Power Windows is an incredible album. Love the sounds on this one. No doubt about it, Power Windows is a RUSH classic. All the complaints I've heard in this video can totally be flipped around.
There's a lot than can be said about RUSH's Power Windows...and I could do it, right here, right now! But I'm not going to because that album has something special about it. You know what you love about it, and what you don't. Regardless, it's not reeeeally up for too much discussion...unless you bring broke down receipts for it, and even Then!?...
You have to project back to the time. They do give some props to Grace and Signals but I thought Power Windows was a great album. I feel their sentiments about Hold Your Fire. I thought it was a really weak album.
@@wlouisharris Hold Your Fire was like Power Windows outtakes, but Force Ten is a ballsy opener, the lyrics to Time Stand Still profound, and the solo in Mission one of the most soaringly beautiful ever.
Say what you like about the sound of Power Windows (I personally love it in all its overblown 80's glory) but it's the songs that work for me. They sound even better live, where their full power is on display. This is especially the case for Big Money, Marathon (especially), Territories and Manhattan Project. The songwriting on this album is for me some of the best and most mature.
Was going to say something similar. I think the reason I love Power Windows and Hold Your Fire is because I first heard those songs on A Show of Hands, had that on cassette and later VHS, and wore it out. When I listen to the albums, I often think the original versions are a little bit studio-lite, but the songs are just too good not to love.
Power Windows is my all time favorite Rush Album. And I love Rush *because* of their evolutions, the experiments, the outings, the comings-back. This was the album that was brand new when I became a Rush fan (in Oct of '85), and it was my first live Rush tour as well Springfield MA '86 (Marillion opened the show with Misplaced Childhood in its entirety!). I feel like many of the thoughts you offered in the video as potential downfalls could be easily flipped to be described as assets. The synths, the production, the drum bass guitar and vocal sounds on this album are all absolutely fantastic. The lush reverby bells and synth pads in no way diminish the sound of the bass or guitar - and even when Ged is playing synth basses only (on the verses of The Manhattan Project for example), once he slides into the 8th note pounding of the choruses, it's that very contrast that makes it so effin' awesome. There is nothing less "bass" about a great synth bass part that Ged obviously composed to fit that section perfectly. Also my favorite headphone album of their catalog. A bridge too far? Power Windows? No way. It's perfect. The songwriting, the performances, the arrangements, the riffs, the lyrical themes of 8 different views (windows to) power... just phenomenal. My 2¢. NOTE - LOVE your work Steven - solo and P-Tree, been a huge fan for decades - and this Podcast with Tim is wonderful, please keep it up! Always listening!
I couldn’t disagree more. For me, Power Windows was their songwriting peak. I can still listen to that album and it still feels fresh to me. I think k you guys are unnecessarily negative.
Power Windows is one of my favorites, maybe my favorite. I have heard your argument, calling Power Windows too synthy. But I feel Power Windows was quintessentially Rush. It was where they were going. I came into rush at Power Windows though. So that might explain our difference in opinion. The important thing- we all like their music.
I love this album. Whilst I can understand the comments concerning it being keyboard led, it’s an album with very little filler. For me, it features some of Alex’s most creative guitar parts and Middletown Dreams, Territories and Mystic Rhythms are three of my all time favourite Rush songs. It is also worth listening to these tracks on the various live albums.
I consider yours an odd take. Everything after Signals is a downgrade compared to everything that came before. I enjoy all of their catalog but to call PW (or HYF or RTB) the high point? Major head shaker.
Each album as it would come out would always provide a surprise, and it wasn't always immediately appreciated. After loving something like Moving Pictures, Subdivisions was a huge shock. After the darkness of Grace Under Pressure, Power Windows was a huge change. But in the long run, after having time to fully appreciate the work, you fall in love with the new music as much as the old. They were forever ahead of their time.
One of the two best rush albums along with moving pictures in my opinion. No other band blended new wave pop and progressive rock so well as rush did on this album
@@Heathcoatman Well, for me, you've made it pretty easy with that "5". 🙃 Proving, as always, tastes vary widely. "Moving Pictures" and "Permanent Waves" are the only two there, up for consideration for my "Top 5".
It sounds 1985 because it was made in 1985, Rush has always evolved, most of their body of work is truly timeless. This is still a great one. Some people just don't "get" Rush, and what it means to so many. I know what they mean to me!
Most of Rush's albums are BOTH dated and timeless at once. It's a major reason why their work outlasts and keeps growing in vitality compared to literally everyone else from the 70s and 80s (and 90s!).
'Power Windows' is a prog rock, tour de force masterpiece! Incredible compositions, and keys and synths used to perfectly and properly embellish the music, bringing on perfect tension and release where it is needed!
I was introduced to Rush by my Aunt with Signals. I didn’t quite get it… then a year later I discovered Power Windows by myself. It changed my life and made me fan. Awesome album.
Power Windows: the sound, the mixing, the performances, particularly the arrangements… probably the main reason it’s my personal favorite Rush album (and among my top five or so favorite albums ever by anyone) is the songwriting. IMO some of their very best songs.
I have 2 masterpieces by Rush in terms of what they delivered sonically and writing. Hemispheres and Power Windows. Power Windows was the first time they took a somewhat break between albums as Grace Under Pressure era was a dark time for the band. Its a complete concept album but not tied into a story. They were blending so many genres on this album that was ahead of the curve in dynamics of layering texturing. They were refreshed. And the mixing made it shine verses anything else of the synth period
the correct take is this record is about as good as Rush ever were as song writers and from a production standpoint, it's bold, it sounds like 1985. I think most core Rush fans see this as top shelf thing these days.
Man, I just can't agree that Power Windows wasn't an absolutely great album. It was 1985, and it sounded the way it was supposed to sound. I love the huge reverbs and synths. And while it's argued that Alex's guitar took a back seat - listen to his parts on Big Money; the tone he was getting with single-coils and the effects is glorious.
Love this album!!! I was 18 and just starting my freshman year in college when this came out. I swam competitively in college and 'Marathon' always brings me back to swim practice. And like the 'Signals' album it always reminds me of the season of fall, the beginning of another school year and listening to cassettes in my walkman. Good times.
It’s of its time and very well designed from a production perspective. There are lovely vignettes throughout the record and still that all-important Rush experimentation.
Power Windows was hands down the best of the post Signals era of the 80's because it went full bore into the synth pop sound unapologetically but with heart. It's not sterile. The composition on songs like Marathon is superb for that genre.
