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. MichaelK
    Nov 17, 2005
    10
    simply wonderful
  2. DavidM
    Nov 17, 2005
    10
    Beautiful.
  3. RogerS
    Nov 17, 2005
    10
    The closest pop music comes to outsider art, and I mean that in a good way. Kate has always followed her own muse, as if the fickle tastes of the mainstream were non-existant, and the result is a double album that works both as ambient background and as a closely-scrutinized, layered work.
  4. RayH
    Nov 17, 2005
    10
    A magnificent, emotionally overwhelming piece of music. I think the second disc will become recognised as her best work. Who else could have made this record?
  5. ElstonG
    Nov 17, 2005
    10
    It's pure art, she is simply fantastic human been with lot of love for all.
  6. RB
    Nov 17, 2005
    10
    astounding
  7. coryB.
    Nov 16, 2005
    9
    Welcome back Kate. You have outdone yourself this time. Sincere, elegant music. Soothing and original. Beautiful piano licks, striking violin. I've missed that sound. Kates voice gets better with age.
  8. RR
    Nov 15, 2005
    4
    Maybe my expectations were just too high. Maybe I need to listen to the album a few more times (had 5 -close- listens so far). But I can't help being completely and utterly disappointed by Aerial. 12 years is a looong time by anyone's standards. I always thought that if Kate Bush had found different priorities in her life, well, then that's all right. She had already given Maybe my expectations were just too high. Maybe I need to listen to the album a few more times (had 5 -close- listens so far). But I can't help being completely and utterly disappointed by Aerial. 12 years is a looong time by anyone's standards. I always thought that if Kate Bush had found different priorities in her life, well, then that's all right. She had already given us some of the best songs in any musical genre. That's enough for me. But now, consider Aerial. The songs in Aerial are completely unremarkable. There is not a single melody on this album worth remembering. I listen to it, I really try to concentrate on the music, but my mind wanders off to something more interesting while I'm doing it. As I am a musician myself, I can appreciate the craft and ingenuity that went into the arrangements - this is Aerial's one saving grace. But the songs? Kate's songs used to be earth-shaking. These don't even manage to ruffle the wings on a fly. The best example is perhaps the song "Pi", which is really as exciting as someone reciting the number Pi to you - endlessly, mercilessly. No dynamics, the song starts nowhere and goes nowhere. Intellectually, I know that the musical form is supposed to mirror the lyrical content here, but emotionally, I am left out in the cold. And that's ultimately how I feel about the entire album, even though the subject matter of some of the songs should be able to move me. It doesn't. Well, that's not entirely true It all really makes me sad, because it took Kate Bush 12 years to come up with a beautifully wrapped waste of time, but thankfully, I can easily dispel that feeling by putting Hounds of Love or The Dreaming in my CD player. Even her last disappointment, The Red Shoes, was a strong album by comparison.… Expand
  9. danielc
    Nov 15, 2005
    10
    A gem and a masterpiece! Worth every day of the lonnggg wait.
  10. JimP
    Nov 15, 2005
    10
    Much anticipated.....not disappointing. As always, grows effortlessly richer with repeated and close listening.
  11. JariV
    Nov 15, 2005
    10
    A masterpiece.
  12. GregG
    Nov 15, 2005
    10
    Easily Kate's best since "Hounds of Love." The second CD is amazing, and should be listened to as one, complete, unified piece. "Nocturn" may be one of the greatest songs she's ever written. Kate Bush is one of music's few true originals.
  13. AmyO
    Nov 15, 2005
    9
    This disc exceeds all of my expectations. I have been a fan for over twenty years and I can easily say that this is probably her most emotionally resonant and musically beautiful work. Highlights are the moving "A Coral Room" and the musically adventurous "Sunset" and "Nocturne". Unforgettable!
  14. macky
    Nov 14, 2005
    9
    Great album, her best album since Hounds of love. She is unique and when you hear music as good as this it makes you realise how much un-original junk is coming out at the moment. There is only one Kate!
