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. worpswede
    Feb 5, 2006
    9
    Near perfect and a back to the era when Kate consistantly put out near perfect albums. Second only to "Hounds Of Love," "Aerial" is challenging yet subtle and it will please anyone who's waited over a decade for this release.
  2. JacksonB
    Feb 7, 2006
    3
    This sounds like it was made in 1991.
  3. Dennism
    Mar 12, 2006
    10
    This is an emotionally transforming experience. Like anyone or thing that is alive you have to spend time to get to know it, and you have to be willing to let it in, to affect you. Meet Aerial. Each song takes on a life of its own and there is such a buoyancy, an ebb and flow that gets embedded in your nervous system. Emotionally complex, and holistic in its approach , these songs have a This is an emotionally transforming experience. Like anyone or thing that is alive you have to spend time to get to know it, and you have to be willing to let it in, to affect you. Meet Aerial. Each song takes on a life of its own and there is such a buoyancy, an ebb and flow that gets embedded in your nervous system. Emotionally complex, and holistic in its approach , these songs have a unique form, some have careful strokes and others have moments that are wonderful accidents; a theme outlined in the song 'An Architect's Dream'. Kate even has a song written for her son hoping for 3 wishes. Brilliantly, she has sections in 3/4 time and notes in couplets of three. This is a technique that the composer Bach often employed, with the number 3 symbolizing the trinity. Not only did Kate birth this wonderful album, she nurtured it and raised it with a gentle wisdom we should all aspire.… Expand
  4. nickelb
    Mar 12, 2006
    10
    wow yo!
  5. calinv
    Apr 13, 2006
    10
    sunset is the best. she sings like did it in 80 years. a very deep emotion, an graceless introspective of soul-bird.
  6. PhilipH
    Jul 16, 2006
    10
    A beautiful and enigmatic creation from a super, super talent
  7. CurtB
    Jul 20, 2006
    9
    This release may take multiple listens to fully appreciate it's many qualities.
  8. RobbieC
    Nov 9, 2007
    10
    Simply stunning.
  9. Filip
    Mar 12, 2007
    10
    Aerial isn't magnificent, it's perfect. Just aerial perfect.
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. 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.
  13. mh
    Jan 26, 2009
    1
    What a gigantic disappointment. The songs just drag on and on and on without any tension or climax.
  14. Paolo
    Nov 11, 2005
    10
    Masterpiece!
  15. MarcB
    Nov 11, 2005
    10
    Absolutely breathtaking. I'm not the same person anymore.
  16. 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!
  17. DanielL
    Nov 11, 2005
    10
    As a first time Kate Bush listener there's only one thing to say: This is fucking amazing.
  18. AlexJ
    Nov 11, 2005
    10
    Lovely album, very pure and controlled - a masterpiece!
  19. 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
  20. AlexB
    Nov 12, 2005
    9
    To hear that voice again in those beautiful intelligent compositions has been worth the 12 year long wait!
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. MichaelS
    Nov 12, 2005
    10
    A small masterpiece.
  24. 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!!
  25. StephenR
    Nov 13, 2005
    10
    GENIUS! Powerful, moving, so refreshing, I am blown away by the power of this album
  26. simong
    Nov 13, 2005
    10
    just awesome
  27. HaroldGreen
    Nov 14, 2005
    10
    Aerial is simply the best album of 2005.
  28. JariV
    Nov 15, 2005
    10
    A masterpiece.
  29. danielc
    Nov 15, 2005
    10
    A gem and a masterpiece! Worth every day of the lonnggg wait.
  30. 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.
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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.
    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.
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