You 2 are not sure but I am positive: This album is amazing. And though not guitar driven like earlier works, I think Alex's solos are tasteful and compliment the music perfectly. And the one in Emotion Detector is one of my all time favorites.
Easily one of their best albums. The songs were so consistently strong on this as well. At the time the band appeared to be having a lot of fun, and it showed in their videos for this album and their shows.
Rubbish! This album is probably the best synth-rock blend I've ever heard. Forget the U2 Police comparison's, neither of those two bands have the chops to pull this off. It's big and bold, nothing like it, especially during that time period, little surprised Wilson doesn't get it.
The Police were a well documented influence on Rush. They all proudly admitted as much, and were friendly with each other. The U2 comment from Steven caught me off guard a bit, and I'm not a U2 hater by any means, as is the vogue these days. Great band. Never heard a shred of it in Rush's sound.
I was still in the early days of my Freshman year in college. My college buddy and I both lamented for the return of the Hemispheres sound. When we heard it initially we were disappointed. But looking back, this is perhaps Rush’s most tightest album. It’s really tight and on point. It’s almost symphonic and Orchestral Rush in sound But it has a lot of heart with the emotional lyrics of Marathon, Emotion Detector, and Middletown Dreams. I find Alex Lifeson’s guitar extraordinary but subtle. Listen the incredible guitar solo’s in Big Money and Grand Designs the first two songs. Those are some of Alex’s best guitar sounds.
Valid points. But, "Power Windows" has been my go to album. I guess because I graduated high school in '85. These are strong songs created in that synth era. Rush always wanted to fill up as much space as possible with sound, as they were a 3 piece band. Lots of low end with great drum mike placement, make this album sound great. Neil's snare sound was perfect to me. Just my opinion.
Power Windows got me into Rush as a band. The theme of power in this album is evident right from the opening chord in The Big Money and throughout with incredible use of bass pedals filling the low end (Marathon is perfection!) that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up when listened to live or with a good subwoofer! I'm tired of this petty, old argument about this album being overproduced and whatever...the arrangements are perfect and this album allowed me to go back and appreciate the earlier catalog and become one of their biggest fans!
First "new" Rush album that I bought. First Rush concert. Still one of my favorite albums, much different, but awesome. Middletown dreams still hits me like it did back then.
Love it - it's a special record. Rush always sounds like Rush despite their style changes, much as King Gizz does today. Mystic Rhythms is a gem and awesome live. There's lots of great guitar tones also. These discussions only serve to remind me to listen to the record and draw my own conclusions.
Love this record! Might be Rush's best work. Alex shines so strong. along with everyone else. Dos Passos inspired lyrics. Alex just kills it on this. Such a great complimentary player.
Come on Steven, I love your 5.1 mix of AFTK and your 5.1 mixes of most everything, but you clearly have no clue about this era of Rush - just look at the comments. You need to go back and finish your homework mate, sorry, this is a fantastic album that killed everything else at the time!
Wow, I must say I was surprised by the negative slant to the opinion on this record! Power Windows was, at one point, my favourite Rush record, and it remains in my top 5 today. It certainly is a record from 1985 in terms of instrumentation, so I will give you that it is very much of its time. From a sonic perspective, though, A+, everything is crystal clear with great dynamics. And despite the heavy usage of synths, I'd consider the playing of Alex Lifeson to be amongst his more creative guitar work. Of course, I am biased, being a huge Rush fan! Always look forward to hearing your thoughts on their records on The Album Years. :)
Yeah, no, Power Windows is a perfectly executed album. Songs are great, production is great, not a single flub or bad decision. By far their best album to come out post Moving Pictures.
Interesting the different thoughts on this album. I absolutely adore this album because of its production AND... it made me take note and pick up the bass! I literally took an acoustic guitar, removed 2 strings and "learnt" bass. This as a 15 year old kid that had studied pipe organ since 9! I feel the production also inspired my studio work. The blanket of sound is huge as well.
In the "Hold Your Fire" tour program I think there is a Geddy Lee quote dealing with the increased use of keyboards in this era, which was "One synthesiser is too many, but a thousand are not enough".
I thought it was their best soundscape alongside Moving Pictures. I'm not worried that the guitar took 6th chair behind synths, drum pads, drums, bass and guitar effects. They put Alex almost up front with Moving Pictures, so they knew how to do both really well. To me, Grace Under Pressure was them reaching too much in terms of arrangement, then finding what they wanted in Power Windows. Hold Your Fire seemed to me, even when it came out when I was 14-15, like Power Windows B-Sides. No part of this opinion accounts for originality, though, so if you guys say that there was a ton of influence from their production, that's fine. I've never heard of ZZ whatever, and never cared for U2 so I wouldn't know. You could have mentioned other Horne projects like Yes' 90125?
Some of Al's very best guitar sounds AND playing. Don't see guitar as 6th chair at all in these arrangements. When ever I song (or more likely whistle) along to these tunes, it's the guitar line that I'm singing. Listen in headphones one more time and focus on Alex.
In my Top 3 Rush albums. this along with 'Hemispheres' and 'Clockwork Angels' round them out. You cannot grow without embracing the sounds of the day. If you do, you end up sounding as stale as someone like Dream Theater. But I adore this album. 'Grand Designs' is a 'Desert Island Disc' for me.
Power Windows is a great Rush album; probably my favorite. Marathon is such a great metaphor for life. I tear up every time when the chorus joins in near the end. Manhattan Project covers what is arguably the single most important scientific discovery ever (splitting the atom) with such care and thoughtfulness. The mix of guitar, keyboards, bass and drums is just right. They went too far with Hold your Fire, then brought it back into balance with Presto (and beyond).
Power Windows was the album that made me a Rush fan. I was a starry-eyed kid that was just getting into keyboards and synths and this album knocked my socks off. Alex has said himself that he feels like his spot in the sound mix was being taken over by synths and I can understand that. But this is also just a fantastic work of music. The songwriting, lyrics and musicianship all hit their peak here. It will always be my favorite.
If my wife is out, I can still sit back and soak in Power Windows and enjoy every minute of it, like all Rush albums. Arguably not their best album, but who cares, it doesn't have to be for me to just indulge and appreciate the fabulous 3's genius - its still incredibly interesting music! And it takes me back to the 80s when I first listened to it. Interesting conversation though 👍
I kinda disagree Steven's opinion that it's a 'dated production'. It's integral to the creative context of the music, aesthetically and technologically, at that particular time. On another note, the production aesthetics from 1985 might sound fresh for a whole new generation of listeners who grew up in today's dry, organic or even brickwalled production techniques. I was 15 when Power Windows came out, and its bombast sounded exciting in its own way, much better IMHO than Grace Under Pressure or Hold Your Fire.
