GRACE UNDER PRESSURE

Grace Under Pressure is the logical continuation of Signals and on this album, the keyboards and guitar rival each other. It has a really gritty feel from the ongoing cold war at the time and struggles within the band. At the time it seemed like this could have been their last album and Between the Wheels would have been a great way to go if this did happen to be their last album.

Once again the album starts with a big single just like the previous albums and Distant Early warning provides a great entrance into the tough feel this album has. Next is Afterimage, which has some profound lyrics about the passing of a close friend of the band. Afterimage alternates from the verse that describes the past with a lighter feel, and the chorus that demonstrates the tough realizations in the passing of Robbie Whalen. Red Sector A is another tough- sounding song with lyrics about the experiences of Geddy's Parents during the holocaust. Enemy Within concludes the parts of fear series, released in reverse order. More nice guitar work from Alex on this track. That concludes side 1 which is the better half.

Side 2 starts off with two more good tracks: The Body Electric and Kid Gloves. Next is Red Lenses which is mostly just ok, but has a great crescendo. Between the Wheels is one of the best songs on this album and demonstrates the recurring tough feel best. Also some of the best lyrics on the album. Side 2 isn't as strong but starts and ends with some of the better tracks.

Overall I enjoy Rush's 80's work up to Power Windows, they had to move on and couldn't make a repeat of Moving Pictures, and the keyboards on these albums just add another component making the sound more complex which is always nice. Another solid album with one mediocre track and many overlooked songs.