The Dreaming

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.

3/5 for this album but 4/5 for Kate Bush and her overall weird vibe. Great moments here but a little off the rails. May grow on me over time.

If you get lost in a dark wood and kidnapped by an evil witch, when you awaken in her dungeon and she takes a sort of venomous liking to you - she will explain herself through song in a manner very similar to this album. I actually kind of like it in small doses. In other moments I feel like I’m about to get baked into a pie.

Not many albums where I skip damn near every song with “I just dont get it” in my head. This is one of them

Sean, feel like you summoned this album with your plead for more boundary pushing. This was wild. I really only know Running Up that Hill, from its recent resurgence. From what I’ve read this is the double black diamond of Kate Bush albums. The most experimental and least accessible. Not a lot I’m going to come back to on its own. If I end up listening to more Kate Bush, I may find more appreciation for this in context. Get Out of My House and Suspended in Gaffa stand out.

Second Kate Bush album I've gotten after Hounds of Love. Certainly more 'out-there' as an album.

Solid.

I’m not really sure how to describe this. Like a pop opera? Interesting but a bit too weird for me.

This selection is revealing as to the demographics of the list editors. I am guessing white Gen x men from UK. It's not bad, just boring and time has not bolstered it's stature, let's just say.

Wow. I knew I wasn't much of a Kate Bush fan, but I must admit I never dreamed she'd created an album as bad as this. And.such.truly.embarrassingly.horrible.videos! All of them somehow managed to make the album even worse: the bizarre jester-themed "Sat in your lap"; the extremely amateur and atrociously-accented "There goes a tenner" (but kudos for inexplicably incorporating gelignite in the lyrics!); the painful mime/art-dance/Riverdance moves in a wind-tunnel barn in "Suspended in Gaffa", and the culmination of all that is unholy in the title track video (or at least *extremely* offensive on pretty much every level; I mean, why didn't *anyone* tell her that dressing up people as Aborigines in some bizarre Mad-Max landscape and appropriating instruments and music and terms and some bizarre pan-faux-British jabberwocky accent, could only fail on an epic scale? And what's with the inexplicable giant masturbation-like movements with the laser beam and that poor guy's torso?). I kept thinking that she should have gotten Darryl Hannah as her marionette stand-in in the videos (a la Pris in "Blade Runner"); that would at least have made the videos a little less goofy, but only a little. This is an atrocious album, mainly because she clearly thinks it's far more interesting than it is. I guess the only positive thing I can honestly say is that she definitely flexed her imagination in coming up with this cornucopia of clownish songs, and the fact that she not only wrote but also produced all the songs definitely saves it from a one star ranking. And I can totally see why the likes of Bjork consider this one of their favorite albums, which really only reinforces my ranking and my frustration that many other far more worthy albums got left off of this collection because of tripe like this (I'm not entirely sure I can understand why Big Boi (Outkast) also lists this as a favorite album, though).

I have no idea why anyone would listen to this ever. The last song, was someone moaning "Eeyore" over and over again?

Very good

Shit rocks

if pre-eclipse griffith was a fuckin album

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

Baffling, especially with her voice at its screamy screechiest. I'm sure Kate has her place but not with this wildy experimental and self-indulgent album.

Not a massive Kate Bush fan but some interesting stuff going on here…

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.

As this is a full notch below her other entries on this list, it makes sense that it never sold. One's a fan but doesn't hear much here to get excited about –  it's all too theatrical, melodramatic, stiff, non-flowing and excessively arty. Her view that it was a "she's gone mad" record shows considerable (and admirable) self-knowledge. It would seem that the "KB is the female Bowie" theory applies equally to the lowlights as well as the highlights.

I really enjoyed this album, it was very thought provoking. There were a lot of eclectic and experimental moments. Kate has a beautiful voice throughout the tracks, and it's beautifully accompanied with her more emotional lyrics. My favourite track is very much 'All The Love', that spoke to me. In particular the 24 year old me who questioned her friendships reciprocity. Gorgeous song, Gorgeous album. Get Out Of My House, was also a stand out. The titular lyric screamed with such emotion was powerful. I would listen again.

Odd!

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.

Not a Kate Bush fan. Don't like her voice. This is much too theatrical for me. Not bad enough for a 2 but definitely not for me.

I cant say I needed a 3rd Kate Bush album even if it is refreshing to see a female artist again. I don't think the production aged well at all, but I'm guessing this sounded pretty otherworldly at the time of its release

Not horrible, just worse than expected, but enough to remain above a 2 I suppose, but still an insult to other albums that I ranked 3.

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 need the Fairlight CMI

The first time I ever heard Get out of my House was with Ben while we were on a hiking/camping trip. He played it for me after we had driven over a mountain pass and were heading down into a forested valley. The sun had just set, and because of the windy road and dense trees we could only see a short ways ahead of us in the headlights. It was terrifying. I would listen to Rush 1000 times to hear Kate Bush again for the first time. Kate Bush Donkey Noise Kate Bush Donkey Noise

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.

Very important album 4 Me Fav song: Suspended in Gaffa HM: Get Out of My House

I couldn't really connect to this music. I can see how this album would be really important to folks though; it evokes a primal, almost repressed feeling--like someone wanting to escape from a structure of music that wasn't built for them, but they don't have the tools to do it. Railing against the patterns of chords and repetitive percussive elements, Kate Bush belts, hollers, and sometimes brays like a donkey to create a dissonance that rails against the structure of the music. I don't say that to be insulting in any way, it's just true and I respect the artistic decision to go there. If I were to listen to this album again, I would want to be deeply engaged in a creative process where I had to confront complicated, almost violent feelings. I would lean on Kate's vocals to carry me through my frustrations with the process and remind myself that the art is in fact found in the pain of that process. As a listener, it's difficult for me to parse the lyrics, so I would run this back another time and see if I can appreciate the poetry of her words. If anything, this album really sparked my curiosity and I'd love to discuss this work with a fan.

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

I do like a lot of Kate Bush songs but this album isn’t my favourite from her! So interesting songs but won’t be rushing to listen again.

This one did not land the way she wanted. Is this a joke?

Kate Bush is so cool!! This album sounds way ahead of its time.

I really wanted to like this but it was just ok

Enigmatic and odd - pretty compelling but short on hooks and memorable melodies. Probably deserves another listen or two to really get my head around it

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

A little wacky

Yea it was weird and I definitely wasn't digging portions of this joint. But I would be remiss if I didn't point out that there are some things that work for me and I think the commitment to exploring unique sounds is ultimately a win in the long term for music and for Bush

Now I understand why half of dark cabaret artists list Kate Bush as their inspiration

I would either start to really like this or really hate it after a few listens- just not sure which. But on the first pass it was certainly not terrible.

Ziemlich schräg - aber gut!

