Kate Bush is coming back – but don’t expect another ‘Running Up That Hill’

2 days ago

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Kate Bush - Figure 1 — Photo The Independent

Is music exclusively for the young? If you look at the streaming charts any day, you might come to that conclusion. Some of the most popular artists today—like Chappell Roan, Billie Eilish, and Olivia Rodrigo—are all in their early to mid-twenties. Even Taylor Swift, who at 34 is seen as an established icon with a career so rich it needs to be divided into 11 separate phases, hints at this trend. So, where does that leave the true veterans of the music industry?

On Friday, Kate Bush, the incredibly versatile singer-songwriter known for "Wuthering Heights," announced her plans to make a comeback to the music scene after being out of the limelight for over ten years. Her most recent live shows took place in 2014 during a residency at the Hammersmith Apollo, and the last new album she released was in 2011, titled "50 Words for Snow."

During her prime, Bush was an exceptionally talented artist, creating rock music that was thoughtful, edgy, and unconventional. Her voice had the remarkable ability to soar across multiple octaves effortlessly, transforming into a beautiful, shimmering falsetto. There has never been anyone quite like her, and there still isn’t. That’s why her return is so exciting: in a recent interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Bush mentioned that she was exploring “many ideas” for new music. “I’m really eager to dive back into that creative space; it’s been quite a while,” she remarked.

During her break, Bush has still remained in the public eye, largely due to the fourth season of Netflix's hit series Stranger Things. The show featured her song "Running Up That Hill" in a significant scene, which helped it soar to the top of the charts nearly 40 years after it first came out.

This surprising comeback has brought Bush’s music to a fresh audience of younger fans who may anticipate more of the same style when the innovative English artist finally returns. However, they probably shouldn’t hold their breath for that. At 66, Bush is far removed from the young trailblazer who paved the way for female singer-songwriters in the 1970s and 1980s. Still, this only adds to the excitement surrounding the possibility of new music from her.

As singer-songwriters approach the later stages of their careers, there's a common feeling that a downturn in their work is unavoidable. To a certain extent, this is true; even the legendary icons like Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell have faced this. However, when your earlier albums are groundbreaking masterpieces like Highway 61 Revisited or Blue, it’s not meant to diminish their legacy.

As musicians age, they might lose certain abilities—like energy and vocal range—which are common and often noticeable changes. However, they also gain valuable qualities such as experience, depth, and perspective. In fact, many songwriters create some of their best and most impactful work later in their careers.

There’s something truly remarkable about songs like Randy Newman’s “Wandering Boy” and Bruce Springsteen’s “Ghosts.” These are deep and moving tracks that the artists likely wouldn’t have created during their earlier, more vibrant days, even though they are both exceptional songwriters. David Bowie produced one of his most outstanding and meaningful albums, Blackstar, right before his passing in 2016, while Gil Scott-Heron achieved something similar with his 2010 work, I’m New Here. This shows that true artistry doesn’t have to fade away as one grows older.

Bush is a fascinating example because there has always been a gap between how her music is generally perceived – often seen as dreamy rock hits, like her chart-topping song “Wuthering Heights” – and the more complex, experimental truth. Her 1985 album, Hounds of Love, occupies both realms. One part features catchy, radio-friendly singles, while the other part presents a complex, conceptual suite that merges seven songs into a single experience. In her later albums, she continued to push boundaries and explore new ideas; for instance, 50 Words For Snow consists of seven lengthy and intricate tracks, with the longest one running close to 14 minutes.

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As a result, it's hard to predict what Bush’s new music will be like. However, it’s safe to assume it won't resemble the popular and energetic sound of “Running Up That Hill.” Her upcoming album might not feature in Stranger Things 5, but that could actually be a positive. What truly matters is that Bush has fresh ideas to share and a unique approach to express them. She creates music that no one else can replicate, making it exciting that her journey isn’t over just yet.