POWER WINDOWS

"Power Windows" is by far, the album that produces most encountered opinions between Rush fans. Long gone were the sci-fi epics and the band was fully embracing 80's sound motives and production. This fact alone does not mean that "Power Windows" is a mainstream oriented album or an uninspired one since the band was still exprimentating and changing their sound as usual. This release was the peak of their so called "synth period"

In my opinion this is the last Rush album I can enjoy from start to finish. Among this 5 minute songs Peart delivers some of his most inspired drumming. Moreover, there are some interesting lyrics here. As an example you could read the ones from "Manhattan Project" or "Marathon" which also happen to be two of my favourite 80's Rush numbers. Lifeson manages to put some memorable solos among the synth fest on songs like "The Big Money" or "Emotion detector".

The only flaw I seem to find on this record is that it's a little bit monotonous on its sounding. The band could have put some acoustic piece in the middle to break the pattern this record holds. But overall, "Power Windows" is proof that even in the dark ages the 80's were, there was still place for some good material out there.

3.5 stars. Exellent addition to any Rush lover collection