11 Underrated Kate Bush Songs: Bush’s Secret Melodies

Hey there, music enthusiasts! TBone here, the groove maestro behind Level Tunes.

As a passionate DJ and an ardent fan of tunes that move the soul, I’ve always been on the lookout for gems that resonate beyond the mainstream.

Today, I’m super excited to share something special with my fellow DJs and music lovers: a carefully curated list of 11 underrated Kate Bush songs.

Why Kate Bush, you ask?

Well, she’s a musical sorceress whose eclectic tracks have often been overshadowed by her more famous hits.

These songs, in my opinion, deserve more spotlight for their unique flair and emotional depth.

They’re the kind of tracks that not only challenge the norms but also connect deeply with the listener.

So, buckle up and get ready to dive into a world of mesmerizing melodies and profound lyrics that have been waiting just on the fringe of recognition!

Here are the underrated Kate Bush songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Kate Bush Songs

Underrated Kate Bush songs in a list format:

1. “Sat in Your Lap” (From “The Dreaming”, 1982, EMI)

“Sat in Your Lap” is a whirlwind of energy and complexity. Released in 1982 as part of “The Dreaming,” this song marks a turning point in Bush’s career towards a more experimental sound. The track features a frenetic blend of percussions, with the notable involvement of Preston Heyman on drums, creating a rhythmically rich tapestry. It’s a song about the pursuit of knowledge and the frustration that comes with it, showcasing Bush’s unique lyrical prowess. I chose this track for its bold departure from mainstream pop, reflecting Bush’s fearless creativity.

2. “Night of the Swallow” (From “The Dreaming”, 1982, EMI)

“Night of the Swallow” is a hidden gem in Kate Bush’s discography. Featured on the same album as “Sat in Your Lap,” this track combines Irish folk influences with Bush’s avant-garde style. The use of Uilleann pipes, played by Liam O’Flynn, adds an ethereal quality to the song. It’s a narrative piece, telling a story of a woman pleading with her lover not to embark on a dangerous smuggling mission. The song’s cinematic quality and Bush’s emotive vocals make it a standout track, exemplifying her storytelling abilities.

3. “The Infant Kiss” (From “Never for Ever”, 1980, EMI)

“The Infant Kiss” is a song from her 1980 album “Never for Ever,” showcasing Bush’s ability to delve into complex and taboo subjects with sensitivity. The song, inspired by the film “The Innocents,” explores the theme of a woman’s unsettling feelings towards a young boy. It’s a haunting melody, with Bush’s voice conveying a mix of fear and fascination. This song stands out for its daring subject matter and the way Bush translates cinematic inspiration into a deeply moving song.

4. “All the Love” (From “The Dreaming”, 1982, EMI)

Included in “The Dreaming,” “All the Love” is a poignant exploration of the isolation and regret that can come with fame. The song features an array of voices on answering machines, adding a layer of authenticity to the theme of missed connections. Bush’s tender vocal performance, coupled with the song’s introspective lyrics, makes it a deeply personal and relatable track. I find this song captivating for its raw honesty and the innovative use of everyday sounds to enhance its narrative.

5. “Suspended in Gaffa” (From “The Dreaming”, 1982, EMI)

“Suspended in Gaffa” is another standout track from “The Dreaming.” The song is an upbeat, yet lyrically complex exploration of the struggle between desire and the unattainable. The use of the accordion and the rhythm creates a playful yet surreal atmosphere. Bush’s lyrics are at once whimsical and profound, making this track a fascinating study in contrasts. It’s chosen for its blend of the mundane with the mystical, a hallmark of Bush’s songwriting.

6. “Under Ice” (From “Hounds of Love”, 1985, EMI)

“Under Ice” is a short but powerful track from her acclaimed “Hounds of Love” album. The song is part of the “Ninth Wave” sequence and is characterized by its minimalistic arrangement and haunting vocals. It tells the story of someone skating over thin ice, unaware of something ominous lurking underneath. The sense of foreboding and the stark, icy imagery make this song a chilling and memorable experience. Its inclusion here is for its ability to create a profound impact with such a sparse and focused composition.

7. “Burning Bridge” (B-side of “Cloudbusting” single, 1985, EMI)

“Burning Bridge,” the B-side to the “Cloudbusting” single, is a hidden treasure in Bush’s discography. This song showcases her talent for creating deeply emotive music with a relatively simple arrangement. The lyrics speak of a relationship falling apart, with the metaphor of a burning bridge illustrating the point of no return. Bush’s evocative voice and the song’s building intensity make it a powerful and emotional listen. I’ve included it for its raw emotional power and its demonstration of Bush’s ability to convey deep feelings with simplicity.

8. “Get Out of My House” (From “The Dreaming”, 1982, EMI)

“Get Out of My House” is a track from “The Dreaming” that exemplifies Bush’s experimental edge. The song, with its changing tempos and moods, is an intense portrayal of personal boundaries and the invasion of space. Bush’s use of donkey brays as part of the chorus adds an element of the bizarre, yet it fits perfectly with the song’s unsettling theme. This track stands out for its boldness and the unique way Bush uses her voice and sound effects to create a vivid narrative.

