Kate Bush's Hounds Of Love

by Leah Kardos

Hounds Of Love invites you to not only listen, but to cross the boundaries of sensory experience into realms of imagination and possibility. Side A spawned four Top 40 hit singles in the UK, 'Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)', 'Cloudbusting', 'Hounds of Love' and 'The Big Sky', some of the best-loved and most enduring compositions in Bush's catalogue. On side B, a hallucinatory seven-part song cycle called The Ninth Wave broke away from the pop conventions of the era by using strange and vivid production techniques that plunge the listener into the psychological centre of a near-death experience. Poised and accessible, yet still experimental and complex, with Hounds Of Love Bush mastered the art of her studio-based songcraft, finally achieving full control of her creative process. When it came out in 1985, she was only 27 years old.

This book charts the emergence of Kate Bush in the early-to-mid-1980s as a courageous experimentalist, a singularly expressive recording artist and a visionary music producer. Track-by-track commentaries focus on the experience of the album from the listener's point of view, drawing attention to the art and craft of Bush's songwriting, production and sound design. It considers the vast impact and influence that Hounds Of Love has had on music cultures and creative practices through the years, underlining the artist's importance as a barrier-smashing, template-defying, business-smart, record-breaking, never-compromising role model for artists everywhere.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Essays

152 pages, Paperback

Published November 14, 2024

About the author

Leah Kardos is a senior lecturer in music at Kingston University London, UK, where she co-founded the Visconti Studio with music producer Tony Visconti. She specialises in the areas of record production, pop aesthetics, and exploring interdisciplinary approaches to creative practice. Critical and musicological study of the work of David Bowie is an area of special interest. In 2019 she started the Kingston University Stylophone Orchestra, the only ensemble of its kind in the world. Leah also writes music criticism and book reviews for The Wire.

Reviews

[Alan (the Lone Librarian rides again) Teder · Rating 5 out of 5]

March 29, 2025 Update Canada's CBC Bookends interviews author Leah Kardos about Hounds of Love here and reviews the book here.

Let's Exchange the Experience
A review of the Bloomsbury Books 33&1/3 eBook (October 17, 2024).

In my not-so-wild youth, I read several books by the controversial psychiatrist Wilhelm Reich (1897-1957) who had his inventions destroyed and his books burned by the U.S. Government. He was prosecuted, sentenced and was jailed for 2 years and died of heart failure a few days before a possible parole date. A perusal of titles such as The Function of the Orgasm and Selected Writings: An Introduction to Orgonomy by Wilhelm Reich and reading about inventions such as the Orgone Accumulator and the Cloudbuster will give you some hint of why various official government medical and scientific bodies were not amused.

I mention all of that as a preamble, because I had an extra "secret history" thrill when Kate Bush released her Hounds of Love album and one of its singles Cloudbusting. The accompanying video to the latter song showed Kate Bush as a young boyish Peter Reich with Canadian actor Donald Sutherland portraying a version of his father Wilhelm Reich. The song was inspired by Bush's reading of Peter Reich's memoir A Book of Dreams (1973). A copy of the Picador paperback A Book of Dream (sic) is seen in Donald Sutherland's pocket at 1'50" in the video (see link below). The video itself fictionalizes Reich's invention of the Cloudbuster and his subsequent arrest by the authorities, with the boy Peter managing to make rain by its end, while his father is carried away by the men in black.


The front cover of "Hounds of Love." Image sourced from Discogs.

The front cover of the "Cloudbusting" single. Image sourced from Discogs. Later editions of Peter Reich's memoir used the silhouette of Kate Bush and her Cloudbuster for the book covers.

Anyway, that is a bit of back story on why I loved this album when it came out in 1985. I had actually been a fan of Bush since her first albums as well, but Hounds of Love had a extra level of breakthrough success for the artist, probably due to its string of hit singles and videos. It was therefore an extra thrill when the TV show "Stranger Things" adopted the song Running Up That Hill in its soundtrack in 2022 causing the resurgence of Bush's popularity. That inspired Leah Kardos' writing of this entry for the 33 1/3 series of books on popular music recordings.

