre but catchy and clever in enough ways to warrant a listen. I totally understand why this has received so many 1 star reviews, but it's on the right side of weird for me. The vocals are fantastic, varied in so many different ways. It's like being at the world's weirdest house party but still remains a good time. 09/07/24

Really enjoyed this.

a great album that took me about 10 years to appreciate , Maybe a bit inaccessible an introduction to kate bush though .

Keen to dive really deep into analysing this on future listens

Long seen as the runt in the KB catalogue, this album is undergoing a serious re-appraisal and quite rightly. I am a lifelong Kate head so bearing that in mind.... My current view on this album is that it suffers from its place in the catalogue, after Never For Ever birthed 3 monster hit singles (UK) and was her first No 1 album. After three years she returns with an almost entirely synth-led and sample-heavy album with no obvious hit singles. Failure. but what's next? What almost all agree is her crowning achievement, Hounds of Love. Listen to this album as a dry run at HOL, a first stab, and it makes a lot more sense. Tracks 1-5 are the wonky synthpop she would perfect an album later. The second side, though not a suite, explores the varied instrumentation and arrangements that she'd nail on Before the Dawn. This is not five stars, but it set her on a new course that would result in one of the greatest albums of the eighties. It couldn't have happened without this.

More artsy and daring than the standard Kate Bush. Pop premium right there

Weird one (affectionate)

Kate Bush might be one of the most critically acclaimed pop singer-songwriters of all time. You just don’t see her apart of the same conversations as people like Taylor Swift, Michael Jackson or Elton John because her music has always been for a different group of people. I was only aware of her biggest hit before today. And based on the reviews I was seeing of this record, it was looking to be very interesting. One that was wholly unsuccessful upon release, but was eventually reevaluated as a highlight of her career. And to anyone that is thinking of listening to this, prepare yourself for something unlike any music you’ve probably ever heard. When I heard Swordfishtrombones, I was very shocked at how much I enjoyed it. And considering that, it makes sense why so much of this album is so cool to me. I’ve heard that this was a big influence on Björk. And listening to this, and then comparing it to her debut, it all makes so much more sense. This record is disturbing and incredible in so many weird ways. I was seriously not aware of the kind of vocal range this woman had, but the displays she puts on are haunting and so entertaining to listen to. There is probably more creativity and uniquely crafted instrumentation going on in this album’s 40 minute run time than in some artists entire careers. I was sort of on the fence towards the beginning, with some songs being cool and some not feeling as complete. But once you get to that second half, I swear the album just gets ten times as beautiful, and it totally elevates the quality of this. Those last five songs justify the entire listening experience. I think if you are a fan of art pop, and are prepared to hear something that is experimental, but still decently accessible, you should give this a shot. It’s definitely an important part of pop history. Kate was basically David Gilmour’s protégé at the beginning of her career when she was only a teenager. I think that speaks volumes about her talents as a songwriter. Rating: 8/10

Wild and interesting album to be sure. Certainly not Hounds of Love or The Kick Inside, but it's certainly an album of all time. It's a weird record that takes a number of plays to get into and can be a little unsettling at times, but it is a good album overall, even if it's not her most user friendly or popular releases. If you want more approachable version of one of these tracks, check out Ra Ra Riot's version of "Suspended In Gaffa" 3.5/4 stars

Even better than expected 4,5

Kate bush. And woman with the voice of both an angel and a banshee. She uses it to great effect here.

Madder than Mad John McMad - but also perfectly pitched in its weirdness.

I need to listen to more Kate Bush was my take away. Not an easy album but always compelling.

Very eccentric, impressive vocals, not always catchy songs but always arresting and interesting. Clear influence on Lorde, Sia, Marina and the Diamonds, and Florence + the machine. Pull out the pin, suspended in gaffa, and get out of my house were my top tracks. 4 🌟

Kate Bush is better in theory than she is in practice. Not a fan of all the screaming even though I can appreciate it

The Dreaming by Kate Bush Thursday 6/6/2024 11:01 S Tier————————— There Goes A Tenner Sat In Your Lap Pull Out The Pin A Tier————————— Night of The Swallow All The Love B Tier————————— Suspended in Gaffa Leave it Open Houdini Get Out Of My House The Dreaming

Mood: neutral+ Setting: working I had never heard of this artist. The first 10 seconds I was thinking "Oh God this album is going to be a chore." However by the end of the first song I was totally sold. Pretty unique sounding, I enjoyed it.