Back in the day (I was 15 at the time) I had only ever heard Power Windows being described as the perfect combination of synth and guitar, by all three band members, as well as the reviews in print. This balance was important to the band, as they generally regarded Signals as having maybe too much synth, and Grace Under Pressure was thought to be an over-reaction to the synth-heavy Signals, with Alex's guitar the dominant instrument on that album. To re-enforce this idea in my mind, the follow-up to Power Windows, Hold Your Fire, had three (perfect) spheres as the cover art. It may have been on the syndicated interview radio show "Rockline" that Geddy was answering a question about the meaning of the spheres. He eluded to there being a "meaning" to them, but did not elaborate, except for saying the meaning of the cover art has "nothing to do with brown rice." (haha) I discovered Rush in 1984 with Grace Under Pressure, and felt a big change had been made when Power Windows came out. I loved it for years, but rarely go to it now. The songs I liked the least are the ones I now like the most.
It could be argued that Rush and Peter Collins went "a bridge too far" on Power Windows with the production, the layering, the soundscapes, etc. But no matter the production, the material is first rate and can be considered one of their better efforts musically and lyrically. Alex's soaring solo on "Big Money" is often overlooked compared to some of his others. I like the "power" theme throughout the album. The use of the orchestra on "Manhattan Project" was bold. "Marathon" is like 3 great musical ideas in one: the verses + the instrumental break + the rousing choruses. "Territories" is especially relevant in today's climate. "Middletown Dreams" (oddly inspired by Frank Sinatra's "Watertown" album dealing with isolation and deferred dreams in modern society) broke some new ground for Peart lyrically. And then there's the great atmospheric closer of "Mystic Rhythms" which I thought of just recently as the Northern Lights appeared in much of the country. Great album overall!
Power Windows has so many great tunes on it, Big Money (one of Alex's best solos), Manhattan Project, Mystic Rhythms... But Steven really hit the nail on the head with Middletown Dreams. Any time I put together a new sound system, I test it with that song. So well-written and produced, definitely a great lyrical sentiment. One of my favorite Rush songs.
I’ve never heard such an outpouring of love for Power Windows. Kinda surprised. For me, it’s just okay.It’s bright and poppy in that 80’s style, but I much prefer Signals and Grace Under Pressure from this period. I do like Big Money and Grand Design and some other tunes. But I agree-It’s too rigid. I feel like the core of the drum kit (snare/kick/hat/ride) is buried in the mix, and the toms and other percussion sounds are much louder. The synths are often annoyingly loud in the mix, like Rush as a band is playing along behind some pre-existing synth tracks. I’d love to hear a remix to add some low end, and bring Neil’s parts are little more forward.
Power windows is a guitar album, yes it has ZTT keyboards. One listen is not enough- (I'm not some crazy rush fan). Rush were experimenting and they pushed the envelope of what a power trio could do with technology. Underneath all the blaze that is power windows is a hook ridden clever adult prog album, yes its1985. I would argue 1985 has come around again. Arguing that an album sounds 1985 is a bit like saying King Crimson lizard sounds very 1970. One of the best rock albums of 1985. In a way its a sort of neo prog album, same vibe, with its 80s keyboards, very Pallas or Pendragon.
I agree, never understood people saying that the guitars took the back seat on this record since, based on the guitar sound, this is one of the most influential albums for me. People hear no distortion and dismiss it, even tho the guitars are all over the album. And yeah, I don't see any problem with "it screams 1985" same as I don't see it in the fact that Piano Lessons screams 90s and 2112 screams 70s. If we would compare In Absentia with Power Windows, then In Absentia screams 2000s, and there is no problem with that, it's just a fact in which times each album was made.
It's basically Rush's pop phase, the same phase as an indie, rock, or punk band who becomes well known, charts, goes pop and fills stadiums, like say Simple Minds. BUT Rush still have their incredible arrangement, brilliant lyrics, etc, still all the goodies in their goodie bag. A fantastic album because, aside from the production, you still get Rush and that is what matters.
If you don't know P/G and or what Rush did after Power Windows, who cares what you think? Rush music is for Rush fans. If you don't like it, fine. There's plenty of other rhythms, melody and harmony for you. 1985 was a special year and Power Windows can take me right back there. Every track does it for me and that's all that matters. I am thankful that I grew up with Rush influencing me as a musician and a human being. Thank the cosmos for giving the boys the balls to do what they wanted and how they wanted.
The craziest thing is... We're going on 40 years and I'm just now realizing how much their sound on this album was influenced by FGTH/ZTT. If you know, you know. You can listen to "Two Tribes" and "Big Money" back-to-back, and there it is. It wouldn't have seemed strange at all for them to do it live. In fact, I'd love to hear a Geddy rendition of it!
Aw get over it....bands evolve and try new sounds,experiment....Power Windows is a fantastic album and some of the songs still resonate today as i have gotten older.....the production,lyrics and playing on this album are on point. Thank you Rush....for Power Windows!!!
They did get a bit carried away with the keyboards, the crazy sound events popping in all over the place, definitely to much reverb or echo-ey sounding, thin and treblely, but it's still Rush so of course it's good. I'm glad you mentioned Middletown dreams, great song, and the part in the second verse where those bouncy keyboards come in and picks it up is so awesome,ending with that awesome drumfill. Manhatten project is great too, with that awesome build up in each verse until it hits that climax - the pilot of enola gay, flying out of the shockwave, just amazing ! And of course Porcupine Tree is amazing too !
Power Windows could do with a Remix and ReMaster. It wouldn't take much because the songs are pretty decent. I would say a bit more bottom end with mid range. The 1986 Tour that accompanied this album demonstrated how good the PW songs transferred over to the Arena like all the music they made prior to it.
This album can only be understood if taken in context of the album before it and after it. Where I disagree with Steven is it sounding like "FM Rock" a la Journey, Toto, Foreigner etc. 😂 Steven you're my favorite songwriter and musician ever, but that is waayyy off mate. Rush are always about the art, never about the commerce.
if it was really a bad album and they went too far then it wouldn't have sold a million plus in the US alone. Fantastic album. I love that time period from Rush. Gotta give Rush credit where credit is due for exploring new boundaries and pushing the envelope.
