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I kind of chuckle at how people have been reacting to this album. Don't get me wrong. To each their own, but Rush recorded albums for what, 40 years? They never stood still. I love this album like I love Moving Pictures, or Caress of Steel, or Vapor Trails, etc. It's an honest portrayal of who they where at that time and that's what always drew me to Rush. They were always honest about their music and who they were. Is this my favorite Rush "sound"? Probably not, but I look at this album and can't help but hear some of Neil's most thought provoking lyrics and some very well produced songs. As a Rush fan, I often approach their music as "what era/sound am I in the mood for?". I listened to the Snakes and Arrows album for the first time in years a couple of weeks ago and completely forgot that there are some jewels in there. And some duds! But, I have the same emotions when I hear Hold Your Fire or Fly By Night too...
Perfectly said. In 1985 when this came out I was 14. Perhaps there's some context and it feels a bit different having lived through it but this is definitely one of my favorite Rush albums. I can understand why if anybody related only to one or two Rush albums they could pick anything else and pick it apart. I also can really in some ways as as I get older there are sounds from today's music that I don't love, and there are sounds earlier in history in music that I also don't love. There is something about the sounds from the '70s and '80s though that resonates I believe with a wider audience. If you strip this down into tracks you'd be hard pressed not to agree there are amazing individual performances all the way through. Bring it all back together and I guess it's not for everyone but it has a special place in my heart like all things Rush.
"Sometimes our big splashes, are just ripples in the pool" Neil was a prolific writer. You're missing out of 90% of the song on this and their next 2 or 3 albums if you skip the lyrics. This was an era of Rush that brought them away from their Sci Fi geek roots, into more tangible, human territory. People not crazy about this era are the people who forget Rush lyrics advanced beyond "Hey baby the hour is late, I feel I'm in the mood"
Whether it’s a great Rush song or just an OK Rush song, you gotta admit that the middle breakdowns always have something a little special going on that’s worth your time. :-)
This production does work better on speakers than earbuds (which didn't exist in 1985). The sounds blend together better and you get more of a sense of space. It's basically the opposite of modern production where they try to make it sound good on AirPods and forget everything else. I know it's rough to do reaction videos on speakers when you're also talking though. Also, speaking to it being tiring, I'd find reacting to Permanent Waves all in a row tiring, let alone any other record. Feel free to pace yourself a little. Or as Marathon says, "You can do a lot in a lifetime if you don't burn out too fast". As far as the actual song, as with a lot of the 80s stuff Neil's writing is great and much more relatable than, say, Cygnus X-1. The first verse is on a subject near and dear to RUclipsrs: putting your genuine self out there can be scary, because you don't know how people are gonna react. And the solo section is fantastic, with Geddy playing the bass at Formula 1 speeds and Alex doing his typical really cool textural stuff.
Spot on. PW was intended to emulate how Rush sound live, so it really should be heard via a decent amp and speakers. A comment on one of the earlier tracks suggested that the sound on PW was thin, to me it's the opposite.
Alex solo was great, Geddy bass playing was excellent as usual. Drums on time and interesting. Lyrics about a tough musical subject to really get across. Hmm... Not even close to a bad song.
Love this song. The guitar solo is memorable. I think I like this so much because it’s very basic and easy to listen to. Sometimes easy listening is needed to rest the brain.
I jokingly call "Grace Under Pressure", "Power Windows" and "Hold your Fire", Rushes "synth-pop" albums. But I love every single song on each album. First time I saw them live was on the "Power Windows" tour and that cinched that album to me. The next year (or so) later when I was in Air Force boot camp, we had a liberty day and I didn't have much money so I went the the BX and rented "Hold your Fire" and it has always held a special place in my heart because of that. And "GuP" is just a great album!
The word is 'laborious'. Anywho (the word is 'anyway'), I think 'Power Windows' is an aural masterpiece, and every song is quite strong, with top notch production and mastering. The maestro Alex Lifeson 'paints pictures' with impressionistic, artful chords, and his expressive lead work shows why he is one of the best technical and emotive rock guitarists of all time, hands down. Neil's drumming is playful, yet serious, and Geddy's bass sound on many songs is rather funky and soulful. 'PW' is also an example of how synths should and could be used perfectly, in combination with the rest of the conventional instruments, in order to create subtleties and moods, often powerful. The synths are certainly not overplayed, and they fit and embellish the songs just perfectly on this great album. I've been a huge RUSH fan since high school in the mid to late 70's, and I appreciate all of the various phases the band has gone through over the decades. I've also seen every tour since '2112' at the Capitol Theater in Passaic, NJ. I would easily rank 'PW' in my all time favorite top 5 RUSH releases. This album really moves me lyrically and musically. All that aside, I can hear my teen saying "OK BOOMER"!
Emotion Detector is a good song but like Middletown Dreams, just not among my favorites on the album. Emotion Detector is the only song on Power Windows that was never played live.
This guitar solo is a prime example of why Alex's 80's solos are FAR better than his 70's solos save maybe LaVilla Strangiato. How can you sit there and listen to this emotive/goosebump inducing solo with no comment or no expression? Not to mention the epic bass line underneath it.
I was one of those who shied away from Rush in the mid 80s because of the overplaying of synths and too polished production...Then in the 2000s when they came back I saw them live.( at least 20x lol)..When they do these mid 80s stuff it sounds so much better..just a different vibe but so much better. I went back and re-listen the mid 80s albums and now I like them alot...except for the next album you will be doing Hold Your Fire...not to get too far ahead but if you think you had issues with the production of the last several albums wait til you listen to HYF...there are sone pretty good songs but just tad too slick for me. I would suggest checking out those mid 80s songs that they do live throughout their last 5 or 6 tours in the 2000s and 2010s...specifically Red Sector A, Between The Wheels, Marathon, Middletown Dreams Big Mobey to name a few... When you get to Presto and the albums after it gets better again...very minimal synths; just mostly guitar, bass drums..I will not name the album but production became an issue again for a certain album though not in the way you think lol...thats still way down the road but cant wait for your take on it...
