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
'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
lyric mixing up sexuality, romance, and various earthy food-based metaphors. Another highlight of
'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
creating a very
-like arrangement and backing chorus for
(and doing quite well at that) and the concluding
"You're the One,"
featuring
Brooker
. ~ Ned Raggett