The album is a continuation of
Bush's multi-layered and multiple musical pursuits and interests. If not her strongest work -- a number of songs sound okay without being particularly stellar, especially given
Bush's past heights --
Red Shoes is still an enjoyable listen with a number of diversions. The guest performer list is worthy of note alone, ranging from
Procol Harum pianist
Gary Brooker and
Eric Clapton to
Prince, but this is very much a
Kate Bush album straight up as opposed to a collaborative work like, say,
Santana's Supernatural. Opening song "Rubberband Girl" is actually one of her strongest singles in years, a big and punchy song served well with a horn section, though slightly let down by the stiff percussion. "Eat the Music," another smart choice for a single, mixes calypso and other Caribbean musical touches with a great, classically
Bush lyric mixing up sexuality, romance, and various earthy food-based metaphors. Another highlight of
Bush's frank embrace of the lustier side of life is "The Song of Solomon," a celebratory piece about the Bible's openly erotic piece. Those who prefer her predominantly piano and vocal pieces will enjoy "Moments of Pleasure" with a strong string arrangement courtesy of
Michael Kamen. Other standouts include "Why Should I Love You?" with
Prince creating a very
Prince-like arrangement and backing chorus for
Bush (and doing quite well at that) and the concluding "You're the One," featuring
Brooker. ~ Ned Raggett