TEST FOR ECHO

After the heavy Counterparts, Rush entered the studio again and created an album in the same vein. The only problem is that there seemed to be no true inspiration on this album. The music tends to be tedious and goes on, save a few good tracks. The lyrics blend mediocrity and are somewhat uninspired. The musicianship, however, is still top tier. Lifeson plays grungy and heavy parts combining with solos, Lee plays sophisticated bass lines and tasteful keyboards while singing at what seems to be his designated voice nowadays. Peart keeps the pace up with rough and agressive drumming, but writes seldom though provoking lyrics on this one.

The only tracks that are worth mentioning are Test For Echo, Driven, and Resist. Test For Echo opens the album, and has some genuinely heavy sections and some good lyrics (arguably the best on the album along with Resist). A great riff during the verses by Lifeson also keeps the originality level at a high. Driven adds a heavier twist to the action by combining a rising scale with some brutal 4th chords. Tasteful vocals by Lee and some precision drumming by Peart are highlights of the song. Resist is easily one of the most emotional pieces Rush has ever crafted. With some weeping guitar lines, and some melancholic vocals from Lee, and Peart's best lyrical contribution to the album, as well, the song has now become a live acoustic favorite.

Overall, there are some likable qualities to the album, but overall, it is marred by bland and mediocre lyrics, and uninspired riffs and song structures. 2.5/5.