I agree 100%! I don’t NOT like the songs! They’re just “forgetful”. I just don’t like the “80’s sound”, by anyone, not just this! This is better than Duran Duran.. BY FAR!!Be well and God bless… from Texas!!
I don’t get it, this is 40 friggin’ years of material and some expect 2112 part 2, 3, 4, ad-infinitum?! Rush changed in ways no other band could pull off and lived through 4 decades, producing music the entire time. Sorry, but if you reject the 80’s sound, you need to check your own photos of big hair, thin ties, mullets and get real…
Oh come on, Manhattan project is EPIC ! The way it builds up to the part about flying out of the shockwave. I agree about the production though, too thin, too echo-ey, too many keyboard events ! The lyrics are brilliant as usual.
By this time, on this song, they had come a long long way since Caress or 2112 in their song writing and style. I enjoyed the progression. PW is a great album in my opinion. The sound and production sound good to me, it was the 80's and Rush was just changing with the time. If anything, I was more disappointed in the production of some of the later albums when they went back to being a guitar, bass, and drums oriented band, those recordings sounded muddier and not as good as earlier 70's and 80's albums.
Bingo! Even Neil's DW drums sound somewhat "muddy" on the last 4-5 Rush records. He should have never left Ludwig even though Rupert HIne never did his Ludwigs justice in the studio. On Counterparts, they sound great.
@@carlgibbons5777 He should never have left Tama! It seems that PW and HYF attract a lot of criticism as regards their production but for me they're far superior to the underwhelming Presto and RTB.
@@Newworldman66 Agree, but listen to ANY of the live concert shows where Neil is using the Ludwigs and you will hear what they really sound like. No other live kit compares. They are incredible. So incredible that I bought the exact shells back in 1991. lol Massive kit like Neil's RTB kit.
The band Jane’s Addiction had a song called: Jane Said. I’ll repeat what I’ve said before this is called: Gary Said: REMEMBER: 74-82 GREAT 84-94 Not so great!
Yeah this song isn't particularly noteworthy but it's not bad. Mystic Rhythms is awesome though. I think you're going to need to listen to this album a few times until the production is less jarring and you can appreciate the songs for what they are. Like I said earlier, one more 80s synth album then they start scaling back a lot once you hit Presto. This continues for the remainder of their career.
LOL...Hold Your Fire is gonna be a tough go for ya. As far as this album sounding dated...I can't thing of one 80's song that does not. Maybe if it was currently 1985 and you were reviewing this..you'd feel different..maybe not...
Yeah. My biggest problem with mid-80's Rush was the choice of the synth sounds. Sounded to fake. And could not be reproduced live. Most of them were triggered in. That's not Live Rush at all.
RUSH just overdid it with the synth and were just too 80's with these mid 80's albums. It got better with "Hold Your Fire" and "Presto" to finish out the 80's.
I can understand where it can become a slog. Hold Your Fire will have its moments..but I assume you're already in it.. and it's work too.. with Presto we get another shift..another producer's take.. maybe you'll get a break then. 🤣
As a die hard Rush fan since 1975 I can't disagree with you. This has always been my least favorite album. Sounds like the New Wave pop rock music that dominated MTV at that time. I still listen to it and like a lot of the songs but overall my least favorite. On the other hand Hold Your Fire coming up next is one of my favorite albums. Take care, Justin.
it was new thechno at the time.almost all bands as synth on their music,(van halen,genesis,ect,)the next album is still full of synth,(ho no).l.o.l, but still great,👉keep rock;in🤘🤘🤘
My least favourite song on this album. When the keyboards kick in after the long intro basically telling me, "Hey it's the 80s again. Deal with it." I check out completely. Such a common keyboard sound for the time and, even during that time period, I wasn't a fan.
I'm interested to hear your reaction to the "bright" production era, roughly from Hold Your Fire to Test for Echo. A lot of good songs, but the sound can be off-putting for someone who prefers the mix of Signals and Grace Under Pressure.
In general I like these songs but the keyboard is twangy and percussive which competes with Alex's chords and Neal's actual percussion at the top end. Doesn't really sound like Rush until Geddy gets thumpin' on the bass and fills that bottom.
The thing is, you are just listening to the music part of Rush. Not once have I've seen you go over the lyrics!! The lyrics are 40% of what Rush is about
Yep, bit of a chore listen, even with some quality songs. Almost comical some of the 80s overload sounds. Hold Your Fire is in the same realm yet I'd say an improvement.
Hearing this song for the first time would anyone have guessed this band didn't have a keyboard player? But other than Neil's 80s pop backbeat I have no problem with this song. The lyrics are a bit on the trite side, a trend that continues through the 80s. But yeah, not a terrible song.
With this song, I think I'm finally understanding what you mean by production. Even Neil sounded muted in this song, his drums usually cut through a little more with more drive. Amazing what you learn when you can hear something from someone else's perspective 🤘
I waited a long time for Alex’s guitar to come out of the closet. To me, many of the songs on this album Geddy is just singing in a single monotone key. This one is different.
I'm with you on this. Keys are ok if used right but imho this album needed to sweep away much of the clutter, have more guitar parts and turn up the guitar a little more.
If there is a dud on this album it'd be this one but it's not terrible. But listening to this song today it dawned on me that it reminds me an awful lot of Thai San which you will listen to shortly when you get to the next album.
I’ve always felt the same about this album. Some of the songs are good(better live), but the record just leaves me cold. And I like Grace and Hold Your Fire. Really only PW slips through my brain without leaving much of an impression. Having said all that, this does go out, my opinion again, on a high note with Mystic Rhythms.
I felt the same way at the time, I just couldn't hardly take Rush at this time, and the next album I thought the "real" Rush was gone forever, but when Presto was released I got back into them a lot, then it kind of died out again until the early 2000s when vapor trails was released
@@kevindohn6776 I like about half of Counterparts, the first three songs rock hard, especially Cut to the chase, then the album becomes mediocre for me except the instrumental towards the end
For me personally it's the music that's going on during the guitar solo that saves a lot of Rush songs in this period, this song is a perfect example, the song went from pretty much boring to really killer when the guitar solo kicked in, and the drums picked up a lot as well, but it still wasn't quite enough to give it a great rating, I give it maybe a 5.5/10 tops
You know that road trip where in the middle of the journey, you get pulled over, little while later get a flat, then your buddy gets sick all down the outside of the car? We're kinda there. But the trip does get a lot better and rocks. 😁
Hold Your Fire doesn't compare to Power Windows. Also, Hold Your Fire has more synths than any other Rush record so i really don't see how you can say they are emerging from the synths.
The production and sound (as well as the sound) are the best. Your subjective bias is evident -- you prefer Rush when they were young (70s hard rock/neophyte, goofy style) I get it. Well I am 47 and been a fan since the mid-'80s (they're all I still listen to) and can say I hear it differently. I actually think Rush fans are a product of their age. If you are 60+, you will probably prefer '70s Rush. 50-60 ranges will prefer the most popular era '79-'84, and people in their 40's will appreciate the entire '80s (from influence and times). This is the majority but from influence alone, you're going to have some that gravitate towards the late 70s, early 80s because what your 55 year old brother is telling you... "Real Rush is Spirit of Radio to Signals!" Ummm, well it's good but for my view... I'll take the New-Wave era of Pressure, Power, and Instinct. With that said, this is why I think Power Windows is the best... - Awesome sound. Simply, it rocks. Very clear, powerful, and it brings out every note from every instrument. All the albums before that have that quiet/muffled Dolby sound that was en vogue at the time. Peter Collins was GREAT addition for 4 albums. - The bass is INCREDIBLE!!! Geddy's best work is on PWs and HYF, without question. IMO, it's because of the Wal bass that he chose to use (over 5 others) that had just a killer sound that had a blend of thickness and twang that really brought out the style of the times and his busy playing. I also think that by having so many jobs (esp the keyboards) that when it was time to cut the melody and get into his lines -- he must have been bored and ready to kill it when it was time... and he did!!! The alternating somehow brought out BETTER bass playing/writing than any time in history --no doubt! - Everyone is upbeat, positive, and energetic during the entire album and it shows in the sound. - So many sounds/layers/textures/Instruments that are heard and they all sound SO good together. Powerful, clear, and isolated. You can totally hear the songs differently almost on every listen as a result. - Lyrics are for Grown-ups (not teenagers playing dungeons and dragons) and was so well written that it was used by 12th-grade literature courses in 1986! - They are in their adult prime (32 years old) during the PWs era -- and you can tell. - Alex's clear sound and solo's are amazing. Gedding using real bass sounds on his pedals (for the first time) made a big difference. When he played keys during the melody, he keeps the bass simple (but loud) on the pedals to not only sound awesome... but it really helps you in hearing Alex play and take focus away from Geddy... while still making it sound lively. - The theme of power, both objectively good AND bad, is also brilliant. - The keys are not only a product of the times (all 80s music was synth-centric) but the way they arrange the music (out of necessity), they are not dominant like most bands of the time. They simply add a different/enjoyable melody. The bass pedals, choir, electric drums, production all just add touch to keep the songs from getting repetitive in sound (like Test for Echo) because so much is going on and it keeps shifting. - The entire album is enjoyable and everyone is going to like something different -- nothing wrong with that! The mood it portrays is intense yet soulful. Positive, emotional, upbeat -- you know, something that takes you to your happy place even when you're driving in to work on a Monday morning! To each is own, but not really! It's musically generational (every 5 years there's a massive shift)... where you fall is a byproduct of when you were born and who is influencing you.
After watching this video I was almost a little embarrassed for the boys. Then what video automatically came on after? It was "By-Tor and the Snowdog". I feel better now. I think if you played this song for someone that has never heard of Rush, you might get "Is this Wham?".
This one was a grower for me. At first I thought it was the most unremarkable song on the album but as time passed I really appreciated it. It's the only song on the album that they never played live.
Ok, thanks to you Justin, I like this song now. I hated this song from the first time I heard it, and never bothered to listen to it again.....until today! Now, just like most 80's music I hated at the time, I like it now! I never would have given it a second chance if not for this reaction video! Thanks man!
Like a lot of people have said, this album will grow on you. My initial reaction was not great but my love for this band got me to a healthy fondness of this wonderful album. But the next album was just too much and I moved on although still loving the prior albums especially Permanent Waves and Signals. Thank you for your dedication and patience.
Dude spot on. Its not the songs its the sound. They really started to go far into synths and forgot they are a huge three piece prog band. I understand about changing with the times and I get it. I love the music and the lyrics, it was just the empty sound, meaning not a lot of meat behind it. This is one of my least fav albums and I have been with them from the start. But then the shift begins....and welcome back boys.
They do that to push the album of course. Like I said the songs are great musically and lyrically but they even said they went to far with the synths and had to pull it back. I did not say it was not good but the sound was not meaty..still supported them. Don't have to like everything they do.
@@jeffvomero1242 They included 5 PW tracks on the CA tour to push PW?! Really? More likely that they still like what they did on PW. Geddy was asked looking back what albums he was happiest with, the four he mentioned were 2112, Moving Pictures, Power Windows and Clockwork Angels. As regards going too far with the synths on PW, there's actually more synths on HYF. Thereafter, Geddy played keyboards on every album bar VT and there are additional keyboard players on Presto, RTB, and Counterparts.