I think Kate Bush is trying to out weird Bjork. Very bizarre style. I know she can sing but not on this album. She sounds like she took singing lessons from Yoko Ono. There is not a single song on this album I would willingly listen to again.

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.

Not gonna beat around the "Bush..." this album feels like an angry Disney movie soundtrack at times. Odd use of shriek sounds. It wasn't my favorite

First time listening to an entire Kate Bush album. Not sure where I am at with it, will need another listen for sure.

As whimsical and dreamy as ever, Kate Bush shows that her voice is an emotive, tonal instrument as much as it is the vehicle for singing lyrics. “There Goes a Tenner” has a fun jumpy piano melody while Kate Bush surely lays out the vocal blueprint not just for this album, but surely for Björk as well. The 3:45 mark of “Pull Out The Pin” continues that super impressive vocal work in the way Bush dramatically screams “I love life!” over and over. The title track has the most compelling story on here, about the forced assimilation and destruction of Aboriginal life in Australia. The instrumental passage at the end of this track is stunning! It’s easily my favorite on the record and totally worth a few listens. Strong 3 on this one, if I go back and listen to it more I could see myself converting to a 4/5!

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

This is my 2nd review for a Kate Bush album I think I just don't like Kate Bush.

3/4

AAAAAAAAA

I was really surprised by this one. I'd heard her name before but was unfamiliar with her music. Looking at her spotify now I definitely recognize some of the top singles. I wasn't sure what to make of this album at first but Pull Out the Pin hooked me. The production is really interesting despite using some synths and drums that sound pretty dated at this point. There's a lot of interesting ideas here and Kate's performances on many of the songs convey a lot of emotion which was really engaging for me. I've already listened to the album a couple times and I definitely wanna get blasted and listen to it again.

Idk what I was expecting from Kate Bush, but this wasn’t it.

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.

Meh. When Kate hits the spot she's amazing, but with the exception of 'Sat in your lap' noke of these tracks really do anything for me, and the awful cockney/Australian impressions on a couple of tracks do NOT stand up. Hounds Of Love is undeniably a classic, but this falls short. Just about scrapes a 3 because it's not awful, and SIYL is a brilliant opener.

4.5/5. British experimental 80s pop is the shit.

This album had some crazy highs and crazy lows. When Kate Bush is at her best on this album, the songs are amazing, but sadly many songs are just downright annoying. This album kicked off with two really bad songs, then got good for a while, before ending on another down note.

A rare miss from Bush, as this fell over the line from quirky, breathy woman of the earth singing beautiful and ethereal songs over msytical backing into...well, that, but in a hugely irritating fashion. I'll let her off, and accept that it's probably my failing rather than her, but really, the difference between this and Hounds of Love is very stark.

'Experimental' apparently means shit in the music world. The 'Layers' of music are different layers of shite.

BUSH! A bit too much bush for me. Really like Suspended in Gaffa but majority of album not really growing on me - despite repeated listens over several days .

The Dreaming This was a real grower, becoming more fascinating and more enjoyably off beat the more I listened. Initially though it felt a bit of a mixed bag, Sat In Your Lap and Pull Out The Pin I liked immediately, but the musical theatre aspects seemed too prominent and drowned out the more subtle and interesting elements. However with further listens that gap between those two things started to blur. There Goes A Tenner’s cock-erny opening verses stood out at first as a little too am dram, but with repeat listens it seemed to make more sense, not only narratively but in contrast with the middle sections, helping morph the whole song into something quite odd and rather brilliant. While there are still occasions where those theatrical tendencies threaten to overwhelm, she always manages to either pull it back or push it into more unusual and compelling places. The run from Sat In Your Lap to Suspended in Gaffa is fantastic, I love the rasp in her voice in the I love life part of Pull Out The Pin. The Dreaming is another song that at first felt too like a musical, but again it really benefited from repeat listens, the sampled and looped voices and didgeridoo combining to give a slightly creepy, otherworldly, dreamtime feel. Night of the Swallow is a superb song, perhaps the most conventionally structured, but still with enough texture and unsettling drums, and a beautiful vocal and lyric. I think there is a slight sense of drift with All of the Love and Houdini, or at least a sense that they aren’t quite at the same level as the preceding songs, despite a suitably odd atmosphere to All of the Love. Get Out Of My House is superb though, the anger in the screams feels very real, and musically it feels like something from the Peter Gabriel Melt album, with the guitar and drums. While there are some great melodies and hooks, there’s a lot of brilliant stuff happening rhythmically with the percussion, Fairlight and the piano. It put me in mind of Fetch the Bolt Cutters quite a bit, and, although it’s a bit reductive to always compare female singers to each other, it feels like there is a throughline, not just rhythmically but also in the sense of true self expression It’s definitely an album that rewards time and effort, appreciation doesn’t necessarily come easily, it’s full of oblique corners and unexpected deviations into strange places, and it has a definite weight and density to it, despite the slightly floaty and ethereal character that hovers over it. It moved up from the 3s to the 4s after repeat listens. I’m not quite sure it reaches a 5 but it’s a high 4, a fantastically strange and intriguing album. 💭💭💭💭 Playlist submission: Pull Out The Pin

'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.

Like I said in a review of another Kate Bush album, I’m just not a fan of Kate and her voice. There are some interesting ideas in this album, but with no “Running Up That Hill” to save it this time there’s nothing for me. I particularly disliked the tracks where she over abused and annunciated the British Cockney accent. Doesn’t suit her style.

Basically a nice album by a very good singer with an incredible voice. But it's still by far not as good as Hounds Of Love.

Incredibly weird and weirdly incredible. I love a bit of Bush.

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

Nope. Not good at all.

Get Out of My House, if you plan on playing this album.

Maybe this is my bad for not knowing this album would be a weird concept album posing as the score to an off-broadway musical I would never attend. That is to say, I had expectations (an album of normal Kate Bush songs), and they were unmet. All that being said, if somebody had warned me, I would have come in hating it. It’s like telling somebody the movie will have a twist, and then they’re looking for it. If somebody had said I should prepare for donkey hee-haws and intonations that sounded awkwardly like a drama camp recital, it would also have ruined this album.

Daring art pop that actually works

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".

Outstanding album. Blew me away.

Another where I hear so much of what must have influenced several artists I really enjoy. Also, made a mental note to recommend to anyone who ever says they want a Regine Chassagne solo album, which I wouldn’t think would be that many people but here we are.

Increíble disco. La experimentación en la composición, en los sonidos, en la voz, en lo surreal de las letras es fascinante. La capacidad que tuvo Kate Bush para utilizar elementos "raros" a nivel sonoro y hacer que suenen coherentes y cohesivos a la escucha es excelente. El estilo circense por momentos que da un aire risueño, la utilización de sonidos de ambiente alterados, los coros... todo hace de este un disco muy especial. Sin dudas un nuevo favorito para mí.

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

I'm giving this a 4, for the sheer creativity & skill on display. This album deserves dedicated listening time. Reading the lyrics is essential to understanding the songs.