Lovely

She’s an odd gal… interesting music and sound. 3.75

My second Kate Bush album, which somehow wins me over by being even weirder than the last one I listened to.

Kate is truly unfettered and unhinged here, free to explore all of her wackiest and most surreal artistic impulses. The world needs more legitimate artists and less pseudo "tortured poets".

So many sing alongs, love it

Weird and wonderful

MOTHERRRRR

To call this album theatrical feels like a slight, because although it is very dramatic and highly romanticized, it is not campy or maudlin. How impressive is it to self produce an album like this that your critics called uncommercial but goes to #3 on the charts. This album is visionary, I can hear the broad influence this has had from Bjork to Fiona Apple to Grimes. It’s surprisingly brilliant, even if it is jarring at times. I really enjoyed the opener, Suspended in Gaffa, Night of the Swallow, and Houdini. Vivid imagery and fascinating instrumentation. Really enjoyed this.

Suspended in Gaffe went way harder than I expected it would when the song first started. I appreciate what Kate Bush is doing here musically and would say it works for the majority. Prior to this I only knew Running up that Hill by her but im glad we got to explore her further. She has a very unique way of singing and constructing a song that I appreciate. I plan on coming back to this and further exploring her music catalog

Creative music - I like it.

Well it's always a pleasure to hear Kate Bush isn't it. I love how her style comes through in all parts of the music, down to the choice of beat and percussion. Nothing held back in terms of drama and glamour. Heard some songs new to me

I have to say I'm in love with this album. Every song comes on you think well, this is as weird as it's gonna get and it keeps getting weirder and weird her. But it keeps its consistency as well. Remains one total project. Kind of dips off in the end, there. But.

Good album, no classic tracks but solid

Kate’s an interesting creature. She uses her voice as an instrument like you’d use any other. It’s kind of annoying if you aren’t intimately familiar with her work and style. This was original and unique, fun at times, plenty of range, good production, structure, writing, and lyrics. It isn’t for everybody, but if you can dig Bush, you’ll really dig this. 4/5

Time eventually did Kate Bush right. That's right, time allowed Kate Bush to rise to the top, not Stranger Things (although that series clearly didn't hurt). Time proved that Kate Bush was eons ahead of her time. I remain baffled that American radio wasn't ready for her in the ’80's and instead embraced the likes of Madonna and Cyndi Lauper. Apparently that was as unusual as the states could take. Kate was like Marty McFly shr shredding at the Enchanted Under The Sea dance in Back To The Future, puzzling 1955 teenagers. But trust me, their parents were going to love it. And this album, her so-called "eccentric" album, sounds decades ahead of its time in 2024. It's her "Around The World In A Day" album, the one Prince released immediately after Purple Rain in an effort to veer away from popularity. And yet I have a sneaky suspicion that 30 years from now, your parents are going to swear by this album.

Lovely bonkers Kate, another artist I didn't appreciate at the time and thought was too weird - and am now making up for lost time with! Don't know many, if any, tracks from this album so was a nice journey to go through.

Brilliantly bonkers Bush.

Unless you try how would you ever know that you couldn't do Australian or Cockney accents? Mad as a box of frogs.

Very experimental work by Kate Bush, which honestly works very well for her. People may find this album very clashing with her other releases, but it has its highlights, despite its weirdness at times. Overall, you might have to listen to it several times to enjoy it, which is a polarizing action when it comes to listening to albums.

Vraiment un album intéressant, je ne m'attendais vraiment pas à ce son. Le côté expérimental/avant-garde gardait ça vraiment intéressant. Je pense que je devrais y revenir mais c'est certainement mémorable comme écoute. 7.5/10

Aggressively weird, almost to Oingo Boingo levels. Decided to be generous and rate this 4 instead of 3 stars. It does get a little repetitive, but it's so much itself that even that repetition of itself deserves some recognition.

Wiki says this was her experimental album but it didn't feel that way to me. I really enjoyed it.

What to even SAYYYYY about this Kate Bush album? Did I assume, putting it on, that we'd just be getting 12 tracks that sound like "Running Up That Hill Pt. 2" Yes. I'm ashamed to say that I thought that. I am super bad this new thing I'm trying, which is being a Kate Bush superfan. I actually sent several mind-blowing songs to my friends that were so... *crazy.* Genuinely deranged. And the response I got from everyone was "love Kate bush she's a good time." Dear reader... I am willing to bet that they *too* thought I was sending them a song that sounds like "Running Up That Hill Pt. 2." They most assuredly did not listen to the songs. Well, if they *had* listened... they would have been just as baffled as I have been. That singular, free-wheeling, artistic spirit of the hyperactive, disturbed mind of Kate Bush. What to even say! Nobody's mind works like Kate Bush's mind. It's genuinely unique music. This is Kate Bush during her Witching Hour. I was astounded! I think it's really good. But it's a VERY difficult first listen. Now on listen 3, with the lyrics open, and I'm at a place where I can understand what she's doing, and actually get it in my brain. Reminds me of Bjork, in the sense that the creative tap is not just flowing, it's on full blast, all the time. And, also like Bjork, every once in a while she does something that does NOT work, and it's a huge turnoff. Hugely distracting. But... how can you not listen to this and go, what a fascinating mind! 4/5. I feel like I can hear a version of this album that is smaller, tighter, and cuts just a bit back from the edge of the witching hour. Just... 10%, maybe, and it would be a perfect album.

Good Lord, Kate Bush is talented. This roars out of the gate with the grooving, toms-driven "Sat In Your Lap", in which she nails a smooth, staccato come-hither whisper, a distorted, near-falsetto wail and a vibrating, deep, powerful belt. Instant masterclass. The dark, synth-y, reverb-drenched composition and rangey, emotional, catchy vocals, all packaged in infectious, weird, highly produced pop is right in line with Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel albums of the same era. Except that Bush might actually be the best of the three. I read another review that described Bush's work as avante-pop and I think that's perfect. It's not prog but pushes the envelope in its own way, from a different genre. I like Hounds of Love a little better (that one'll haunt you) but this is a spectacularly good album and you should listen to it. In fact, here's a lukewarm take: we should all listen to more Kate Bush.

Much better album than the other one recorded by Kate Bush, that is also listen in here - "Hounds of Love". I was very surprised with the amount of experiments in regard of Kate's vocal performance. So many modulations, weird voices, but ultimately it fitted very well with the theme of the album. Kate Bush is really a talented singer and songwriter, it is real shame she wasn't that famous before (at least in my circles). Really cool album, will definitely come back to it again!

Such a creative and fun album. Interesting to think that this comes before Hounds of Love, which is a more coherent and complete work, but this is full of intriguing sounds and fantastic songs.

Kate is such a drama kid

Hi, like many people, have been thrilled at the Kate Bush Renaissance that has happened in the wake of stranger things. As a teacher, I find it delightful that today’s 16 and 17-year-olds recognize her name and her music. I might argue that albums like hounds of love or the sensual world are much more accessible than this album, but Kate Bush has always been kind of weird, and I have loved her for it. I listened to a lot of Fiona Apple and Tori Amos growing up, and the influence that Kate Bush has had on them, and other artist is profound. This album definitely represents wacky Kate Bush, but everything from her inimitable voice to the driving drums, and in the case of this album, somehow very impressive guitar work, I think it is a very good representation of who she is as an artist. I enjoyed it, and I’m happy to continue expanding my appreciation of this artist.

Surprised how much I liked this. Some wild stuff in here.

Spooky but also hella 80’s, Leave It Open is so interesting, also was not expecting the chant-singing in The Dreaming

It's very much a Kate Bush album, odd interesting concepts, studied performance, unique. Not my favourite Kate Bush album, but glad it exists!

Lovely

I love Kate but this isn't my favourite album of hers (Never for Ever and Hounds of Love are me favourites). Still, there's a lot to like here- so much inventiveness throughout.

Yesss, Kate Bush! I’ve never heard this album before, but wow, it’s excellent - I prefer her more experimental work to the poppier/more mainstream stuff. Really on the fence between 4 and 5… 4 for now, I suppose, but I can easily see it going up to 5 after spending more

Kinda strange in a cool way.

Another Kate Bush banger. This one sounds a lot like Tori Amos, except with fucking screaming and other weird things I like. 4/5

I understand why this nearly derailed Kate’s career, it’s a little out there even for her. But it has a lot of her best ideas too, enough so that it could stand neck and neck to Hounds as her finest work. A-

Not my fav Kate Bush album but still good!

New weird shit I like unlocked

I love how freaking weird this album is. It doesn't always work but I appreciate how daring it is even when it doesn't. Some real hits here too though that somehow are still very catchy and poppy while maintaining that offbeat insanity.

Liked it but didn't grab me

Good album, well produced great instrumentals and amazing vocals

Experimentations into the Land of Pop. This album feels like a weird dream. Love it.

Kate Bush transforms pop music into an exceptional artistic painting! Unique stuff.

