GRACE UNDER PRESSURE

Grace Under Pressure continues the synth heavy sound explored on the previous album Signals. Though the album sees Lifeson's guitar making a bit more of an impact, and the synth playing is not as bombastic. Compositionally, this is as strong, if not stronger than their previous as well. Perhaps what I like most about this album is that they manage to retain their heaviness but still sound musically relevant.

The album opens with the great 'Distant Early Warning' which is a great driving song with a great mix of guitar and keyboard. The song alternates between some more mellow parts with Geddy's vocals and some bombastic keyboard parts.

'Afterimage' is another up-tempo rocker that lets up slightly halfway through for a beautiful extended instrumental section.

'Red Sector A' isn't terribly interesting, but does features some amazing hi-hat work from Peart, and Geddy's synth and Alex's guitar seem to mesh well.

'The Enemy Within' is probably the highlight of the album, with a sound that is familiar to something that would come off Moving Pictures (specifically 'Vital Signs.') The bass is especially chunky and Lifeson's guitar gives off a Reggae feel in parts.

'The Body Electric' isn't extremely interesting, but it is exactly what I'd expect from Rush at this point, which is not a bad thing.

'Kid Gloves' is a fun song based on a killer riff in 10/8. Lifeson has a crazy solo midway through to mix things up a bit.

The final two songs aren't terribly interesting, but are still great Rush tunes. 'Red Lenses' has some great melodies and sounds like something they could come off their next effort. 'Between the Wheels' has a great rhythm section and is full of Lifeson's wailing guitar to provide a dramatic closure.

Overall, Grace Under Pressure is a solid Rush album that shows they can still write great music in a rather sonically depressing period. I can easily affirm that this is their best effort since Moving Pictures, and is their last great album.

7/10