GRACE UNDER PRESSURE

Rush continued the new synth heavy sound they had on Signals with Grace Under Pressure, which is likely the most polarizing of Rush's highly polarizing career. Lyrically, this is one of, if not the strongest albums in their catalog. Every member of the band gets time to shine, but Lifeson loses a lot of the Limelight here.

The album opens with "Distant Early Warning," a cautionary tale about nuclear war. This has one of Geddy's best basslines and the lyrics are first-class. "Afterimage" deals with the loss of a friend. Alex plays his guitar with blues-worthy emotion. "Red Sector A" is strange at first because it has no bass in it. However, this Holocaust tale is one of the most haunting and moving Rush songs ever.This has added pignance when you consider Geddy's mother survived the Holocaust. "The Enemy Within" features the reggae that makes cameos here and there in previous albums. It has a great syncopated beat and riff. "The Body Electric" and "Red Lenses" are why this album gets a bad rap. They point toward the banality of Hold Your Fire. "Kid Gloves" is sandwiched between the two, and it's a fun number, if not very memorable. The album closes with "Between the Wheels," a synth era classic with dark lyrics.

Grace Under Pressure is almost as good as Signals, at it, along with its predecessor, is the highlight of the synth era. Highly recommended for established Rush fans.

Grade: B