RUSH — Power Windows (review)

RUSH — Power Windows album cover Album · 1985 · Non-Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
Unitron
Power Windows is the eleventh studio album from hard rock/progressive rock band Rush. Going further and further down the synth-rock route, Power Windows shows the band remove some of the stark ominous vibe of the previous two synth-led albums, instead opting for a more pop-oriented sound. Not that this is a pop album, but it certainly fits in with the popular music at the time.

Don't worry though, this album still has most of the essential elements of a Rush album. Geddy Lee's bass slaps are especially excellent, adding a nice bounce to some of the tracks like the single "The Big Money" and "Marathon". While Lifeson does take a bit of a back seat as far as riffs go, his solos sing with so much feeling. Speaking of feeling, Power Windows features what I think are two of the most beautiful songs the band has written. These two songs are "Manhattan Project" and "Mystic Rhythms", the melodies from both the vocals and instruments are some of the most emotive the band has done. Peart's lyrics are strong on this one as usual, "Manhattan Project" in particular.

The only real issues with the album are that the keyboards can sound very dated on a few tracks and that the album isn't as consistently good as the previous two albums. There's not really any bad songs, but only about half the album really stands out and stays in my mind after listening. As far as dated keyboards and synth goes, "Grand Designs" is a good example of that. It's a fine song, but the dated synth can get a bit grating after awhile.

If you're a fan of the previous two Rush albums and/or 80's synth-rock/new wave, this album is well worth a listen. Like Hemispheres had exhausted the band's complex progressive rock sound, this album had exhausted their synth sound. Unfortunately, the band didn't realize that and ended up producing their first dud two years later. Hope you found this review helpful, feel free to comment!
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Unitron wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Yeah, I feel the same way. This one is great when I'm in the mood, but Hold Your Fire has always just left me bored.
voila_la_scorie wrote:
more than 2 years ago
I can get into this one when I'm in the mood. It's Hold Your Fire that is a tough one to get through.
siLLy puPPy wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Funny how everyone likes different Rush albums from the 80s. I think Grace Under Pressure is my favorite. All the rest are ok and have great tracks but they don't all click with me. Some great stuff on here though
UMUR wrote:
more than 2 years ago
IMO this is the best of the post- 1981 Rush albums of the synth 80s period.

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