Originally published by L.S. Media. November 23rd 2011.
L.S. Media Rating ****
If there is an enigmatic enigma in music world then that title truly belongs to Kate Bush. It’s been years since the voice of Wuthering Heights, Cloudbusting and Running up that Hill released an album, now in the space of a mere few months, she produces and delivers a second one. This honest, charming and beautiful album, 50 Words for Snow is a bold and inspiring new direction for the woman whose voice broke a million hearts and has soared higher than any before or since.
Anybody picking up the album nonchalantly or by design may be disappointed at the thought of only seven songs being listed on the back of the cover; however tear back the plastic sheet covering and look between the dusky printed pages, there is not a single track under six minutes, in fact the track Misty comes in at a whopping 13 and a half minutes. If that’s not enough for even the most unyielding of fans then nothing Kate Bush will ever do again will be enough. It’s easy to dismiss an artist and decry a song on the basis of its length but sometimes in life, a song just cannot be allowed to end, it needs to be played and enjoyed, no matter the duration.
Snowed in at Wheeler Street is a tremendous tune that harks back in spirit and imagery to some of Kate Bush’s finest moments. The love and joy that Kate sings of is palpable, so tangible that by the end of the track, if a tear isn’t forming in your eye then there really can be no hope for you.
It’s not everyone who can lure Stephen Fry to be on an album and indeed the title track from the album but it’s an exercise that succeeds and gives that extra little something to an outstanding piece of music and recording history.
This year has seen some utterly brilliant and tantalising albums for the British public to buy; fawn over and take to their hearts, no matter what the genre. However, the woman of substance shows what’s been missing from playlists for a long time and that is a truly incredible Kate Bush album. There may indeed be 50 words for snow but there can only be really one word for the creator of this stunning album…Genius
Ian D. Hall