I agree with this assessment, but I would say that Hold Your Fire is more applicable to this than Power Windows. People over state how much the keyboards were used in this period. The sound is more due to huge use of reverb and chorus more than keyboards. I think that there are five pretty solid songs on this album, in order of quality (in my opinion) Marathon, Territories, Manhattan Project, Mystic Rhythms and Big Money
I feel like everything they said about the production applies more to Hold Your Fire than Power Windows. But I do understand what they're saying. I think I just disagree with their conclusions. And honestly, pretty much all the songs on the late-80s RUSH records sound better in their later live versions to me, oddly enough. Love that they're sharing these clips, though! It's fun to hear what they have to say. :)
These guys were too young....They didn't live with this when this came out on venal and don't have the emotional attachment to it. These songs were LIFE...and as a drum student studying Neil this was very cool !! They did pull it off.
Dudes!!! Hello??!! Grace Under Pressure and Power Windows are like Queen’s A Night at the Opera and A Day at the Races! They go together, perfectly ! Signals marked such an intimate and also social and technological songwriting performance that was like a photo album of the fast changes coming on through the eighties! Hold Your Fire started to have a tiny politics involved and more curiosity with sound design and big colors, wet!! Good discussion fellas!
This was great record and, imo, has held up well. Rush was always expanding and flowing with their sounds, which were influenced by various eras. Every record stands on its own.
Believe it or not, this is where I jumped into Rush and worked backwards. I listen to Windows now and still dig it. Better than Hold your fire...Better than Presto... which were mentioned. What's wrong with Journey, Toto, Foreigner, Boston? Windows caught my ear and I've been a fan since. I know music is subjective but you gotta love pretentious critics, they certainly know what they don't like.
Steve and Tim are more focused on the production than the songwriting. Sure the production is dated as it’s 39 years old now but Pearts songs sure are timeless. Tracks like the Manhattan Project are certainly more relevant than ever… 🚀 💥 🤯
As an optimistic pubescent teenager, I found the early Rush catalogue, from 'Rush' to 'Grace under Pressure' exciting to no end-but when PW came around I found that the keyboard led sound textures, making Alex Lifeson's guitar sink into the background and even, perhaps, forcing Neil Peart to further incorporate electronic drums into the overall sound-well, it all sounded just a bit flat compared to previous albums. Signals was the start of their synth period and from that period was the best of those albums. But hey! Rush kept pace with the epochs they were part of and in the end their willingness to blend in with them served them up with a forty year career, so there you go.
Strong album. One of my favorites. Signals always sounded muddy to me; needed clarity/sparkle. One of my all-time favorite Rush songs will always be Marathon.
First record Geddy used a Wal (borrowed for the recording). And, finally, the bass had enough definition that we could hear everything Ged was playing, all of which was great.
I remember being disappointed with this album after the release of three great albums in a row, i.e. 'Permanent Waves', 'Moving Pictures' and 'Signals'. I agree with your take on 'Power Windows'.
Some rush may have been better than other rush but one thing you can’t change is no matter who you compare them to, all that sound was made by 3 people. Imagine 40 years of that level of mental gymnastics. Nothing short of amazing.
I really like Power Windows. Yes, it has a very dated production style, but the material and performances are really strong. I really enjoyed it when it came out, and it is still one of my favorite Rush albums to listen to. Mystic Rhythms is an exceptional song. And Manhattan Project is gripping as well.
Hard disagree here fellas. This is Rush still at their best here and the way they incorporated synth and 80s sounds is it at zenith here. It's as successful as moving pictures at how well realised all the elements that makes rushes accessible prog pieces cook. It's just done in a very 80s poppy way. To my ears they did it better than anyone with this album. Geddys bass work in this is some of his best ever
Seems for the majority of commenters who love this album, it was their introduction to Rush. For folks like me who came on board around 79 or 80, I suspect this album is lower in their list of fave Rush albums. There are 2 or 3 tracks I do really like, and this does get more play by me than “Hold Your Fire” (ouch) but I do agree plenty of elements of the production haven’t aged well. One element I’ll criticize? I never thought the drums sounded as good as when Terry Brown was handling production…with the possible exception of Counterparts.
Power Windows is an incredible album. Love the sounds on this one. No doubt about it, Power Windows is a RUSH classic. All the complaints I've heard in this video can totally be flipped around.
Yes, I respected Rush, but I never became an actual FAN until Power Windows -- that remains my favorite Rush album.
There's a lot than can be said about RUSH's Power Windows...and I could do it, right here, right now! But I'm not going to because that album has something special about it. You know what you love about it, and what you don't. Regardless, it's not reeeeally up for too much discussion...unless you bring broke down receipts for it, and even Then!?...
You have to project back to the time. They do give some props to Grace and Signals but I thought Power Windows was a great album. I feel their sentiments about Hold Your Fire. I thought it was a really weak album.
@@wlouisharris Hold Your Fire was like Power Windows outtakes, but Force Ten is a ballsy opener, the lyrics to Time Stand Still profound, and the solo in Mission one of the most soaringly beautiful ever.
@@NeglectedField Hold Your Fire is infinitely better than Power Windows.
Say what you like about the sound of Power Windows (I personally love it in all its overblown 80's glory) but it's the songs that work for me. They sound even better live, where their full power is on display. This is especially the case for Big Money, Marathon (especially), Territories and Manhattan Project. The songwriting on this album is for me some of the best and most mature.
I think they were brilliant on this album.
Was going to say something similar. I think the reason I love Power Windows and Hold Your Fire is because I first heard those songs on A Show of Hands, had that on cassette and later VHS, and wore it out. When I listen to the albums, I often think the original versions are a little bit studio-lite, but the songs are just too good not to love.
@@audibletapehiss3764 that was absolutely my experience also
What I like about the songwriting on "Power Windows" is that it was mature without being overly sentimental.
Power Windows is my all time favorite Rush Album. And I love Rush *because* of their evolutions, the experiments, the outings, the comings-back. This was the album that was brand new when I became a Rush fan (in Oct of '85), and it was my first live Rush tour as well Springfield MA '86 (Marillion opened the show with Misplaced Childhood in its entirety!).
I feel like many of the thoughts you offered in the video as potential downfalls could be easily flipped to be described as assets. The synths, the production, the drum bass guitar and vocal sounds on this album are all absolutely fantastic. The lush reverby bells and synth pads in no way diminish the sound of the bass or guitar - and even when Ged is playing synth basses only (on the verses of The Manhattan Project for example), once he slides into the 8th note pounding of the choruses, it's that very contrast that makes it so effin' awesome. There is nothing less "bass" about a great synth bass part that Ged obviously composed to fit that section perfectly. Also my favorite headphone album of their catalog.