Never said they did not like it. They were going in a direction were one of the best bass players was playing keyboards a little too much. Neils drums did not sound as big and fat period, and Alex was taking a back seat. Neil used his electronics a lot more. Not my thing. Never said it was not good, some say its the best Rush, Geddy said that. They then got a new producer and things started to go back to a power trio. I believe Neil said sometimes you go to far and have to bring it back in. Not trashing them just not my fav thats all. Maybe its yours. Good for you thats awesome.
Along with everything else, I love how some of the songs on Power Windows end. This one reminded me of Kid Gloves. That's the way to go, not with these stupid fade-outs we've witnessed from the boys over the years.
This is an odd song to me. I like they lyrics, the melody of the choruses, the melody of the main verses, and the bridge... but they don't seem to fit together seamlessly. I listen to the verses and the lyrics, and they just don't seem to match up well, with the tone of the music not really matching the tone of what's being sung. And the chorus is perfectly fine but seems a little out of place. It's a weird occasion where the sum of the parts doesn't add up to equal a whole.
Like a lot of other commenters, this was the track on Power Windows that took the longest to grow on me. Listening to this with your reactions, it actually occurs to me that once the all-synth intro is done, this is the least synth-dominant track on the album. This does feel like a mostly-Geddy-composed song which leaves Alex the room to do an amazing solo.
You don't get it, Friend. Stick with the amperage. That's what you want. Trust me, I've heard your reaction many times and those people always go back to amperage. Lyrics, complexity, and creativity are not important. Amperage!
I don't know what youre talking about.. Amps??? This song is fine. I like Power Windows, it took me a couple listens but I like it. There are better songs on the record than this one but this is fine.
Gaaaahhh! So happy this is almost over. Again, I LOVE THIS BAND. This record is largely throw away to me, although it does have about 6-9 minutes of redeeming bits. Hate saying that for as much admiration I have for these guys. Can the goofy synth guitars and spill a damn drink on the keyboards already!! I threw up in my mouth several times - gak- Yeah, Justin..say it! Its just not stellar.
Justin ... we need to get you more viewers. Lots of people already mentioned this but "your honesty .... ya your honesty" is refreshing. Helps too because you are an experienced musician, and your comments on the mix is always interesting and pretty damn on point. I know you are not a lyrics type , but there is definitely a demand for that. The Rush guys ... and occasionally a girl ..... are also lyric nerds and I've often thought that broadening the scope would help grow a viewership. Not sure that's a goal for you , but trying to encorporate that might be an interesting experiment.
I love the songs (Performances, Lyrics and Music) on this album. The sound of this album is, as you have said before, very 80's. I prefer the live versions, both recorded and what I remember when I saw them live. Same thing for the next few albums.
Interesting ..... even a great difference of album choice for those of us who left during this period but came back to rediscover some gems. Half like Power Windows and consider Hold Your Fire to suck ...... the other half like Hold Your Fire and think Power Windows sucks. Is video playing a role? You get an opportunity to see your fave band in something other than an occasional magazime through MTV and Much Music. You watch the video and find out that you dont like the music direction , and then to top it all off the videos are gimmicky.
I like both PW and HYF, because they represent the peak of Neil's writing, and the very active bass playing is quite welcome as well (although I would've mixed it up higher).
@@ischmidt ..... yes .... it's difficult not to over look the writing. So much diversity of talent with willingness to takes risks. It's no wonder why the appeal to such a wide audience of diverse tastes. There was something special for everyone. Man I miss Neil ..... but what a ride and what a way to top a career.
$UPER THANK$!!!
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Based on your reactions to this album I think you'll like hold your fire even less, favorite song on that album is Mission
I kind of chuckle at how people have been reacting to this album. Don't get me wrong. To each their own, but Rush recorded albums for what, 40 years? They never stood still. I love this album like I love Moving Pictures, or Caress of Steel, or Vapor Trails, etc. It's an honest portrayal of who they where at that time and that's what always drew me to Rush. They were always honest about their music and who they were. Is this my favorite Rush "sound"? Probably not, but I look at this album and can't help but hear some of Neil's most thought provoking lyrics and some very well produced songs. As a Rush fan, I often approach their music as "what era/sound am I in the mood for?". I listened to the Snakes and Arrows album for the first time in years a couple of weeks ago and completely forgot that there are some jewels in there. And some duds! But, I have the same emotions when I hear Hold Your Fire or Fly By Night too...
Perfectly said. In 1985 when this came out I was 14. Perhaps there's some context and it feels a bit different having lived through it but this is definitely one of my favorite Rush albums. I can understand why if anybody related only to one or two Rush albums they could pick anything else and pick it apart. I also can really in some ways as as I get older there are sounds from today's music that I don't love, and there are sounds earlier in history in music that I also don't love. There is something about the sounds from the '70s and '80s though that resonates I believe with a wider audience. If you strip this down into tracks you'd be hard pressed not to agree there are amazing individual performances all the way through. Bring it all back together and I guess it's not for everyone but it has a special place in my heart like all things Rush.
"Sometimes our big splashes, are just ripples in the pool" Neil was a prolific writer. You're missing out of 90% of the song on this and their next 2 or 3 albums if you skip the lyrics. This was an era of Rush that brought them away from their Sci Fi geek roots, into more tangible, human territory. People not crazy about this era are the people who forget Rush lyrics advanced beyond "Hey baby the hour is late, I feel I'm in the mood"
Nice post, yes!
Great post bro and very true .
Whether it’s a great Rush song or just an OK Rush song, you gotta admit that the middle breakdowns always have something a little special going on that’s worth your time. :-)
Another amazing song from an amazing band. No excuses here, just uncompromised talent and creativity.