There is but one Kate Bush: a wild woman, beautifully fragile and a force of nature all at once. Somewhat uneven but still highly listenable.

I am a massive fan of Kate Bush and it is so impressive that she produced this herself. Having said that, this is a bit bonkers for me and sadly I did not have the time to give it the attention. It needs and deserves. Still getting a 4 though

This record is particularly famous for being one of the first albums to use the then state-of-the-art synthesizer/computer Fairlight. I really see the album as a kind of musical laboratory with Kate Bush as a writing and producing 'mad professor'. The fruits of the experimental drive are then reaped on the successor to this album: Hounds Of Love

8/10 I absolutely loved the production — found it to be phenomenal I just wish I didn’t find Kate Bush’s voice to be so annoying maybe it’s not the voice, just the accent either way, it was a little rough to hear still loved this album tho

This was pretty gnarly it a great way. Super out there, but really engaging.

Snilld.

Interessante plaat!

Truly amazing eclectic art pop album from one and only Kate Bush. It's really hard to describe this album as Kate Bush has her own distinct style and this might be the most uncompromised an album of hers ever was.

Kate goat

I used to not think too highly of this album but now I realize it’s a hit. From ”Pull Out The Pin” onwards it’s classic Kate Bush wacko bangers ahoy

Detta är banger... några låtar inte lika. Coolt att the Dreaming handlar om aboriginsk mytologi då ja läste en bok om de de va lite aha moment... ya kno

Wonderfully weird yet never too over the top and still enjoyable

Anything Kate Bush so far has been a delight - and this was a record I wasn’t even aware of. None of the obvious hits here but it’s still a remarkable and strong record. Ms Bush does what she pleases and that pleases us all. She’s awesome.

Это прям ебануто местами алкоальбом: текила с табаско

Borderline unlistenable, experimental trip that was 20% soothing and 80% pure chaos. Really did feel like dreaming.

Very hard to pin down exactly what this album is. It defies classification. I still like it even if I wouldn't necessarily listen to it on purpose.

After a day spent bathing in sauerkraut, eating wild strawberries and listening to Kate Bush, I think I'm in love. I'm telling you brother, this is how to live. Yeeeeeee Haw motherfuckers. Peace.

very quirky album, overall enjoyed it.

This album provides a really interesting contrast with Hounds of Love, the other Kate Bush album that I've gotten on this list, and the album that comes after this one in her discography. This album is just Kate Bush being weirdass Kate Bush, and I must say that I dig her style. It's far less melodic than Hounds of Love, and makes for a much more difficult listen, but the quality is still clearly here. It seems crazy to me that this album made it to #3 on the UK album chart because it's really out there, but perhaps the general British audience had more of a tolerance for weird stuff then (they've certainly always tolerated weird stuff better than Americans anyway). I don't have a fucking clue how to describe this album. It can be a somewhat challenging listen at points, but it's always interesting, and she keeps finding ways to bring my attention back when it starts to wander 4/5

tastes but I like her, not her best

Delightfully strange, and really pushing the boundaries of what could be called pop. Its either decades ahead of its time, or acts like Richard Dawson and Joanna Newsom are behind.

Absolutely loved this. bonkers nonsense and i'm fully behind it

What a weirdo, but it's good

Have always loved her voice and this album shows it off well.

Disc complicat i enrevessat com pocs. Per ser pop dels '80 no podia quedar més lluny dels seus contemporanis. Però la seva creativitat és desbordant. Com més el coneixes més l'estimes

I thought I knew what to expect from Kate Bush after being assigned The Sensual World a few months back, but I was wrong. This was better than that one, to me, which may be controversial given the low rating on this one. It was really great though. I loved the tone of the album. One or two parts were a bit too much for me, as is the case with most albums that are so experimental, but this came very close to a five star. Maybe I like Kate Bush more than I thought? My favourite songs were All The Love, Pull Out The Pin, and There Goes A Tenner.

Completamente falopa, me encanto

Sonidos familiares vueltos incompatibles por una fuerza extraña, que trastoca la articulación normal en un punto tan sensible como imperceptible. Kate Bush hace del pop un lugar para sus ritos, tierra fértil para inmolarlo y hacer nacer allí, bajo caras en permanente metamorfosis, una nueva vida, la cual será tal como ella quiera: chillona, grave, aguda, o un teatro puro.

She’s a talent. It was a very unique sight and sound when she first appeared and she’s written some beautiful songs. Quite enjoyed the album maybe just nudging a 4 ?