  15. alanc
    Nov 14, 2005
    10
    One of her best offerings to date. CD2 excellece in ambience
  16. HaroldGreen
    Nov 14, 2005
    10
    Aerial is simply the best album of 2005.
  17. EdwardH
    Nov 14, 2005
    10
    I love the lyrics so much... so different from the current pop-rape songs... The album shows so many different aspect of her life, love of her son, and the rumours. She might not be the most shi-shi looking and glamourous artist, but that's what's so good about her... finally true talent.
  18. ninab
    Nov 14, 2005
    10
    Once in a while an absoluetly pure, sensitive CD comes along which touches deeply. Did not know what to expect with this new one, but figured I could'nt go wrong with Kate. Put it on and was totally captivated, it pulls you in quickly and does not let go. Its rich in sound, beautiful but simple in songwriting and emotionally moving. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder, Once in a while an absoluetly pure, sensitive CD comes along which touches deeply. Did not know what to expect with this new one, but figured I could'nt go wrong with Kate. Put it on and was totally captivated, it pulls you in quickly and does not let go. Its rich in sound, beautiful but simple in songwriting and emotionally moving. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder, glad to have Kate back.… Expand
  19. simong
    Nov 13, 2005
    10
    just awesome
  20. StephenR
    Nov 13, 2005
    10
    GENIUS! Powerful, moving, so refreshing, I am blown away by the power of this album
  21. ToddB
    Nov 13, 2005
    10
    One of Kate's best....especially A Sky of Honey...absolutely beautiful. There is nobody like her and her music and it`s wonderful to have her back!!
  22. LynM
    Nov 12, 2005
    10
    Kate is better than ever. As I have said in other reviews, Aerial is a shameless and glorious expression of adoration. Absolutely enchanting!
  23. AlexB
    Nov 12, 2005
    9
    To hear that voice again in those beautiful intelligent compositions has been worth the 12 year long wait!
  24. McTaffish
    Nov 12, 2005
    10
    Stunning. A truly beautiful album. Thanks Kate.
  25. Brandon
    Nov 12, 2005
    8
    Could have been shaved down to a single album by removing some of the less-than-stellar tracks - still a very fine record, my first Kate Bush purchase and am interested enough to collect more of her albums.
  26. BrianK
    Nov 12, 2005
    10
    10 is nowhere near enough. Apprehensive after her 12 years absence, I am thrilled to hear her once again. "Nocturn" and "Aerial" rank among the best songs she has ever done. This ranks as the best CD to come out by anyone in years.
  27. [Anonymous]
    Nov 12, 2005
    10
    Throat-gripping, exquisite masterpiece...interesting to note that Kate and Madonna are the same age.....
  28. MichaelS
    Nov 12, 2005
    10
    A small masterpiece.
  29. PW
    Nov 12, 2005
    10
    An amazing album that gets better with each subsequent listen. Hands down the best album that I have heard all year. And frankly, I'm not even that much of a fan of Kate Bush!
  30. ColinO
    Nov 12, 2005
    10
    I was a big fan before, and couldn't wait for this to arrive................... sorry just getting up after pasing out, WOW!!!!!!! What an album. Usually takes me a couple of times to like other songs, but loved it first time. Welcome back Kate.
  31. rhomasa
    Nov 11, 2005
    10
    Simply delicious. Kate proves that she is an iconoclastic artist, serving the listner a platter of an incredible feast. This album will immediately be picked up by allof the popular female artists so they can listen and try to catch up to her..
  32. PhilH
    Nov 11, 2005
    10
    In an age of instant idols and music by numbers you are a true artist, and a true artist is always relevant! thanks Kate!
  33. JamesP
    Nov 11, 2005
    9
    Kate Bush is one of those rare artists who can only be judged by the standards they set for themselves. With Aerial she has reached for new heights of expression and every listen reveals additional layers and textures. There are few obvious hit singles but with epic songs as evocative as Sunset, Nocturn, and Aerial, who cares.
  34. MarcB
    Nov 11, 2005
    10
    Absolutely breathtaking. I'm not the same person anymore.
  35. erick
    Nov 11, 2005
    10
    I love her
  36. JoeW
    Nov 11, 2005
    9
    As a long time KB fan who was rather disappointed in her last album, I was skeptical going in and didn't think she had anything left to offer, especially after a 12 year hiatus. But this album is a fantastic return to form. Highly recommended.
  37. Paolo
    Nov 11, 2005
    10
    Masterpiece!
  38. KrisH
    Nov 11, 2005
    10
    In an era of Bad Bushes - we get the Great Kate Bush back! What a pleasure; listening to Kate Bush is like reading a good book -
  39. KaiH
    Nov 11, 2005
    10
    Genius.....brilliant story telling...in a way only Kate Bush can do it. Good to have her back....and I hope we don't have to wait another 12 years to listen of the wonder that is Kate Bush
  40. AlexJ
    Nov 11, 2005
    10
    Lovely album, very pure and controlled - a masterpiece!
  41. ChristineE
    Nov 11, 2005
    10
    Aerial is another masterpiece from Kate and is comparable to Hounds of Love in it's imagination. The track Aerial is a total belter! Those reviewers criticising the album just don't get it; and they are poorer for that.
  42. DanielL
    Nov 11, 2005
    10
    As a first time Kate Bush listener there's only one thing to say: This is fucking amazing.
  43. TorbenP
    Nov 11, 2005
    10
    Perfect!
  44. FlemmingF
    Nov 10, 2005
    10
    this record makes me explode with sheer exuberance and implode with heartfelt beauty. it plays you like an angel. surely this is the closest you can get to the divine. it's simply quite extraordinary.
  45. MichaelT
    Nov 10, 2005
    10
    Some of the best music heard this year so far
  46. orc
    Nov 10, 2005
    10
    Her master work. That voice and piano...that voice and piano.
  47. alexn
    Nov 10, 2005
    10
    This is a masterpiece; only for those willing to open their ears... Thank you Kate! And you thought we might not remember you... The question is how can we ever forget you?
  48. JoshH
    Nov 10, 2005
    10
    This is an absolutely stellar album. I am thrilled to have Kate back.
  49. CarolG
    Nov 10, 2005
    10
    Leave it to the too cool for the school Pitchfork review to bring down the average, eh? This is pure art. Nothing else. Awesome. Beautiful. Spectacular. Get me my thesarus.
  50. Matt
    Nov 10, 2005
    8
    Amazing how beautiful Bush's music is without being very melodic. And if you like Tori Amos, give Aerial a chance.
  51. BexF
    Nov 10, 2005
    10
    Well worth the wait.
  52. gregi
    Nov 10, 2005
    10
    By modern standards it should get 11. Really. Even though it's not perfect, even the failing points have so many redeeming qualities that it is way beyond the sum of it's parts. It gives many a contemporary musician a worthwhile goal: personal, experimental, daring, beautiful, emotional and against the grain. Not many can pull that off successfully in this world of By modern standards it should get 11. Really. Even though it's not perfect, even the failing points have so many redeeming qualities that it is way beyond the sum of it's parts. It gives many a contemporary musician a worthwhile goal: personal, experimental, daring, beautiful, emotional and against the grain. Not many can pull that off successfully in this world of same-o-same-o. And for the listner: countless of hours of listening, finding and enjoyment.… Expand
  53. DmitriR
    Nov 10, 2005
    10
    Sky of Honey is stunning. The best music created by Kate. 12 year wait well worth it.
  54. NancyC
    Nov 10, 2005
    10
    Kate's new album is a potent brew.
  55. LucE
    Nov 9, 2005
    10
    I haven't heard such a perfect album for years. Thank you Kate for being the greatest female singer
  56. NickT
    Nov 9, 2005
    10
    12 years and it is worth the wait. And I sincerely hope that a new generation take the time to listen, to discover and to enjoy.
