Top tracks — play these first
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Wuthering Heights (new vocal) Start here — This reimagined version of Bush's debut single showcases her hauntingly dramatic vocal style and sets the tone for the entire compilation.
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Running Up That Hill — As one of Bush's most iconic songs, it encapsulates her innovative approach to songwriting and explores themes of empathy and desire through its powerful narrative structure.
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Cloudbusting — This track stands out for its orchestral arrangement and lyrical depth, reflecting Bush's ability to blend personal narratives with broader emotional landscapes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases Bush's artistic evolution with reimagined classics, though as a compilation, it lacks full cohesion.
What we noticed
- The album features new vocal takes on classic tracks, altering the original arrangements and interpretations.
- Several tracks incorporate lush instrumentation and layered harmonies, creating a rich soundscape that enhances the storytelling.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- theatrical storytelling with vivid imagery
- ethereal soundscapes for introspection
- cathartic emotional expressions throughout
- nostalgic reflections on love and
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, upbeat tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Consolidates early hits, establishing Bush's commercial appeal and recognition.
- Themes
- Wuthering Heights drama· memory and loss· theatrical storytelling
- Career context
- Released in 1986, The Whole Story is a compilation album that captures the essence of Kate Bush's early career, consolidating her work from 1978 to 1985. It followed her critically acclaimed Hounds of Love, showcasing hits that propelled her into mainstream success while reflecting on her distinct artistic vision.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tori Amos· Björk· Florence + the Machine
Tracklist
- 1 Wuthering Heights (new vocal) Start here 4:58
- 2 Cloudbusting 5:10
- 3 The Man With the Child in His Eyes 2:40
- 4 Breathing 5:28
- 5 Wow 3:45
- 6 Hounds of Love 3:03
- 7 Running Up That Hill 4:58
- 8 Army Dreamers 3:14
- 9 Sat in Your Lap 3:29
- 10 Experiment IV 4:21
- 11 The Dreaming 4:13
- 12 Babooshka 3:28
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Little Earthquakes
Tori Amos
Shares a theatrical storytelling approach with emotional depth and experimental pop elements.
Debut
Björk
Combines ethereal soundscapes with avant-garde influences and personal, poetic narratives.
Hunky Dory
David Bowie
Merges art pop with theatricality and introspective themes, creating a vivid sonic landscape.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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