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.

It's experimental, it's weird, it's difficult, it's freaking amazing from start to finish. It might be an acquired taste, but I love this album so much and find no fault in it. A desert island disc for sure. If you don't like it, go back and listen to it again. Louder. Let it sit. Repeat this process. If you still don't get it, that's a huge loss for you and I am so sorry because you are missing out. The songs: Sat In Your Lap: great start! There Goes a Tenner: so fun and catchy. Pull Out the Pin: oof...so good. Her voice is incredible here--there's so much power and emotion--and David Gilmour grounds her. I love life! Suspended in Gaffa: no notes; perfection! Leave It Open: We let the weirdness in. Yes, Kate, we really do. And it's fantastic. The Dreaming: such an interesting song. It's all over the place. The structure is fascinating. You hear something new each time you listen to it. The way this bleeds into Night of the Swallow is so enjoyable. Night of the Swallow: one of Kate's best songs ever. I've heard it so many times and it still elicits an emotional response. Play it loud. All the Love: it has a hard act to follow after Night of the Swallow, but it holds its own. It has a haunted quality to it. It's a nice layover before Houdini. Houdini: some people don't like the vocals on this; those people are wrong. This song is a rollercoaster in the best possible way. If you like metal, you should like this. There's so much emotion in Houdini--anger, fear, love, tenderness. It's beautiful. Get Out of My House: It's raw. It's difficult. There are donkey noises. It's freaking amazing. I feel like this is such a woman's song, coming from such a feminine perspective. What a way to end an album.

God... that was just terrible. Weird to be weird. So glad Kate got her shit together for Hounds of Love a couple years later. It's like night and day between these two albums.

It's weird, it's kooky, it's Kate Bush! Wasn't sure what to expect, and for some reason it all makes sense. I enjoyed it and would listen to it again.

Very weird album, but not bad weird, just…. Odd.

Dude this is fascinating. It’s almost more like a theatre production than a typical album. This woman is insane.

Very weird and very unique. Every song feels handcrafted and different. Highlights: 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 I will definitely return and look forward to exploring more of her work.

Listens: 3 or 4 Standout tracks: Suspended in Gaffa Added To Library: TRUE Early impressions are that this album or Kate Bush in general could be an influence for someone like Grimes or the genre that someone like Grimes falls into. I'm getting major baby/angel pop vibes from a few songs. There's a lot of vocal layering, high pitched shrill, growling-like and other voice manipulation involved. There's also plenty of traditional rock elements, and musical elements found in 80s British rock. It's not clear if the lower, deeper backing vocals are another person or just more vocal layering. There a weird clacking sound in Suspended in Gaffa that keeps faking me out. Did a double take when I heard it the first couple of times. Sounded like there was someone knocking on the wall. This album is the right amount of weird and I am onboard with it.

Remarkable

Revel in the weirdness

I thought Kate Bush's remarkable voice was great in many of her songs, even if she sometimes uses it on the edge of being caustic. I've never heard a whole album from her before. So this is the first. As I said, a remarkable voice, but this time more often on the wrong side of caustic. I didn't like the album. It's possible that this is her most experimental album. But who says experiments have to be successful? From my point of view, this one is a failure. 3/5

A challenging one for the One Album A day format, as this album takes a few listens to fully appreciate. So I can see why this has some mixed scores, although anyone who gives the follow up Hounds Of Love less than 5⭐ should be instantly decapitated. It's dense and rich, and once you get to know such a rewarding listen. Absolutely an album that should be in the 1001, and 5⭐ from me.

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.

A favorite of a bunch of artists I love. But it never gels for me. Maybe you had to be there? Or maybe it'll gel someday. I do love the thicc 80s drums though.

Kate Bush somehow manages to sound ahead of her time and also of her time at the same time. I really liked the layered, back and forth vocals on a few of the tracks and the synths were pretty great. It’s a weird record, like prog-pop or something. Good, but I’m not sure I’ll be revisiting.

Not her best. Still good.

2.5

Y'know, I thought I got Kate Bush. Not enough that I'm able to put it into words, I mean, but if I were to imagine it off the top of my head I feel like I'd get closer to her general sound than I wouldn't. Now, I'm not gonna say this album changes that too much about that, but this album does enter in an element of her sound that I don't think I ever considered before. Coming into this thing, I was expecting the more experimental aspects. After all, "experimental" is how I read this thing described — riveting, eh? But yeah, I knew this was still a pop record, so it wouldn't be **that** over the top, like a Residents record. What I hadn't been expecting, though, but I was very happy to discover... Was the theatricality of it all. Like, if I had to use any one word to describe the material on this album— I mean, I can't think of any other I'd want to use. Part of this comes from the variety of styles present on the album. There's stuff that I'd say sounds more typical, but then you got something like the title track, which is so Australian it hurts. The one after that, meanwhile, is a straight dive into Irish music — and following that, you've got this airy, floating ballad number. And surely, it's a compliment to how well this stuff is all arranged and composed. If there's any one thing, though, that gets me to call this album theatrical... It all comes down to Kate Bush's performance. Throughout the album, if I'm imagining anything, it's her on stage — but not a concert stage. More like a play stage, acting these songs out like disconnected numbers from various strange musicals. It's captivating to listen to. Like, honestly, of the Kate Bush albums I've heard before — and at this point it's just HOUNDS OF LOVE and THE SENSUAL WORLD — this might be my favorite thus far? And it's just for that fact. I mean, seriously, there are parts and styles on this album where I'm reminded of Sparks and their own odd British-by-way-of-California sense of glam theatrics. That's a compliment and a half right there from me. It made me wanna go and listen to some of her other work — or at least "Running Up That Hill" and "Cloudbusting" from the follow-up album, if nothing else. Obviously, being more conventional (on this side of the record, anyway), she doesn't aim as big or go as hard as she does on THE DREAMING, but... Keeping what she's capable of in mind, I'm able to appreciate her performance way more than I did before. Like, if I was an 8 before, then we've cranked it to 11. You've gotta give an album props if it can do that. And, hey, if I think those songs are even better with this context, I look forward to seeing what it'll do for my opinion of the **second** half of the album. I remember not being too fond of that half when I first heard HOUNDS OF LOVE... But I'll get there when the Randomizer's RNG randomly decides it's time. In the meantime, I think this album is really worth the people's time. Get a little theater in their day, y'know? And heck, some Kate Bush in general. She's the good stuff, y'know...

Wonderfully weird pop. 4.5 bumped up to 5.

