GRACE UNDER PRESSURE

Compared to what a lot of bands were doing in 1984, this is an excellent album, even if most of the tracks are unmemorable. Largely the sound is dominated by Alex Lifeson's thick, chorused guitar. Geddy Lee's bass is lively as ever, and his vocals are strong. Neil Peart's drums take something of a backseat. Overall, this is a decent Rush album, but nothing that gets me excited.

"Distant Early Warning" My favorite song present opens this Rush album. It is full of energy, courtesy of an organ-like synthesizer and a bass line that refuses to settle down. I absolutely love that eerie opening and closing sound effect.

"Afterimage" Simple chords and a driving rhythm are what this song is all about. Lee engages in some convincing vocal work throughout this piece, and the synthesizers don't detract from the musical power that is Rush. Lifeson's guitar just washes over everything.

"Red Sector A" Another favorite of mine, this song deals with the horrors of the Holocaust. The chord progression is excellent and haunting, and Lifeson makes a great use of his whammy bar.

"The Enemy Within" This is closer to The Police, with that syncopated clean, chorused guitar and fast-paced beat. Instead of a guitar solo, which would have worked well, there is just some light synthesizer work.

"The Body Electric" The drums on this one sound horrible, like they're played in some teenager's bedroom. The arrangement, with all the stopping and starting, is a bit irritating. The guitar solo over what is effectively a bass solo (think "Freewill") is what scores major points for this song.

"Kid Gloves" That hokey guitar sound threw me off the first time I heard it. Otherwise, this is a good song with some fun parts, but not very memorable.

"Red Lenses" This is the worst and goofiest song on the album. Everybody seems to be doing their own thing here, so I've never gotten into this one.

"Between the Wheels" The introduction to this sounds like Lee just learned what a synthesizer was (and Peart just discovered drums), but fortunately, the rest of the song isn't bad, just simple. Lifeson's solo on this song, though, is his best on the album.