PERMANENT WAVES

Easily the second most consistent Rush album. The band, along with the rest of the musical community, were changing. Rush had always had an amazing way of changing with the times and never getting stale, always selling great records after one another and making some of the best music. Permanent Waves marks a huge musical shift in the bands style, as the pop, punk and new wave influences were more apperant than ever with this album.

1.The Spirit of Radio - The star of the whole album, the opening track is completely killer. The insane technically ability possessed by Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart has never been put to better use on a pop track than this one. While still retaining the obvious progressive elements, reggea and new wave play a huge role in the bands sound on this track. The lyrics, witty and true, are about the old days off good radio and the newer, yet stale airwaves. Ironically, the band got huge airplay with this track, and without question. Lee's vocal has change hugely since Hemispheres, as he sounds much less like Robert Plant and more like himself. Lifeson's almighty riffage is loud and electric, as are Pearts perfect percussion sounds. A classic track, and one not to be missed. (10/10)

2.Freewill - Another perfect track, two in a row. This song, along with the opening track, have gotten considerable airplay. Incredible lyrics, firey songwriting and tight instrumental play, the band have truely got something on this song. Lifeson's guitar playing throughout is obviously skilled, and Lee's bass lines and solo's are huge signs of the best bass virtuoso this side of the world. Peart's drumming needs no introduction, but his playing still so clean and polished that it may seem like a machine, yet it's totally fluid and emotional in places. The song just kicks so much ass on so many levels. (10/10)

3.Jacob's Ladder - Along with the final track on the album, it stands as one of the more progressive numbers on the album (not saying that the others aren't without their share or Art Rock sensibilites or progressive tendencies). The song is mainly instrumental, yet the lyrics that are here are much more biblical than anything else. Lee sings with pure passion in one of my favourite vocal performances on the whole album. The playing from everyone is excellent and extremely tight, as the band has some type of synergy that cannot be blocked. Lee and Lifeson's riffing is full of soul and power, and Pearts beats are always complicated and intense. Mini-moog flourishes are always there, keeping a symphonic edge on the frightening music. One of the most sopisticated songs on the album. (10/10)

4.Entre Nous - Though not as memorable as the first three tracks, the song has a certain edge of pop to it that makes it seem much more than it really is. The songs riff has been hugely influential to me, as the playing from Lifeson is very stellar. Lee's vocal performance is very laid back, and sounds very mature when compared to the previous year. Pearts lyrics are different from anything he has done from any other song, yet it works well with the music (even if im not particularly fond of the subject). An excellent song, but still not a top cut. (8.5/10)

5.Different Strings - The only "ballad" type of track on the whole album, yet the band plays it off amazingly. The track is one of my favourites, as the chord progressions are my favourite, as are the Tolkein inspired lyrics. The song embodies a type of class within the band, as the clean production and smooth vocal of Lee brings an odd yet true song. (9/10)

6.Natural Science - The final track on the album is a total epic of some sorts. The song starts with slow moving water or shoreline, and slow moving vocal and acoustic guitar from Lifeson. The way that the chords are laid out are amazing, as the two play with such an intense power and stride for the best. Pearts lyrics throughout the whole song are excellent, experience a trip of the concept of natural science. As the acoustic part of the song ends, the song gets much more intense and electric. The song is really symphonic and dark in changes, as it remains a favourite of mine from the album. A classic, even if it is unheard of by the masses. (10/10)

Though many people complain about the more poppy direction that the band was going in, the still released excellent and even progressive albums, as their high skill and virtuosity cannot be matched by many bands in their category. The album gets a 5 stars because it's easily one of my favourites of their great albums.