9. “Kashka from Baghdad” (From “Lionheart”, 1978, EMI)

“Kashka from Baghdad” is a song from her second album, “Lionheart.” It’s a story about a gay couple living in secret, a theme that was quite progressive for its time. The song’s gentle melody contrasts with the gravity of the subject matter, creating a poignant and empathetic portrait. Bush’s storytelling prowess shines through in this track, making it a significant, yet often overlooked, piece in her catalog. Its inclusion is due to its tender approach to a sensitive topic, showcasing Bush’s depth and empathy as a songwriter.

10. “Leave It Open” (From “The Dreaming”, 1982, EMI)

“Leave It Open” is a fascinating track from “The Dreaming,” known for its experimental sound and cryptic lyrics. The song deals with the concept of self-revelation and the duality of human nature. The use of reversed vocal effects adds to the mysterious and introspective atmosphere of the track. This song stands out for its innovative production techniques and its exploration of psychological themes, making it a compelling and thought-provoking listen.

11. “Houdini” (From “The Dreaming”, 1982, EMI)

Finally, “Houdini” is a track from “The Dreaming” that tells the story of the famous escape artist and his wife. The song beautifully captures the emotional and spiritual connection between Houdini and his wife, especially during his death-defying acts. The piano-driven melody and Bush’s passionate vocals make this a deeply moving song. I chose “Houdini” for its emotional depth and its ability to weave historical narrative into a poignant musical experience.

Fun Facts: Underrated Kate Bush Songs

“Sat in Your Lap”

• Inspiration from Percussion: The song was partly inspired by Bush’s experience at a Stevie Wonder concert, where she was fascinated by the percussion.
• Recording Challenges: Bush found the recording process for this song particularly challenging, with multiple re-takes to perfect the complex rhythms and vocal arrangements.

“Night of the Swallow”

• Irish Influence: This song features a rich blend of Irish folk music, a unique departure for Bush at the time. She collaborated with Irish musicians, including Donal Lunny and Liam O’Flynn, to achieve an authentic sound.
• Cinematic Scope: Bush described “Night of the Swallow” as a mini-movie, given its narrative style and vivid storytelling.

“The Infant Kiss”

• Cinematic Inspiration: The song is inspired by the 1961 film “The Innocents,” a British horror film based on Henry James’s novella “The Turn of the Screw.”
• Taboo Themes: It’s one of Bush’s most controversial songs due to its exploration of taboo themes, showcasing her willingness to address complex and challenging subjects in her music.

“All the Love”

• Answering Machine Voices: The voices at the end of the song are actual messages left on Bush’s answering machine by her friends and family, adding an element of personal intimacy to the track.
• Exploration of Fame: This song reflects Bush’s feelings about the isolation and disconnection often experienced by those in the public eye, a rare glimpse into her personal reflections on fame.

“Suspended in Gaffa”

• Lyrical Complexity: The song’s title and chorus refer to being trapped in gaffer tape, a metaphor for the struggle between desire and unattainable goals. It’s a great example of Bush’s skill in using unique imagery to convey complex emotions.
• Video Imagery: The music video for this song features Bush in a surreal, dream-like setting, encapsulating the song’s blend of reality and fantasy.

“Under Ice”

• Part of a Concept Album: “Under Ice” is part of the “Ninth Wave” concept on the “Hounds of Love” album, which tells the story of a person drifting alone in the sea at night.
• Minimalist Approach: The song stands out for its minimalist approach, using sparse instrumentation to create a sense of isolation and vulnerability.

“Burning Bridge”

• B-Side Rarity: Often overlooked due to its status as a B-side, “Burning Bridge” showcases Bush’s ability to create powerful emotional narratives, even in less prominent tracks.
• Emotive Imagery: The song uses the metaphor of a burning bridge to represent the irrevocable end of a relationship, a testament to Bush’s poetic songwriting style.

“Get Out of My House”

• Unique Sound Effects: The use of donkey sounds in the song was an unconventional choice by Bush, adding to the track’s unsettling and intense atmosphere.
• Theme of Personal Space: The song is about the invasion of personal space, inspired by the feeling of anger and frustration when one’s personal boundaries are crossed.

“Kashka from Baghdad”

• Progressive Themes: The song was ahead of its time in addressing homosexual relationships, demonstrating Bush’s forward-thinking approach to songwriting.
• Storytelling Excellence: It’s a great example of Bush’s storytelling abilities, painting a vivid picture of the characters and their situation.

“Leave It Open”

• Innovative Production: The song features reversed vocal effects, showcasing Bush’s willingness to experiment with different production techniques.
• Psychological Depth: The lyrics delve into themes of self-revelation and duality, reflecting Bush’s interest in exploring psychological and introspective themes in her music.

“Houdini”

• Historical Narrative: The song is based on the life of Harry Houdini and his wife, Bess, highlighting Bush’s ability to weave historical figures into her music.
• Emotional Connection: It captures the deep emotional and spiritual bond between Houdini and his wife, particularly during his escape acts, showcasing Bush’s skill in portraying complex relationships in her songs.

And there you have it, fellow music aficionados! We’ve journeyed through the lesser-known realms of Kate Bush’s musical genius, uncovering the hidden gems that resonate with depth and creativity.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, these tracks are sure to enrich your playlist with their unique charm and brilliance. Keep exploring, keep listening, and most importantly, keep enjoying the magic of music!

Thanks for reading.

TBone