Classic Rock Album of the Day- Rush- Grace Under Pressure- (1984) *****
I am going to truly enjoy today's review, because Rush's 9th Studio LP Grace Under Pressure may be as near as the most "filler-less" album that the band ever made. There are three or four I like better in their intent and impact, but at least in this LP, there are no weak spots. This is also at near the apex of their songwriting talents. After Grace, Geddy definitely took the band to a much more stronger influenced electronic direction. Those were also great albums, but this one almost shows the beautiful transition of emcompassive prog to electronic experimentation and avant- garde, because I guess Rush felt they needed to flex their versatility chops. That change in direction in the mid 1980's might be the most debated question in Rush lore. Were they prudent in the electronic slant, or should have they continued in early mode, and risk stagnation, and brain talent lock. I liked the move, and its diverse direction. OTOH, I am sure there are others here who likely disagree.
This also is about the time on the lyrical front that Peart decided to take a more introspective, and human emotion trending approach than continuing with mythical and proggy themes. That part of the band's transition was not as pleasing to me. But I understand the band's need to grow and show their entire repertoire during their career. This album was definitely transitional, and it was one of their best.
I also think the fact should not be lost to the fact that this is the first album not produced and collaborated with Terry Brown. Can you imagine the anxiety of losing that aspect of technical expertise while building the album. But at the time, I don't think these guys realized the level of creativity, innovation, and intelligence that they brought to the record business. This album didn't miss a beat, and at least IMO was significantly better than the band's preceding excellent album Signals. But the difference was Signals was an outstanding album. This one is an epic classic along with about 5 or 6 other Rush Albums. The Rush rock purist may not have like the inclusion of some New Wave and Reggae licks, but from my POV, this is the one album after release that made me go record saying this will be one of the greatest rock bands in history. And almost 40 years later, I stand by that statement.
Fun Fact: Hugh Syme. Who is Hugh Syme? Amazingly this is the graphic designer who built ever album cover of Rush in their entire career, with the exception of their debut album. I found out he also designed artwork too for Quiet Riot, Survivor, Outlaws, Whitesanke, Bon Jovi, Bad English, Celine Dion, Kiss, Queesryche, Tesla, Iron Maiden, supertramp, Megadeath, Uriah Help, The Kings, Styx, Dream Theatre, and 3 Doors Down
Side 1-
--------------
Distant Early Warning- Never was pleased with Chicken Little enviro-whacko lyrical intent, but I am willing to give Peart the benefit of the doubt, and guess he meant well. Musically, it has nicely squeezed reggae like riffing, that has almost a Police like influence. I do know know that Peart and Summers were good friends, and co-admireres of each others work. 3
Afterimage- Very tight riffing, a definite good effort by Lifeson. In this number you see him masterfully flex his ability to fill measures with almost a chordal like paint brush. Even as a lower tier song on this LP, it is still kick ass. Like I said.... no filler here. 6
Red Sector A- More Doom and Gloom apocalyptical sadness from Peart. This particular song is a favorite on this album by many Rush fans. Me not so much. Nothing out the ordinary musically at least at Rush's lofty levels. 4
The Enemy Within- Very innovative Reggae-ish effort by the band. Another one that kind of incorporated a new wave - Police type of feel. The Glockenspiel inclusion was an incredible add. And nicely if not dramatically balances the orchestrative guitar work 5
Side 2-
-----------
The Body Electric- One of my favorites on the album. Beautiful synced time and variable key changed number that after a recent listen almost sounds like a prehistoric POV that predicts the AI fears when robotic technology rebels. At the time it sure seemed Sci Fi, but 40 years later? 2
Kid Gloves- Maybe IMO the biggest and greatest sleeper in the entire Rush catalog. Song has some incredible and difficult again, time changes and key changes, and a drum base that is not for the faint of heart if any other band wants to cover. This song just accentuates the level of talent and genius of this band. This song also has what I feel is Lifeson's best solo of the decade. Why this song never became a bigger favorite to the fans was always mystery to me. 1
Red Lenses- This also a reggae- Afrikan-ish rhythm. Lower tier, but still really a good tune. 8
Between the Wheels- More despair on another track. Somewhat weak end, but don't get me wrong, this song would be a winner for a band not named Rush. This entire album is a classic. And def. in my Top 5 of the Band in their catalog. 7
Original Review prepared August 23, 2023.