I am surprisingly at a 4.5 that I’ll bump up to a 5. It took a little bit for this album to really start registering in my brain, because it is SO wildly & radically different from what I’d expect a Kate Bush album to sound like at this point. Between “The Sensual World” & her features on Peter Gabriel’s albums, her style seemed pretty defined, so to get such an avant-garde & experimentally bold one like this threw me off guard. I think I liked this, though. Admittedly, I’m still not even quite sure what the overall theme of the album is – “The Sensual World” was a look into the human condition & how human connection is a necessary thing, but this album feels like a more scattered look into pain, panic, plight & paranoia, whether it’s Vietnam-induced PTSD, a seance to summon the ghost of Harry Houdini, the struggles of Australian aborigines, or whatever the hell “Get Out of My House” was. It’s a much wider album, and that wideness comes with a variety of soundscapes & styles, all rooted in a little bit of chaos. Well, chaos & a myriad of synths, drum machines & MIDI instruments. For 1982, this feels almost like Kate Bush trying to do a Bjork album, and it really did work for me. I don’t know that I can type too much more about this; it’s gonna vary wildly from person to person, and I’ll probably need another pass or two with this album to really dig deeper into its eccentricities. It’s an interesting listen, and I’m probably giving it the bump up to a 5 just because I found it captivating & fascinating; from a purely musical standpoint, it’s compositionally closer to a 4, but there’s something in the delivery & structure of the album, and how it ramps up the chaos even more from track to track, that commands attention. I liked it; it’s probably no less than a 3. Maybe a 2 if you’re THAT thrown off by how wildly different this is. For me, it’s a 4.5 that I’ll bump up to a 5 – certainly a weird one, but it’s worth digging into.

RYM: 5.0 | AOTY: 97 | Favorite Track: Pull Out the Pin —————— Ever since first listening to this album, I've been fascinated by how bold and uncompromising it can be. Kate Bush really pushes her sound into strange and experimental territory, making an avant-pop record that pulls from all sorts of corners of post-punk and art rock while still bringing her signature sound. You can hear a strain of new wave influence through the album, especially the kind of dark, art-pop direction from Peter Gabriel's 1980 self-title album which served as major influence. This is most heard in "Sat in Your Lap" and "Suspended in Gaffa" with their dense percussive energy and surreal atmosphere. My favorite tracks on this album though are when she pulls off a neo-psychedelic post-punk by way of Siouxsie and the Banshees in tracks like "The Dreaming" and "Pull Out the Pin" which is my favorite track on the album. These track display a beautiful mix of eerie textures and hypnotic rhythms. Lyrically, these tracks explore everything from anti-war and anti-colonialism sentiment to references to Stephen King's The Shining on "Get Out of My House". Overall, I see this as bold gothic pop album that is experimental and theatrical in all the best ways.

Profoundly strange yet hugely creative. Didn't know what to think.

Some interesting moments but not a lot. Feels overproduced for what it contains.

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.

It's over. I don't have to listen to any more Kate Bush ever again. Considering adding more enjoyable female artists to this list. Experimental doesn't always mean influential.

Like her unique voice

Really don't like it.

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.

I was today years old when I learnt that Kate Bush sucks. The Dreaming is a bad musical soundtrack. 2.7/10

Didnt really like her voice

I could give this anywhere between 1 and 5 stars. I’m not a huge avant garde pop fan but I recognise how important it is to have this music pushing the genre to interesting places. Ultimately for me, she doesn’t quite tip her experimentation into a compelling hit in this album.

Did not like

ein sehr weirdes album.. auf eine weise hat es mir gefallen, zumindest bestimmte aspekte und stellen: kate bush‘s stimme gefällt mir gut, sie ist sehr extravagant und unique. auch die harmonien sind spannend und es passieren in der musik generell crazy sachen, die interessant anzuhören sind. auf eine andere weise hat es mir allerings nicht gefallen: ich empfinde das album als anstrengend und teilweise lärmig. mir ist zudem aufgefallen, dass ich dem album eine grössere chance und von anfang an mehr credit gegeben habe, weil ich kate bush kenne und sie mir gut gefällt. auf jeden fall keine belanglosen 3 sterne im sinne von „ismiregal“ sondern eher im sinne von „teils/teils“

Pretty interesting, quite theatrical

I had certainly heard of Kate Bush, but in all these years I never actually heard Kate Bush. After listening to this album, I just thought the whole thing was kind of weird. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t care for it much either. At least it wasn’t boring, I‘ll give it that. But I guess I will give it 2 stars.

To be honest I do like Kate Bush i think she is avant garde theatrical creative and cool. I am definitely more of a hounds of love Kate Bush fan, This was cool to listen to but i doubt i will buy the vinyl or revisit it.

Day442 - i try but there’s only so much of kate bush that my ears can handle

she is everything

I’m sorry Kate Bush but you irritate me. I didn’t enjoy this.

mischievous sexy clown music

oho! nyt tuli aika paskaa albumia katilta! harmittavaa tosiaan kun on ihan hyvää ollut mitä tähän mennessä kuunneltu. ei tosiaan ikinää vokaalit vienyt minnekkään enemmän rakennelmat, musiikkin struktuuri.. ja tässä aika saatanan tylsää ja tylsää 800 luku paskaa lähinnä. Karolingien renessanssi ja viikinkien hyökkäykset tapahtuivat tänä aikana. Lähi-idässä viisauden talo perustettiin Abbasid Bagdadiin, mikä houkutteli kaupunkiin monia tutkijoita. Algebran alan perusti muslimipolymaatti al-Khwarizmi. ok loppua kohden parempi leavi it oopin

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.

Reminds me of Tori Amos. I like some of Tori's stuff, but most of it is rather grating to me. Same w/Kate. They both clearly have talent, but it's a bit too. . . out there? artsy? for me. But at the same time, I can respect them for doing their own thing. Just prefer it's not in earshot of me. 2.5* rounded down. Started at 3 and kept gradually losing stars for me.

So, so weird.. Shades of Bjork. In some ways it felt like listening to the soundtrack to a musical I didn't understand the plot to.

What did I just listen to?

i could’ve gone my life without listening to it .

Appreciate her art but can’t get past her voice

I did not like this. 1

Apparently I don’t like any of her musc based on her 2 albums I’ve listened to.

Fucking nuts awesome

Ok wow, I need to start listening to Kate Bush cause this album is crazy. Like sonically it sounds like someone made this album high on adhd meds cause it’s wild. It’s kinda silly at parts, and at other parts it’s very brooding and emotional. And what Kate does with her voice on this album is super unique I’ve never heard an album that sounds like this and I ADORE it!

This is the third Kate Bush album I've had so far on this project, and it's the first one I didn't hate. Although that goes a long way, I didn't love it either.

