GRACE UNDER PRESSURE

Although panned by many hardcore Rush fans due to guitarist Alex Lifeson's more subdued role on this album, I have long felt this is one of the most underrated releases in the Rush studio catalog. From its opening track "Distant Early Warning" we are quickly informed that this is Rush in evolutionary form, moving beyond the 'Permanent Waves' and 'Moving Pictures' era (and thankfully not acknowledging the very dicey 'Signals' album). No less than three of my all-time favorite Rush songs are on this album ("Between the Wheels", "Afterimage", "Kid Gloves"). Despite what many fans interpret as a reduced role by Lifeson, his soloing on most of the tracks incorporate chord-based leads which is a stark departure from his soloing on most of the band's previous releases. "Kid Gloves" is a tremendous track with an unforgettable intro by Lifeson. "Between the Wheels" is one of the greatest Rush songs of all time, right from its dark, plodding intro through its frantic chorus.

The only weak spot on the album (and sadly, it's a BIG weak spot) is "Red Lenses". Sadly it is so bad that it is enough for me to give this album 4 stars instead of 5.

This is an album/disc that should be in every prog-rock fan's collection.