Kardos does a superb job in telling Bush's back story, providing a track by track analysis of the album and then goes further with a detailed description of the much later live performances of most of the album in the 2014 series of concerts titled Before the Dawn, which was later released as a 3CD set in 2016. This was yet another excellent entry in the 33 1/3 series.

Soundtrack
Listen to the Hounds of Love (1985) album on Spotify here.

Watch Kate Bush's original YouTube videos for the songs Running Up That Hill and Cloudbusting.
Bonus Track
Possible Spoiler for the TV series: See the clip from the TV show "Stranger Things" which used Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" as its background sound cue at YouTube here.

Listen to selections from the Before the Dawn (2016) live album on a YouTube playlist which begins here. The live album does not appear to be available on Spotify.

Trivia and Links
Read the Introduction section to Kate Bush's Hounds of Love at the Bloomsbury Books website here.

Kate Bush's Hounds of Love was published as part of the Bloomsbury Academic 33 1/3 series of books surveying significant record albums, primarily in the rock and pop genres. The series was originally published by Continuum. The GR Listopia for the 33 1/3 series is incomplete with only 139 books listed as of January 2025 (and the number ordering is incorrect). For an up-to-date list see Bloomsbury Publishing with 187 books listed for the Main Series as of January 2025. The Main Series does not include the 33 1/3 books in the Global series which focuses on music from the regions of Europe, Oceania, Japan, Brazil, South Asia and Africa. You can search through those at the World Music listing here.

[Stephen the Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hounds of Love is undeniable classic album and now joins the illustrious list of the 33.1/3 collection.
Leah Kardos’ research and analytical exploration of this incredible album is meticulous ; highlighting key elements of Kate Bush’s incredible career but ultimately shining the light even further on her role as a pioneer -breaking down barriers to ensure women can take control of their decisions within the patriarchal music industry.

The key focus of this book is to explore the Hounds of Love; track by track exploring the composition and the layers of depth and creativity; unpicking the lyrics ; identifying the musicianship but ultimately providing further acknowledgement to one of the most influential and important albums of the 1980s if not ever ..

This is certainly a great book for long standing fans ( at times it reads like an academic dissertation- that’s not negative as it shows the depth of love for the album and artist ) but this is a great read for new fans who have discovered Kate Bush’ genius in recent times

Fascinating, informative and adding a new understanding and appreciation for an incredible album

[emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

‘One of the sources of musical tension in the song is the way Bush pushes against these boundaries, which is confined to a single octave. She will often hit the roof of the phrase (Bb) with an insistent, almost combative energy, like a bird testing a glass ceiling for a way out (for example, in the agitated movement between two pitches on the line: 'Do you want to know, know that it doesn't hurt me').’

Not really the one for me (even though I quite like KB). Mostly, I suppose I just didn't like how it was written, tone, style, etc.; didn't move me is all. It's definitely not bad, but I wouldn't feel like I'm missing out on anything if I hadn't read it. So 2 stars for 'it's okay I guess?'. Didn't feel like I learn anything new (or interesting/impressive enough) about KB (and/or her music).

‘(Jig of Life) In the lyric, Bush greets an image of her future self ('Hello, old lady'), who has made a timely visit to ensure that she doesn't give up in her fight to survive ('Let me live, girl). The temporal urgency of the message is underlined in Bush's solemn delivery as the old lady explains that it's not only her future that depends on Bush surviving the present, but the lives of her yet-unborn children. Within the musical churn of ecstatic folk-music, the mention of 'the place where the crossroads meet' evokes once again the image of Hecate, the goddess in Greek mythology who is often depicted flanked by two dogs and sometimes shown with a triple-formed face that sees the past, present and future simultaneously.’

[Tova · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was only okay, but Leah Kardos correctly diagnoses that Running Up that Hill is about pegging! Many do not realize this.

