The Red Shoes (studio album) by Kate Bush

From Graeme2 11/20/2022 20:48

Generally regarded as her worst but it's still Kate Bush. Horrible production really makes it hard to appreciate (especially track 3), along with strange choices like getting Clapton to muso all over track 2. Poor Kate is still better than most though.

There are some beautiful tracks on this album like 'Moments of Pleasure' and 'Song of Solomon' where the sound is more stripped back with piano, subtle synth textures and haunting vocals. I prefer these tracks to the more 'poppy' style offerings. Overall I like the album which borders prog in one direction and pop in the other.

From Goliath 04/28/2018 15:31

Lacking the experimentation of previous albums, this feels more 'mainstream' but still a great album full of great tracks especially Song of Solomon and Lily. I maybe alone in this but I think Rubberband Girl is the low point...

Last year, I reviewed "The Red Shoes" and like many people, I claimed it was one of her weakest albums. However, after spending more time with this record (and certain revisited tracks on "Director's Cut") perhaps I was a bit too quick to dismiss it as "good" but nothing more.. perhaps we all were.

Upon reflection, "The Red Shoes" is a lovely and diverse record that has heaps of personality and eccentricity. On the surface, many tracks may seem more generic or pop-like, but have a listen to "Rubberband Girl" again. Although it sticks to certain 90s pop/rock conventions, the track is gleefully manic, has sharp subtext and sounds extraordinarily like nothing else - the same can be said for "Eat The Music", "Big Stripey Lie" and the title track, among others.

Elsewhere, the record also holds some of Kate Bush's most personal work. Tracks like "And So Is Love", "The Song of Solomon" & "Moments of Pleasure" aren't sad, generic ballads - they positively reek of misery and failed opportunities complete with haunting production.

Overall, "The Red Shoes" is a success, but one that was overlooked because of the zeitgeist - younger, newer artists were crowding the "indie rock" scene and there was little space for Kate Bush's work on the radio - no matter, time will cement Bush as a legend, if it hasn't done so already.

After three stunning records in a row Kate Bush unfortunately disappoints on, the red shoes. It's not a bad album, it's Kate Bush for god's sake, but it does seem a little short on inspiration. Still, there are some good tracks; rubberband girl, is an excellent song, one of Bush's greatest singles. Elsewhere, there's the superb, moments of pleasure, song of Solomon, and the title track. The red shoes, is not a bad album, just not quite good enough for Kate Bush.

From Tamthebam 08/31/2014 13:49

This would make a great 10 track album the two racks I would omit are Big Stripey Lie and Top Of the City. The first 7 racks are great then the album tails off and gets a bit monotonous. Overall 75/100.

A really good album but it is a bit long. Full of great songs though.

'Constellation Of The Heart' is the strangest thing Kate Bush has even done. That might be a tall feat but it holds true for me simply because it represents everything we thought she wasn't. That being a typical 80's artist. Typical 80's artist... THIS IS 1993!!! Get a move on! We can't stay in that decade. Well maybe Kate's work in that decade was great so she can stay. All artists have to move forward and I am pleased she tried different things. And... this one song I mentioned? It is actually fairly good! Just fairly good. Gets a lot better else where. The tropical island jaunt that is 'Eat The Music' is more than welcome and the bouncy bounce of 'Rubberband Girl' proves Kate still wants to have fun. While 'The Sensual World' had songs which felt like ye olde books and literacy put to music, this album is covered with a much brighter and sharper production. Nothing on here would have sounded more than 10 years old on its release. Veins from the past do make it on here though... well Kate's past, that can only be a good thing. The title track 'The Red Shoes' is the signature Irish influenced one, a trend that had been happening since 'The Dreaming', while 'Lily' wouldn't be out of place on 'The Ninth Wave' suit. Albums also a top heavy one, in that all the best ones are stuck at the top. Some sound like mini movie soundtracks and the release of 'The Directors Cut' has only convinced me more. Overall, a much more polish and modern album than any other released by Kate. Has it's own charm. Try it.