PERMANENT WAVES

This is probably the only progressive record that I have listened to that is as close as perfection as is humanly possible. The shift from progressive hard rock still a hallmark of the trio's previous album may not have been perceived by every fan as positive, but I think it injected much-needed change in the band's musical direction. I consider this album superior to both Hemispheres and Moving Pictures, although for different reasons. The musicianship is top-notch as per usual (2112 was the last album where there were still some flaws in execution) and Geddy Lee's singing has become better over time, this being the first album where his voice sounds more natural.

The album's opener The Spirit of Radio is simply one of the best songs in the band's catalogue, easily on par with other the songs that would open the subsequent three albums. More importantly, this song also shines on the audio recording of the Grace Under Pressure Tour (which I incidentally once captured from a Super VHS tape to burn onto a CD, but is luckily available on CD now as part of a box set). I honestly don't know many songs that sound equally great in the studio as well as live, but The Spirit of Radio pulls it off.

Next on to Freewill, a great song accompanied by insightful lyrics. Whilst it doesn't elevate itself above the other songs on the album, that is no slight. Jacob's Ladder is the song it took me the longest to like, but now I love it. It just happens from time to time that a song I have trouble really appreciating I come to love over time (Witch Hunt is another example). A standout song from start to finish. Entre Nous is one of those songs that could easily be overlooked, but whilst not the most complex of songs, it has that special energy that only Rush songs seem to exhibit.

Different Strings is a personal favourite and just shows how far the band has come in its evolution. Compared to previous attempts such as Tears (2112) and Madrigal (A Farewell To Kings), this song is better in almost every aspect. Great lyrics with some very good singing on Geddy Lee's part make this one of the few times when Rush has succeeded with a ballad-like song.

Natural Science closes the album on a perfect note. Again insightful lyrics and Neil Peart's drumming is just wonderful along with great performances of Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee. Of course it could not continue, but it just shows how good music can be.

This album easily makes the desert Island top 10. A masterpiece with very few contemporaries.

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