Man, this album was basically ear candy. So many great synth sounds and recording gimmicks; pretty sure one track had backing vocals dubbed to a mellotron to give it an uncanny valley sounding vibrato. I liked all the occasional creepy voices or synth sounds that got snuck in, gave the album a haunted kind of feel. Will definitely be listening again to hear more.
*obligatory I liked Kate before Stranger Things comment* No one compares when it comes to pop music. Her ear and eye were and still are immaculate, which is why her music resonates so long beyond its heyday and can still reach new heights with no effort on her end. The album is full of highs and lows, a cohesive and exciting collection. Essential listening. A
This album rules. I kept being surprised about what I was hearing and recognizing sounds that I love from The Knife, but I guess Kate Bush was making the same sounds (with a different aesthetic) like 20-30 years earlier. I think it's a bit of a grower, but even on first listen, I know I'd enjoy it more on subsequent listens. 4.25/5