If fans of Rush didn't like the synthesizer sound that the band went in with their 1982 released Signals, they certainly weren't going to appreciate the ska and reggae sounds adopted for sections of their 1984 follow-up, Grace Under Pressure. Despite this, the album favored positive reviews, and was certified platinum in the USA, where it reached number ten on the Billboard Hot 200. It fared even better in Canada, where it peaked at four, and in the UK, where it reached number five. It seemed long time Rush fans either needed to get on board, or hit the road.
Not only did the album feature a new sound musically, but the band also opted to part ways with long time producer, Terry Brown. Brown had worked consecutively with rush since their 1974 debut. As such, this change, while amicable, was difficult for both he and the band members.
Grace Under Pressure starts with one of my favorite Rush tunes from the era, Distant Early Warnings. I've said this multiple times in my recent posts about the band, but this too was a heavy rotation for me on the 1993 greatest hits, Chronicles. As was track three, Red Sector A.
When I reached track four, and had consecutively added every song so far to my shuffle list, I asked myself, "Have I finally found another Rush album I like from start to finish?" I got excited at the prospect.
It was close. If it weren't for Kid Gloves. I don't know. Something about that song, I just didn't care for it. Just a near miss of perfection as a result.
I think what stood out as the best aspect was the balance in which was achieved with the synthesizer usage. Whereas their prior album, Singles, felt dominated by the keyboard, this one blends it, while also letting each member showcase their talents which people have come to know and love.
Keyboards were a learning curve for a lot of rock bands in the early 80's, and when they opted to adopt them, they perhaps went a bit overboard at first. Examples which come to mind are Queen's The Works, and Van Halen's 1984. Great albums, but unbalanced, perhaps, by keyboards becoming the predominant sound. Anyway, it's good to see Ruch learned how to edit this, and put it to good use in Grace Under Pressure, versus giving it the spotlight.
My hopes are up that one of their two final 80's albums that I have to listen to could still deliver that perfect album.
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| THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS July 13, 1985 |
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