A bridge too far? Power Windows? No way. It's perfect. The songwriting, the performances, the arrangements, the riffs, the lyrical themes of 8 different views (windows to) power... just phenomenal. My 2¢.
NOTE - LOVE your work Steven - solo and P-Tree, been a huge fan for decades - and this Podcast with Tim is wonderful, please keep it up! Always listening!
I couldn’t disagree more. For me, Power Windows was their songwriting peak. I can still listen to that album and it still feels fresh to me. I think k you guys are unnecessarily negative.
Power Windows is one of my favorites, maybe my favorite. I have heard your argument, calling Power Windows too synthy. But I feel Power Windows was quintessentially Rush. It was where they were going. I came into rush at Power Windows though. So that might explain our difference in opinion. The important thing- we all like their music.
The most underrated album of RUSH, but my life-time RUSH album!!! Amazing SOUND SPACE !!!!
its a top 5 Rush album for me - LOVED it !
Lyrically brilliant.
music in the 80's was really joyful and flamboyant in way we have lost.
I agree......in 86 when nirvana started with depressing music I knew change would come that would dampen all music in the years to follow!
I love this album. Whilst I can understand the comments concerning it being keyboard led, it’s an album with very little filler. For me, it features some of Alex’s most creative guitar parts and Middletown Dreams, Territories and Mystic Rhythms are three of my all time favourite Rush songs. It is also worth listening to these tracks on the various live albums.
Odd take. I absolutely love this album! Love the songs, love the production, the vide. One of the high points in Rush's catalogue.
I consider yours an odd take. Everything after Signals is a downgrade compared to everything that came before. I enjoy all of their catalog but to call PW (or HYF or RTB) the high point? Major head shaker.
@@Heathcoatman Not ‘the’ high point, one of the high points.
Each album as it would come out would always provide a surprise, and it wasn't always immediately appreciated. After loving something like Moving Pictures, Subdivisions was a huge shock. After the darkness of Grace Under Pressure, Power Windows was a huge change. But in the long run, after having time to fully appreciate the work, you fall in love with the new music as much as the old. They were forever ahead of their time.
One of the two best rush albums along with moving pictures in my opinion. No other band blended new wave pop and progressive rock so well as rush did on this album
Agreed 1000%. I can listen to this album over and over again and always discover something new.
Amazing album. They're all at the top of their game, songs are great, and it all seems so effortless.
Agreed. Peter Collins and James Barton captured a sonic masterpiece, that set a standard in the style, that many chased for years after.
My favourite Rush album, with one of my all time favourite tracks "Middletown Dreams". Also like Hold Your Fire.
I consider Power Windows a top 5 Rush album. :-)
Hemispheres, Moving Pictures, 2112, Farewell To Kings or Permanent Waves.....which would you bump to wedge Power Windows into the top 5?
me too
@@Heathcoatman Well, for me, you've made it pretty easy with that "5". 🙃 Proving, as always, tastes vary widely. "Moving Pictures" and "Permanent Waves" are the only two there, up for consideration for my "Top 5".
@Heathcoatman 2112, after 2112 and APTB there's not much else
An irrelevant video...
Power Windows was/is/will forever be one of their BEST production, well served in time and future!
It sounds 1985 because it was made in 1985, Rush has always evolved, most of their body of work is truly timeless. This is still a great one. Some people just don't "get" Rush, and what it means to so many. I know what they mean to me!
Most of Rush's albums are BOTH dated and timeless at once. It's a major reason why their work outlasts and keeps growing in vitality compared to literally everyone else from the 70s and 80s (and 90s!).
'Power Windows' is a prog rock, tour de force masterpiece! Incredible compositions, and keys and synths used to perfectly and properly embellish the music, bringing on perfect tension and release where it is needed!
I was introduced to Rush by my Aunt with Signals. I didn’t quite get it… then a year later I discovered Power Windows by myself. It changed my life and made me fan. Awesome album.
Funny... Power Windows is my favorite Rush album. They embraced technology and went full ahead. The lyrics on that record embody 1980s America.
Simply three geniuses creating sound waves, not to over think.
Power Windows: the sound, the mixing, the performances, particularly the arrangements… probably the main reason it’s my personal favorite Rush album (and among my top five or so favorite albums ever by anyone) is the songwriting. IMO some of their very best songs.
I have 2 masterpieces by Rush in terms of what they delivered sonically and writing. Hemispheres and Power Windows. Power Windows was the first time they took a somewhat break between albums as Grace Under Pressure era was a dark time for the band. Its a complete concept album but not tied into a story. They were blending so many genres on this album that was ahead of the curve in dynamics of layering texturing. They were refreshed. And the mixing made it shine verses anything else of the synth period
the correct take is this record is about as good as Rush ever were as song writers and from a production standpoint, it's bold, it sounds like 1985. I think most core Rush fans see this as top shelf thing these days.
Easily the worst they ever did. 2112 is their best. You need your head examined.
@@MarcoPolo-ze3ie 2112 better than Moving Pictures?
Man, I just can't agree that Power Windows wasn't an absolutely great album. It was 1985, and it sounded the way it was supposed to sound. I love the huge reverbs and synths. And while it's argued that Alex's guitar took a back seat - listen to his parts on Big Money; the tone he was getting with single-coils and the effects is glorious.
This album is phenomenal. Period.
Love this album!!! I was 18 and just starting my freshman year in college when this came out. I swam competitively in college and 'Marathon' always brings me back to swim practice. And like the 'Signals' album it always reminds me of the season of fall, the beginning of another school year and listening to cassettes in my walkman. Good times.
It’s of its time and very well designed from a production perspective. There are lovely vignettes throughout the record and still that all-important Rush experimentation.
Power Windows was hands down the best of the post Signals era of the 80's because it went full bore into the synth pop sound unapologetically but with heart. It's not sterile. The composition on songs like Marathon is superb for that genre.
Superb for any genre, honestly.
You 2 are not sure but I am positive: This album is amazing. And though not guitar driven like earlier works, I think Alex's solos are tasteful and compliment the music perfectly. And the one in Emotion Detector is one of my all time favorites.
Easily one of their best albums. The songs were so consistently strong on this as well. At the time the band appeared to be having a lot of fun, and it showed in their videos for this album and their shows.
