Best 80’s Rush album

My favourite one : 'Power windows'.

" Permanent waves" followed by "moving pictures"

listening to "Jacob's ladder"  ohhhh..what a song !!!! it's just like heaven

Well, it's a tie up between two great albums by Rush, Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures. Both were done at the musical epoch of the band, and both are examples of the band writing some of the greatest songs ever. Both are classics in prog rock and hard rock, with songs from both receiving heavy airplay.

If I had to decide, then I would have to pick Permanent Waves. While Moving Pictures has some phenomenal musical sections (Tom Sawyer, YYZ), some catchy tunes that are as complex as any prog tune, I feel that the album as a whole comes just short of Permanent Waves' accomplishments. Permanent Waves has all the ingredients of an album that can be listened to repeatedly. The Spirit of Radio is an excellent 'radio-friendly' song that is nonetheless very cool. Freewill is, in my opinion, one of the highest points in the album. The song makes excellent use of musicianship, particularly the switch to 3/4 in the bridge, and the lyrics break ground philosophically with Neil's ideas on the nature of destiny and religion. The only song on MP that can compare lyrically to this is Tom Sawyer. Another advantage PW has is that Rush has included two phenomenal epics in it, Jacob's Ladder, and Natural Science. As I love Rush's epic songs, I can't help but be drawn into these grandoise songs. The Camera Eye, from MP, is less interesting than these two, and cannot compare, musically or lyrically, to the work of art that closes PW.

My vote goes to "Moving Pictures"

Blacksword wrote: 1 - Moving Pictures!! 2 - Permenant Waves 3 - Grace Under Pressure 4 - Signals 5 - Presto 6 - Hold your Fire 7 - Power Windows

I couldn't have said it better sir.

They're all brilliant ... but I just love "Hold your Fire", so the choice isn't that tough.

1. Moving Pictures

 

Probably the best album of all time.

 

 

I think Signals kicks arse. Even though the fat analog synths drown out the guitar in most parts, Alex really shreds on Analog Kid and Chemistry solos. This is the only 80s Rush record that I can listen to all the way through and never get board. The drum fill at the beginning of Digital Man is schweet!!

Edited by Crimson Prince

Moving Pictures is the most complete as an album.

Permanent Waves is one of their best but it's maybe a little short.  Freewill was my favourite Rush song when I first heard them.  Natural science is stand out track though.

Signals is awesome as it's heavy and dark.

Power Windows is great for it's unique feel.

Grace Under Pressure is one of their most sparse and epic, especially fond of the bass harmonies on this record.

Hold Your Fire is the most 'Eighties' to use a vague term that I probably shouldn't.  It's less instant and I think the least defining of their recogniseable sound but it's still got their stamp of quality musicianship.

Presto is a mixed bag, the good ones are good though.

They're just a great band hey!?

Any band that can produce an album like Vapour Trails nearly 30 years down the line are just admirable in my opinion...they were incredible at their 30th Anniversary......cheers guys!

 

Edited by Infinity

I have to say:

1. Moving Pictures - The Camera Eye is one of my favourite Rush songs, as is Vital Signs
2. Permanent Waves - Jacob's Ladder = Sheer brilliance
3. Signals - Very dark, but still an excellent album, epecially Losing It and New World Man
4. Presto - The first 6 tracks are excellent but after that the album seems to run out of steam
5= Grace Under Pressure, Hold Your Fire and Power Windows are all at the same place and I've only just bought them recently so I can't pass judgement. My favourites so far from these are Red Sector A, Mystic Rhythms and Grand Designs.