Anyway Hounds of Love is one of my favs ever. Although much of this book was too technical for me, I appreciated how it illuminates the album’s symbolism and labour-intensive production. Also fascinating to learn about Kate Bush's family's major roles in the project, which makes the themes of familial love in the album so much more profound. So grateful to to live at the same time as art like things

[Stuart Buchanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful love letter to a singular album. Listening to the record after finishing the book, I discovered many new moments hidden in its depths; which is high praise given I’ve devoured the album countless times over the decades. I’ve always considered ‘Hounds of Love’ to be a record of two halves - singles on side A; and concept album on side B. Surprisingly, this book succeeds in uniting those two halves into a whole, emphasising the lyrical and musical thematic elements that extend across the entire work. A terrific accomplishment and a true gift to fans.

[Calvin Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fascinating breakdown of the technical and lyrical sides of one of my favourite albums. I would read Leah Kardos write about every single Kate Bush peoject

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really interesting piece on the album, the time around the album and the much (much) later gigs in Hammersmith. Occasionally and frustratingly lost in the trees with music theory and details. Other than that, a good read and left me wanting to spend more time with an album that I've loved for long time.

[Drew Praskovich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything I do is for Kate Bush.

[Alex Sarll]

Hounds Of Love is far and away my favourite album to get a 33 1/3, so maybe I was always going to be tough to please, but I don't think it was unreasonable to let out an exasperated 'Ha!' when Kardos tells us "I won't waste the precious word count of this tiny book rehashing facts and details that are common knowledge." Not because there's any problem with the sentiment itself, but because it comes 10% of the way in, after she's already recapped Kate Bush's many achievements, with a particularly detailed section on her chart success in 2022 - and, just for good measure, a more general reminder about 2022 as a whole. Even if we take it as a promise and a pulling up of the authorial socks, it's promptly followed by a career timeline! And once that's out of the way, we're still not on to Hounds Of Love, instead tracing Bush's recording career through the preceding albums. Which, to be fair, is a viable lens through which to get there - her unhappiness at working in a rush on Lionheart, her increasing confidence in the studio, The Dreaming as Hounds' John the Baptist; it's just the preceding throat-clearing which lends an edge of frustration that we're still not at the masterpiece we came for by the quarter-way mark. And then, at the other end of the book, the final chapter on the album's legacy drowns a solid point (it made it much easier for musicians other than stereotypical male studio wizards to follow where their creativity was calling) is drowned in a list of acts who've referenced the album in interviews or covered songs from it - a list which, to add insult to injury, doesn't even include the best cover (Swimmer One's Cloudbusting).

But in between, when Kardos is genuinely focused on Hounds Of Love, it's a different story. There's a bunch of the sort of production details and formal musical stuff whose presence in a 33 1/3 I fully respect, but usually can't altogether follow - except unlike some of the writers, Kardos always ties it back to something I do find illuminating: I could more readily tell you what songs the sirens sang than tell a minor 7th from a minor 6th, but anchor that in the observation that musically Running Up That Hill is "Less of a flowing arc and more of a polygon shape" and it means something to me. There are similarly insightful details about the musical and lyrical motifs which run through each side of this most bicameral album, but also between them. There's a fact about the Running Up That Hill video which I'd never known, but makes perfect sense; there are quotes from Kate herself which I'd not seen and which not only make sense of the album but serve as valuable reminders that she's a wonderfully down to earth sort of genius: "It's not about wanting the Hounds of Love to catch you and tear you apart. That's what you think they're going to do. But they might want to catch you and lick you and play". Sure, I might quibble with the description of Wilhelm Reich as "one of the twentieth century's most controversial figures" - divisive among those aware of him, sure, but is he really up there with Lenin or Thatcher? Still, that's a rare misstep in a remarkably perceptive piece of writing about one of the all-time great albums.

There's also a chapter on the 2014 Before The Dawn shows in Hammersmith, which I suppose I could have taken as more mission creep, but which given how heavily they drew on Hounds Of Love - in particular with the full staging of The Ninth Wave, something Kate had been talking about since soon after the album came out - does feel like it belongs here. Although either Kardos is being very polite, or she's the only person I've seen express an opinion who genuinely engaged with Bertie's song, Tawny Moon, rather than regarding it as an interruption to be politely endured while his mum had a well-earned breather.