March 1, 2025 (T-27) The last time this website gave me a Kate Bush album was in 2022. Perhaps the long wait for the second is the universe's punishment for me calling 2022 "the year of Bush"*, in reference to the Stranger Things-led renaissance of "Running Up that Hill (A Deal With God)". My curiosity and impatience led me to listen to The Hounds of Love on my own time, but I never heard this one before. This one definitely required a second listen; I almost docked a full star for the “turning into a mule” section, but I appreciate that building on the oddness of previous tracks like in “Sat in Your Lap” and the partly screamed “Houdini” ten tracks in couldn’t have been easy. But she did it. “Leave it Open” is another song that made a bit more sense on the second listen. “We LeT tHe WeIrDnEsS iN!” Having listened to Hounds of Love and The Sensual World before, knowing that we’re 3 for 3 in Kate Bush albums featuring Irish traditional elements is surprising. (Didn’t know her mother was Irish). My thoughts on The Dreaming can be summarized as “Why? …Why not?” HL: “Night of the Swallow”, “There Goes a Tenner”, “Pull Out the Pin”, “Suspended in Gaffa”, “Houdini” *the title track contains the lyric “push them from the pull of the Bush”, so I don’t feel quite as weird now

I don't think I've heard "early" Kate Bush before, not outside of "Babooshka" at least. This is very much one of her more experimental releases. Everything is avant-garde in an instrumental sense, and Bush's unique vocals in addition to the unsettling vocal loops featured in almost every track make for a very...interesting listen I'll say. To quote the outro lines from the fifth track: "We let the weirdness in". I think that's a pretty apt description for what I just witnessed.

Fine

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.

Vocal pop display From carnival heights down to Feral haunting growls

I just don't understand her appeal. She's got some crazy energy.

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).

I can see why so many people would be turned off by this. Kate Bush is not super accessible at the best of times (maybe excepting Running Up That Hill, who doesn't love that song?), so her "least accessible" album is probably gonna be a stretch for a lot of people. That said, I love it. I've always really liked the sort of weirder female performers like Kate Bush and Bjork. They kind of have a 'fuck you I'm doing this how I want' attitude about them that I feel makes their music better. For this album, is it weird? Yeah, it's weird. It isn't so weird to be off putting or weird for the sake of being weird. But it's not like anything else you'll hear today and I do feel like you'll be better off for having heard it. I don't think it's her best work, but it's a fantastic record for sure and one that I would recommend to people looking to get a little outside of mainstream. 5/5

I enjoyed it a good amount. It was a good bit better than I expected. It has some interesting experimental elements.

Felt like it tried just a little bit too hard

I kinda hated it but have to acknowledge its inventiveness

Okay I get that this was maybe pushing some boundaries in the day, so extra credit for that, but I think the tides of time should maybe sweep this one away. It sounds like the songs Gene Belcher makes that they play at the end of Bob’s Burgers episodes.

Incredibly creative; a thoroughly engaging listen. People who can’t at least appreciate this album are boring

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

huuui de 80er johr keyboard saxophon sound huuere hässlich. aber ihri stimm isch scho speziell cool. sie beltet huere. there goes a tenner isch recht funny als titel. nimmts sich selber nöd würkli ernst? checks nonig. pull out the pin au wieder irgendwie sehr whimsical das ganze. gitarre am schluss afoch nöd ide tonart und so. und kontrabass macht doinnmnng. suspended in gaffa au wieder suuper titel. ich check d musig null. sötts irgendwie johrmärtsmusig sii?? the dreaming meh sochli EPIC aber jo ich fühls noooonig. night of the swallow findi etz no geil. aso frfr irgendwie high-concept es änderet tempo und alles und s funktioniert au mit ihrere stimm zeme mega. all my love hetmer no gfalle es isch scho reeeecht viel. houdini eig au cool aber es isch seehr melodramatisch. aso jo sie het sogar son halbe screamo satz drin. get out of my house het chli groove mit de trommle undem bass. oke s isch immer chli s glich und sie schreit afoch chli. und jetz schreit auno en dude alte. ich fühls null? glaub da git leider es zwei. ich verstoh wies eim mega chan berüehre es isch mega dramatisch und sie het e sehr cooli stimm und brucht sie super. aber jo äh nai. sorri käthi.

uhh kate bush nomal! hahaha omg wie nervig, aber au sehr cool seg ihres experimentellste album? sat in your lap bestätigt das bis jz die nächste 2 lieder würdi jz nöd behaupte, dass sie mier würkli gfalled, aber find d kreativität und eifach d weirdness sehr cool wie sie I love life schreit soo geil hahah barocki kate!! das irische lied hani na funny gfunde all the live sehr schön! find de bass seehr cool ich find sooo cool wie sie ihres schreie ihsetzt jaa mega cools und komischs album. chan nöd sege, dass ich de grossteil vode lieder per se "gnosse" han aber definitiv es 3

Not quite sure what to make of this one I enjoyed it somewhat

3/10

Typical Kate.

Odd

I can never tell if I’m going to love or hate listening to Kate Bush. It changes day by day. This go around on this one was kind of a neutral experience for me.

very good

I started this project because I wanted to expand my musical tastes and maybe find some new things I liked. What I’m finding is I’m very closed minded and don’t like most things. This was one of those things. Congrats to Kate Bush on her “One of a kind musical journey” but it’s not for me. This was pitchy and wailing, and I’m good to not listen to it again.

"often characterised as her most uncommercial and experimental release" - Makes sense, I'd say.

Considering the art rock, avant style, I knew I wouldn't be a fan of The Dreaming. I was not prepared for how very weird and off the wall this album is! Now, I appreciate creativity to an extent. The second listen allowed me to get over my initial impression and truly hear more. Still, The Dreaming is just weird. Kate Bush is a unique talent with a beautiful voice, which sure makes for a more agreeable listen. But I can't do more than a 2.

So, I know I'm not saying anything revolutionary here, but I will be the first to admit that Kate Bush is odd. But I honestly like her brand of weird. This album, however, may be her at her weirdest. It's experimental, even by her standard. I didn't hate it, but it definitely felt more like work to listen to this. She definitely found her groove and her balance after this album. 2.5-ish, not rounding up.

Challenging, lush, interesting.

I know Kate Bush, not really heard much of her. Not for me. I respect it.

Ehh, not quite my cup of tea. But can tell there is quite a background story to every song and the tale that the album tells as a whole. Didn't have enough time to really understand or enjoy the entirety of the album. Fav song: All the Love

Experimental and inaccessible. If your only reference point for Kate Bush is Hounds of Love (which was the case for me), this is certainly a jarring record. Haters are understood. However, I really enjoyed the soundscape. It was like a dream with nightmares waiting around the corner. Maybe more accurately it felt like one of those really weird dreams where you're not necessarily scared, but you are disturbed and largely confused. Certainly not better than Hounds of Love. I mean, generally, speaking there are few albums that are. However, I appreciate when an artist lets their wildest ambitions run wild in spite of accessibility, particularly when it's this theatrical. Flawed? Sure. Difficult? Perhaps. Authentic? Absolutely. 7.7/10 Favorite Song: Suspended in Gaffa/The Dreaming

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

Pop opera I think with very unique songs. Feels like it could have been a musical. Felt a little corny at times for me and did not quite work, opening track felt like something charlie would write in always sunny

Stunning and creative, a songwriter at the peak of her powers, and oh so strange!

