Rush with their own brand of soft rock surprised many fans with this album. Perhaps more famous for their classic progressive rock in a similar style to Pink Floyd and many others they started to rewrite their style in the early 80s (Grace under pressure). The culmination of this was a more 'pop' like sound combined with rock that produced a unique sound not disimilar to early Rush but different enough to appeal to a younger audience.
In the early eighties Rush began to use heavy synth; in this album this continues with a clever melodic combinaion between the synth, the standard heavy guitar we are accustomed to and the unforgettable bass work of Geddy Lee. Neil Peart has a fairly quiet album by his standards but is still very evident throughout the album.
<Big Money>
Perhaps the most recognised song of the album, and one that was a hit around the world (with a top 40 placing in the UK) is 'The Big Money'. Blending classic Rush rock with synths it discussess the corruption in the world. Geddy Lee's voice is particularly powerful in this song as he belts out his almost mocking lyrics. The theme is continued throughout the album as Rush attempt to produce a total concept album similar to their earlier albums such as 'Caress of Steel'.
<Manhatton Project>
This starts of with quite a profound beat, somewhat like a military march. The guitar begins out very simple and quite. It tells the tale of the creation of the atomic bomb and how it has changed human kind forever. This is a changing song that features several different styles as it builds up in speed and power.
<Marathon>
Slightly off theme, this song is about the strength endurance and desires required to win a race. Like many Rush songs this can be viewed metaphorically as being about the struggles and triumphs of life. The song has great bass work, Geddy Lee really adding much passion to this song; the vocals are very inspiring with their positive theme. It is a little different to many Rush songs which are often darker and depressing.
<Territories>
As the title suggest this song is about how mankind lives for territory; how mankind is intent on conquest and struggle to gain more territory. Like many of the songs on the album it is about power and money. This is perhaps the strongest album for Beail as his drums are very prominent on this album; the lyrics are typical of Rush, thought provoking and deep.
<Middletown Dreams>
This is a very relaxed song that describes how people can leave their drudgery behind and follow their dreams. It is perhaps the most ballad like song on the album and features strong lyrics and a pleasant tune.
<Conclusion>
There are several more good songs on the album that continue in the same way with Rush's standard format of power combined with thought provoking lyrics. The addition of the synths leads to a different style for Rush that may not appeal to the original fan base but may add some new members to the fan base.
In an age where many bands were rediscovering themsleves, Rush managed to combine old with new to produce a well polished and produced album that features some of their most successful commercial hits.
It is not one of their greatest albums but perhaps was a turning point for Rush as they explored their musical styles.
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