I am going to truly enjoy today's review, because Rush's 9th Studio LP Grace Under Pressure may be as near as the most "filler-less" album that the band ever made. There are three or four I like better in their intent and impact, but at least in this LP, there are no weak spots. This is also at near the apex of their songwriting talents. After Grace, Geddy definitely took the band to a much more stronger influenced electronic direction. Those were also great albums, but this one almost shows the beautiful transition of emcompassive prog to electronic experimentation and avant- garde, because I guess Rush felt they needed to flex their versatility chops. That change in direction in the mid 1980's might be the most debated question in Rush lore. Were they prudent in the electronic slant, or should have they continued in early mode, and risk stagnation, and brain talent lock. I liked the move, and its diverse direction. OTOH, I am sure there are others here who likely disagree.
This also is about the time on the lyrical front that Peart decided to take a more introspective, and human emotion trending approach than continuing with mythical and proggy themes. That part of the band's transition was not as pleasing to me. But I understand the band's need to grow and show their entire repertoire during their career. This album was definitely transitional, and it was one of their best.
I also think the fact should not be lost to the fact that this is the first album not produced and collaborated with Terry Brown. Can you imagine the anxiety of losing that aspect of technical expertise while building the album. But at the time, I don't think these guys realized the level of creativity, innovation, and intelligence that they brought to the record business. This album didn't miss a beat, and at least IMO was significantly better than the band's preceding excellent album Signals. But the difference was Signals was an outstanding album. This one is an epic classic along with about 5 or 6 other Rush Albums. The Rush rock purist may not have like the inclusion of some New Wave and Reggae licks, but from my POV, this is the one album after release that made me go record saying this will be one of the greatest rock bands in history. And almost 40 years later, I stand by that statement.
Fun Fact: Hugh Syme. Who is Hugh Syme? Amazingly this is the graphic designer who built ever album cover of Rush in their entire career, with the exception of their debut album. I found out he also designed artwork too for Quiet Riot, Survivor, Outlaws, Whitesanke, Bon Jovi, Bad English, Celine Dion, Kiss, Queesryche, Tesla, Iron Maiden, supertramp, Megadeath, Uriah Help, The Kings, Styx, Dream Theatre, and 3 Doors Down
Side 1-
--------------
Distant Early Warning- Never was pleased with Chicken Little enviro-whacko lyrical intent, but I am willing to give Peart the benefit of the doubt, and guess he meant well. Musically, it has nicely squeezed reggae like riffing, that has almost a Police like influence. I do know know that Peart and Summers were good friends, and co-admireres of each others work. 3
Afterimage- Very tight riffing, a definite good effort by Lifeson. In this number you see him masterfully flex his ability to fill measures with almost a chordal like paint brush. Even as a lower tier song on this LP, it is still kick ass. Like I said.... no filler here. 6
Red Sector A- More Doom and Gloom apocalyptical sadness from Peart. This particular song is a favorite on this album by many Rush fans. Me not so much. Nothing out the ordinary musically at least at Rush's lofty levels. 4
The Enemy Within- Very innovative Reggae-ish effort by the band. Another one that kind of incorporated a new wave - Police type of feel. The Glockenspiel inclusion was an incredible add. And nicely if not dramatically balances the orchestrative guitar work 5
Side 2-
-----------
The Body Electric- One of my favorites on the album. Beautiful synced time and variable key changed number that after a recent listen almost sounds like a prehistoric POV that predicts the AI fears when robotic technology rebels. At the time it sure seemed Sci Fi, but 40 years later? 2
Kid Gloves- Maybe IMO the biggest and greatest sleeper in the entire Rush catalog. Song has some incredible and difficult again, time changes and key changes, and a drum base that is not for the faint of heart if any other band wants to cover. This song just accentuates the level of talent and genius of this band. This song also has what I feel is Lifeson's best solo of the decade. Why this song never became a bigger favorite to the fans was always mystery to me. 1
Red Lenses- This also a reggae- Afrikan-ish rhythm. Lower tier, but still really a good tune. 8
Between the Wheels- More despair on another track. Somewhat weak end, but don't get me wrong, this song would be a winner for a band not named Rush. This entire album is a classic. And def. in my Top 5 of the Band in their catalog. 7
Original Review prepared August 23, 2023.