Rubbish! This album is probably the best synth-rock blend I've ever heard. Forget the U2 Police comparison's, neither of those two bands have the chops to pull this off. It's big and bold, nothing like it, especially during that time period, little surprised Wilson doesn't get it.
They're actually pretty fair.
@@quantiquefilms Yeah, no. Disagree big time.
Totally agree, Rush still had unmatched fire-power at this point!
Lori Anderson (LOL).
The Police were a well documented influence on Rush. They all proudly admitted as much, and were friendly with each other. The U2 comment from Steven caught me off guard a bit, and I'm not a U2 hater by any means, as is the vogue these days. Great band. Never heard a shred of it in Rush's sound.
I def consider Power Windows a top 4 Rush album
I was still in the early days of my Freshman year in college. My college buddy and I both lamented for the return of the Hemispheres sound. When we heard it initially we were disappointed. But looking back, this is perhaps Rush’s most tightest album. It’s really tight and on point. It’s almost symphonic and Orchestral Rush in sound But it has a lot of heart with the emotional lyrics of Marathon, Emotion Detector, and Middletown Dreams. I find Alex Lifeson’s guitar extraordinary but subtle. Listen the incredible guitar solo’s in Big Money and Grand Designs the first two songs. Those are some of Alex’s best guitar sounds.
Valid points. But, "Power Windows" has been my go to album. I guess because I graduated high school in '85. These are strong songs created in that synth era. Rush always wanted to fill up as much space as possible with sound, as they were a 3 piece band. Lots of low end with great drum mike placement, make this album sound great. Neil's snare sound was perfect to me. Just my opinion.
Power Windows one of my favorite albums.
PW is my favorite Rush album, I love all the instrumentation and songwriting. I’m keen on big 80’s reverb and keys.
Power Windows got me into Rush as a band. The theme of power in this album is evident right from the opening chord in The Big Money and throughout with incredible use of bass pedals filling the low end (Marathon is perfection!) that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up when listened to live or with a good subwoofer! I'm tired of this petty, old argument about this album being overproduced and whatever...the arrangements are perfect and this album allowed me to go back and appreciate the earlier catalog and become one of their biggest fans!
I respected Rush, but I never became a fan until Power Windows -- that remains my favorite Rush album.
First "new" Rush album that I bought. First Rush concert. Still one of my favorite albums, much different, but awesome. Middletown dreams still hits me like it did back then.
My favorite Rush album. "Grand Designs" is my favorite song. Love the kinetic, full sound of the album.
Love it - it's a special record. Rush always sounds like Rush despite their style changes, much as King Gizz does today. Mystic Rhythms is a gem and awesome live. There's lots of great guitar tones also. These discussions only serve to remind me to listen to the record and draw my own conclusions.
Love this record! Might be Rush's best work. Alex shines so strong. along with everyone else. Dos Passos inspired lyrics. Alex just kills it on this. Such a great complimentary player.
Come on Steven, I love your 5.1 mix of AFTK and your 5.1 mixes of most everything, but you clearly have no clue about this era of Rush - just look at the comments. You need to go back and finish your homework mate, sorry, this is a fantastic album that killed everything else at the time!
Wow, I must say I was surprised by the negative slant to the opinion on this record! Power Windows was, at one point, my favourite Rush record, and it remains in my top 5 today. It certainly is a record from 1985 in terms of instrumentation, so I will give you that it is very much of its time. From a sonic perspective, though, A+, everything is crystal clear with great dynamics. And despite the heavy usage of synths, I'd consider the playing of Alex Lifeson to be amongst his more creative guitar work. Of course, I am biased, being a huge Rush fan! Always look forward to hearing your thoughts on their records on The Album Years. :)
Yeah, no, Power Windows is a perfectly executed album. Songs are great, production is great, not a single flub or bad decision. By far their best album to come out post Moving Pictures.
The lyrics are great. The music is great. Alex's solos are great. Geddy does it all as usual.
Interesting the different thoughts on this album. I absolutely adore this album because of its production AND... it made me take note and pick up the bass! I literally took an acoustic guitar, removed 2 strings and "learnt" bass. This as a 15 year old kid that had studied pipe organ since 9! I feel the production also inspired my studio work. The blanket of sound is huge as well.
In the "Hold Your Fire" tour program I think there is a Geddy Lee quote dealing with the increased use of keyboards in this era, which was "One synthesiser is too many, but a thousand are not enough".
I thought it was their best soundscape alongside Moving Pictures. I'm not worried that the guitar took 6th chair behind synths, drum pads, drums, bass and guitar effects. They put Alex almost up front with Moving Pictures, so they knew how to do both really well. To me, Grace Under Pressure was them reaching too much in terms of arrangement, then finding what they wanted in Power Windows. Hold Your Fire seemed to me, even when it came out when I was 14-15, like Power Windows B-Sides. No part of this opinion accounts for originality, though, so if you guys say that there was a ton of influence from their production, that's fine. I've never heard of ZZ whatever, and never cared for U2 so I wouldn't know. You could have mentioned other Horne projects like Yes' 90125?
Some of Al's very best guitar sounds AND playing. Don't see guitar as 6th chair at all in these arrangements. When ever I song (or more likely whistle) along to these tunes, it's the guitar line that I'm singing. Listen in headphones one more time and focus on Alex.
In my Top 3 Rush albums. this along with 'Hemispheres' and 'Clockwork Angels' round them out. You cannot grow without embracing the sounds of the day. If you do, you end up sounding as stale as someone like Dream Theater. But I adore this album. 'Grand Designs' is a 'Desert Island Disc' for me.
Power Windows is a great Rush album; probably my favorite. Marathon is such a great metaphor for life. I tear up every time when the chorus joins in near the end. Manhattan Project covers what is arguably the single most important scientific discovery ever (splitting the atom) with such care and thoughtfulness. The mix of guitar, keyboards, bass and drums is just right. They went too far with Hold your Fire, then brought it back into balance with Presto (and beyond).
I dunno man, Hold Your Fire had some great songs on it. Time Stand Still, Force Ten, Turn The Page...
Power Windows was the album that made me a Rush fan. I was a starry-eyed kid that was just getting into keyboards and synths and this album knocked my socks off. Alex has said himself that he feels like his spot in the sound mix was being taken over by synths and I can understand that. But this is also just a fantastic work of music. The songwriting, lyrics and musicianship all hit their peak here. It will always be my favorite.
