LogFAQs > #955875056

138. Kate Bush Hounds of Love (1985)
from the album Hounds of Love

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VerK4zwMRQw

Key lyrics:
I found a fox, caught by dogs
He let me take him in my hands
His little heart, it beat so fast
And Im ashamed of running away

Hounds of Love is a deceptive slice of art pop. With propulsive drums, a forceful cello, and the hum of a synthesizer, Kate Bush suggests something massive. It is easy to overlook that there is not much more to it, other than her voice. Having always had an ear for a classical sound, Kate Bush managed to craft a maximalist atmosphere out of a minimal arrangement. This is assisted by her always distinct vocal style. In addition to her usual singing, she layers herself for the backing vocals, which evolves into something akin to barking at key moments. In true art pop fashion, all of these elements add up to something both immediately accessible yet completely distinct from anything else.

The raw passion in Kate Bushs voice is phenomenal. Her first lines carry a frantic edge, only to soften up and grow quieter as she first remarks upon the hounds of love. This shift suggests a haunted feeling, as though she is afraid to speak up. Her frantic energy bubbles up again during the chorus, reaching a high as she rolls through the word throw. This energy takes on a reflective quality during verse two, as she describes an encounter with a fox. As the chorus returns, a subtle shift creates a hopeful atmosphere someone becomes darling. The idea of falling in love can be terrifying from a distance, but Kate Bush finds comfort in the actual act.

---

My top 100 games (with write-ups): https://foolfantastic.com/top-100-video-games-project/