Released on September 16, 1985, Kate Bush's "Hounds of Love" marked a powerful comeback and a creative zenith. After the commercially underwhelming performance of her 1982 album "The Dreaming," Bush took a hiatus, building her own 48-track studio in a barn behind her family home. This allowed her complete creative control, free from the pressures and schedules of a commercial studio. The release on this date unveiled an album of two distinct halves: a first side of radio-friendly art-pop singles and a second side consisting of a conceptual suite of songs titled "The Ninth Wave." It was a bold artistic statement that re-established her as a major commercial force and a pioneering artist in complete command of her vision, solidifying her legendary status.
What it is
"Hounds of Love" is the fifth studio album by English singer-songwriter Kate Bush. It is famously structured as a two-part work. The first side, also titled "Hounds of Love," features five accessible, yet lyrically and musically complex, pop songs, including the global hits "Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)," "Cloudbusting," and the title track. The second side, "The Ninth Wave," is a continuous seven-song conceptual piece depicting the harrowing experience of a person lost at sea overnight, drifting between consciousness and delirium. The album masterfully blends traditional rock instrumentation with the cutting-edge technology of the mid-1980s, particularly the Fairlight CMI synthesizer and LinnDrum drum machine, creating a rich, layered, and atmospheric soundscape that was unlike anything else at the time.
How it came to be
Frustrated by the high costs and time constraints of professional studios during the recording of "The Dreaming," Kate Bush invested in building her own private studio. This move was pivotal, granting her the freedom to experiment and perfect her work without external pressures. Recording for "Hounds of Love" began in 1983. Bush took on the role of producer, meticulously crafting every sound. She utilized the Fairlight CMI not just as a synthesizer but as a sampling tool to create unique textures from everyday sounds. The concept for "The Ninth Wave" was inspired by the fear of drowning and Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem "Idylls of the King." The entire process was a testament to her artistic independence and technical prowess, allowing her to realize her ambitious vision without compromise.
How many it sold
Upon its release, "Hounds of Love" was an immediate critical and commercial triumph. The album entered the UK Albums Chart at number one, knocking Madonna's "Like a Virgin" from the top spot, and remained in the charts for over a year. It has since been certified Double Platinum in the UK for sales exceeding 600,000 copies. The lead single, "Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)," became one of her biggest hits, reaching number three in the UK and giving Bush her first Top 40 hit in the US since 1978. Decades later, the song experienced a massive resurgence in 2022 after being featured in the TV series "Stranger Things," topping charts around the world and introducing Bush's genius to a new generation.
Why it resonated
"Hounds of Love" resonated so deeply because it perfectly balanced artistic ambition with pop sensibility. The first side offered a series of brilliant, emotionally charged singles that were both commercially viable and intellectually stimulating. The second side, "The Ninth Wave," provided a deep, immersive narrative experience that showcased Bush's storytelling prowess. Fans were captivated by her innovative use of technology, the emotional depth of her lyrics exploring love, fear, and family, and the sheer cinematic scope of the music. The album felt personal and handcrafted, a direct line into the singular mind of a true visionary, and this authenticity created a powerful connection with listeners that endures to this day.
Impact today
The legacy of "Hounds of Love" is immense and continues to grow. It is consistently ranked by critics as one of the greatest albums of all time. Its influence can be heard in the work of countless artists, from Björk and Tori Amos to Florence + The Machine and FKA Twigs, who have all cited Bush's innovative production and fearless artistry as an inspiration. The 2022 revival of "Running Up That Hill" proved the album's timeless appeal, demonstrating that its themes and sounds are just as potent and relevant today. "Hounds of Love" stands as a landmark of art-pop, a masterpiece of production, and a definitive statement of female artistic independence in the music industry.
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