Kate Bush: 50 Words for Snow

***

Kate Bush’s first collection of new music in six years “conjures a whited-out, dream-like state,” said Ryan Dombal in Pitchfork​.com. The 53-year-old art-rock idol is still practicing her unique brand of “heart-on-sleeve mysticism,” this time by singing long, unhurried songs about snowmen and snowflakes, each accompanied by her “languid piano” and often propelled by “jazzy pitter-pattering drums.” Her music’s ability to create a “child-like space—not so much innocent as open to imagination”—never grows old. As usual, Bush “manages to sound strikingly intimate” despite her multi-octave range, said Greg Kot in the Chicago Tribune. But the magical mood of the album is partially shattered when she shares a duet with an “overly dramatic” Elton John, then follows with the near-miss title track, featuring a spoken-word cameo by actor Stephen Fry. Fortunately, Bush “once again has the album all to herself” on “Among Angels,” the record’s “closing hymn.” We say Amen.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up