Suspended in Gaffa is my jam. Also, fun fact: she produced this album entirely on her own!

Really enjoyed this one! The first half in particular was was a fun ride.

I don't *not* like Kate Bush but you've got to admit this is a lot. Super interesting, textured and complicated and full of surprises, but also kind of a chore. Do I need my music to be catchy? Not always. But a little catchiness would have gone a long way. Subsequent listens helped a lot. Still not sure about the last two songs, though.

Vanhoja suosikkeja. Hyvä ja erityisesti eheä kokonaisuus, kunnon albumi. Välillä snadisti liian kokeellista laulia mulle (huohotus), mut kuuluu asiaan (pieni epämukavuus).

A really fun and surprisingly political ska album. Would love to check out some of the band's other works now. 4/5. Favorite Track: Holiday Fortnight

I am so happy that I got to spend my birthday listening to another KATE BUSH ALBUM Sat In My Lap - 10/10 (talk about philosophy) Suspended In Gaffa- 100/10 (THIS IS MY FAVE ON THE ALBUM AND ONE OF MY TOP 10 FROM HER) The rest of the album was excellent I love how I genuinely hear things I have not heard before or am not accustomed too She thinks too outside of the box I genuinely think that Kate Bush should be studied in schools and her philosophical music is on par with Talking Heads

This is Kate at her absolute creative peak. After releasing three previous albums and having established her artistic cred, the record label let her go wild on this one. She is also almost schizophrenic on this album, with weird screeching background vocal overdubs on many songs and she also affects foreign accents - eg French (and also Donkey) in Get out of my house, Cockney in There goes a tenner and Aussie in The Dreaming. The album starts out with thunderous percussion on Sat in your lap and you just know that its gonna be a wild ride. I can see why some folks think this album is strange or eccentric, but after a repeated listenings (probably 100s in my case) it will grow on you. I can also see how she was a major influence on other eccentric artists such as Bjork. I think this was a landmark work of art, but its not quite her best work - that would probably be Hounds of Love and the sinfully under-rated Aerial.

A little.surreal.

Don't think I've listened to any Kate Bush from this early in her career before? Definitely an interesting listen, and I appreciate her experimentation! Not sure about the faux Ozzie accent in the title track, but I guess not every experiment is going to land. Fave track - "Pull Out the Pin", maybe? I did enjoy "Get Out Of My House" for the donkey noises - great stuff!

A truly unique artist. Everything Kate Bush does could only be done by Kate Bush. This album has so many different sounds and styles all packed into it

I really enjoyed this, and I’m thinking now that I need more Kate Bush in my life.

I love how she just goes out on a limb here. Love the inhabiting of various personas, the experimentation. This album was a ride.

Gotta love the sheer madness of this album. Just completely beautifully bonkers. Brave stuff.

Had to listen to this a few times. Much more experimental than I was expecting. Some of it feels a bit dated in its instrumentation but somehow that adds to its experimental nature for me. Pretty impressive, although not sure I'd wanna listen to it as a whole.

Listening to The Dreaming is very much like experiencing a play. Bush is extremely theatrical in both her songwriting and production incorporating sounds effects as easy as if it was just another breath. Her vocal performance is, of course, beyond belief and ranges from impressive dephts to full on screams and something almost resembling avante garde metal on "Houdini". The instrumentation, relying on an array of experimentation with the list including didgeridoo, bouzoki and uilleann pipes and a sound ranging from baroque to avante garde and Irish folk music. This is such a bizarre piece of work. Brutal as on "Get Out of My House" yet wonderfully beautiful as on "Night of the Swallow". But under the careful command of Kate Bush everything works and comes together. Also - is it any wonder TIDAL went straight into Björk after this?

So weird and so interesting. I always appreciate records like this, it’s so wild and unpredictable and keeps you engaged the whole time. The songwriting/production and vocals are strange and unique. Not sure I’ll be listening to this again anytime soon but this was by far one of the most unique and intricate albums on this list so far.

10 out of 10 for weirdness. I am always amazed when an artist puts out something like this. Its a ton of drama.

This is a stunning albums in many ways. The musicianship, the first tentative sounds of the Fairlight CMI in popular songs. An eclectic album and well worth a listen.

I love Kate Bush. This album is more experimental, and makes for a unique listening experience. I enjoyed it a lot, and I respect Kate Bush'es willingless to pursue what SHE wants to do with her music. Very important album to a lot of future creative female musicians (eg Bjork).