The Dreaming is the fourth album of Kate Bush’s, who considers this her, “she’s gone mad” album.UK  hit songs “Wuthering Heights” and “Babooshka”. This was Kate Bush’s first album that she produced solely by herself, creating a distinct difference between “The Dreaming” and her past works. 

The Dreaming marked her transformation into an experimental artist. There is not one song in the album similar to the other, with every song telling an individual tale. After hearing Stevie Wonder live, she was inspired to produce an album of an unfamiliar landscape of the 1980’s. “The Dreaming” creates a tense atmosphere using a peculiar mix of effects, overlaps of sounds, her voice and instruments. 

However, the album wasn’t a commercial success, one of the title tracks “There Goes A Tenner” didn’t chart at all. Although it was seen to push the boundaries and go against proper femininity, it was a pioneer for many producer artists that took inspiration from the album, such as Lady Gaga who has cited from Bush’s use of synthesizers. 

In Kate Bush’s title track “The Dreaming”, it explores the destruction of indigenous Australians and their culture by colonial forces. She gives an eccentric vocal performance to produce an atmosphere that aligns with the severity of the story. It may not seem the best choice of song to be the title track but the production was considerate and meaningful with the use of traditional instruments. 

“Would you break even my wings like a swallow?” 

“Night Of The Swallow” is beautiful, emotionally intense track that was unfortunately not an international release. Bush released this in Ireland believing it would be popular due to the use of traditional Irish instruments, which she flew to Ireland to record with traditional musicians. Bush sings in an anxious and desperate voice, trying to stop her lover from an illegal smuggling flight, threatening to “let the law know”. The song title representing the man wanting freedom like a swallow. Kate Bush gives an unforgettable enchanting performance throughout this song. 

“Just one thing in it, me or him.” 

“Pull Out The Pin” is hauntingly evocative song that follows through the lens of a Viet-Cong soldier, trailing behind an American GI. It explores the psychological reality and futility of war with the lyric “He sees no reason for the fight.” Bush took inspiration after watching a Vietnam Documentary that moved her. However, some viewed it as an unusual point of view to take as it was empathetic to a foreign enemy. The song produces an eerie atmosphere through Bush’s striking vocals and use of sound such as the helicopter, curating an intense feeling that evokes many emotions. 

“With a kiss, I’d pass the key.” 

“Houdini” is the song that is shown on the album cover with Bush having a key in her mouth. It’s haunting as it tells a story of Bess Houdini trying to reach out for Harry Houdini as the lovers promised they would try connect with the other if one passed. Bush combined richly layered instruments with beautiful string arrangements and shrieks with a menacing, frantic feel, creating a perfect goth romance. The intense and overwhelming emotions perfectly encapsulate the emotions of Bess Houdini, an unforgettable masterpiece of Kate Bush. 

“The Dreaming” is an album that carries many more songs that portray Kate Bush’s astonishing talent. It is a bold and risky album which makes the listening experience interesting and captivating. Her work in this album can be seen as influence on many artists to become more creative and not be scared to create a sound that is unusual.