Inflatable cover

Inflatable

Bush · 2002

12 min · 3 tracks · alternative rock

A blend of haunting melodies and gritty guitar riffs, reflecting a darker, introspective side of alternative rock.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Inflatable (radio remix) — This remix captures the essence of Bush's sound while introducing a more polished production style, making it accessible to a broader audience.
  • →
    Hurricane (live in Brussels) — This live rendition showcases the band's raw energy and connection with fans, providing insight into their performance dynamics during this era.
  • →
    Headful of Ghosts (live in Brussels) — The live version emphasizes the emotional depth of the song, illustrating Bush's ability to convey intensity even outside studio settings.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

38 /100
Lowland
Higher than 0% of albums we've rated

The single blends polished and raw elements but lacks strong cohesion as a standalone release.

What we noticed

  • The title track features a prominent radio remix that emphasizes its melodic hooks and polished production.
  • Both live tracks are characterized by raw energy, with extended instrumental sections that showcase the band's performance dynamics.
  • The sequencing places the radio remix first, creating an immediate contrast with the more unrefined sound of the live recordings that follow.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
5/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
4/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Marked the band's return and re-engagement with their audience after a decline.
Career context
By 2002, Bush was navigating a challenging phase after the decline in mainstream popularity following their previous album, 'The Science of Things.' 'Inflatable' marked their return to the music scene with an emphasis on live recordings, showcasing their enduring presence despite shifting musical landscapes and evolving listener preferences.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Inflatable (radio remix)

    The chorus shifts from a reflective tone to an urgent plea, creating tension between vulnerability and desire.

    This shift enhances the emotional landscape of the song, contrasting personal introspection with a yearning for connection.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Inflatable (radio remix) 4:05
  • 2 Hurricane (live in Brussels) 4:37
  • 3 Headful of Ghosts (live in Brussels) 3:29

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata