Aerial
by Kate Bush
  • Record Label: Sony
  • Release Date: Nov 8, 2005
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 325 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 291 out of 325
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 325
  3. Negative: 26 out of 325

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  1. 0987
    Oct 25, 2022
    10
    Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Songs like Bertie, Sunset, Somewhere In Between, Nocturn and Aerial are making me cry, but they are really gorgeous. While Pi must have been the most intelligent song ever I have listened to, for singing the Pi decimals.
  2. Solitaire26
    Sep 4, 2022
    10
    One of her and 2000s best albums hands down! I miss her so much I hope she makes a comeback
  3. DunyG
    Apr 6, 2021
    10
    Quite a ride. I think I needed this. If you have doubts, I think giving it a try won't hurt.
  4. Thonny
    Feb 21, 2020
    10
    Perfección hecho álbum, dulzura y amor. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
  5. katebush
    Aug 31, 2019
    10
    kinda iconic kinda iconickinda iconic kinda iconickinda iconic kinda iconickinda iconic kinda iconickinda iconic kinda iconickinda iconic kinda iconic
  6. jqks
    Mar 17, 2016
    10
    Ten years after this amazing gift of an album came out and it still sounds fresh. After such a long lay off I expected the album to be a sad shadow of Kate's earlier music. Instead she produced something different, more mature, more confident, a record that reminded me how much I used to love music. If this album as been on your "maybe I should get around to it" list do yourself a favorTen years after this amazing gift of an album came out and it still sounds fresh. After such a long lay off I expected the album to be a sad shadow of Kate's earlier music. Instead she produced something different, more mature, more confident, a record that reminded me how much I used to love music. If this album as been on your "maybe I should get around to it" list do yourself a favor and make the time.… Expand
  7. Muddsjr
    Mar 24, 2014
    10
    Aerial has a couple of immensely unwanted moments, (Mrs Bartollozi, a song about a washing machine, and the vocal guest Rolf Harris on disc two) but the fact is, Kate Bush's Aerial is just so magical, so touching, beautiful and innovative in its own creativity, that you simply couldn't care less for what so little of it isn't so good. I dare say this is Kate's most stunning and flawlessAerial has a couple of immensely unwanted moments, (Mrs Bartollozi, a song about a washing machine, and the vocal guest Rolf Harris on disc two) but the fact is, Kate Bush's Aerial is just so magical, so touching, beautiful and innovative in its own creativity, that you simply couldn't care less for what so little of it isn't so good. I dare say this is Kate's most stunning and flawless work since Hounds of Love.… Expand
  8. perUmbram
    Oct 29, 2013
    9
    Float away into summery, warm and evocative bliss. A few deterrants (Bertie, Joanni) don't manage to distract with the genious conception of this inviting album. 'An Endless Sky of Honey' is probably the warmest atmosphere ever created on an album and leads up to one of the most hauntingly blissful conclusions in Kate Bush's carreer.
  9. piolhoso
    Apr 11, 2013
    10
    My all time favourite album, I can't put it into words how much I adore this album. In my opinion this is Kate Bushe's best album, it was most certainly worth the wait. 11/10 AMAZING
  10. LuizCC
    Aug 19, 2012
    10
    Kate Bush has a career of long thirty years, and even with the big lacks of time between albums, it's always worthy. 'Aerial' is a unique masterpiece of a dream-pop in a league of her own. It's bold songwriting, powerful production and Kate's mature and refined voice, with an atmosphere of happiness in every song. It often sound like a successor to "The Dreaming", but in a most elegantKate Bush has a career of long thirty years, and even with the big lacks of time between albums, it's always worthy. 'Aerial' is a unique masterpiece of a dream-pop in a league of her own. It's bold songwriting, powerful production and Kate's mature and refined voice, with an atmosphere of happiness in every song. It often sound like a successor to "The Dreaming", but in a most elegant way. She never gets old for good music.… Expand
  11. listener
    Nov 13, 2011
    10
    Incredible album-although kind of grower,need some time to warm up...the second disc is pure masterpiece from start to finish,probably the best thing she ever did.
  12. Phaedrus
    Jan 16, 2011
    10
    Tremendous evolution and maturity. I cannot get through A Coral Room without crying, so sad, sonorous and poetic and gorgeous it is. Nocturn is bliss in motion. Aerial is pure flight. The rhythms, nuances, her quirky other worldish voice and its tremendous range all combine to make this album an experience not to miss. In a world filled with ugliness, Kate Bush reminds me that thereTremendous evolution and maturity. I cannot get through A Coral Room without crying, so sad, sonorous and poetic and gorgeous it is. Nocturn is bliss in motion. Aerial is pure flight. The rhythms, nuances, her quirky other worldish voice and its tremendous range all combine to make this album an experience not to miss. In a world filled with ugliness, Kate Bush reminds me that there is tremendous beauty and passion...I hope somehow when I die it is her voice I hear as I set forth on the long journey.… Expand
  13. curdey
    Dec 2, 2010
    10
    This is my all-time favourite record. Once again, Kate Bush proves her genius - the second disc is particularly breathtaking, intertwining birdsong and Rolf Harris effortlessly and flawlessly into a completely different yet completely "Kate Bush" way. Spectacular in every way.
  14. TakisS
    Oct 19, 2009
    10
    A real experimental masterpiece! Only Kate can make songs like Aerial Prologue or Prelude in that Age. The album is the successor of Hounds of Love! A masterpiece!
  15. KeithD
    Jul 29, 2009
    10
    4 years later and Aerial continues to shine brilliantly, deliriously so.
  16. ElC
    Mar 24, 2009
    10
    Frankly speaking, I did not like it too much the first time I have listened. Yet, with every time I listened it sort of opened up more and more. It is so rich that it unfolds and unfolds and unfolds, presenting each time with more, even when you thought you have it all. Kate must be a real witch, there is an incredible amount of "force" in this album. She is a very wise and mature person Frankly speaking, I did not like it too much the first time I have listened. Yet, with every time I listened it sort of opened up more and more. It is so rich that it unfolds and unfolds and unfolds, presenting each time with more, even when you thought you have it all. Kate must be a real witch, there is an incredible amount of "force" in this album. She is a very wise and mature person in sense of understanding the world and stuff, too - her songs prove it. Practically all songs on this album are charged with very deep emotions, and some are so much, that you can not hold tears listening. In short, this is an amazing, incredible album, one of the real treasures I have pleasure to listen to, ever.… Expand
  17. mh
    Jan 26, 2009
    1
    What a gigantic disappointment. The songs just drag on and on and on without any tension or climax.
  18. adama
    Dec 21, 2008
    10
    Hey if you don't "understand" why this album is a brilliant masterpiece maybe you should think about what you're saying. Since when has understanding factored into the enjoyment of getting lost in a magical world that Kate Bush has created for us to explore? Either you give in to the magic or you resist it. Those who resist usually end up with comments like "disappointing" or Hey if you don't "understand" why this album is a brilliant masterpiece maybe you should think about what you're saying. Since when has understanding factored into the enjoyment of getting lost in a magical world that Kate Bush has created for us to explore? Either you give in to the magic or you resist it. Those who resist usually end up with comments like "disappointing" or "some good tunes but a lot of filler" or "I could do without all the bird noises". Come on people, where are your hearts? Your souls? If this album can't touch you I don't think there is any hope for you. Not that it's completely your fault. You've been conditioned to respond only to certain elements of music in a positive way, ususally music that doesn't challenge or offend. God forbid an artist should request your full attention for the duraton of a double album for the sole purpose of transporting you out of your dull but rational existence into a world of adventure, emotion and dreams where anything is possible. God forbid an artist should have the nerve to break all of the rules of music we've wasted our lives creating. Who does Kate Bush think she is anyway?… Expand
  19. CarolineB
    Sep 17, 2008
    10
    Incredible - atmospheric, thoughtful intelligent and beautiful. Bill M's problem is not the music. He needs to open his ears, mind and heart.
  20. PiyuT.
    Jun 26, 2008
    10
    Simply put, one of the best albums I have ever had the fortune of listening to. Just shows how much KB has matured as an artist and a person.. her vioce is deeper and if it is possible, more mellifluous than it was twelve years ago. Just one thing Kate - please don't go into a sabbatical again, EVER (or atleast not one lasting twelve years)!
  21. AnyaZ.
    Jan 8, 2008
    10
    Buying this album was best spending of money ever!!! Aerial is amazing album, great work of art and music. One of Bush's best.
