Kate Bush
„The Kick Inside“
Art-Rock/Pop. Black Vinyl, Repress. 1978.

This won't be a typical review, but rather a tribute to the incredible musical power of Kate Bush. And a journey back in time with people who were already musical heavyweights back then. EMI gave her her first contract at the age of 17. At that time, EMI was still run by music enthusiasts. Who in the punk era would have given a young woman a chance with her art pop/rock? This album was finally released when she was 19. She wrote her first songs at 13, which are also included here. She made her first recordings at 16. It's a good thing EMI recognized her extraordinary talent. However, the pendulum quickly swung back for Kate. Encouraged by her success, EMI massively increased the pressure and demanded a second album and a major live tour. 29 shows in 6 weeks? It remained her only major tour until 2014. To free herself from EMI's pressure, Kate founded her own management company (Novercia Holdings Ltd.) and her own publishing house, "Kate Bush Music Publishing Ltd.", as early as 1978. Kate Bush, an emancipated musician, even though she remained under contract with EMI. But now to the album.

This young woman must have been so compelling that David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) had been supporting her since 1973, and by 1975 he had already recorded demos which he later presented to Bob Mercer of EMI (where Pink Floyd were also signed). The rest is history. Songs A2 (The Saxophone Song) and A5 (The Man With The Child In His Eyes) come from these demos. In addition, half of The Alan Parsons Project participated as session musicians: Ian Bairnson (guitar), David Paton (bass), Stuart Elliott (drums), and Duncan Mackay (keyboards). 

Which song should I introduce? None, each one has its own unique charm. As recommended tracks, I suggest "Moving," "Wuthering Heights," and "James and the Cold Gun." 

In my opinion, Kate Bush never again achieved the playfulness of this album. This is by no means meant to diminish her other (excellent) works. It's a mystery to me how some reviewers can attest to her "immature" voice on her debut album (they're probably all vocal coaches) and find the album monotonous. It's precisely this courage, the rough edges, the carefree, experimental nature, and the firework display of ideas that the then 19-year-old Kate unleashes here that makes this record so wonderful. Later works are more mature, I can only agree. The charm of "The Kick Inside"? It is and remains unique. I accept different tastes, but I don't accept it when an excellent record is torn down because of them. What Kate Bush can do with her voice is give her songs even more depth. Her voice is like an actress's: childlike, naive, lascivious, erotic, sad, angry, ghostly, mature, wrathful, or gentle. Not everyone has to like her voice, but they should at least acknowledge her undeniable musical talent.

Backing Vocals, Lead Vocals, Piano, Keyboard – Kate Bush
Executive-Producer – Dave Gilmour (Titel: A2, A5)
Producer – Andrew Powell
Written by – Kate Bush
Guitar – Ian Bairnson
Bass – David Paton
Drums – Stuart Elliott
Keyboards – Duncan Mackay

The photos are all from my LP. The rights to all motifs, logos, texts and fonts that can be seen in the photos are of course owned by the copyright holder.

No AI was used in the making of this Review.
©19.August.2026