The Whole Story cover

Released 40 years ago

The Whole Story

Kate Bush · 1986

48 min · 12 tracks · pop rock · art rock · baroque pop

A kaleidoscopic journey through ethereal soundscapes and theatrical storytelling, merging pop with avant-garde influences.

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 want

  • prefer straightforward, upbeat tracks
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Themes
Wuthering Heights drama· memory and loss· theatrical storytelling
Career context
Released in 1986, 'The Whole Story' is a compilation album that captures Kate Bush's evolution as an artist following her groundbreaking 1985 album 'Hounds of Love'. At this point in her career, Bush had solidified her reputation for blending art pop with experimental elements, showcasing her distinctive vocal style and visionary songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors
Tori Amos· Björk· Florence + the Machine
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Little Earthquakes by Tori Amos — Shares a theatrical storytelling approach with emotional depth and experimental pop elements.
Debut by Björk — Combines ethereal soundscapes with avant-garde influences and personal, poetic narratives.
Hunky Dory by David Bowie — Merges art pop with theatricality and introspective themes, creating a vivid sonic landscape.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Wuthering Heights (new vocal) 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

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata