PRESTO

After several albums where keyboards dominated Rush's sound, 1989's Presto showed a dramatic shift which would eventually lead to Rush's transition back to its roots through the 1990s. Keyboards now played a more discreet role in the band's overall sound. Although a few songs on this album have them as the prominent instrument, the album is decidedly guitar-centric. Everything else in the Rush sound hasn't changed much, from Lee's vocals and the usual complex bass lines to Peart's skilled drumming. It's nice to hear Lifeson's return to form.

The one major similarity with Presto and preceding albums is it still song-oriented and chiefly radio friendly material. It's sort of like Grace Under Pressure and Hold Your Fire combined, but with much fewer keyboards. No matter how much I wish they would return to their late 1970s sound, I can't fault them for more accessible, yet quality material. After all, this was 1989, a year where the word "prog" was practically non-existent. There wasn't much else worth listening to in 1989.

A good album, not in anyway essential and a far cry from the band's peak years. Three stars and a cool album cover.