Totally disagree , Power Windows one of my faves , the production and sense of space is huge
Not sure?!?!
This is the greatest band - and their greatest album!!!
Everything is perfect - you all are nuts!
Power Windows is magnificent -- a far superior album, for my money, than Grace Under Pressure or Signals.
If my wife is out, I can still sit back and soak in Power Windows and enjoy every minute of it, like all Rush albums. Arguably not their best album, but who cares, it doesn't have to be for me to just indulge and appreciate the fabulous 3's genius - its still incredibly interesting music! And it takes me back to the 80s when I first listened to it. Interesting conversation though 👍
I kinda disagree Steven's opinion that it's a 'dated production'. It's integral to the creative context of the music, aesthetically and technologically, at that particular time. On another note, the production aesthetics from 1985 might sound fresh for a whole new generation of listeners who grew up in today's dry, organic or even brickwalled production techniques. I was 15 when Power Windows came out, and its bombast sounded exciting in its own way, much better IMHO than Grace Under Pressure or Hold Your Fire.
Back in the day (I was 15 at the time) I had only ever heard Power Windows being described as the perfect combination of synth and guitar, by all three band members, as well as the reviews in print.
This balance was important to the band, as they generally regarded Signals as having maybe too much synth, and Grace Under Pressure was thought to be an over-reaction to the synth-heavy Signals, with Alex's guitar the dominant instrument on that album.
To re-enforce this idea in my mind, the follow-up to Power Windows, Hold Your Fire, had three (perfect) spheres as the cover art. It may have been on the syndicated interview radio show "Rockline" that Geddy was answering a question about the meaning of the spheres. He eluded to there being a "meaning" to them, but did not elaborate, except for saying the meaning of the cover art has "nothing to do with brown rice." (haha)
I discovered Rush in 1984 with Grace Under Pressure, and felt a big change had been made when Power Windows came out. I loved it for years, but rarely go to it now. The songs I liked the least are the ones I now like the most.
It could be argued that Rush and Peter Collins went "a bridge too far" on Power Windows with the production, the layering, the soundscapes, etc. But no matter the production, the material is first rate and can be considered one of their better efforts musically and lyrically. Alex's soaring solo on "Big Money" is often overlooked compared to some of his others. I like the "power" theme throughout the album. The use of the orchestra on "Manhattan Project" was bold. "Marathon" is like 3 great musical ideas in one: the verses + the instrumental break + the rousing choruses. "Territories" is especially relevant in today's climate. "Middletown Dreams" (oddly inspired by Frank Sinatra's "Watertown" album dealing with isolation and deferred dreams in modern society) broke some new ground for Peart lyrically. And then there's the great atmospheric closer of "Mystic Rhythms" which I thought of just recently as the Northern Lights appeared in much of the country. Great album overall!
I believe they sold more concert tickets on this tour than any other. They played 2 sold out shows here in Houston, never before or since.
A Rush recording that's clinical and precise! What a departure!
Power Windows has so many great tunes on it, Big Money (one of Alex's best solos), Manhattan Project, Mystic Rhythms... But Steven really hit the nail on the head with Middletown Dreams. Any time I put together a new sound system, I test it with that song. So well-written and produced, definitely a great lyrical sentiment. One of my favorite Rush songs.
I’ve never heard such an outpouring of love for Power Windows. Kinda surprised. For me, it’s just okay.It’s bright and poppy in that 80’s style, but I much prefer Signals and Grace Under Pressure from this period. I do like Big Money and Grand Design and some other tunes.
But I agree-It’s too rigid. I feel like the core of the drum kit (snare/kick/hat/ride) is buried in the mix, and the toms and other percussion sounds are much louder. The synths are often annoyingly loud in the mix, like Rush as a band is playing along behind some pre-existing synth tracks. I’d love to hear a remix to add some low end, and bring Neil’s parts are little more forward.
Power windows is a guitar album, yes it has ZTT keyboards. One listen is not enough- (I'm not some crazy rush fan). Rush were experimenting and they pushed the envelope of what a power trio could do with technology. Underneath all the blaze that is power windows is a hook ridden clever adult prog album, yes its1985. I would argue 1985 has come around again. Arguing that an album sounds 1985 is a bit like saying King Crimson lizard sounds very 1970. One of the best rock albums of 1985.
In a way its a sort of neo prog album, same vibe, with its 80s keyboards, very Pallas or Pendragon.
I agree, never understood people saying that the guitars took the back seat on this record since, based on the guitar sound, this is one of the most influential albums for me. People hear no distortion and dismiss it, even tho the guitars are all over the album. And yeah, I don't see any problem with "it screams 1985" same as I don't see it in the fact that Piano Lessons screams 90s and 2112 screams 70s. If we would compare In Absentia with Power Windows, then In Absentia screams 2000s, and there is no problem with that, it's just a fact in which times each album was made.
It's basically Rush's pop phase, the same phase as an indie, rock, or punk band who becomes well known, charts, goes pop and fills stadiums, like say Simple Minds. BUT Rush still have their incredible arrangement, brilliant lyrics, etc, still all the goodies in their goodie bag. A fantastic album because, aside from the production, you still get Rush and that is what matters.
I saw them on that tour and I still listen to this album regularly. I know some people don't like the synths, but great songs are great songs.
It is a very underrated Rush album. Top five definitely.
Like they said great penmanship from Neil on this album
POWER WINDOWS is my FAVORITE album by my FAVORITE band, RUSH. I love, Love, LOVE it. Middletown Dreams is my favorite song of ALL TIME.
If you don't know P/G and or what Rush did after Power Windows, who cares what you think? Rush music is for Rush fans. If you don't like it, fine. There's plenty of other rhythms, melody and harmony for you. 1985 was a special year and Power Windows can take me right back there. Every track does it for me and that's all that matters. I am thankful that I grew up with Rush influencing me as a musician and a human being. Thank the cosmos for giving the boys the balls to do what they wanted and how they wanted.
Exactly. And I am flummoxed that SW doesn't know the full Rush catalog esp P/G
Power Windows is Rush's best album.
The craziest thing is... We're going on 40 years and I'm just now realizing how much their sound on this album was influenced by FGTH/ZTT.
If you know, you know. You can listen to "Two Tribes" and "Big Money" back-to-back, and there it is. It wouldn't have seemed strange at all for them to do it live. In fact, I'd love to hear a Geddy rendition of it!
