Kate Bush – Never for Ever

Review

"Never for Ever" - that album title still gives me chills to this day. Released in 1980, it was Kate Bush's third studio album, and what a game-changer it was. Not only did it catapult Bush to the number one spot on the UK Albums Chart, making her the first British female solo artist to achieve this feat, but it also cemented her status as a trailblazer in the music industry.

This album is a true reflection of Bush's innovative spirit and artistic vision. Take, for instance, the eclectic mix of genres she weaves together – from the high-energy "Violin" to the hauntingly beautiful "Army Dreamers". And let's not forget the use of digital synthesizers and drum machines, like the Fairlight CMI, which added a whole new level of complexity to her sound.

The standout singles on this album, like "Breathing" and "Babooshka", showcase Bush's incredible ability to craft narratives that linger long after the track ends. And it's clear that she's deeply influenced by the world of storytelling, from literature to cinema – take, for instance, the eerie and atmospheric "The Infant Kiss", inspired by the 1961 film "The Innocents". All in all, "Never for Ever" is an iconic album that's left an indelible mark on the music world – and, if you ask me, it's still spinning magic till this day. - Ivy