(Netgalley ARC)

[J Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Bush's Hounds of Love, by Leah Kardos, is another very good addition to the 33 1/3 series. This volume goes through track by track as well as giving some background and the continued relevance of the album.

One of the things I like about the 33 1/3 series is the way each writer is able to put their own spin on the album they examine. I enjoyed this one but found one thing lacking, for my taste, more personal connection. I don't want to imply this is an impersonal book, it isn't. But many in the series have an almost autobiographical feel as part of the contextualization. I would have liked more of that here, I don't feel like I know Kardos at all, unlike some other volumes where I did have a picture of who they are (or who they were when the album came out). That is a very minor and quite personal point, and many probably like knowing less about the writer, so my (small) negative may well be a positive for you.

Like any book about an historical event or object, you need to offer background. Kardos does a good job of limiting the career background to the introduction. Just enough so those unfamiliar with Bush will understand her life and career but not so much that long-time fans become bored. Anyone who has ever actually done history knows that without context it isn't a history book, it is just a description. We then get a more music theory and recording equipment assessment of the recording and also ways to appreciate the work beyond simply liking some lyrics or the melody. Atmosphere, soundscapes, how sounds speak to our emotions, these all are given some attention. Then, of course, the more recent popularity of RUTH and the staying power of this phenomenal album.

If you're a Bush fan, as I am, this will both take you back to those times and offer some new perspectives for listening now and in the future. If the new popularity is most of what you know, this will give you some ideas about what to listen to next in Bush's oeuvre. If you like the nuts and bolts of making music, from theory to equipment, you will also find some interesting information.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via Edelweiss.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every time I finish a 33⅓ book I swear I won't read another, because they always manage to annoy me one way or another. As this was about one of the greatest albums ever made and written by Leah Kardos, who also wrote an incredible book about David Bowie's ★, I made an exception - and I'm glad I did! Wow, what a rambling paragraph.

Anyway, yes, this is predictably great, has lots of interesting factual information, a bit of music theory, and most crucially Kardos understands why this record (and Bush as a whole) is so much more than it first seems. Often these books pad out three thoughts with a load of nonsense, but all the stuff around the analysis of the album in here is actually really well written and seems relevant enough to be included. Also, I was very glad to see Jenny Hval get a mention towards the end - go and listen to her, she's great!

My only real complaint is that it's too short and a bit ham-strung by having to catch people up/repeat basic facts a little too often, which is all quite obviously the fault of the format. But still, no one else is going to publish this sort of thing I guess, so thank you 33⅓, you are partially redeemed.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Track by Track Analysis

Cloudbusting played on the radio one Sunday afternoon in the mid-1980s whilst I completed my homework. The song struck a cord with me, and a few weeks later, I had every Kate Bush LP in my collection. I had become a lifelong Bush fan.

Therefore, it was with some trepidation that I started this book having previously read some fans' interpretation of this classic groundbreaking album. That were to be frank terrible.

However, Leah Kardos takes a factual approach to describing this album. From the influence of earlier works by Bush such as 'The Dreaming' (vastly underrated) & 'Never for Ever'. To the influence of 'Hounds of Love' on Bushs' future work and countless other artistes.

Kardos does become more emotive when describing the comeback concert 'Before the Dawn' in 2014. Although this is totally understandable and forgiveable. Having had front row seats and experienced the most amazing evening of my life. Kardos' praise for the show is honest.

Despite my encyclopedic knowledge of Bush, Kardos presented me with a few facts I was unaware of, a sign of a good book on Bush.

[Emma Murch · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 Book Review 📚

Hounds of Love is one of the most influential albums of all time and as a big Kate Bush fan, I was really interested to read this.

It gives a great deal of background information of Kate Bush initially and then examines each track on the record; discussing musicians, production and influences. It reads like an academic piece of writing and is full of information.

