Signals (album)
| Signals | ||
|---|---|---|
| LP & CD by Rush | ||
| Released | September 25 1982 | |
| Recorded | 1982 | |
| Genre | Progressive rock | |
| Length | 42 min 18 s | |
| Record label | Mercury Records | |
| Producers | Terry Brown and Rush | |
| Professional reviews | ||
| RollingStone review | 2/5 | link |
| ARTISTdirect review | 4½/5 | link |
| Rush Chronology | ||
| Exit...Stage Left (1981) | Signals (1982) | Grace Under Pressure (1984) |
Signals is the ninth studio album by the Canadian rock band Rush, released in 1982 (see 1982 in music). The album marked Rush's foray into the techno-oriented 1980s, via the increased use of electronic instrumentation (keyboards, violin). Drifting farther away from their hallmark extended instrumentals, the band turned out a rather "industry standard" eight songs, the longest of which is 6:24. In essence, because of this, many people felt a lot of Rush's 'soul' was missing on Signals but nevertheless, the album is a strong one with an all-around up-tempo feel.
One factor many people tend to overlook in their opinions of this album is the incorporation of some then "new" varied Caribbean influences such as Reggae, Ska, & Calypso, a la another prevalent 1980s trio: The Police.
Close scrutiny of the album's inner artwork (e.g., the "Blueprint") reveals not only their intent to maintain continuity within certain musical and lyrical themes, but also their self-deprecating sense of humour.
The stronger tracks include "Subdivisions" which explores the adolescent misfit subculture which so many of the band's followers have endured; "Digital Man" a fast-paced rocker that showcases bassist Geddy Lee's incredible mastery of both his instrument and its rightful place in the rock genre; "New World Man" an FM-radio staple, and "Countdown" a sublime example of lyricist Neil Peart's descriptive liguistics derived from his many literary influences: "venting vapours like the breath of a sleeping white dragon...", as he recounts the launch of the Space Shuttle 'Columbia' in 1981.
- Note: Along with "Analog Kid" supplement / compliment "Tom Sawyer" as essentially autobiographical materials...
Track Listing
- "Subdivisions" - 5:33
- "The Analog Kid" - 4:46
- "Chemistry" - 4:56
- "Digital Man" - 6:20
- "The Weapon" - 6:22
- "New World Man" - 3:41
- "Losing It" - 4:51
- "Countdown" - 5:49
Personnel
| Rush |
| Geddy Lee | Alex Lifeson | Neil Peart | John Rutsey |
| Studio Albums |
|---|
| Rush | Fly by Night | Caress of Steel | 2112 | A Farewell to Kings | Hemispheres | Permanent Waves | Moving Pictures | Signals | Grace Under Pressure | Power Windows | Hold Your Fire | Presto | Roll the Bones | Counterparts | Test for Echo | Vapor Trails | Feedback |
| Live albums, Compilations, etc. |
| All The World's a Stage | Archives | Exit...Stage Left | A Show of Hands | Chronicles | Retrospective I | Retrospective II | Different Stages | | Rush in Rio |
| Side Project Albums |
| Victor | My Favorite Headache |