Aw get over it....bands evolve and try new sounds,experiment....Power Windows is a fantastic album and some of the songs still resonate today as i have gotten older.....the production,lyrics and playing on this album are on point. Thank you Rush....for Power Windows!!!
Power Windows and Hold The Fire…..are my 2 favorite albums….the arrangements and keyboards are outstanding
Marathon!!! One of the best Rush songs is on this album ...
They did get a bit carried away with the keyboards, the crazy sound events popping in all over the place, definitely to much reverb or echo-ey sounding, thin and treblely, but it's still Rush so of course it's good. I'm glad you mentioned Middletown dreams, great song, and the part in the second verse where those bouncy keyboards come in and picks it up is so awesome,ending with that awesome drumfill. Manhatten project is great too, with that awesome build up in each verse until it hits that climax - the pilot of enola gay, flying out of the shockwave, just amazing !
And of course Porcupine Tree is amazing too !
Power Windows could do with a Remix and ReMaster. It wouldn't take much because the songs are pretty decent. I would say a bit more bottom end with mid range. The 1986 Tour that accompanied this album demonstrated how good the PW songs transferred over to the Arena like all the music they made prior to it.
This album can only be understood if taken in context of the album before it and after it. Where I disagree with Steven is it sounding like "FM Rock" a la Journey, Toto, Foreigner etc. 😂 Steven you're my favorite songwriter and musician ever, but that is waayyy off mate. Rush are always about the art, never about the commerce.
I totally get what he meant by that.
if it was really a bad album and they went too far then it wouldn't have sold a million plus in the US alone. Fantastic album. I love that time period from Rush. Gotta give Rush credit where credit is due for exploring new boundaries and pushing the envelope.
I agree with this assessment, but I would say that Hold Your Fire is more applicable to this than Power Windows. People over state how much the keyboards were used in this period. The sound is more due to huge use of reverb and chorus more than keyboards.
I think that there are five pretty solid songs on this album, in order of quality (in my opinion) Marathon, Territories, Manhattan Project, Mystic Rhythms and Big Money
And Middletown dreams
I feel like everything they said about the production applies more to Hold Your Fire than Power Windows. But I do understand what they're saying. I think I just disagree with their conclusions. And honestly, pretty much all the songs on the late-80s RUSH records sound better in their later live versions to me, oddly enough. Love that they're sharing these clips, though! It's fun to hear what they have to say. :)
Some of my favorites come from this album. Manhattan Project, Marathon and Middletown Dreams. Great stuff.
These guys were too young....They didn't live with this when this came out on venal and don't have the emotional attachment to it. These songs were LIFE...and as a drum student studying Neil this was very cool !! They did pull it off.
Dudes!!! Hello??!!
Grace Under Pressure and Power Windows are like Queen’s A Night at the Opera and A Day at the Races! They go together, perfectly !
Signals marked such an intimate and also social and technological songwriting performance that was like a photo album of the fast changes coming on through the eighties!
Hold Your Fire started to have a tiny politics involved and more curiosity with sound design and big colors, wet!!
Good discussion fellas!
Grace is the shit. Get to it!
This was great record and, imo, has held up well. Rush was always expanding and flowing with their sounds, which were influenced by various eras. Every record stands on its own.
Believe it or not, this is where I jumped into Rush and worked backwards. I listen to Windows now and still dig it. Better than Hold your fire...Better than Presto... which were mentioned. What's wrong with Journey, Toto, Foreigner, Boston? Windows caught my ear and I've been a fan since. I know music is subjective but you gotta love pretentious critics, they certainly know what they don't like.
Steve and Tim are more focused on the production than the songwriting. Sure the production is dated as it’s 39 years old now but Pearts songs sure are timeless. Tracks like the Manhattan Project are certainly more relevant than ever… 🚀 💥 🤯
Tim Nobody and Steve Nobody are clueless! 👍
As an optimistic pubescent teenager, I found the early Rush catalogue, from 'Rush' to 'Grace under Pressure' exciting to no end-but when PW came around I found that the keyboard led sound textures, making Alex Lifeson's guitar sink into the background and even, perhaps, forcing Neil Peart to further incorporate electronic drums into the overall sound-well, it all sounded just a bit flat compared to previous albums. Signals was the start of their synth period and from that period was the best of those albums. But hey! Rush kept pace with the epochs they were part of and in the end their willingness to blend in with them served them up with a forty year career, so there you go.
I thought this was peak keyboards for them before nose diving into Hold your Fire. That was a bridge too far. Hence, Presto went 180 away from synth.
Strong album. One of my favorites. Signals always sounded muddy to me; needed clarity/sparkle. One of my all-time favorite Rush songs will always be Marathon.
I love this album, possibly my favourite Rush album
First record Geddy used a Wal (borrowed for the recording). And, finally, the bass had enough definition that we could hear everything Ged was playing, all of which was great.
I remember being disappointed with this album after the release of three great albums in a row, i.e. 'Permanent Waves', 'Moving Pictures' and 'Signals'. I agree with your take on 'Power Windows'.
Some rush may have been better than other rush but one thing you can’t change is no matter who you compare them to, all that sound was made by 3 people. Imagine 40 years of that level of mental gymnastics. Nothing short of amazing.
I really like Power Windows. Yes, it has a very dated production style, but the material and performances are really strong. I really enjoyed it when it came out, and it is still one of my favorite Rush albums to listen to. Mystic Rhythms is an exceptional song. And Manhattan Project is gripping as well.
Power Windows and Hold Your Fire are their 2 best albums. i got tons of great extreme metal bands to listen to when i want to "rock".
Hard disagree here fellas. This is Rush still at their best here and the way they incorporated synth and 80s sounds is it at zenith here. It's as successful as moving pictures at how well realised all the elements that makes rushes accessible prog pieces cook. It's just done in a very 80s poppy way. To my ears they did it better than anyone with this album. Geddys bass work in this is some of his best ever
It wasn’t Power Windows where Rush lost me…it was the next album.
Seems for the majority of commenters who love this album, it was their introduction to Rush. For folks like me who came on board around 79 or 80, I suspect this album is lower in their list of fave Rush albums. There are 2 or 3 tracks I do really like, and this does get more play by me than “Hold Your Fire” (ouch) but I do agree plenty of elements of the production haven’t aged well.
One element I’ll criticize? I never thought the drums sounded as good as when Terry Brown was handling production…with the possible exception of Counterparts.
okay but you gotta admit, Marathon, Manhattan Project, and Mystic Rhythms go HARD (thats a lot of m's)