Kate Bush’s Running up that Hill has been an important song in Stranger Things season 4. The reoccurring song has made a strong impact on audiences, and now people are finding out about her. Season 4 has pushed Running Up the Hill into the daily top 100 of 112 countries.
But Kate Bush isn’t exactly a well hidden secret. She’s been around since the 80’s and her music has an almost cult-like following.
So to any new recruits, here’s a definite guide to Kate Bush.
Who is Kate Bush?
Kate Bush is an English singer, songwriter, dancer, producer and musician. In summary- she’s a legend. In 1978, her debut single Wuthering Heights shot her to fame and topped the UK charts for four weeks. She became the first female artist to achieve a number one with her own written song. She now lives in an isolated home in the English countryside, the house is reportedly at risk of falling off a cliff top.
Bush’s music is strange, experimental and unique. That is most likely why it’s stood the test of time and is appealing to new audiences.
Other Kate Bush songs
If you liked Running Up That Hill, you’ll enjoy Bush’s other music. Here’s a list of recommendations:
Wuthering Heights
Wuthering Heights is Kate Bush’s most famous song. In an iconic red dress she sings the tragic tale of Emily Bronte’s novel. Her voice is haunting and matches the eerie environment. Bush completes the song with an interpretive sequence. I have found recreations of both song and dance impossible to do justice to the original.
Army Dreamers
Army Dreamers is a song to the mothers of military sons. Bush grieves their potential and her sadness of the deaths is reflected in the melancholic melody. The song is as comforting as a warm bath and is perfect to listen to on a rainy day
Oh To Be in Love
Oh To Be in Love is an upbeat song on being in love. Bush summarises the feeling of being completely enamoured by somebody and being unable to snap out of it. It’s repetitive yet sporadic which reflects the complexities of love.
The Hounds of Love
Kate Bush sings about being afraid of falling in love, comparing the feeling to being chased by a pack of hounds. Although she wants to let go, she’s afraid of what might happen.
Suspended in Gaffa
Bush was raised catholic, and this song questions religious messages and whether religious work is worth the effort. She catches glimpses of god but finds herself ‘Suspended in Gaffa’. She’s stuck in purgatory- wanting a religious experience.
Strange Phenomenon
Strange Phenomenon is a beautiful song about everyday coincidences and the beauty and power that comes with them.
Babooshka
One of Bush’s other famous songs, a wife under the pseudonym ‘Babooshka’ tests her husband’s loyalty. Enticing him in the guise of a younger woman which she fears isn’t how her husband sees her anymore.
Cloudbusting
Cloudbusting is a powerful song based on the deeply moving memoir of Peter Reich. The book is written from an older version of Peter considering the love he had for his father as a child. And Bush beautifully tells the story in song.