Kate Bush – Aerial

Review

Kate Bush’s “Aerial” is a breathtaking double album that marked her magnificent return to the music world in 2005 after a 12-year hiatus. This work is thoughtfully split into two distinct sections: "A Sea of Honey" and "A Sky of Honey." The first half, "A Sea of Honey," offers a tapestry of individual songs brimming with Bush’s eclectic style, blending folk, Renaissance, classical, reggae, flamenco, and rock. Standout tracks like "King of the Mountain," with its nods to Elvis Presley and "Citizen Kane," and the mathematically enchanting "π," where Bush sings the digits of pi, showcase her introspective and personal touch.

On the flip side, "A Sky of Honey," centers on the natural rhythms of life, emboldened by an experimental and expansive soundscape. This section gracefully unfurls with elements of birdsong, lush orchestral arrangements, and jazzy undertones, embodying Bush’s reflections on motherhood and the passage of time. Critics praised “Aerial” for its inventive production and Bush’s unmistakable vocal prowess, cementing its place on the UK Albums Chart at number three and earning nominations for several awards, including two BRIT Awards. The album is celebrated for its cohesive and uplifting nature, marking a triumphant and heartfelt return of one of pop music’s most revered artists. - Willow