Do you like to listen to women scream over mediocre melodies in a repetitive fashion? If so, boy have I got the album for you. 1/5

Not for me. 1/5

I think a little too '80s for my taste

So long as she isn't doing Tom Waits-ass poverty cosplay ("There Goes a Tenner"), braying like a donkey ("Get Out of My House") or doing whatever the title track is supposed to be (is that a bad Australian accent?), it's pretty great

Meh, not Kate at the top of her game.

The Sensual World? Yes. Hounds of Love? Probably. This album? Not so much. I always dig the uncommercial and very experimental stuff. Impressive that she was producing this at such a young age too. But this one was just annoying to listen to. If I had a choice between this and other female driven art rock, I’m definitely choosing Bjork, Siouxsie and the Banshees, St. Vincent etc.

The only thing this album has going for it is that it tips its hand from the onset and lets you know it’s going to be garbage.

I just did not enjoy this. Cannot think of a situation or mood where I’d be like, “Hell yeah…let’s put on some The Dreaming by Kate Bush.” I’m at a 1.5 was gonna round up because of influence, the one of the high squeals came on in Suspended In Gaffa….thats a 1 son.

First things first: I do not like this album. You swing big, you miss big. I can see how it inspired the likes of Bjork (I also get some St Vincent vibes as well as Fever Ray/The Knife...quite the list) but it's too tough a listen to be enjoyable. I am notching a quarter higher for influence and to ensure it is rated slightly better than our first Joni Mitchell album. 2.25/5

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

This is not really my style of music

I quite like some Kate Bush, but some of this album is a bit toooo out there isn't it??

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

Eigensinniges experimentelles Album von Kate, das durch die Vielen Nuancen zu einer Reizüberflutung beim Ersthörer führt. Es matched deswegen nicht direkt zwischen Kunst und Gehör. Trotzdem hat auch starke Elemente und ist alles andere als schlecht.

There is at least one Kate Bush track that is very close to my heart. But at least last night when I listened to this album, it totally landed with a thud. One day I should definitely give it another try when I'm in a better mood.

I didn't know that women became menopausal at 24. My thoughts and prayers go out to Kate Bush ❤️❤️❤️ Okay, in all fairness she definitely deserves a place on this list and more credit than I am presently giving her. I've always thought that Kate Bush existed as a sex symbol with how many times I've heard her described as an icon of traditional femininity, which is why it's nice to know that there is a craft and meaning to these songs. It's just a shame that she forgot to make them sound good. I do respect this album for daring to be whatever the hell it's trying to be, which is why I am graciously saving it from the one-star slot. I can't imagine there being a worse place for me to start out in her discography, which is why I'm gonna keep an open mind with her other albums in the future. I gave this one a relisten and I appreciate it more on the second go. The "heavy" production on these songs is pretty good for the most part, and her vocals are at most tolerable. I have no clue how to precisely articulate my thoughts on a vocal performance, but that fluttery, rolling thing she does with her voice is just terrible. Same goes for all the random screech-shouting. On an unrelated note, I'm going to my first-ever live concert on Sunday and I don't have weekend albums enabled. One of my all-time favourite bands is playing one of my all-time favourite albums, which just so happens to be included on this list. I'm going to cast all of the psychic and cosmic energy within me out into the universe so that it can force this website to recommend Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots as tomorrow's album. I have about a thousandth of a chance of this coming to fruition, but I'm confident in my luck. Please shield yourself from the incoming wall of unicode. This is powerful sorcery. ━━━━━★⋅.˳˳.⋅ॱ˙ ˙ॱ⋅.˳˳.⋅ॱ˙ ˙ॱᐧ.˳˳.⋅. *･｡ﾟ✧⁺⋆˚⊹ ⟡ ݁₊ . .݁ ₊ ݁⟡ ⊹˚⋆⋆｡༄⋆˚⊹✧ ˙✧⋆⭒˚｡⋆⊹ ۪ ˑ ִ ֗ ִ ۫ ˑ⊹ ۪ ﾟ｡⋆☾ ִ ֗ ִ ۫ ˑ｡⊹ ۪ ˑ ִ ֗ ִ ۫ ˑ༄.ೃ࿔࿐໋✧˖°.˚. ✦.˳·˖✶ ⋆.✧˚.˚ ༘`✦ ˑ ִֶ 𓂃⊹ ˖ ✦ ‧₊˚ ⋅. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁♡.˳·˖✶𓆩𓁺𓆪✶˖·˳.・.ೃ࿔:･♡⋆⭒˚｡⋆°‧⋆.｡.∗⁕☆*:✧★✧:*☆⁕∗ Σ(O口O ) The algorithm getting btfo'd by my epic magic ⬆

279/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑

I've said it before: I keep thinking I should like Kate Bush more. But albums like "The Dreaming" are not going to be the thing that converts me. There are a lot of interesting ideas here, but some things that just make me feel bewildered. Songs like "Get Out Of My House," and "Pull Out The Pin"... there's something there, I think. And maybe if I listened to it 5 or 6 times I may get the brilliance there. But as it is, I don't think I have the patience for it. Top tracks: "Sat In Your Lap," "Night Of The Swallow," "The Dreaming"

Ugh. That's what I said when I saw Kate Bush on tap. Her albums have been decent but also so weird, I find myself torn between adoration and disdain. Oh no. That's what I said when I clicked and saw that this album is often seen as her most uncommercial and experimental. Well what were those other albums doing? Still, at least this list got to some early Kate Bush albums, because from what I understand she was quite the trailblazer in terms of self writing, producing, and arranging. And on this one she took the production reins for the first time to create her weirdness. So kudos to that even if weird. And she really is a thoughtful, mysterious lyricist - a true poet. But like watching an art film, it was like listening to an art album, and I don't fully get art. So another maddening album to listen to for me, full of adoration (lyrics, creativity) and disdain (shrill vocals, strange musical arrangements).

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.

Incredible. This is up there for one of my favorite pop albums ever. Such a unique tapestry of sounds and it has gotten better every listen. This or Never for Ever I think is my favorite of hers. The like the first half more but still great Rating: 4.8

Kate Bush is good and I like Hounds Of Love but this isn’t it.

The only thing memorable about this is the album cover.

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"!

This is objectively a terrible sounding album. I had hope for one song but then it quickly turned into a mess. Idk who pissed Kate off and drove her to make this horrendous album but they should be put in prison or stoned to death for their crimes against humanity.

I tried. I just couldn’t do it. Her voice is like nails on a chalkboard to me most of the time. She bounces between nasally high pitches and low, unappealing tones. There are moments where she doesn’t screw around and sings in a more middle of the road tone and then she’s fine but it’s not often enough. I won’t be tracking down more of her work.

