Album of the Day

"We must tell our hearts that it is 'never for ever,' and be happy that it's like that,” noted Kate Bush of the joyous and sorrowful songs of her third studio album, NEVER FOR EVER. The first release co-produced by the U.K. artist shows Bush broadening her signature sound with some effectively deployed synthesizers and drum machines as well as a richer variety of arrangements. The 11 originals – including U.K. Top 20 singles “Breathing,” “Army Dreamers” and the classic “Babooshka” - give influences from literature and film thoughtful new spins and wonderfully theatrical vocal performances. NEVER FOR EVER became the first album by a female solo artist to top the British chart (entering at No.1) on this day in 1980, and it confirmed Kate Bush's status as one of the decade's most distinctive singer-songwriters.