Power Windows (review)

By John Blenn, Good Times, December 17, 1985, transcribed by pwrwindows

It seems like a million miles ago that Rush began it's trek to mass popularity. As a fledgling metal band, they were denied airplay and Geddy Lee's voice, in particular, was under constant harsh criticism. After getting a foothold with a sweep through sci-fi rock, they eventually settled into a nice, politically-aware progressive rock groove: For that very reason, Power Windows comes as no surprise, but do not perceive that as dull.

The latest from one of rock's sturdiest survivors stays right in the slot that has won them the battle for mass acceptance. There's no failed experimentation to report, no drastic limb climbing. Rush continues to thrive on the unique vocals of Geddy Lee, the bigger than life drum sound of Neil Peart and the timely bursts of guitarist Alex Lifeson, which is fine by the public, I'm sure.

"The Big Money" kicks the lp off with a hook-laden natural for a first single. Rush's calling card, superb lyrics, makes itself known one-off, and the rest of this offering remains consistent in that uneasy mood. "Emotion Detector" and "Marathon" both stick out as well, thanks to some solid introspective lyrics. The thread of it all seems to be Lee grappling with his inner soul, a tried and tested format for many successful works. The music remains in the vein of Signals, so if you loved that, you'll fall in love all over again.

The pulse of Rush remains strong and steady, and Power Windows is another nice addition to their legacy. Another shining example to the theory of "expected". No surprises, no disappointments.