  57. MTO
    Nov 9, 2005
    10
    ... become panoramic indeed. Positively cinematic. Whether wading in the sea of honey or soaring through the atmosphere of the sky of honey, this is the best album of the year.
  58. alexanderj
    Nov 9, 2005
    10
    Beautiful, moving, funny, thoughtful. Gets inside my head the more often and the closer I listen to it. Kate is in excellent form. Ahh, the great kate. She has always been, and is now especially in our music-lite age, a unique and hugely gifted talent.
  59. JeannineS
    Nov 9, 2005
    10
    Words cannot do this album enough justice. It is incomparable in its beauty, and makes virtually everything that has preceeded it this decade laughable and even inconsequential in comparison. Stunned....
  60. NickS
    Nov 9, 2005
    10
    Wow... Just wow... Never heard of her before this. Usually takes a while for things to grow on me, but this is perhaps the most consistent album i've ever heard. There are no throwaway tracks, nothing to skip over... Just amazingingly beautiful music.
  61. FredL
    Nov 9, 2005
    9
    the world is still sensual. I am deeply moved. Thx
  62. EddyS
    Nov 9, 2005
    10
    This album is a masterpiece of intense and touching music. She was, she is and she will be the best artist of the planet.
  63. jr
    Nov 9, 2005
    2
    nice, yes, but considering her prior output this record is rather boring. the beats are reminiscent of cheap keyboard pre-sets. the vocals aren't interesting. the lyrics are atrocious on many of the songs.
  64. lièsT
    Nov 9, 2005
    10
    TRULY a MASTERPIECE!!!! Let's dare it: ALBUM OF THE YEAR (sorry Antony & Sufjan).The queen is back with such a class....
  65. HelenC
    Nov 9, 2005
    10
    Kate's back and has nothing to declare but her genius. Stunning album, comprising one disc of intimate songs mostly revolving around characters real, fictional and historical, and one disc of breathtaking sonic vistas depicting the tranistion from night into day, taking in flamenco, disco and the recurring motif of birdsong.
  66. MintyZ
    Nov 9, 2005
    10
    Most excellent. Makes every other purchase in the past two years seem frivolous by comparison. Oh, if only the other 99.9999% of artists had the vision to make a disc like this. . . .
  67. JamieH
    Nov 9, 2005
    10
    My god, what a comeback. Every moment of the album is perfection. "How to be Invisible" is the catchiest song she's done since the HOL era, "Pi" makes numbers sexy, "Mrs. B" and "A Coral Room" show off Kate's piano ballads, and the entirety of the concept album is filled with lush, stunning arrangements. It's another fantastic album from a fantastic artist.
  68. bscott
    Nov 9, 2005
    10
    Aerial was worth the wait! This album is a triumph, and more importantly, a celebration of life. Music like this just isn't made anymore, thankfully, we still have Kate Bush.
  69. LloydC
    Nov 9, 2005
    10
    Kate's back and better than ever. Aerial is her most cohesive and fully realized album thus far.
  70. danh
    Nov 9, 2005
    9
    I feel bad even giving it a 9 (!) a magnificent, ravishing, fresh & inspiring return, and easily the album of the year despite sounding completely out-of-time. It would be insta-classic whatever year it was released in frankly.
  71. enricob
    Nov 9, 2005
    10
    Absolutely superb...it gets better and better and better with each playfrom the Lemon Jelly-styled paean to numbers which is "Pi", moody rocker "How To Be Invisible", the tearjerking "A Coral Room" (worth the price alone) to the gorgeous "Sky of Honey" suite. This album will make you feel delirious and slightly high after listening to it!
  72. janl
    Nov 9, 2005
    10
    After 12 years of absence, Kate Bush moved my again with nice intimate songs.The only track which decived me is ..."King og the mountain".