This production does work better on speakers than earbuds (which didn't exist in 1985). The sounds blend together better and you get more of a sense of space. It's basically the opposite of modern production where they try to make it sound good on AirPods and forget everything else. I know it's rough to do reaction videos on speakers when you're also talking though. Also, speaking to it being tiring, I'd find reacting to Permanent Waves all in a row tiring, let alone any other record. Feel free to pace yourself a little. Or as Marathon says, "You can do a lot in a lifetime if you don't burn out too fast".
As far as the actual song, as with a lot of the 80s stuff Neil's writing is great and much more relatable than, say, Cygnus X-1. The first verse is on a subject near and dear to RUclipsrs: putting your genuine self out there can be scary, because you don't know how people are gonna react. And the solo section is fantastic, with Geddy playing the bass at Formula 1 speeds and Alex doing his typical really cool textural stuff.
Spot on. PW was intended to emulate how Rush sound live, so it really should be heard via a decent amp and speakers. A comment on one of the earlier tracks suggested that the sound on PW was thin, to me it's the opposite.
Alex solo was great, Geddy bass playing was excellent as usual. Drums on time and interesting. Lyrics about a tough musical subject to really get across. Hmm... Not even close to a bad song.
This album has to be listened to more than once. It definitely grows on you.
Love this song. The guitar solo is memorable. I think I like this so much because it’s very basic and easy to listen to. Sometimes easy listening is needed to rest the brain.
I jokingly call "Grace Under Pressure", "Power Windows" and "Hold your Fire", Rushes "synth-pop" albums. But I love every single song on each album. First time I saw them live was on the "Power Windows" tour and that cinched that album to me. The next year (or so) later when I was in Air Force boot camp, we had a liberty day and I didn't have much money so I went the the BX and rented "Hold your Fire" and it has always held a special place in my heart because of that. And "GuP" is just a great album!
Stay tuned for Mystic Rhythms. One of my favorites on this album.
It gets better in a couple of albums Justin, hang in there.
The word is 'laborious'. Anywho (the word is 'anyway'), I think 'Power Windows' is an aural masterpiece, and every song is quite strong, with top notch production and mastering. The maestro Alex Lifeson 'paints pictures' with impressionistic, artful chords, and his expressive lead work shows why he is one of the best technical and emotive rock guitarists of all time, hands down. Neil's drumming is playful, yet serious, and Geddy's bass sound on many songs is rather funky and soulful. 'PW' is also an example of how synths should and could be used perfectly, in combination with the rest of the conventional instruments, in order to create subtleties and moods, often powerful. The synths are certainly not overplayed, and they fit and embellish the songs just perfectly on this great album. I've been a huge RUSH fan since high school in the mid to late 70's, and I appreciate all of the various phases the band has gone through over the decades. I've also seen every tour since '2112' at the Capitol Theater in Passaic, NJ. I would easily rank 'PW' in my all time favorite top 5 RUSH releases. This album really moves me lyrically and musically. All that aside, I can hear my teen saying "OK BOOMER"!
Emotion Detector is a good song but like Middletown Dreams, just not among my favorites on the album. Emotion Detector is the only song on Power Windows that was never played live.
"Illusions are painfully shattered right when discovery starts." Says it all.
This guitar solo is a prime example of why Alex's 80's solos are FAR better than his 70's solos save maybe LaVilla Strangiato. How can you sit there and listen to this emotive/goosebump inducing solo with no comment or no expression? Not to mention the epic bass line underneath it.
I was one of those who shied away from Rush in the mid 80s because of the overplaying of synths and too polished production...Then in the 2000s when they came back I saw them live.( at least 20x lol)..When they do these mid 80s stuff it sounds so much better..just a different vibe but so much better. I went back and re-listen the mid 80s albums and now I like them alot...except for the next album you will be doing Hold Your Fire...not to get too far ahead but if you think you had issues with the production of the last several albums wait til you listen to HYF...there are sone pretty good songs but just tad too slick for me.
I would suggest checking out those mid 80s songs that they do live throughout their last 5 or 6 tours in the 2000s and 2010s...specifically Red Sector A, Between The Wheels, Marathon, Middletown Dreams Big Mobey to name a few...
When you get to Presto and the albums after it gets better again...very minimal synths; just mostly guitar, bass drums..I will not name the album but production became an issue again for a certain album though not in the way you think lol...thats still way down the road but cant wait for your take on it...
This is my least favorite song on Power Windows, I like the solo and some of the lyrics but overall it’s just ok.
I agree 100%! I don’t NOT like the songs! They’re just “forgetful”. I just don’t like the “80’s sound”, by anyone, not just this! This is better than Duran Duran.. BY FAR!!Be well and God bless… from Texas!!
I don’t get it, this is 40 friggin’ years of material and some expect 2112 part 2, 3, 4, ad-infinitum?! Rush changed in ways no other band could pull off and lived through 4 decades, producing music the entire time. Sorry, but if you reject the 80’s sound, you need to check your own photos of big hair, thin ties, mullets and get real…
Oh come on, Manhattan project is EPIC ! The way it builds up to the part about flying out of the shockwave.
I agree about the production though, too thin, too echo-ey, too many keyboard events ! The lyrics are brilliant as usual.
By this time, on this song, they had come a long long way since Caress or 2112 in their song writing and style. I enjoyed the progression. PW is a great album in my opinion. The sound and production sound good to me, it was the 80's and Rush was just changing with the time. If anything, I was more disappointed in the production of some of the later albums when they went back to being a guitar, bass, and drums oriented band, those recordings sounded muddier and not as good as earlier 70's and 80's albums.
