Kate, what would we do without you?

Remember, years back, when I made my first post on BBB entitled "Kate Bush - The Albums That Matter"?  Well, that statement wasn't wholly true, because The Sensual World also matters.  While not as exciting or unique as her prior albums, this one is still quite good.

The biggest strength The Sensual World has going for it would have to be Kate's voice.  Here, her singing is flawless and has reached an apex of warmth.  All the gritty and shrill moments, which were likely artistically intentional, are now gone.  Before, she may have gone up and down the chromatic scale like a neoclassical shredder, now she sits very comfortably in Alto territory.

The biggest drawback (which may still be a plus if you're old and frumpy), is her change of direction from "Art Rock" to more Adult Contemporary Pop.  Don't get me wrong, she still doesn't sound at all like Air Supply, but since this album, she's gone much more polished and straight-forward.  The production value has also changed to suit this new style; the use of Fairlight's and drum machines have been minimized or replaced by "world" instruments (perussion, flute), as well as the return of the violin.

This album definitely has to grow on you, but within it, you can still find lots of musical sustinence.

little piece of hope holding us together