Kate Bush: The Red Shoes Album (1993)

Kate Bush’s The Red Shoes album, was released in the UK on October 5, 1993, on EMI Records (catalogue: CDEMD 1047 for CD, EMD 1047 for vinyl).

This ambitious 12-track LP, inspired by the 1948 Powell and Pressburger film, marked Bush’s seventh studio effort, blending art-pop, rock, and experimental sounds with a loose narrative about a dancer’s pact with magical shoes. Self-produced at her home studio, the album featured guest contributions, notably from Prince on “Why Should I Love You?,” though written solely by Bush. Despite mixed critical reception, it reached No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart, showcasing her bold creativity.

Album Overview

UK Release Formats and Track Listings

The album was issued in the UK in three formats, each maintaining the same 12-track sequence but split differently due to medium constraints:

Vinyl LP (Catalogue: EMD 1047):

Side A:

Rubberband Girl (4:42)

And So Is Love (4:16)

Eat the Music (5:08)

Moments of Pleasure (5:16)

The Song of Solomon (4:27)

Lily (3:51)

Side B:

The Red Shoes (4:00)

Top of the City (4:14)

Constellation of the Heart (4:46)

Big Stripey Lie (3:32)

Why Should I Love You? (5:00)

You’re the One (5:52)

Packaging: 33⅓ RPM, stereo, in a gatefold sleeve with artwork inspired by the film The Red Shoes, including lyrics and photos. Some pressings included a promotional sticker.

Compact Disc (CD) (Catalogue: CDEMD 1047):

Single Disc:

Rubberband Girl (4:42)

And So Is Love (4:16)

Eat the Music (5:08)

Moments of Pleasure (5:16)

The Song of Solomon (4:27)

Lily (3:51)

The Red Shoes (4:00)

Top of the City (4:14)

Constellation of the Heart (4:46)

Big Stripey Lie (3:32)

Why Should I Love You? (5:00)

You’re the One (5:52)

Packaging: Jewel case with a booklet featuring lyrics, artwork, and credits. Some editions included a hype sticker noting Prince’s contribution.

Cassette (Catalogue: TCEMD 1047):

Side A:

Rubberband Girl (4:42)

And So Is Love (4:16)

Eat the Music (5:08)

Moments of Pleasure (5:16)

The Song of Solomon (4:27)

Lily (3:51)

Side B:

The Red Shoes (4:00)

Top of the City (4:14)

Constellation of the Heart (4:46)

Big Stripey Lie (3:32)

Why Should I Love You? (5:00)

You’re the One (5:52)

Packaging: Standard cassette case with a fold-out J-card featuring lyrics and artwork, designed for portable listening.

Production and Context

Self-produced by Kate Bush at her Homeground Studio, the album featured a core band including Stuart Elliott (drums), John Giblin (bass), and Danny McIntosh (guitar), with guests like Prince (backing vocals, guitar, keyboards, bass on “Why Should I Love You?”), Eric Clapton (guitar on “And So Is Love”), and Nigel Kennedy (violin on “Big Stripey Lie”). Bush’s vision, inspired by the film’s tragic dance narrative, infused tracks with emotional depth, though some critics found its digital production less warm than Hounds of Love. Released amid the early ‘90s alternative scene, it followed The Sensual World (1989) and competed with acts like Tori Amos.

Chart Performance

The Red Shoes was a commercial success:

UK: No. 2 (Official Albums Chart), charting for 19 weeks, certified Gold (100,000 copies sold).

US: No. 28 (Billboard 200), certified Gold (500,000 copies sold).

Australia: No. 17, certified Gold.

Canada: No. 14, certified Gold.

Germany: No. 18.

Netherlands: No. 23.

Switzerland: No. 26.

New Zealand: No. 18.

France: No. 14.

Sweden: No. 16.Singles like “Rubberband Girl” (UK No. 12, US No. 88), “Eat the Music” (UK No. 36), and “Moments of Pleasure” (UK No. 26) drove sales, with “And So Is Love” also charting modestly.

Legacy and Collectibility

Critically divisive for its polished sound, The Red Shoes remains a fan favorite for tracks like “Moments of Pleasure” and Prince’s contribution to “Why Should I Love You?,” which added funk-pop flair. The album inspired Bush’s 1993 short film The Line, the Cross & the Curve. Original UK vinyls fetch £50–£150 on Discogs, with first pressings (gatefold, lyric insert) commanding premiums—verify matrix numbers. CDs (£5–£20) and cassettes (£5–£15) are common but collectible in mint condition. Remastered versions (2018 Fish People reissues) and Spotify streams preserve its lush sound.

This album showcases Kate Bush’s fearless artistry—a vital piece for collectors.

Do you have The Red Shoes in vinyl, CD, or cassette? Which track captivates your turntable? Share in the comments!