Bingo! Even Neil's DW drums sound somewhat "muddy" on the last 4-5 Rush records. He should have never left Ludwig even though Rupert HIne never did his Ludwigs justice in the studio. On Counterparts, they sound great.
@@carlgibbons5777 He should never have left Tama! It seems that PW and HYF attract a lot of criticism as regards their production but for me they're far superior to the underwhelming Presto and RTB.
@@Newworldman66 Agree, but listen to ANY of the live concert shows where Neil is using the Ludwigs and you will hear what they really sound like. No other live kit compares. They are incredible. So incredible that I bought the exact shells back in 1991. lol Massive kit like Neil's RTB kit.
You should take a break and go fishing
The Best... Awesome,J... Thanks again,Todd from Ohio....
The band Jane’s Addiction had a song called: Jane Said. I’ll repeat what I’ve said before this is called: Gary Said: REMEMBER: 74-82 GREAT 84-94 Not so great!
Yeah this song isn't particularly noteworthy but it's not bad. Mystic Rhythms is awesome though.
I think you're going to need to listen to this album a few times until the production is less jarring and you can appreciate the songs for what they are.
Like I said earlier, one more 80s synth album then they start scaling back a lot once you hit Presto. This continues for the remainder of their career.
LOL...Hold Your Fire is gonna be a tough go for ya.
As far as this album sounding dated...I can't thing of one 80's song that does not.
Maybe if it was currently 1985 and you were reviewing this..you'd feel different..maybe not...
Yeah. My biggest problem with mid-80's Rush was the choice of the synth sounds. Sounded to fake. And could not be reproduced live. Most of them were triggered in. That's not Live Rush at all.
RUSH just overdid it with the synth and were just too 80's with these mid 80's albums. It got better with "Hold Your Fire" and "Presto" to finish out the 80's.
I can understand where it can become a slog. Hold Your Fire will have its moments..but I assume you're already in it.. and it's work too.. with Presto we get another shift..another producer's take.. maybe you'll get a break then. 🤣
As a die hard Rush fan since 1975 I can't disagree with you. This has always been my least favorite album. Sounds like the New Wave pop rock music that dominated MTV at that time. I still listen to it and like a lot of the songs but overall my least favorite. On the other hand Hold Your Fire coming up next is one of my favorite albums. Take care, Justin.
it was new thechno at the time.almost all bands as synth on their music,(van halen,genesis,ect,)the next album is still full of synth,(ho no).l.o.l, but still great,👉keep rock;in🤘🤘🤘
Instrumental section in this song is Rush at their best. All three stretching their legs. Beautiful.
My least favourite song on this album. When the keyboards kick in after the long intro basically telling me, "Hey it's the 80s again. Deal with it." I check out completely. Such a common keyboard sound for the time and, even during that time period, I wasn't a fan.
A lot of Eastern motifs on this album. Kinda' like musical pinball!!
I'm interested to hear your reaction to the "bright" production era, roughly from Hold Your Fire to Test for Echo. A lot of good songs, but the sound can be off-putting for someone who prefers the mix of Signals and Grace Under Pressure.
In general I like these songs but the keyboard is twangy and percussive which competes with Alex's chords and Neal's actual percussion at the top end. Doesn't really sound like Rush until Geddy gets thumpin' on the bass and fills that bottom.
Alex's guitar tone is like no other that I have ever heard. So many amazing solos over the years. As everyone says, such an underrated talent.
The thing is, you are just listening to the music part of Rush. Not once have I've seen you go over the lyrics!! The lyrics are 40% of what Rush is about
Yep, bit of a chore listen, even with some quality songs. Almost comical some of the 80s overload sounds. Hold Your Fire is in the same realm yet I'd say an improvement.
I liked this song when Power Windows was first released. Now, it's just a little too bright and sparkly for me.
Hearing this song for the first time would anyone have guessed this band didn't have a keyboard player? But other than Neil's 80s pop backbeat I have no problem with this song. The lyrics are a bit on the trite side, a trend that continues through the 80s. But yeah, not a terrible song.
Yes each their but I loved this album. When this was recorded New Wave was the thing.
My all time favorite Rush tune.
Rippin bass riff at the solo. One of my favorite tracks. Middletown Dreams is my favorite from this album.
With this song, I think I'm finally understanding what you mean by production. Even Neil sounded muted in this song, his drums usually cut through a little more with more drive. Amazing what you learn when you can hear something from someone else's perspective 🤘
I waited a long time for Alex’s guitar to come out of the closet. To me, many of the songs on this album Geddy is just singing in a single monotone key. This one is different.
I'm with you on this. Keys are ok if used right but imho this album needed to sweep away much of the clutter, have more guitar parts and turn up the guitar a little more.
Alex's best signature divebomb
If not for the solo section I would skip this one and mystic rhythms. It’s an occasional listen.
If there is a dud on this album it'd be this one but it's not terrible. But listening to this song today it dawned on me that it reminds me an awful lot of Thai San which you will listen to shortly when you get to the next album.
I’ve always felt the same about this album. Some of the songs are good(better live), but the record just leaves me cold. And I like Grace and Hold Your Fire. Really only PW slips through my brain without leaving much of an impression.
Having said all that, this does go out, my opinion again, on a high note with Mystic Rhythms.
I have to say...you're tough to please...😊
I have a very big rush head. and I understand your point.
I feel the same way you do about this album. The next song Mystic Rhythms is the only song that I actually love on this album.
Mystic Rhythms is pretty good.
I felt the same way at the time, I just couldn't hardly take Rush at this time, and the next album I thought the "real" Rush was gone forever, but when Presto was released I got back into them a lot, then it kind of died out again until the early 2000s when vapor trails was released
Counterparts is an amazing album !
