***
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.
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