Really repetitive, her voice gives me the creeps, and many of the songs have annoying background singing. Best song: Night Of The Swallow

KATE BUSH FUCK YEAHHHHH one of my favorite albums of all time, happy to see her here, she deserves it. fav tracks: night of the swallow, there goes a tenner, suspended in gaffa, sat in your lap, leave it open

One of my all-time favorites. Just overflowing with great musical ideas.

A bit weird - I have no idea what the songs are about. But they are still interesting to listen to, though I doubt I'll ever listen to this again.

non mi sta a piacere

I'm sure if Kate Bush had become a corporate accountant or something, she would have regretted it, but I sure wouldn't.

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.

Bit too far afield for me.

2.5 stars to be honest

Somehow I've never heard this before, but it reveals another side to Kate Bush, makes her more human and less of a manic pixie dreamgirl type.

she’s got a good voice but i just didn’t connect with the music at all.

Quite heavy, commercial but crazy, in a good way

Really did not care for this one. I can see that Bush was trying to push herself and have a unique, dramatic sound different from her previous hits, but I do not think it was successful. There were mutliple points in the album where I stopped and thought "wtf am I listening to?" Overall- one of my least faves. I'd say 1.5/5, but I do think the technical proficiency and scope of the album warrent a 2.

This is the third Kate Bush album I've listened to now for this project. I think this is the only one I really "get" in terms of what makes her special. It's still really not my thing, though.

Weird even for Kate Bush.

Now with extra texture!

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

Kate Bush.

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.

I like the two Kate Bush songs that everyone likes. Unfortunately they’re not on this album. These songs are a little too weird for me, but she gets points for originality

I appreciate its erratic nature. Nothing quite grabbing me though. Needs a Running Up That Hill, Wuthering Heights etc. Simpsons: Songs featured, but no reference I don’t think.

It felt like the kind of album that you could appreciate more with more listens. But after just the one listen, this was a three.

The only Kate Bush songs I knew weren't on here which is a little disappointing because none of these match up to them. Also, her voice does get very annoying after about 3 songs

This albums fucking bonkers and I loved it. Just one listen and I don't think I fully appreciated it but that first impression was something special. Kate Bush at her Bushiest and I'm here for it.

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

weird and unsettling. not for me.

This is fucking weird.

Listened to this back to back after her album, Hounds of Love. This one was weirder which I was into. Best songs: Sat In Your Lap There Goes A Tenner Suspended in Gaffa

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.

Not a bad album some great tracks, some mediocre tacks. It's a good album by Kate Bush. Nothing more needs to be said really. 3

High pitched shrieking, and over use of the sound affects cupboard. Did I hear an oompah band in there too? All nonsensical musical theatre.

I didn't expect an experimental album from Kate Bush! Not that I know much about her apart from her singles from the radio. I suppose she wanted to be seen as a proper artist and not just a sex symbol I suppose. I did recognise one song and it wasn't disastrous.

Really not that special sorry Like I liked the vibes but it just wasn’t very cohesive or entertaining

Much as I like Kate Bush, I found this a hard album to get into. Couldn't hear anything that stood out.

In other reviews before and for sure in the future I've made the comment "lord save me from the mid guy with a singular guitar music" and the answer to that is THIS album. Bert Jansch or Gene Clark could never hope to be this interesting. I'd never heard this album prior to today but this album is FANTASTIC. Its so incredibly interesting in musicality and vocal performance. There's so much here, but I will happily listen to it multiple times to dig into it further.

So far I find this annoying. I like some Kate bush but overall not a huge fan. Sometimes feels like weird for the sake of weird. I’m gonna bail I think. I don’t want this.

It was fine. Honestly I didn’t finish it. Weirdly shouty and not my favorite sound. Cool and artistically out on a limb which I can appreciate. But cannot say I liked it.

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

Dette hørtes ut som et musikalsk Friteater. Altså altfor sært for meg, og det var ingen melodier som satte seg i hodet, eller ingen låter jeg ønsker å ha i mine spillelister. Men får to stjerner på grunn av interessant Lydproduksjon

I switched to this after listening to some Orchestra Baobab – specifically Kelen Anti from A Night at Club Baobab. The opening track to this album has a similar groove going on in the back, but whereas the lads from Senegal bring a total groove to it, Bush seems to hide it. Not cool. I get that Bush's big weapon is her voice. It's the most important instrument on this album for sure. But there are countless times when the music itself could sing some more, make more of an impact. And it just doesn't come anywhere near to where it could do. Maybe that's the production and Bush's lack of experience at this stage. Maybe it's the 80s and those god awful drum styles, presumably from the sampler she used. Not my thing. A mate of mine dominates his musical likes through a degrees of separation thing. He likes Big Country. Bush sand on The Seer, so, by default, he loves Kate Bush. With no reservations. I don't get that idea. I mean, how? Especially with an artist as diverse as Bush. I didn't find this overly experimental fwiw. I much preferred Björk's Medúla album. I listened to this once. I doubt I'll listen again, but it did send me down NPR's list of greatest albums by women, so it can come it at three stars for that alone.

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.

Obnoxious.

Too 80s and not even the good 80s. All the vocal play lost me from the same song

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

Ever since I heard "Hounds of Love," I really, really tried to get into Kate Bush. I genuinely did. I appreciate her creativity with multimedia a lot and believe she's a talented musician. However, "The Dreaming" was nothing like "Hounds Of Love." Kate Bush's voice is naturally high-pitched and she shrieks throughout 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗯𝘂𝗺. I'm not sure if new wave was the direction Kate wanted to take in the album but it did not compliment her well. "The Dreaming" ended up scratchy and shrill. I love Kate Bush for her soaring melodies and lush vocals but neither are present in "The Dreaming." While some people may appreciate it, I found her coquettish vocals overly performative and the unnecessary audio effects (i.e. an engine screeching) completely drove me away. "Pull Out the Pin" was particularly obnoxious as Kate oscillates b/w whispering and screeching, accompanied by clips of cats wailing, in a Björk-esque fashion. I'm sourly disappointed :c

Decently done. You can tell this inspired a lot of more recent artists. Not the deepest listen. Good style and vibe. Good to be on the list. Didn't blow me away.

The mixing could be better, it's a bit muddy. It is interesting and her voice does a lot of the work. Suspended in Gaffa stands out immediately. I would need more time with this.

2.5

Can never say anything bad about Kate Bush, the most creative influential singer/songwriter of a generation. Overall not her best album but still up there. Brilliant

Wow… speechless. I love this record so much. Every song really does feel like a dream. each one tells a different story, and each one has something unique that makes it unforgettable. From the moment it starts with that haunting, addicting piano the album pulls you into its surreal world. The production is wild, unpredictable, and incredibly detailed... it feels like no one else on Earth could have imagined these sounds but Kate Bush. It’s insane how Kate went full-on experimental here, and the craziest part is how perfect it all is. She wrote and produced every track herself, and you can feel her vision in every second. This album feels so alive, so majestic, so artistic... I can’t even explain it. The storytelling here is on another level. ‘There Goes a Tenner’ is insane with how vividly it paints its little crime-gone-wrong tale, but honestly the whole album is filled with that kind of imagination. Kate takes you through Australian outlaws, Houdini, nuclear fallout, dreams and nightmares, and she makes it all feel alive. Her voice shifts and transforms with each track, becoming a character in every story. This is such a classy, beautiful, and influential piece of art.

