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It's a mischievous paradox that, while rock at its ultra-macho best is exhilarating and energizing, yet just at the moment when it is most strident and loud it leaves you needing something more. Then along comes a shy doctor's daughter from Welling who out-screams the best, out-powers the noisiest and tops it with the satisfying impact of musical and psychological depth. It's almost Wagnerian.

Kate Bush#309

MusicArtPowerEnergyDepth

About this quote

What does it mean?
Loud music creates energy but often needs depth to satisfy listeners.
In plain terms
Noisy rock is exciting but needs heart.
What can you take from it?
Power in art is most effective when paired with meaning.

Where it applies

  • listening to rock
  • designing concerts
  • critiquing art

Putting it to work

  • balancing power and meaning
  • analyzing performance

Questions to consider

  • Is volume a substitute for depth?
  • What satisfies us?

Another view

It generalizes what audiences need from loud art.

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