4 of the Best Covers of Kate Bush’s “Running up That Hill”

“Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” by Kate Bush saw a resurgence a year or two ago when it was used on the Netflix series Stranger Things. However, it’s been a hit for decades since its release in 1985. And there are plenty of famous covers out there to prove it. Let’s dive into four of the best covers of Kate Bush’s iconic synth-pop song “Running Up That Hill”!

1. Placebo

Nobody quite captured the haunting and melancholic vibe of the original subject matter quite like the English alt-rock band Placebo. Their cover of “Running Up That Hill” was released in 2003 for their collection of cover songs. After their release hit the airwaves at the turn of the millennium, the song hit no. 44 on the UK Singles chart.

2. Chromatics

Chromatics have always had a love affair with the 1980s, so it only makes sense that they would cover this Kate Bush classic. Like Placebo’s version, there’s a sense of ominous energy to the song, but with a little more suspense than Placebo’s version or the original song. Chromatics’ cover of “Running Up That Hill” was released in 2007 for their album Night Drive and is one of the best tracks on that record.

3. Car Seat Headrest

This newer rendition of “Running Up That Hill” was released in 2021 for Car Seat Headrest’s covers EP called MADLO: Influences. There are a few stellar covers on that short release. But their Kate Bush cover is by far the best on the whole EP. That being said, it’s worth listening to the whole EP outside of just “Running Up That Hill”. Car Seat Headrest’s covers of Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, and The Who are commendable.

4. Loveless

Kate Bush and Loveless both went viral on TikTok around May of 2022. Naturally, it only makes sense that Loveless would cover one of her songs. This LA-based alt-rock and emo-pop outfit did an excellent job with their 2022 cover of “Running Up That Hill”. It’s an emo-tinged cover with excellent instrumental backing and clear-as-crystal vocals. Some bands just have a knack for taking songs in completely different genres and reimagining them in their own sonic fashion. Loveless definitely did the original track justice.

Photo via ‘Hounds of Love’ Album Cover

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