@@kevindohn6776 I like about half of Counterparts, the first three songs rock hard, especially Cut to the chase, then the album becomes mediocre for me except the instrumental towards the end
For me personally it's the music that's going on during the guitar solo that saves a lot of Rush songs in this period, this song is a perfect example, the song went from pretty much boring to really killer when the guitar solo kicked in, and the drums picked up a lot as well, but it still wasn't quite enough to give it a great rating, I give it maybe a 5.5/10 tops
You know that road trip where in the middle of the journey, you get pulled over, little while later get a flat, then your buddy gets sick all down the outside of the car? We're kinda there. But the trip does get a lot better and rocks. 😁
Yeah but isn’t that some of the best memories from the trip later in life?
You've hit rock bottom with Power Windows, starting next album, Hold Your Fire, Rush slowly emerges from the 80s synth abyss into the stratosphere !
Hold Your Fire doesn't compare to Power Windows. Also, Hold Your Fire has more synths than any other Rush record so i really don't see how you can say they are emerging from the synths.
@@carlgibbons5777 Exactly, lots of Geddy keyboards, plus additional keyboard players on many albums. Only VT had zero keyboards.
@@carlgibbons5777 As much as I like Hold Your Fire, its one more step deeper into the synths, with a couple of really good songs mixed in.
❤ ❤... ❤
Nothing particularly memorable, PERFECT response!!!! Kinda missing Terry Brown at this point, and not sure why? Lol
Nothing memorable … except possibly Alex’s most epic guitar solo with sick bass work under it. To each his own, but a strange take.
Yep, doesn't touch me either. Next song is my least favorite Rush song....
Maybe you should just jump ahead to Presto after this 😂
too late smh lol
It cracks me up watching your face. Power Windows B sides are some of my absolute favorites but for a lot of folks it takes some time
The production and sound (as well as the sound) are the best. Your subjective bias is evident -- you prefer Rush when they were young (70s hard rock/neophyte, goofy style) I get it. Well I am 47 and been a fan since the mid-'80s (they're all I still listen to) and can say I hear it differently.
I actually think Rush fans are a product of their age. If you are 60+, you will probably prefer '70s Rush. 50-60 ranges will prefer the most popular era '79-'84, and people in their 40's will appreciate the entire '80s (from influence and times). This is the majority but from influence alone, you're going to have some that gravitate towards the late 70s, early 80s because what your 55 year old brother is telling you... "Real Rush is Spirit of Radio to Signals!" Ummm, well it's good but for my view... I'll take the New-Wave era of Pressure, Power, and Instinct.
With that said, this is why I think Power Windows is the best...
- Awesome sound. Simply, it rocks. Very clear, powerful, and it brings out every note from every instrument. All the albums before that have that quiet/muffled Dolby sound that was en vogue at the time. Peter Collins was GREAT addition for 4 albums.
- The bass is INCREDIBLE!!! Geddy's best work is on PWs and HYF, without question. IMO, it's because of the Wal bass that he chose to use (over 5 others) that had just a killer sound that had a blend of thickness and twang that really brought out the style of the times and his busy playing. I also think that by having so many jobs (esp the keyboards) that when it was time to cut the melody and get into his lines -- he must have been bored and ready to kill it when it was time... and he did!!! The alternating somehow brought out BETTER bass playing/writing than any time in history --no doubt!
- Everyone is upbeat, positive, and energetic during the entire album and it shows in the sound.
- So many sounds/layers/textures/Instruments that are heard and they all sound SO good together. Powerful, clear, and isolated. You can totally hear the songs differently almost on every listen as a result.
- Lyrics are for Grown-ups (not teenagers playing dungeons and dragons) and was so well written that it was used by 12th-grade literature courses in 1986!
- They are in their adult prime (32 years old) during the PWs era -- and you can tell.
- Alex's clear sound and solo's are amazing. Gedding using real bass sounds on his pedals (for the first time) made a big difference. When he played keys during the melody, he keeps the bass simple (but loud) on the pedals to not only sound awesome... but it really helps you in hearing Alex play and take focus away from Geddy... while still making it sound lively.
- The theme of power, both objectively good AND bad, is also brilliant.
- The keys are not only a product of the times (all 80s music was synth-centric) but the way they arrange the music (out of necessity), they are not dominant like most bands of the time. They simply add a different/enjoyable melody. The bass pedals, choir, electric drums, production all just add touch to keep the songs from getting repetitive in sound (like Test for Echo) because so much is going on and it keeps shifting.
- The entire album is enjoyable and everyone is going to like something different -- nothing wrong with that! The mood it portrays is intense yet soulful. Positive, emotional, upbeat -- you know, something that takes you to your happy place even when you're driving in to work on a Monday morning!
To each is own, but not really! It's musically generational (every 5 years there's a massive shift)... where you fall is a byproduct of when you were born and who is influencing you.
It IS the production! Good songs laid to waste by tricky, flavor-of-the-month 80s production flair. A damned, dirty shame!
After watching this video I was almost a little embarrassed for the boys. Then what video automatically came on after? It was "By-Tor and the Snowdog". I feel better now.
I think if you played this song for someone that has never heard of Rush, you might get "Is this Wham?".
This one was a grower for me. At first I thought it was the most unremarkable song on the album but as time passed I really appreciated it. It's the only song on the album that they never played live.
Yeah this is probably my least favorite song on the album. Do you like Alex‘s solo and Geddy’s vocals on this tho
Ok, thanks to you Justin, I like this song now. I hated this song from the first time I heard it, and never bothered to listen to it again.....until today! Now, just like most 80's music I hated at the time, I like it now! I never would have given it a second chance if not for this reaction video! Thanks man!
Like a lot of people have said, this album will grow on you. My initial reaction was not great but my love for this band got me to a healthy fondness of this wonderful album. But the next album was just too much and I moved on although still loving the prior albums especially Permanent Waves and Signals. Thank you for your dedication and patience.