It’s interesting, captivating and makes the reader appreciate the genius of the musician as well as her fantastic influence on music that has followed. Great read 😃

I’d like to thank Bloomsbury Academic, NetGalley and the author for the arc and the fantastic opportunity, in exchange for my honest feedback 😊

Book released on 14th November 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Rona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really interesting book that analyses the hounds of love album.
However the author also looks at other songs Kate did as well.
The author talks the reader through the album, how it was recorded, instruments used and Kate's feelings about tracks.
There are also snippets from Kate herself and it is interesting to get an insight into her recording life and her thoughts and reasons why she wrote about the topics she did.
We also get in depth descriptions of the 2014 live concert. It sounds like a fantastic experience.
As a lifetime Kate Bush fan I definitely recommend this book.
It made me want to go back through my collection and listen to the songs.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher.

[Cameron U. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid entry in the 33 1/3 series. Kardos approaches Hounds Of Love with a sense of love, sensibility and poise that permeates the album, and crafts a great analysis as a result. I especially appreciated the music theory analysis, showing just how interconnected everything on the album is and how this contributes to its unifying aspect. The book does trail off into a few non-essential non-sequiters, which is especially annoying when regarding the series' calling card of short reads. Nevertheless, this is still a well-crafted book which has enhanced my appreciation of the fantastic artistic statement that is Hounds Of Love.

[Steve Abercrombie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I knew this album, and expected this tiny book to at best be a rehash of known content from Wikipedia.

I was so wrong! This book by Leah Kardos dives deeper and reveals so much to me about these songs. Everything from key signatures to unique instruments and arrangement techniques.

As a bonus, there is a section about the recent Before the Dawn concerts and CD. This covers the 20+ show run from 2016 that featured almost all of the Hounds of Love album in a live setting for the first time.

[Pegasus & Chrysaor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very expressive and colourful exposition of Bush's album; Kardos includes knowledge which most listeners, even the more dedicated amongst them, may find novel and advantageous in coming to better understand Hounds of Love, and the works around it in general.

Easy to read; however, some expressions and diction come across a tad crude for a more academic-leaning text.

Overall, Kardos makes good use of this limited word count, presenting a sentimental and positive contribution to the 33 1/3 series.

[Eleanor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable read with great insight into the conception, surrounding context and cultural impact of The Hounds of Love. Looking towards recurring themes in lyricism and use of innovative sound effects to create the visual landscape this record paints so vividly. Whilst also drawing distinct parallels between juxtaposing sides A and B and the narrative thread that ties the two together. Would recommend to any fan of Kate Bush!

[Emmanuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

some interesting tidbits (despite sounding purely irish, "the jig of life" actually borrows rhythms from a greek fire-walking tradition! the dogs on the cover are named bonnie and clyde!), but this often veered into territory that was too musical theory and technical for me.

overall, i agree with an old review of the hounds of love that i am and forever will be "ready for our kate’s weird shit.”

[Simon Sweetman · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better 33 1/3s I’ve read in years, helps that I love the album and artist. But also really great lens on the album, and with great information without ever sounding lecture-y or too academic. At the same time this has major substance. Just a really thoughtful meditation on a towering pop record. Win/Win.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating book about one of my favorite albums of all time. I enjoyed it, but parts of it contain a lot of technical language regarding music that I was clueless about, so I skimmed those bits. Otherwise, an interesting read.

[Owen Hatherley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought this was just terrific - in the vein of say Chris O'Leary on Bowie, rooting all its analysis in exactly what the music is doing and how. One of the best in this series for a long time!

[Bradley Morgan]

My interview with the author for the New Books Network: https://newbooksnetwork.com/kate-bush...

[Siggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay nothing new for the die hard Kate bush fan that I am but definitely makes me want to read a biography of her

[baruch]

highly recommend to any kate bush fan

[Javal Blades · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really insightful on track composition, and commentary. The meaning behind some of her work is convoluted but it’s explained here with reference and conciseness!

[Lila-Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

read this while mostly on a plane… was not too happy to discover that most of this album is about a woman floating solo in the ocean after a plane crash

[sheenewood68 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good - could read way more on the "thereal auteur lineage, and is good example of how to write about enduring relevance beyond "gen Z like this, urrr!". Only wish I was reading a way longer Leah Kardos book on Kate Bush, perfect marriage of writer and subject surely.