It was hard to get into this album, it really was just weird and not in a good way I think. I understand she was being experimental with production and I can see the influence it had on albums such as Hand Cannot Erase. However, I feel Steven Wilson took the foundations of The Dreaming and made it much more coherent and musical (it's one of my favourite concept albums). I'll maybe give this another go as it feels like an album which works situationally and didn't work for me when I did listen to it to really appreciate it.

I’ll have to own up to not really getting along very well with this one. Took my time and tried a few times over a couple of days but it didn’t gel. I like plenty of Kate Bush and I’m fairly certain that, one day, the penny might drop with this record. But not yet. It felt like the constituent parts of an artist gaining full creative control and travelling from prog to post punk sensibilities. Which is all good, but the flowering of that shift is yet to come on later records that are more melodically rewarding and, perhaps, burnished by an extra pair of ears via a producer. Funny; I thought that a Kate Bush album with her full creative control would perfect her art, but I think actually she thrives with that 3rd party input and creative sparring.

Some of it is very good, a lot of it is just weird. Favorite song: pull out the pin.

3.5

Kate Bush utilizes emotion like she would a Fairlight; this time, she used mania. every song is filled with a histrionic turn, a swing of one's fists in the dark as they feel the walls closing in on them. it's cabaret, it's theater, it's drama, it's a dance in the misty grass. nothing like The Dreaming existed before it was released, and nothing like it will exist after. no notes. perfect, in every sense.

This is very experimental, and not in a positive way.

Is Kate Bush the best thing to come out of the 80's? I think so. And this is her best album

That “musicians such as Björk … have cited The Dreaming as one of their favourite albums” told me everything I needed to know about this album, and yet I somehow was still surprised at how awful it was.

Didn’t hate this. May listen again. But to British for me

Weird, experimental music which would fit perfectly in some fairytale musical. Also, I don't get the appeal of Kates voice.

Bit boring

Interesting, and justifies inclusion, but I don't see myself going back to it. The Dreaming has not aged well - weird Rolf Harris vibes and strange Australian accent

i keep trying to put down words about it and i just cant. im considering a full kate bush re-dive at some point so maybe ill try to be articulate than but all i can ever manage to say about this one is that it feels like ive unlocked the secrets of the universe while im within it and than am unceremoniously jolted awake. kind of like the ninth wave but even more disorienting and harder to connect in any way to the waking world. kate gives possibly the best vocal performance in pop music across this record, if u wanna call this pop music. i do, but in a strange partially-remembered way. if i hadnt gotten the downward spiral recently this would be the best record ive rolled in this whole project so far by a landslide and its not like it lacks competition

This album is beautiful, mysterious, weird, experimental, ahead of its time, and clearly an influence on several well-known musicians and bands that came later. And for all that it deserves 5 stars.

weird and a bit annoying after a while

3.1

Annoying garbage. Like if Tori Amos tried to be that weird girl by making goofy voices.

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.

This is great. It's experimental but I found it to be easier to get into than other Kate Bush albums

Some songs are beautiful and others are nightmares

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.

Couldn't finish, I'd like to listen to other albums of hers though.

Интересно. Надали ще си го пусна пак, ама интересно 3-4

What. In. The. Hell.

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

Actually interesting, creative, progressive music.

Here’s my controversial opinion: Yoko Ono crawled so Kate Bush could walk so Björk could run

1.25

I did not listen to much Kate Bush when I was young. I knew she was an object of some ridicule but I my never knew much about why. Then she had a renaissance recently, and I thought I had probably had missed something worthwhile. But now I'm thinking it was this album that my friends were reacting to -- it's just too strange. Too overproduced and too 80s.

This album is just exhausting. Every track is buried under layers of weird production choices, bizarre vocals, and forced quirkiness. Instead of sounding creative, it feels like a mess of ideas thrown together without any real focus. A couple of moments almost work, but most of it is just grating. The songs wander all over the place and never settle into anything enjoyable. People call this a masterpiece, but I just found it confusing and annoying. I was ready for it to be over by the halfway point.

Reminded me of that one Marina song from tiktok, didn't know who Marina was, thought it was actually Kate Bush's song Lowkey unlistenable, more unhinged than her other albums for sure

Weirdo music for women I want to date The instrumentals for Pull out the pin and There goes a tenner remind me of indie metroidvania titles

The Dreaming, released in 1982, is one of the most original and eccentric albums of Kate Bush’s career. From its opening, with the title track “The Dreaming,” we are immersed in an experimental sound that blends elements of rock, pop, and folk music. Kate utilizes a variety of vocal and instrumental techniques, creating a sonic experience that defies the norms of pop music at the time. The production, which features innovative mechanisms and complex arrangements, makes each song feel like a new adventure, highlighting not only her talent as a songwriter, but also as an artist willing to take risks. The lyrics on The Dreaming are equally striking and reveal Kate Bush’s creative mind. She addresses themes of dreams, identity, and the human condition in poetic and often surreal ways. Tracks like “Sat in Your Lap” and “There Goes a Tenner” not only defy simple interpretation, but also invite the listener to delve deeper into their narratives, providing a continual reflection on dreams and the realities of life. The way Kate articulates her emotions and personal experiences is a testament to her originality, allowing listeners to connect with the essence of her songs in unique ways. Furthermore, the visual aesthetic of The Dreaming, reflected in its artwork and videos, complements the album’s eccentric musicality. Kate Bush has always been a figure who transcends convention, and this album is no exception. It encapsulates not only her individual artistic vision, but also a spirit of freedom and innovation that sets her apart in the music scene. With The Dreaming, Kate has not only delivered a body of work that stands out for its originality, but has also helped to upend expectations of what a pop artist could achieve, inspiring a new generation of musicians to explore uncharted territories.

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.

Kinda mid but at least it’s not another mind-numbing boring pretentious rock album

I know some girls who, if they had known her music back in school, probably would have made Kate Bush their whole personality.

this bush was hard to get through.

Way too experimental, still handled this one without blasting a puke

As someone who loved the last Kate Bush record that was given to me I was shocked by how much I hated this. There’s a lot of screaming and weirdness but not much of it is good. 2/5

Pretty wild for a first listen but not in the same way other stuff has made me baulk at here. I can only give this a three now but can believe people find more to it as they get to know it better.

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

boring

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.

An astonishing voice seeing what she can do with it. Hits the mark a good half the time.