Review Summary: A wonderful snapshot of Kate's songwriting ability during her early years.
THE KICK INSIDE was an impressive debut by a precocious young singer/songwriter that EMI had been nurturing in the studio for the 18 months up until it's February 1978 release. Kate's earliest proper studio demos dated back to 1975, when she was just 17 years of age. The record company felt she wasn't quite ready for her launch at that time, but signed her anyhow. They knew they had something extraordinary and weren't going to let another label steal her.
Kate's music isn't easy to categorize, although there are elements of classical in her piano playing and her approach seems a bit more Baroque Pop than Art Rock. Coupled with intelligently written lyrics that are highly emotive & wise beyond her years, her music seems to exist within its own unique niche that seemed rather incomparable to her contemporaries at the time. Although this record was merely the beginning of her musical journey, it is remarkably well realized for such a young artist. While Andrew Powell produced this record, Kate would be in charge for all of her following records.
The higher more youthful tone of Kate's voice is especially evident on this album and may be something of an acquired taste for some. However, her almost operatic singing range puts her obvious ability on display. "Moving" and her smash hit "Wuthering Heights" are fine examples of her vocal prowess. Yet, it wasn't her singing that impressed me the most. It was her emotional honesty and willingness to discuss such topics as the female condition in such a tasteful, but curious manner, as she does in "Room For The Life". While occasionally slipping in a cheeky line that might make a vicar blush, she does so with great precision and intelligence.
Although I enjoy nearly all of the tracks on some level, the songs towards the end of the record seem to be stronger. "The Man With The Child In His Eyes" is a beautifully sung ballad that has Kate pining for her absent lover who is out at sea. "James And The Cold Gun" provides a nice contrast to all of these ballads with a brief foray into hard rock. "L'amour Looks Something Like You" is yet another fine piano ballad, as well as the aforementioned "Room For The Life".
THE KICK INSIDE is a well balanced record that provides a wonderful snapshot of Kate's songwriting ability during her early years. While she would only refine her talents and become more adventurous on later records, her beginnings are remarkable to behold.
Song Picks:
Wuthering Heights
The Man With The Child In His Eyes
James And The Cold Gun
L'amour Looks Something Like You
Room For The Life
