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Power Windows
is the first album RUSH produces with Peter Collins. After the
decent, but weaker release of
Grace Under Pressure, the band probably thought fresh
producer blood would be worth while; and they were right. Power
Windows is a much better album. The Big Money kicks off
this record in a big way. Present are the synthesizers made standard over
the last several albums, but now RUSH is able to blend their sound
together more. Big Money is a great way to start the record, a good
song, with an incredible bass line and enjoyable feel. Just for kicks,
count how many times Geddy sings “The Big Money…”
Grand Designs
follows with a synth opening and quickly moves into standard RUSH
goodness. Grand Designs is not the best song, but RUSH does
some unexpected thing within the song that makes it pleasurable to listen
to. By this time in RUSH’s career, many fans wonder…what the hell
are they singing about? Grand Designs is a great example of …who
really knows. RUSH has left the arena of emotionally relatable
lyrics and changed to more self-indulgent, philosophically intriguing
lyrics. By this point, I have stopped listening to lyrics and have just
been enveloped in their music. It is an experience.
Manhattan Project
continues the experience with its soft ballad feel, providing commentary
on the infamous Manhattan Project and the creation of weapons of mass
destruction. By the chorus, RUSH attempts to translate the
explosion of a nuclear weapon into music. This mid-1980’s RUSH just
cannot do this. If this material was covered in their heavy-rock, 2112
period, this would be a much more interesting song. Still, it’s a great
tune
Marathon is
another incredible song. Four for four so far. This is one of RUSH’s
best songs in the 1980’s arena. While the verses leave something to be
desired, the bridge and chorus are outstanding. The best part is after the
second chorus during the break down; here I don’t mind the synthesizer.
RUSH has definitely learned how to use their new toys well.
Territories
is a switch for RUSH as it starts with an eastern feel. Some parts
of the song are really weak, but the chorus is interesting. Every part of
this song is different than what RUSH has done before. Perhaps this
is such niche song for them is the reason I don’t care for this song. Or
maybe it has to do with the line “Better people, better food, better
beer.” I just don’t get it.
Middletown Dreams
is a much more captivating song, but still different. Like most of the
songs on this album, the chorus is extremely redeeming. The best part of
the song is the synth background just before the second chorus. I wish it
lasted longer because it’s the one time this song really has a groove to
it. It’s still not a song to get extremely excited about.
Emotion Detector
begins with the most irritating intro I have ever heard.
Mostly I just want to skip this song and pretend it doesn’t exist. It’s
not a bad song during the chorus, but this is by far the weakest link in
the Power Windows chain.
Mystic Rhythms
is an interesting song. For some reason, this one grows on
you. As cheesy as it is to have a song with both the words ‘mystic’ and
‘rhythms’ in it, this one is pretty distant. RUSH is most certainly
doing different things in this album, and this song encapsulates all of
that differentiation with a perfect mix. This is probably why it is a fan
favorite off this album and in all of RUSH’s career. After years of
listening to RUSH I have much more appreciation for this song and
all of its nuances.
In the end Power Windows
is RUSH’s best album since
Moving Pictures. Now that doesn’t
mean it’s better than or equal to
Moving Pictures,
that is just saying it has been several years for the trio with a few weak
albums. Apparently the producing team made a difference on this record.
The future is looking better for RUSH. |