Dude spot on. Its not the songs its the sound. They really started to go far into synths and forgot they are a huge three piece prog band. I understand about changing with the times and I get it. I love the music and the lyrics, it was just the empty sound, meaning not a lot of meat behind it. This is one of my least fav albums and I have been with them from the start. But then the shift begins....and welcome back boys.
As Rush included 5 tracks from PW on their CA tour, I dare say they don't share your opinion.
They do that to push the album of course. Like I said the songs are great musically and lyrically but they even said they went to far with the synths and had to pull it back. I did not say it was not good but the sound was not meaty..still supported them. Don't have to like everything they do.
@@jeffvomero1242 They included 5 PW tracks on the CA tour to push PW?! Really? More likely that they still like what they did on PW. Geddy was asked looking back what albums he was happiest with, the four he mentioned were 2112, Moving Pictures, Power Windows and Clockwork Angels. As regards going too far with the synths on PW, there's actually more synths on HYF. Thereafter, Geddy played keyboards on every album bar VT and there are additional keyboard players on Presto, RTB, and Counterparts.
Never said they did not like it. They were going in a direction were one of the best bass players was playing keyboards a little too much. Neils drums did not sound as big and fat period, and Alex was taking a back seat. Neil used his electronics a lot more. Not my thing. Never said it was not good, some say its the best Rush, Geddy said that. They then got a new producer and things started to go back to a power trio. I believe Neil said sometimes you go to far and have to bring it back in. Not trashing them just not my fav thats all. Maybe its yours. Good for you thats awesome.
Along with everything else, I love how some of the songs on Power Windows end. This one reminded me of Kid Gloves. That's the way to go, not with these stupid fade-outs we've witnessed from the boys over the years.
okay teach wait tell counterparts comes up that's not waiting for.
This is an odd song to me. I like they lyrics, the melody of the choruses, the melody of the main verses, and the bridge... but they don't seem to fit together seamlessly. I listen to the verses and the lyrics, and they just don't seem to match up well, with the tone of the music not really matching the tone of what's being sung. And the chorus is perfectly fine but seems a little out of place. It's a weird occasion where the sum of the parts doesn't add up to equal a whole.
Like a lot of other commenters, this was the track on Power Windows that took the longest to grow on me. Listening to this with your reactions, it actually occurs to me that once the all-synth intro is done, this is the least synth-dominant track on the album. This does feel like a mostly-Geddy-composed song which leaves Alex the room to do an amazing solo.
By far the least interesting song on the album, imo.
It is laborous, but with Rush, it's a labor of love! Lol!
The lyrics bro, the lyrics...
One of the best songs of RUSH.
You don't get it, Friend. Stick with the amperage. That's what you want. Trust me, I've heard your reaction many times and those people always go back to amperage. Lyrics, complexity, and creativity are not important. Amperage!
I don't know what youre talking about.. Amps??? This song is fine. I like Power Windows, it took me a couple listens but I like it. There are better songs on the record than this one but this is fine.
My God, are you for real. THAT solo!
Feel nothing? "Emotion Detector" has enough power to send a world reeling from its orbit. Production is perfect. Your brain must be anesthetized.
this song is hardly as good as the rest of the record
Kevin Shirley the caveman and Peter Collins produced it.
a few Black Sheep RUSH albums IMHO. Caress of Steel isn't one of them. Power Windows is not the worst produced RUSH album, either.
After multiple listens of Power Windows I agree. Also after hearing Hold Your Fire, absolutely agree lol
yawwwwnnnnnnnnnn
Gaaaahhh! So happy this is almost over. Again, I LOVE THIS BAND. This record is largely throw away to me, although it does have about 6-9 minutes of redeeming bits. Hate saying that for as much admiration I have for these guys.
Can the goofy synth guitars and spill a damn drink on the keyboards already!!
I threw up in my mouth several times - gak- Yeah, Justin..say it! Its just not stellar.
This song blows!
Not as much as your mindless, vapid post.
Oh man, i have never made it through this song. THE SOUNDS. When it came out a friend and i listened and agreed it was full of video game sounds.
There's more video game sounds on MP.
Yep! This song probably won't grow on you. It's a stinker. I really dig the rest of the album!
Justin ... we need to get you more viewers. Lots of people already mentioned this but "your honesty .... ya your honesty" is refreshing. Helps too because you are an experienced musician, and your comments on the mix is always interesting and pretty damn on point. I know you are not a lyrics type , but there is definitely a demand for that. The Rush guys ... and occasionally a girl ..... are also lyric nerds and I've often thought that broadening the scope would help grow a viewership. Not sure that's a goal for you , but trying to encorporate that might be an interesting experiment.
Your take on Mystic Rhythms will be interesting. The synth work for it is tastefully done , allowing the song to breathe.
I love the songs (Performances, Lyrics and Music) on this album. The sound of this album is, as you have said before, very 80's. I prefer the live versions, both recorded and what I remember when I saw them live. Same thing for the next few albums.
Interesting ..... even a great difference of album choice for those of us who left during this period but came back to rediscover some gems. Half like Power Windows and consider Hold Your Fire to suck ...... the other half like Hold Your Fire and think Power Windows sucks. Is video playing a role? You get an opportunity to see your fave band in something other than an occasional magazime through MTV and Much Music. You watch the video and find out that you dont like the music direction , and then to top it all off the videos are gimmicky.
I like both PW and HYF, because they represent the peak of Neil's writing, and the very active bass playing is quite welcome as well (although I would've mixed it up higher).
@@ischmidt ..... yes .... it's difficult not to over look the writing. So much diversity of talent with willingness to takes risks. It's no wonder why the appeal to such a wide audience of diverse tastes. There was something special for everyone. Man I miss Neil ..... but what a ride and what a way to top a career.