  22. BillM.
    Dec 31, 2007
    0
    I can't understand the rave reviews some people gave this, they must be listening to something very different to my copy of the album. This is drivel of the first order. There is not one redeeming song on the entire double album, not one that is actually spending any time listening to (I listened to it several times when I got it as I couldn't believe just how bad it was, I can't understand the rave reviews some people gave this, they must be listening to something very different to my copy of the album. This is drivel of the first order. There is not one redeeming song on the entire double album, not one that is actually spending any time listening to (I listened to it several times when I got it as I couldn't believe just how bad it was, I've just listened again having convinced myself I must be wrong - I'm not).… Expand
  23. RobbieC
    Nov 9, 2007
    10
    Simply stunning.
  24. ChrisP
    May 19, 2007
    10
    The second CD, a Sky Of Honey, grew and grew on me. and is now one of my very favourite albums. Think of it as a single piece as it's full of cross-references. And it's introspective yet ecstatic, everyday yet transcendent, full of secrets and wonderful from beginning to end.
  25. OlavL
    Apr 24, 2007
    10
    Soundscape is like traveling my own country's landscape!
  26. Filip
    Mar 12, 2007
    10
    Aerial isn't magnificent, it's perfect. Just aerial perfect.
  27. barbrad
    Mar 1, 2007
    10
    Forget the therapist - listen to this. Stunning
  28. David
    Feb 17, 2007
    10
    Simply divine. A true artist at work. Kate's music makes most of today's award noted music pale in comparison. Here here to a truly great double CD.
  29. MICHAELW
    Dec 19, 2006
    10
    It's like visiting another planet. No, make that another universe. Kate Bush succeeds in drowning the listener in a tub full of honey. It's not sickening sweet as one would imagine, more softer textures prevail here that resonate like a quick shot to the gut. I confess, I'm hooked. How can something so delicate pack such a powerful punch? Feel as though I've been It's like visiting another planet. No, make that another universe. Kate Bush succeeds in drowning the listener in a tub full of honey. It's not sickening sweet as one would imagine, more softer textures prevail here that resonate like a quick shot to the gut. I confess, I'm hooked. How can something so delicate pack such a powerful punch? Feel as though I've been ambushed by a thousand butterflies. Delicious insanity.… Expand
  30. nicka
    Oct 3, 2006
    10
    Well after a 12 year gap the question everyone wants answered is has it been worth the wait? Most definitely yes, Kate makes the album shes always wanted to and her genius is let loose completely on this double album. The first cd titled A Sea Of Honey is typical Kate with perhaps the best ever song about numbers, as with any Kate album she does take alot of risks but even when she Well after a 12 year gap the question everyone wants answered is has it been worth the wait? Most definitely yes, Kate makes the album shes always wanted to and her genius is let loose completely on this double album. The first cd titled A Sea Of Honey is typical Kate with perhaps the best ever song about numbers, as with any Kate album she does take alot of risks but even when she occasionally becomes a bit too self indulgent or takes a risk too far musically shes still wonderfully eccentric. The second cd titled A Sky Of Honey is where she lets it all out and brings together things that you think how does she make that work? the sound of birdsong, and especially wood pigeons are all brought together beautifully to give an organic start to some of the songs, in a sense this grounds the listener. Although the second cd is quite conceptual in nature there are some wonderful songs and beautiful choruses, after the first listen you want to go back and listen again to check you didnt miss something, theres so much going on here and most of it is beautifully drawn together. This album takes to you to far away places in your mind, at times haunting, beautiful, eccentric, innovative,it takes chances, it pushes the listener and rewards them. Simply put this album is like a snow capped mountain rising above the clouds,it leaves the majority of todays so called music deep in the valley below! A wonderful return from Kate, its great to have you back but please dont make us wait another 12 years.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

52
#52 Best Album of 2005
12
#12 Most Discussed Album of 2005
17
#17 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. AllMusic
    80
    There's no pushing of the envelope because there doesn't need to be. Aerial is rooted in Kate Bush's oeuvre, with grace, flair, elegance, and an obsessive, stubborn attention to detail.
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  2. Billboard
    80
    Despite her prolonged absence, Bush sounds as vital as ever.
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  3. musicOMH.com
    90
    Like all ambitious double albums, [Aerial] is not without its flaws, but even Bush's moments of failure are much more interesting than those of her contemporaries.
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