POWER WINDOWS

After the overly keyboard Signals and the overly guitar drenched Grace Under Pressure, Rush entered 1985 and created an album that had a stable balance of keyboard and guitar. While not the best album they ever did, it certainly is the best of the 85-89 releases. Filled with catchy riffs and synth lines, some intricate bass lines (although no where near the quality of the 76-82 period), and some precision drumming, there couldn't be much more for a fan to ask for.

From the opening drums of Big Money to the catchy fade out to Mystic Rhythms, there are a mixture of good and mediocre songs. All songs are linked with a specific theme regarding power and how we abuse it. Highlight tracks are The Big Money, with it's catchy verse and catchy bass work, and some great lyrics and drumming from Peart. Territories features some precision drumming, insightful lyrics, and a great riff from Lifeson. Manhattan Project deals with nuclear arms and features a catchy chorus, precision drumming, and more great riffing from Alex Lifeson. The finale to the album, Mystic Rhythms, is a triumphant track that begins a bit somberly, but picks up pace as the track evolves.

Overall, Rush fans should not be disappointed. However, this is not an album to give a person trying to get into Rush. It's a good album, but not necessary to all fans of progressive music. 4/5.