In the spirit of Halloween, I have decided to introduce you Boylan Blog readers to the Image result for kate bushmost unsettling, eerie, and awe-inspiring artists that I have ever come across, Kate Bush. Bush is a prominent British singer and songwriter, who entered into fame with her 1978 debut single, “Wuthering Heights.” The song was inspired by Emily Bronte’s novel of the same name and was written in the perspective of the protagonist, Catherine Earnshaw. This single soon brought Bush national recognition, as she became the first female artist to achieve a UK number one with a self-written song. “Wuthering Heights,” begins with Bush’s unusual dramatic soprano vocals spookily introducing the narrative’s moor setting. The piano’s tonality also contributes to the feeling that a phantom is singing and calling out for Heathcliff’s help. If any of you readers are looking for a song that can put chills in her your spine and make you feel all types of uncomfortable, listen to “Wuthering Heights.”

Furthermore, a sort of palate cleanser to the unsettling nature of the song would be the almost humorous nature of the song’s music video. It features Bush in a long red jumpsuit, and her dance moves reveal a sort of gesticulating motion. I don’t really get the point of this video, but it sure has provided many British comedians material for the future.

When I first heard this song, I remember thinking WTF did I just listen to. I didn’t originally respond to her voice well, and the music video was enough to make me question if this was even a real song. However, after listening to the song for a while, I strangely have come to appreciate it. “Wuthering Heights,” is a great demonstration of how Bush incorporates different artistic influences into her music and creates an idiosyncratic musical style. I have come to admire the ingenuity and creativity present in the Bush’s artistry. Her unique voice, diverse music choice, and innovative instrumentality advance music towards a progressive state, rather than replicating the monotonous mass production happening in music today.

So have a listen to “Wuthering Heights” this Halloween and while you’re at it, check out Bush’s other music. I recommend:

  1. James and the Cold Gun
  2. Babooshka
  3. Blow Away
  4. Moving
  5. Army Dreamers
  6. Feel It
  7. The Saxophone Song