GRACE UNDER PRESSURE

With regard to lyrical content, this is perhaps the darkest Rush album thematically and I see the album as a mirror for the sterile musical landscape of the time. The charts were awash with electronica that lacked emotion and was becoming increasingly reliant on production to paper over the lack of ability of many artists. With the release of "Grace Under Pressure", Rush showed the world how to marry musical ability and technology to create something special but still human.

Excellent use is made of a range of synths and other electronic devices to generate atmosfear. Despite which, the guitars, basses and acoustic drums still shine through. The arrangements are still complex and still rock whilst retaining a great deal of progressive flair - even though the album's longest track is now less than 6 minutes long.

Without a doubt, Rush were (and still are) light years ahead of everyone when using technology to enhance creativity rather than as a substitute for it. This is yet another masterpiece by the Canadian trio.