  73. BarbraL
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    A Kate album for everyone beautiful, accessible and completely inspired. What a gift this is.
  74. Leven
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    simply amazing. kate bush is truly one of a kind... and she's made me see that once again.
  75. TomaszS
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    Absolutely brilliant. Now I am rwady to wait another 12 years for another piece like this...
  76. vr
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    yay kate! it's been worth the wait.... merci!
  77. andyb
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    The most beautiful album ever from the lovely miss Bush. Thankyou Kate.
  78. ArchwayJack
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    A tremendous return, especially after the slightly disappointing Red Shoes album.
  79. josk
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    astonishing! magical!
  80. Greg
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    Pure Magic. Well worth the wait we have had to endure. Perhaps not as great as hounds of love but defintley a masterpiece. Grammy will be singing areials toon.
  81. MichaelB.
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    This is what genius sounds like... A simply amazing and accessible work from an incredibly talented artist.
  82. MitchellS
    Nov 8, 2005
    9
    A Glorius comeback, whilst not flawless A great record that needs to be heard. The second side is spellbinding.
  83. GuyB
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    Sublime! I'll have to give it some more listening time, but as of now, I'll have to say this is Kate's best album yet. Definitely the highlight of 1995!
  84. JonathanM
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    Wow, I've been a Kate fan for several years now and after The Red Shoes being such an overcooked record I really wasn't expecting anything as beatiful and beguling as this. Nearly 30 years on she still manages to be one of the most essential artists around.
  85. LeonardoF
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    cd1 is great, cd2 is perfect and when it ends, it makes you want to listen to a cd3. aerial is the kind of album that gets better and better with each listen. hope we don't have to wait another 12 years for more.
  86. TimothyG
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    Very few albums surprise me, this one did... Having only started listening to Kate about 4 years ago, it was cool to see a new album emerge abd hearing her voice with more modern day production.. Also, the thought that went into everything is staggering... even the artwork with double CD case where laundry turns to birds..... I'm glad I own this one...
  87. DaveC
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    One of the defining albums of the 21st century, in the same way Hounds of Love was a defining moment in late 20th century popular music.
  88. NeilB
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    Worth every year. Worth every damn second.
  89. DavidH
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    If you only buy one album this decade, it's gotta be Aerial. Do yourself a favour. : )
  90. billl
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    We are so not worthy. Would have waited 50 years for this album, and it would have been worth it. Aerial is stunning. Joy and beauty on A Sky of Honey; 7 diamonds on a Sea of Honey. mesmerizing and tear-inducing.
  91. andyj
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    What can you say? Beautiful album. Beautiful lady. Welcome back Kate.
  92. FinnFreak
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    Most amazing album since 1985. The woman is a genius... really: she is.
  93. JohnK
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    Definitely worth every second we had to wait... about 400 million of them...
  94. madsl
    Nov 8, 2005
    9
    Its a beautiful achievement from an artist who has been out of the public eye for so long. Some of the more electronic stuff sound a bit dated and contrived but the simple piano arrangements works wonders! Making it a double album actually makes sense even though the running time is just over 80 minutes...the two discs make perfect sense as complementary pieces of music.
  95. ChrisB
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    Back and better than ever!
  96. Paolo
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    Masterpiece!
  97. RachelD
    Nov 8, 2005
    10
    What a trip. This gets right inside, heals your heart and lifts your spirits. Gorgeous.
  98. BrettL
    Nov 7, 2005
    10
    I can't imagine a better album from her... more BVs maybe? Oh well, what's there is beautiful, it works wonders.
  99. WaltonS
    Nov 7, 2005
    10
    An album that has genuinely touched me, and I dare say may be one of the finest I've ever heard. From anyone.
  100. ChesterE
    Nov 7, 2005
    10
    Completely transporting - Aerial is the bet album of the year and yes, it was worth the 2 year wait!
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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

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  2. Billboard
    80
    Despite her prolonged absence, Bush sounds as vital as ever.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »