Reviews (page 5 of 16)
Yea this was great. I only really knew a couple Rush songs but now I’m a fan!
Musically great. Interesting voice. Instrumental sections or songs or musical breaks go on way too long/repetitive for the modern era. Almost a rock-opera feel. Good vibe but I have no idea what story they are trying to tell.
I can see why people liked it
Obviously
Solid album. Always has been. "Tom Sawyer" and "Limelight" are such obvious bangers. "YYZ" has been a personal fav since Guitar Hero.
Well I managed to live thru listening to this album…I have never enjoyed Rush and unlike some things my taste hasn’t changed…only Tom Sawyer is worth a listen . I know this is horrible for a Canadian to say but …YUK
Me hizo sentir como Dean Winchester, todo su álbum es un viaje adentro del Impala con mi hermano al lado. ¿Y la canción instrumental? ¿Y la canción de 10 minutos? Brutal.
I don't know what to say, i enjoyed the most of the album but only 2 songs really liked me
Remastered version, good listening experience
Great album
Progressive rock can only do so much me but Rush does the most out of all of it. Tom Sawyer, Limelight, and YYZ all on the same album?? Cmon
too much drumsss
Que cosa que no me esperaba, wow Rock clásico que a la vez se siente distinto, con una voz y estilo muy distintivo. Me encantó Favs: las 3 primeras
Just hard to get over the guys voice it's not for me
I knew Rush was packing some heat but I did not expect it to go this hard!! I feel like everyone and their mother knows the iconic opener Tom Sawyer, but what I didn't realize is that this album would be full of additional songs that really hit that same heavy yet somehow Pop-appealing Prog Rock sound. Red Barchetta and Limelight are tracks that should have had the same mainstream appeal as Tom Sawyer yet never even came close. This album absolutely rips, much like every other Rush album I've heard, and even with the 10+ minute track strung in the middle it never feels like this album gets bogs up or loses the vision it sets out for itself. Moving Pictures is Rush really flexing their talent to their fans after years of priming their sound they finally discovered back in 2112 and I think this album alone shows just why they are so legendary and well regarded. While Prog Rock may not be as popular of a genre as it was back in the day, Rush shows that the genre doesn't have to be reserved for more niche or psychedelic music enjoyers but is a genre that can be heard and loved by all. Nuff said!
Don't get me wrong, it's very good album. Many bangers, great production and detailed sound. But although I've tried for years, I can't really get into Rush. Again, I enjoy some songs and can appreciate the artistry, but it's just not my thing, I guess. (I want to note that this time I especially liked the guitar work of Alex Lifeson. He doesn't get mentioned enough next to his band mates). A 3.
The musicianship is good. The lyrics are thoughtful. But I can’t get along with this kind of music, with its grandiose but purposeless chord changes, overwrought drumming and intricate but dull guitar solos.
I've listened to Rush regularly since the late 1970's so know this album well, although it's not one of my favourites. The first three tracks and The Camera Eye are good solid Rush tracks, the others less so. Geddy Lee vocals might not to be everyone's taste, but the percussion and guitar work is great, as usual for Rush. I only wish I could play these at the volume they were intended for. I saw Rush a couple of times way back and they were the loudest concerts I've ever been to. My ears were still ringing the following morning!
I quite like the music of Rush, but I don't quite like the vocals of Rush.
Главное достоинство этого альбома – это сведение и саунд-дизайн. С технической точки зрения альбом звучит невероятно даже спустя 45 лет. В остальном, это обычный прогрессив рок (который я не очень люблю), разве что немного утяжелённый, и, естественно, практически без запоминающихся моментов. Лучшая песня: YYZ
Goodness Rush is one of my least favorite bands, so a tough start to my album journey
Pretty good. Hadn't heard them much before but enjoyed the sound.
Not my piece of cake
RUSH! Except for the synth phase, any Rush album is instantly ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Listened Before? N So, this is a progressive rock masterpiece. Everyone who knows rock music knows that. My only personal issue with this album is being burnt out on Tom Sawyer. It's still a good song though, and the rest makes up for it. Added to Library? Y Songs added to playlist: The Camera Eye
Good listen, synths and guitar solos are solid. Never heard of these fellas pleasantly surprised.
It was fun...just not a huge fan of the style. Neil sounds great and a few of those would be really fun to play to, but it was just eh for me overall
Okay, didn’t love it, didn’t hate it
• Tom Sawyer is a great song. Its intro is so iconic, the synth layered over the drums creates such a huge sound • YYZ is awesome, the main riff is so cool and so modern sounding. The bass line throughout the majority of the song is crazy too, it's more impressive to me than the lead guitar is • I initially thought The Camera Eye was going to be an instrumental with how long its intro is. I really like the groove during the verses, and it has another really great bass line • Witch Hunt feels a lot like Black Sabbath I really enjoyed this album, it has some very interesting song writing on display. The use of varying time signatures never gets tiring, and the riffs don't sound like they were just trying to write in an odd meter. The production still sounds fantastic to this day, I love how prominent the bass is in the mix even when multiple other instruments are layered in on top of it. Tom Sawyer is obviously the band's most well-known song, and it definitely acts as a good introduction to their sound, but a lot of the other songs on this album are even better in my opinion. Favourite song: YYZ
Do you wanna get some Neil Peart all up in ya?
First 5 songs are amazing, last 2 are good. I would say there is not a weak link here and since I have never been put off by Geddy Lee's voice and enjoy prog and hard rock, this is an easy 5/5
this was one of the very first albums i bought with my own money when i started deliberately listening to music that wasn't videogame osts so it was probably already getting a 5 just out of personal connection but also i still just love it as an album.
Not a no skip, but some amazing songs.
5/10
Rush is one of the only prog rock bands for whom embracing pop really worked. And despite being from the onset of the 80's, Moving Pictures is pretty universally considered one of the best Rush albums. Much like with Rush as a whole, I enjoy moving pictures, but I have some problems. Prior to this point, I think Rush had something of an identity crisis: I don't think they could ever fully reconcile Hard Rock Rush with Prog Rock Rush. This combo gave us a fair number of classics, but even in the 70's, Rush would occasionally end up kind of irritating. On Moving Pictures, Rush worsens this identity crisis by throwing some 80's pop into the mix. This means that Rush's sound could expand into their most direct and accessible incarnation yet, but with the occasional new and exciting form of irritating moment that we've never seen before. At the best, you get Tom Sawyer. Tom Sawyer has simple, hard hitting, and imminently enjoyable grooves, and it's enhanced by the occasional proggy flourish. You've also got Limelight, a song with a start I'm whatever on, and an ending I love. With YYZ Rush is on some pure prog, and it's a great reminder that they can just go at it, YYZ absolutely rips. I think the most unlikely success here is Vital Signs though. Rush's most dub inspired song at this point is honestly pretty awesome, and it's kind of shocking; I didn't think they had it in them. But at this album's worst, you have Red Barchetta, a fine song. But it is irritating. Rush's mix of prog, pop, and hard rock results in an excruciatingly literal ballad about a baffling dystopian future in which regular cars are outlawed. I know it's based on a short story, but this song also feels like Rush are combining nerd interest, cool guy interest and a misplaced whimsy to *deeply* irritating effect. In the middle you have Camera Eye, on which Rush try to stretch one of their pop songs to 11 minutes without really capturing me. And also, Witch Hunt has a cool atmosphere, but the meat feels insufficient, especially for a 5 minute long song. Ultimately, Moving Pictures is a pretty graceful path for Rush to take into the 80's, but there are a couple obnoxious missteps that kneecap the experience a little for me. That being said, there is still a pretty great album at the core here.
Первая песня мне понравилась, напоминает группу Placebo
My all-time favorite album.
Over the top and quite annoying
Low 3 musically, but I can't stand the singers voice.
Exacting
I feared that this was going to be awful prog music. I actually enjoyed the whole thing. I might return to it if I get a very particular itch for over amped prog.
Good album but not as great as I would have thought.
Kewl stuff
So good!!
Thought they were fun! It's a lot of instrumental guitar solos and such, but fun chill vibe
I feel like this sounds like what I mean when I say “Rock music.” It’s something you can groove too, but not too hard. I didn’t absolutely live it, there’s one instrumental song, and the songs are on the longer edge, but I’m kinda into them anyway. There’s one very spooky sounding song that I added to my Halloween playlist
Great album, and a true classic
I enjoyed this!!
War ok
Boring,yawning,sloppy,lazy
3 stars
So epic
1. Tom Sawyer is a classic all-time great rock song 2. Red Barchetta was quite fun and interesting 3. YYZ, great guitar feature 4. Limelight, one of my Rush favorites 5. The Camera Eye was probably my lowlight especially for being so long and underwhelming 6. Witch Hunt wasnt amazing but still was interesting 7. Vital Signs I really enjoyed
HOLY MOLY. This was an experience that I wish I had recognised as savoury when I first listened to it a couple years ago. This puts the creativity of prog to the test and proves RUSH as strong contenders for possibly the greatest to ever do it. It's that fun and that striking to the point where I feel the nitty gritty parts that I may feel conflicted with simply don't matter. I have no power to say anything else
Craig: cool vibe. Crazy how all the songs sound the same but i don’t care Courtney: love this album
I used to really love this album but haven’t listened to it in a few years so feel differently. The musicianship is fantastic, and I like the albums mix of new 80s sounds and classic prog rocks. HOWEVER, why did Geddy Lee take the mic, I always thought rush should have hired a singer.
Nice instrumentals and good voice, however nothing really stood out to me.
3/5 It was an entertaining album, but not much else. Nothing really stood out to me.
Some good songs, some boring songs. I liked exactly half of the playlist. Not the type of rock I'm used to, but it's alright.
Pretty good
"Tom Sawyer" and "YYZ" are great, the rest of this is good, but I don't love love it.
Первое и второе🙏🏼🙏🏼
I think I like rush ??
All right. The instrumentals are enjoyable but I don't really like the main singer's voice and nothing really stood out to me.
It's an INSANE WORK. I never heard something like this. Album from 1981 sounds like music from the future. 3 geniuses and virtuosos: guitar, bass guitar, and drums.The futuristic 11-minute track and the wordless song in Morse code are masterpieces. Tom Sawyer - hit, witch hunt - magic lyrics. The album deserves a 5, but for me personally, it's closer to a 4.
Meh
solid metalish album
2/6 Classic progressive rock album. One of Rush's best and not a bad song on it
Better than Coldplay
Apparently I love Rush
The wailing is a feature, not a bug.
This is Rush perfected.
Awsome album. The sounds the groove the mixing, all just clicks and works. Hardest part was to choose best track but I suppose I'll go with Red Barchetta.
This is definitely one of my fave Rush albums. Probably #2 only to be topped by Grace Under Pressure…but that’s just my personal taste. As far as Moving Pictures: The songs: perfect. The cover: iconic. The band: legends. I have no problem listening to this record, ever.
ugh mr e show would die !! sorry eshow such a solid 3 to me
this one’s for eshow never actually rly listened to to any rush music but i am enjoying, like i kinda get it part of yyz reminded me of so what by pink so that was exciting the singers voice kinda sounds like the greta van fleet guy
What can I say about this record that hasn't already been said about the log ride at Adventureland? Twists and turns of intelligent and complex rock-n-roll fury! It's hit has been dulled by my decades of death metal, but still tickles my gibblies and appreciate its influence on band I love today!
Strong opening track, but it goes downhill from there. As far as 80s rock bands go, this one isn't offensive - it's fine for background music. I like this better than some other "let's jam" bands on the list... Witch Hunt is a fun one! I like the moody atmosphere created with the synth and guitar.
First time listening to the full album and it just rocks. Favourite track: YYZ, but The Camera Eye is gonna stick with me forever too
9/10 Very lovely record, the production is so rich and has so many nice little touches that I appreciate.
I’m not a prog rock fan and it really shows that I don’t like the album. YZZ was the highlight cause my guitar friends like that stuff but yeah not for me.
One of the most pivotal prog rock albums ever, but the genre has never been for me. It's got great drumming parts and is very dynamic and interesting. I can see why this album is loved, but for me, it's not really.
Fun album. I liked the cover, the guitar and the drums, didn't enjoy the lyrics much. Favorite song: Witch Hunt
Fucking spectacular.
It was just ok
I have a couple of friends who are absolutely adore Rush, unfortunately I didn’t find them so enamouring.
ey mera chimba, rush le metió durísimo, me parcecio un álbum demasiado cool, durísimo
interesting album. good discovery.
pre-listen notes: really excited to see a canadian band in the mix! haven't, to my knowledge, heard any of their music, so i'm excited to see whatever they bring to the table. thoughts while listening - red barchetta and yyz are both really good songs! - love the instruments i wish there was 3.5 on here because i'd rate it that, but i think that i'll stick with 3 / 5 stars.
Até que passa, vibe agradável o bastante pra ouvir o álbum inteiro de uma vez.. Gostei das faixas 1, 4 e 5, quem diria.
7.5/10
I really wanted to give this 5 stars, but Witch Hunt is super cheesy. And there are so few songs on this album, it’s hard to overlook one bad one. Everything else is superb.
Rush feels like they're rushing you to the end of the album. It feels mechanical, void of any emotions, not a big fan.
Living in Canada means hearing pretty much every song on this album on classic rock radio. Doesn't mean I enjoy most of it though.
Great album!!!
the first half of this album can't be beaten. THe second half runs a bit long though and has a few misses (didn't like much the second last track)
Solid 3.5 Stars. Better than the average album this challenge gives me.
Es un gran album. Uno que de los 80s tenes que escuchar sí o sí. De Rush y de cualquier banda. 8/10
It seems like with this album, Rush began taking a more straightforward approach to their music, with more streamlined songs, leaning more on the Hard Rock side of things. Not to say there aren't any long progressive moments here, but "The Camera Eye" is the exception here, rather than the rule. In fact, this new approach came exactly at the right time, in the beginning of the 80's. Many 70's Prog bands tried this, to varying degrees of success. Rush did it right. Well, at least for one album... Key tracks: Tom Sawyer Red Barchetta Limelight
competent but still manage to boring and uninteresting. super whatever ass album in comparison to other prog rock albums i've heard
I think this one will be a grower. Loved quite a few of them and I think it might solidify on a repeated listen.
It was impressive epic and technically strong, and I didn't care.
i liked the rock aspect of it, some songs i found too long and didn’t catch my attention but i liked Limelight a lot
пресный, хз ничего не вызывает
It's only rock n roll, but I like it.
Tom Sawyer: 3/5 Red Barchetta: 1.5/5 Limelight: 2.5/5 The Camera Eye: 1/5 Witch Hunt: 1.5/5 Vital signs:1/5 Guitar was the best part of every song, vocals suck ass, very 1980’s and boring; I had to force myself to not skip most of the songs, not my taste at all.
This just happens to be on my top ten albums. Probably because I’m a product of the early 80s. Likely because it’s so damn good to listen to.
I’ve heard “Tom Sawyer” on classic rock radio hundreds of times, so this was probably my first listen to it with headphones. I gotta say that it sounds great. Prog in a pop song; each instrument gets a hook. I enjoyed this more than I expected. Geddy Lee’s voice doesn’t bother me (I actually like his nasally howl, to be honest) and the songs themselves avoid most of the wankery I associate with this era’s prog rock (this is true even of the nearly-11-minute “The Camera Eye”).
Where do we start? Many Rush albums are worthy of inclusion here, but if you had to pick just 1... this is it. The success of Moving Pictures, and the heavy use of Geddy Lee's synths, certainly colored the trio's sound for the rest of the decade. If there was any question they'd gone soft, though, Tom Sawyer hits us with heavy riffs straight away and the production is impeccable: everything clear and distinct, with just enough crunch. Red Barchetta follows and the legendary instrumental YYZ. The bass steals the show, jazzy and intricate, but the guitar solo is unforgettable and Peart gives his usual drumming masterclass. Then it's Limelight, maybe even better than Tom Sawyer. A breathless first half. A couple of deeper cuts next, The Camera Eye showing they still have a 10 minute prog epic in them. It's purposeful though, and darker at times, with a slightly off kilter guitar solo near the end. Witch Hunt has an eerie intro and doomy riff, the keyboards big and symphonic. Finally, Vital Signs. A sort of new wave sound that neatly bridges to their subsequent 80s output, and a great vocal hook. 40 minutes, 7 songs, all killer.
Classic rock right here.
Album 94. Moving Pictures (https://open.spotify.com/album/55YlfsaFPB5HTlhxY114CI?si=fgNCEYroR-W1c8AYZ3VZwg) — Rush (1981) Unexpected, it was hard to listen to. I didn’t get into this prog rock music. It’s mostly bland and dull for me. The Camera Eye was long as hell, I started to hate it. 2/5 —————————————— Liked: — YYZ
Absolute masterpiece, top 10 album out of all of these
Classic, amazing drumming
Absolutely class. One of the best prog records going. Such an epic sound.
“Moving Pictures” is high on my list of albums that you absolutely must hear. In my opinion, Rush is one of the greatest bands of all time, and this album is their most important work. The only thing better is seeing them live—Rush are also a trio on stage, and even more spectacular than Neil Pearts elaborate and ultra-precise drumming and Alex Lifeson's super-wide guitar sound is Geddy Lee, who actually manages to handle vocals, bass, and keyboards without missing a beat... Back to the topic: Among the seven monumental songs, I would particularly like to highlight “Tom Sawyer” and “YYZ”. Oh, and don't forget "Limelight"! And did I mention “The Camera Eye” and “Vital Signs”? "Red Barchetta" is also worth a mention, of course, just like the brilliant "Witch Hunt". I think you get the idea: literally every minute of “Moving Pictures” is rock history. Jack Black likes that.
who can't love this?
I find with Rush it's better not to take them too seriously despite Neil Peart's furrowed brow when he's writing those lyrics. I like the honesty of Limelight up to the point in the last verse where he seems to be suggesting all human interactions are performative. Sheesh Neil, who hurt you? It's odd to me that people hear something cold and clinical in their fiddly music. I hear a lot of joy and exuberance.
Speaking of Canada, Anne Murray has a new album out. Puts Moving Pictures to shame. 5
Each song tells a story, with or without lyrics. True musicianship and brilliance from 3 of my favorite Canadians. RIP Neil 🙏
Can't deny the technical musicianship and talent, some good songs, but honestly found it rather dull and not particularly gripping.
Will listen. Will like it. Preemptive minimum 7
Can't say that this was for me. Prog rock was always a pretty elusive term to me, but I guess this album helped focus some of its more traditional elements and definitely the things I always hear as criticisms. By the time I got to YYZ I was ready to put the album down; it just wasn't doing much to grab me. Lyrically I found the album dull. I read a lot that this album was the start of the decline for Rush, so I may need to go back to see what was going on earlier.
It was...fine I guess? Musically very competent, occasionally interesting, Pretty weak but perfunctory vocals, solid bass playing, occasional obnoxious drum fills. But it feels sterile to me. I don't feel anything listening to it. It's just...there.
I can't listen to rock anymore
Pretty solid. Not a huge rush fan but not, not a fan ya know?
Slapa da bass man!
Rush usually isn’t my jam but for some reason it was hitting throughout this album, a couple songs dragged on too long but very enjoyable overall!
Rush is alright. Don't love it, don't hate it.
Perfect musicianship throughout this excellent album. Red Barchetta will always be my favorite song to enjoy while driving down a rural road on a sunny summer day. Any time I hear YYZ, my brain becomes thoroughly distracted and I can focus on nothing else but the music - there's just so much complexity to savor and consider. The album falls off a little after Limelight, but it's still classic early modern Rush and has that sweet 80s progressive rock sound that I do so enjoy. As much as I appreciate Rush's former albums for their longer and more fanciful progressive songs, I think Rush made an excellent change with Moving Pictures to shorten their songs and tighten their focus, leading to a greater variety of sounds within each album and providing the world with some of the best 80s prog rock in the albums that would follow. For leading this change in direction, Moving Pictures receives 5 stars.
poor rock, maybe 2.5
Yyz nice!
Rather surprised I liked this. Yeah it's overblown prog rock but it sounded more like Yes than I'd expected and that was a good thing. Particularly liked where the last track ended and the bass was excellent. All the better for not being too long an album too. Suggests they had something to say, said it , and moved on.
Yes that sure is 80s prog rock
Not for me
Awful noise is how I would describe this album
filmmuziek?
ik vind rush stiekem wel heel leuk
Yeah, it's worth the hype
Los Singles opacan a las demás canciones 3.8
we're back in bussiness track 1: perdon empece al reves q fea voz tiene el vocalista lo mismo q digo siempre pero oyeme si silenciamos al vocalista el baterista y guitarrista la rom pen, me gusto como intro AUNQUE el vocalista cante feisimo, ojala se mejore JAKAJK, EL SINTETIZADOR TE TIENES Q CALLAR, #saquenalvocalista #llamenunamujer, pero q vaina siempre con los de los instrumentos que, bueeeeeeeno pero igual empece al reves q buen intro lit dijeron no mamita lo escuchas o lo escuchas (no por el vocalista creanme) q tanto vas a opinar amiga no se, q rabia me da q cante tan feo perdon arreglate o algo mal genio pq el de la guitarra y bateria la estan rompiendo mal, Y SEGUIAN CON EL COSO DEL SINTETIZADOR CALLATEEEEE increible. track 2: eu eu no puedes empezar una cancion tan bien creeme, bajale 2 amigue q la rompes mucho, SUENA SUPER TIERNO ?? cmo muy de pelicula cute, callen al vocalista, excelente q tu tio tenga tantas propiedades oye, Q JODA CON LOS DE LOS INSTUMENTOS ALGO MAL NO PODIAS HACER ???????????' increible, EL SOLO DE LA GUITARRAAAA, no era nada tierno se distorciono la cosa es q busyqe lo de la portada por eso no tengo mucho q comentar xdon. track 3: ola me gusta la guitarra del intro, lo mismo q digo siempre a mi me re compran con el intro, el baterista y el de la guitarra estaban enloquecidos no habian desayundo y dijeron ok esto va, q decia ni yo entendi pero igual esta increible como intro, va a ser triste cuando canten efectivamente yt m puso mal el orden y empece por esta igual tenia razon, una visionaria pq el vocalista si canta muy feo, pero q se le hace :p, pinche cancion espectacular de vdd esta increible, ola si me re gutsa la portada, EL CAMBIO QUE CMO ME VAS A HACER ESO ENLOQUECI, como superas esto, no es pq no me guste la voz del vocalista PERO me gusta mucho tmb cuando le dan el espacio a los instrumentos nice, chao vocalista te va a ir mejor en el bote. best one lejos track 4: aca nos jodimos ya canto el feo, me re gusta el sintetizador wuaauuuu, no me gusto casi, igual como ibas a superar la cancion anterior, me gusto el cambio cmo mas lentico pero igualmente insisto nada va a superar la cancion anterior, igualemnte no es mala ??? track 5: poauu poauuu poauuu poauuu poauuuuuu, soi un sintetizador ok?, PERO CMO VAS A EMPEZAR LA CNION ASI INCREIBLE, ovacion de 5 minutos, dura...10...minutos....... no amigues asi no era me va a doler la panza, ESPEREN Q TAL NO CANTE EL FEO DEL VOCALISTA, ya le cayo caca al pastel mal, CAMBIARON EL RITMO EU, ns q tanto opinar sabes ejejejej. track 6: tirin tirin sonidito, LOS GRITOS EU NO CON LA BRUJA NO PAPUS, me gusta el sonidito del tirin pq puede reflejar este aspecto magico de las brujas mientras q el sonido saturado la persecucion, ya canto el feo, turun turun, la letra broder la letra. track 7: ola ya ultimo track no te creo q rapido wtf, me gusto el juego al principio con los audifonos nya, turuturutu tututu, ns pq me acordo cmo al reggae NO SE ok, se me durmio el pie ok, todo el mundo tiene muchos sentimientos ??? perdon no estoy entendiendo una disculpa ok, ACABEEEE me gista mucho la portada, saquen al feo del vocalista no merece tan buenos instrumentales mejor mierdota, bueno con la portada joder nunca se me hubiera ocurrido las pinturas emotionally moving tmb me gusta la de juana de arco, PERROS JUGANDO POKER, increible ya nomas con la portada se ganaron un 4 de calificacion creanme maravilloso
The one that introduced us to them!! An all-time classic!!!
mid, but in a nice way
Fun album! “Witch Hunt” wasn’t my favorite.
OG prog weirdness, absouely love it
They’re really creative and talented at their instruments
Never heard anything from this album before, nor from this band as far as I know. I liked the rock elements well enough, but the synthesizery stuff is not my cup of tea.
I've been converted!
Absolute masterpiece. Smooth like hot butter in a pan. No fillers, all bangers. This is the album to show someone who wants to know what prog rock is.
Rush are one of those bands that are legendary, often only to those who "get" it. I wouldn't have put myself in that crowd but I have a healthy respect for what they do and the musicianship they exhibit. Two songs I was already familiar with here: Tom Sawyer - I love this track, the drums particularly and the fills are just so satisfying. The other is YYZ which as a wild instrumental full of crazy stops and odd time changes, all members are highlighted here but Alex Lifeson's solo is a standout. The rest of the album was new to me. I loved the energy of Red Barchetta. There's something sort of futuristic or other worldly about their sound if that makes sense, that I can't put my finger on. The sort of weird synthy sounding guitar lines sound like soaring through space. I feel this on The Camera Eye which may be my favourite track on the album particularly now on my second listen. Witch Hunt is a very interesting song now I'm seeing the lyrics too. The idea of witch hunt and mob mentality is still ever present today and is something that seems to have always been there. Geddy Lee's vocals are certainly an acquired taste. They can be hit or miss for me but I can't really imagine the sound without it. 4 stars for a very good album.
Ez 80/100 for me. Did not think the album would start with such a crazy intro crazy production. I was really surprised.
อันนี้ดีเลยยย โคตรจะ 80s
Another band I unfairly dismissed after their first single, time for a reassessment. Walked a frozen Canadian river 3 days in a row listening to this album, nicely fit the setting. They sure create a space of sound, I didn't expect to love Geddy's bass so much, and I've learned a lot from fan videos about why their following loves them so hard. So my interest in their music hasn't grown much, but my respect has. Curious whether 2112 moves my needle a bit more, and very curious how Anike Nilles fills the Neil Peart fills.
An iconic Canadian band! The building on the album cover is the Ontario legislative building in Toronto and YYZ is referencing Toronto's Pearson Airport (probably Canada's most hated airport 🫠). I haven't listened to much Rush, though I have heard Tom Sawyer before. I have always been told by other people that Rush are great and that Neil Peart was one of the best drummers of all time. After listening through this album, neither of those statements have been proven wrong. I like Geddy Lee's voice. It's actually quite smooth and almost elegant at times. Rush are doing a lot of interesting things rhythmically, which is very cool. They're switching time signatures & using irregular meters, which is something I always appreciate. I enjoyed this album overall.
I was fortunate to be able to see Rush play live in Winnipeg with some friends that were die hard fans. So I got to learn about all the details of their performance history. Like the addition of rotisserie chickens replacing the space on the stage of where bass amplifiers used to occupy. Which they apparently use to feed the crew after shows too. Plus the laser show was to this day still one of the best I have seen. This show was likely in 2008 when it was less common to see high quality laser shows. I recall getting to the MTS centre early and hearing my friends geek out about the band. When I didn’t really know much about their music. As we are sitting there before the show starts about 6 laser/light technicians ascended ropes to their laser stations in the rafters. The technicians just stayed there the entire show too. So I hope they were comfy up high in some sort of hammock. Knowing the attention of detail Rush puts into their work made the show extra special. Listening to this album years after made me appreciate the music even more. The sound mastering is very clear and takes you on a journey. Overall, still not my main jam but glad I got to experience Rush live. They are a classic for a reason.
Another top notch rock album popping on by to say what the fuckkkk is up. I never realized this was so divisive, reading some of the review on this one is definitely worth while. Especially the one at the top, dude definitely smoked some Zaza before writing that one, respect. I land in the party that loves rush I guess! Was a fan of this. Especially YYZ, Camera Eye, and Witch Hunt. Im a sucker for rock that integrates synth and does it well, Rush does it well IMO. The synth break in YYZ gives me goosebumps, I love the chord progression, especially the last ascending chord on the bar. Glorious, just hits it right on the nose! I dont mind Geddy Lee's voice, in fact I enjoy it and find it very unique. It falls within that kinda falsettoey metal voice genre, that is not easy to do. Some points where I feel like its lacking, therefore brings it down to a 4 for me. Although still very strong throughout, dont get me wrong. 8/10
Meh, it was fine
There wasn't a song that made me happy enough.
Such good fun! Operatic and enjoyable!
It’s OK, not totally my jam.
Great album, a classic. Big fan of Rush so i've heard it a bunch of times before. Still holds up
Første låt "Tom Sawyer" var bra, hadde veldig digg gitarsolo. Bra riff. Ellers var albumet litt kjedelig. Ble ganske repetitivt etter hvert.
I like Rush a lot. I liked this album a lot!
Awesome
I loved how it sounds and it's concept 20/1/26
Rush, especially Moving Pictures, has some baggage for me. This album was popular when I was a teen and there were several people in my life who simply couldn’t fathom that I was not completely blown away by this album. They carried a firm conviction that if they simply played it for me a couple dozen more times, I would see the light. I never fully did, but they kept trying. I mention all of this because there has now been a long enough hiatus that I might be able to listen from a fresh perspective. I’ve always agreed that these are amazing musicians. Except for the keyboards there is clearly exceptional talent on display. The write up in the book suggests that Rush was among the few progressive rock bands to successfully respond to New Wave. I think that is my issue. Moving Pictures attempts to mesh two genres that I enjoy, but it just doesn't work. I find myself landing exactly where I did many years ago. There is nothing bad about this album, it just isn’t the work of genius, as some insist. And no, listening to it a dozen more times will still not change my mind. It just doesn’t move me.
Baller. Some nostalgic shi
Already listened to many many times before starting this list, an 80s classic and a personal bass guitar playing inspiration.
Seamless and easy to get lost in. Rush are masters of early hard rock. Listening to this album makes you want to listen to Tommy or The Wall. Get lost in the story for an hour, you’ll never regret it.
ik was niet echt fan
pfff niet mijn ding
lame
53/1089 4.6229* A classic album from a trio of technical masters. The opening 4 songs could go head-to-head against any album's first 4 and hold their own. If you never heard Tom Sawyer or Limelight, give them a listen. If you like rock and/or roll and have been living under a rock, now is you chance to be blown away. Even the back side, save for the 10 minute opus, holds its own. 2 great tunes on the back and they weren't all released as singles. Hits...opening four songs.
Great record. One of the best of the 80s.
Pretty good. Tom Sawyer is still a stand-out track. The rest is very prog rock, which I’m not always high on, but there are a few tracks (especially the last one) which I could see myself coming back to.
Too many synths. Not a huge fan off a first listen
Not bad, enjoyed a lot more than I thought I would.
type a shit ur dad listens to while fixing that same old car he worked on for your whole childhood.
When people talk about long or progressive albums taking you on a journey, none of them do it quite like this one. Moving Pictures is truly a prog rock masterpiece that is so rich and full of unforgettable moments. Every part feels essential to the album's progression as it has many highs and lows that as already mentioned take you on one hell of a musical journey.
Even the atmosphere of a misty Sunday morning dog walk fails to lift this album. I really dont like the vocals, but YYZ makes it clear that this isn’t the sum of my issues. There are far too many synths for my liking and the whole album is just overblown pap
I don’t particularly like Rush, so I knew that I wasn’t going to enjoy this. I’ve heard worse. But I’d not be listening to it again.
I tell you what doesn't make me like prog rock more: making it sound like naff 80s rock bands. 1/5
Listening Notes One of the greatest album covers of all time? Lee. Peart. Lifeson. Just at the peak of their powers Standout Tracks "Tom Sawyer", "Red Barchetta", "YYZ", "Limelight" First time? No Will it go into your rotation? It's the Holy Triumvirate
Possibly the finest Rush album. Each song rules and stays just as long as it needs to, even when it's 11 minutes. Insanely creative and sonically awesome, and absolutely worth a listen
Tom Sawyer!
This project is at its strongest both when it introduces me to artists I otherwise hadn't heard and when it has me reevaluate artists I thought I already had figured out. Never in a million years would I think to rate a Rush album highly, but here we are. The playing is undeniable, yes, but the songwriting and lyricism are also commendable. What can be said about Neil Peart's drumming that hasn't already been said, but the dude is a monster. I can still do without Tom Sawyer.
This was a solid listen!
incredibly wacky but a fun listen. everything works with this album, and it seems better constructed than a lot of similar that came out then.
This was my first experience with Rush. Not what I was expecting based on my perception of Rush stans.
TS track one is always a banger
I have literally no idea what I expect from this album. The barely tiny hint of an idea came from a comment under a Saya Gray song which said she went all rush at the end. If it's like that this might be a vibe. 1. "Tom Sawyer" - Oh this is really cool? wtf? I like 2. "Red Barchetta" - This one's okay. I like the sound more than I like the lyrics. Lyrics are meh/fine 3. "YYZ" - I'm not sure I'll ever get used to the fact that people say "zed" instead of "zee". Not saying it's wrong, neither are wrong, it's just so strange to my brain. Oh, and the song's fine. Not amazing, not bad. 4. "Limelight" - This one's really cool! I love the instrumentation! The lyrics are interesting, maybe my fave so far. 5. "The Camera Eye" - This one's fine. It sounds cool, but didn't grab me lyrically. 6. "Witch Hunt" - This one was cool, I liked 7. "Vital Signs" - This one's good, maybe the 2nd best on here? A lot of the sounds on this album feel familiar in a comforting way. Like, none of this sounds new to me, but it sounds good. Like it's something I've heard my whole life, even tho I've never heard it before. From the guitars, the synths, the singing, etc. I think that's the main reason I like it as much as I do. I'm not sure how often I'd actually come back to this, but I did genuinely enjoy it overall. That was a pleasant surprise.
Day 157 Rush are one of those band that always come up on those ‘music you’ll like’ random playlists on music streaming services, but because I’m an idiot I’d always skip for some reason. I’ve missed out big time, I loved this album and will definitely be checking out the rest of their stuff. Highlights Tom Sawyer Vital Signs
Fantastic album, I always enjoy hearing this one.
Not my favorite. Think they have better Albums.
Tempted to give it 5 syars for sheer quality of the first four songs. The music, the narrative, the way Geddy Lee's voice is utilised well heyond it's natural capabilitlies... alas, there's some odd production/structure choices on The Camera Eye in particular. Ah well, still amazing.
Just did nothing for me. I liked some of the instrumentation. Didn’t find any of it gripping.
Their best album? To a lot of Rush fans - yes. Mixing guitar and keyboard and moving into the 80s with a different sound I LOVE this. We should be able to give 10 ⭐️ not just 5. I don’t know how to review this album it’s so good.
I really liked the song Limelight. I think they have a nice sound, but I'm not really drawn in enough to want to be a fan. Also his voice is kinda nasal
Fun album a little bit forgettable though
What a treat...she's real good. 4 stars!
sorry to rush ….. not my vibe!!
I like this, but it’s an album I respect more than I actually love. It’s impossible to deny how locked-in it is. The guitar work really carries it for me, all clean textures and sharp timing, with everything feeling carefully put together. There’s a very controlled, almost mechanical confidence to the whole thing, like the band knows they’ve got this from the first second. When a groove settles in and just goes, it’s genuinely satisfying. Not perfect and not fully my thing, but you can absolutely feel why people like it.
Too many notes!
Fun
Not very familiar with Rush but this one is fairly good.
a lot better than I remember rush being. I love how his voice captures the time frame. there were some pretty sick beats. 60% chance that I listen again
hmmmm sounded like rush to me … i listened twice and by the end i do kind of get it but i dont think that this is my music. the beginning of the final song is fire. firmly in the i can appreciate it category. if 1 is unlistenable and 2 is strongly dislike than this would be a 3 — tolerable but not for me.
Clever album cover, shoutout Vsauce. Didn't rly like the songs tho
Canadian classic. I'm not the biggest prog-rock fan, but this album is a definite exception.
Grear album and introduction to Rush.
They don't make albums like this anymore... awesome ten minute song, great base lines and grooves throughout, love the synth effects on everything.
also 6/10 not too special
As if I needed an excuse to listen to Moving Pictures on a random day... More than 5 stars. Playlisted: Red Barchetta, The Camera Eye, Vital Signs.
Not terrible but this is like 45 mins of dudes aggressively jamming
Absolutely perfect album. I own this album on CD and vinyl and I've heard all of these songs before, most of them thousands of times. I loved everything about this record and I listened to it 3 times today. Five stars, easily.
Good, not great.
Did nothing for me. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Not even my favorite Rush album, still a solid 10/5
Easiest five stars I’ve given yet
Great album. Neil Peart on drums was just something different.
I felt it was pretty dull and boring. Not much stands out when listening. Fav song on album: Witch Hunt
Me gusto
HAHAHAHAHA FINALLY SOME RUSH! Will absolutely be a 5 star from me.
Dynamic and inspired drumming and guitars (including bass). Enjoyed the style of vocals Reminiscent to me of new wave and post-punk but with more technicality that you'd expect from prog rock. My only negative thought is that it feels like the last track ends abruptly, both in how Vital Signs feels like it cuts out and that moving pictures as an album felt like it had more to tell. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this album overall, I've never given prog rock a proper listen but Moving Pictures by Rush may inspire me to listen to more.
Got some good hits. A little all over the place. Tom Sawyer definitely a classic and the ooky spooky Witch Hunt also is great. The driving force of YYZ is also really fun. I dont know if id listen to the whole thing back to front again, but will definitely revist some tracks
A few songs that are great but I have never really gotten into Rush.
There was some cool postrock stuff going on, completely ruined when they started singing though. YYZ was surprisingly good.
This was, for me, truly an exercise in separating “objectively bad” from “I don’t like it”. Technically, this is an amazing album. Peart and Lee are absolute monsters! The musicianship on display here is absolutely top shelf…that’s probably why they keep going on and on and on over and over. For a band whose main draw is drums and bass, I do find it kinda odd that the low end is kinda buried in the mix, but that could be a symptom of the times. All that being said, not for me. I’d sooner drag myself through a salt mine on bloody stumps than listen to this again.
Best one so far!!
Sympa mais encore une fois pas trop mon style de musqiue, beaucoup de bruits etc sorry
really liked this one, Limelight what a great song, feel like i have to give this album 4 stars for that song alone but really all of the tracks on this album were great
I mean Tom Sawyer is an all-timer for me. Rest of the album is good don’t get me wrong but I doubt I’ll revisit
A lot of the songs felt familiar, so maybe songs i know sampled them? Pretty solid. I get the appeal.
not bad, just not my style
Moving Pictures solidifies Rush as one of, if not the best, progressive rock bands. Two of their biggest songs are on this album and they are certified bangers. Their prog rock is also very palatable even for people who don’t like prog rock. Their jams are fun, catchy, and engaging—and have normal run times. I heard their 2112 album a few months ago, and I can definitely hear their progression toward a mainstream sound, which sure made for a good album!
This is a big leap for Rush out of progressive rock and into mainstream hard rock. Their brand of progressive rock had already been more accessible than many bands, but this album took it to the next level. And the result was an absolute music gift -- we got the likes of "Tom Sawyer" and "Limelight", two of the decade's greatest rock songs. But really, the entire album is just strong from start to finish.
A great album.
First album of the 1001. Loved the tracks, moreso the earlier ones of the album which is partially what drops this album down just slightly for me
like it a lot. instrumental fauvorite: red barchetta
This is a relisten, and still doesn’t click with me, I feel the same about this as I did before. Just feel like there’s something missing from here for my tastes but I can’t quite describe it. YYZ is a cool track though.
6/10 not a huge rush fan
This is not my typical music taste BUT love that they’re Canadian and have a large fanbase. I really enjoyed the metal and techno fusion and each song was varied in some way or another. My personal favourite was Witch Hunt
This is great, a lot of complex music. Not my thing though.
This rocks.
Did not enjoy the electric guitars, did enjoy the drums
Honestly, pretty awesome. I’ve always thought Prog was a bit corny, but I really liked the instrumentation and production and there were some good philosophical lyrics that felt if anything on the nose but not too corny. Man that Nick Cave Bad Seeds album that was so cringe that it made Rush sound like Bach.
3.5/10
did not finish, i hate rush
Overall Rating - 4.64/5 (9.28/10). Incredible album. Goes from face-melting instrumentals to SF to observational ballads.
not my bag </3
Such an enjoyable album, the music is all thrilling. Unexpected.
Too many guitar solos.
I really enjoyed this album; definitely for the most part and the beginning few tracks was a fun listen, I am not the biggest fan of the typical 80s rock sound but some of the guitar parts and synth melodies were really special. Still not an album that has blown me away but I definitely enjoyed listening to it and I may revisit in the future
"I feel a sense of possibilities. I feel the wrench of hard realities." - Neil Peart I don't know of another album that makes me want to somehow play air guitar, air drums and air bass simultaneously. Liked Songs Added: Tom Sawyer Red Barchetta YYZ Limelight
I like the random noise sound effects, like the crashing sounds in YYZ (I think it was that one) and the panning is cool. Rush is a tight band for sure, and I like the drummer a lot. The drummer is probably my favorite part of the band. I liked YYZ and Limelight the best. It's a cool album, but I probably wouldn't actively listen to it again 3.5/5
Glam Rocky, clean production, overall sounds good- dad rock feel for sure. Lumps into a lot of the sound of the time for me. Nothing particularly remarkable about it, but still enjoyable.
Classic album and Canadian gem. I think I can tell why this is one of their biggest albums, commercially and with fans. I enjoyed the whole album, the drumming is phenomenal, overall still sounds great. Will be an album I revisit again. Favourite song: Limelight, that song is just so catchy
I found this album really cool! Top Songs: Tom Sawyer, Limelight, Red Barchette
Very sonically engaging! Definitely want to listen to more and this album again!
Great album! Great first Album to start this list off with. I’d heard Rush songs before but none of these which feels ridiculous. Particularly liked Witch Hunt and Vital Signs
A bit mid some good instrumentals but not really my style
Already listened. Did not like
I know I am supposed to like this. Classic, right?
I’ve loved this album for years, and it is always good to hear again. Not my favourite Rush album, but a solid 5 nonetheless. The recording and production still sounds so fresh and clear. Musically, it’s untouchable. I know Rush don’t appeal to everyone, but between 1977 and 1993 they made some superb albums and this is one of their best.
Pretttty solid stuff! I'm just not finding it in me to consider it a 5 at this time, however I do think this is closer (than 2112) just on account of it not being mostly loaded into one song.
An incredibly important album to me. Rush were one of the first bands I got really deep into before really getting obsessed with music, and their music has stuck with me through all that time. This is a perfect example of the blending of their earlier proggy sounds with a melodic, poppy hard rock sheen that would follow them through the 80s. Just fantastic stuff all around. Also, the top review of this album is insane. What level of hatred would possess one to write a fanfiction about Geddy Lee attempting to defile and murder a personification of prog rock??
Excellent stuff start to finish. I can’t believe there are so many haters in the review section. This has been one of the highlights of the challenge for me. Awesome start with Tom Sawyer and it never really dropped in quality afterward.
Funky time signatures! I'm afraid Rush's echo-y, 80s arena rock sound still does not do it for me. Admittedly YYZ is pretty damn good nonetheless. Standout: YYZ
Forgive me, father, for I did not think this album was a 5 in the past. It was always missing something for me. However, on this listen, with good sound and my full attention, I was much better able to appreciate the bass and the low end that really flashes things out. I agree that The Camera Eye is probably the weakest part, but they are relentless before and after and this album overflows with iconic riffs and tracks.
I just can't stand Geddy Lee's voice, the vocal, and the lyrics. Music is good, but I just can't do it.
I couldn't stand listening to some of the songs. I don't think it's my vibe. Favorite track: Red Barchetta
Bastante guay, no es tanto mi estilo y se hacía muy repetitivo. De 7 canciones me gustaron 3 pero no hubo ninguna excepcional. Me gustó más la YYZ que es instrumental. No presté mucha atención a las letras pero sin más. Rating: 3/10
Ihan kivaa progea, muistuttaa The Whosta Pink Floydillä silti enemmän sielua Poliittista sanomaa
Great Album. Starts stronger than it ends. About as strong a trio as has ever been
Starting off strong! I already love a lot of the songs on here but excited to get a full a full "picture" painted for me. What a time capsule of music, so futuristic yet of the time. I sometimes felt transported to another word or dimension with the synths and melodic beats. An album that can exists across multiple times and spaces.
classic milestone in hard-prog rock, too neat for my taste
Sumptuous and refined. I saw Rush touring this album, and they were at the top of their game I feel. Five stars.
I had heard a few songs, but man is Rush a great band. This album tickled all my musical brain cells. Tom Sawyer ★★★★★ Red Barchetta ★★★★☆ YYZ ★★★★★ Limelight ★★★☆☆ The Camera Eye ★★★☆☆ Witch Hunt ★★★☆☆ Vital Signs ★★★☆☆ Average Album Rating: 3.7/5.0 ★★★★☆
I’ve never listened to a complete Rush album before. I genuinely hope never have to listen to another one.
music is good but i don't like her way of singing somehow
Outstanding rock and roll...very inventive
Not bad tho just not for me
Tom Sawyer is a good opening. I liked it, catchy. Red Barchetta feels too long. YYZ has incredible riffs and beats. By far my favorite so far. Limelight has a good beat and is memorable The Camera Eye is very classic 80s. This is a 10 minute song. LONG ASS FUCKING SONG. Witch Hunt- 4:44. Fun! Feels creepy. Second fave. Vital signs makes me feel like im on a mission. Nice closing. Overall 3/5. I liked, not my favorite
Not my typical listen, although that’s probably the whole point of the 1001 albums before you die thing. Album has some classics that I’ve heard before, good length, ended up listening to Rush all day after
Such a fun way to start this album gen! I wasn’t familiar with the band, but hell yeah—that was a GREAT record! I just realized the first track, Tom Sawyer, is their hit. 1. Tom Sawyer – I love the synths before the guitar solo; they’re so eargasmic. I also can’t ignore the bass growl pattern throughout the song—such a nice implementation. 2. Red Barchetta – VERY GOOD PRODUCTION. The segment before the bridge—holy shit—I feel like an 80s rocker. The spacious vocals are incredible too. My favorite track on the album. 3. YYZ – Intermission jumpscare, HAHAHA. This track splits the album in half: the first half is energetic and bumpy, while the second leans more toward ballad-style rock. It sounds like a DBZ boss fight with its aggressive melodic guitars. The immediate pacing changes are absolute chef’s kiss! 4. Limelight – Definitely the start of the second half. It takes a slightly calmer approach, especially in the guitar solo. 5. The Camera Eye – Ten minutes long—this better be worth it (spoiler alert: it is). The alien synths and the arpeggios in the intro are goddamn amazing. The transitions feel divine; I can’t believe I’m still listening to the same song every time one pops off. As it progresses, the cohesion is undeniable. 6. Witch Hunt (Part III of Fear) – Those Pink Floyd-style bells again, hahaha! This was an OK track, but it didn’t really speak to me. 7. Vital Signs – I love the concept—very electronics & communications-inspired. ISTG, they’re so good at shaping their synths and positioning them in this record, especially here. GREAT TRACK! EVERYBODY NEEDS TO DEVIATE FROM THE NORM. Device: Edifier MR5 (Monitoring Mode) Streaming Platform: Apple Music
Rush's 2112 was one of the first albums I got on this list, and I hated it. I still don't like them. I find their vocals particularly annoying, I don't really know why. Too high-pitched? A bit hair metal? Anyway, this was less objectionable than 2112. I like the theme of Limelight and it's an earworm, but I still don't like it as a song. And Witch Hunt starts very Spinal Tap, very Stonehenge.
One of my favourite albums from the start of the 80s. Rush were still holding on to Prog Rock ideals, when others wer falling by the wayside! Genesis I'm looking at you! The Camera Eye is a brilliant "two-piece" track although the strongest track is usually reserved for side one opener Tom Sawyer.
I love the first track, Tom Sawyer, and I love the sound of all the tracks; the first one just stuck out to me more. I do think it will grow in me the more I listen and the lyrics seem interesting. Vital's lyrics seem interesting in particular, so looking forward to hearing them back and diving deep into the lyrics.
Review: 2.5 Fav track: YYZ Fav lyrics: “All the world’s indeed a stage We are merely players Performers and portrayers” — Limelight
Enjoyed
Good dad music. Most tracks a little lacking in my specific sauce.
I see mixed reviews abt this album. Some are calling it amazinf and some are hating the sound of the guys voice. Yo personally this alvum was fucking awesome I Think limelight is one of the best songs ive ever heard omfg just the general vibe of this album ks fucking amazing Immediate 5 stars. Introduced me to an amazing band wgf
This is the band that made me think i disliked prog rock. It's not the voice so much as the pretension and the length and the lyrics all in a combination, the songs just never get anywhere. Tom Sawyer though is good.
I don't think I like Rush. As musicians, they're great. The songs don't grab me, though. It's not a matter of not liking prog. I do: I love Genesis, for instance. But this didn't grab me at all. 4/10.
Lwk good
This is prog rock that I like! Favourite songs: Tom Sawyer, Limelight and The Camera Eye.
# In-Depth Review: Rush – *Moving Pictures* (1981) > “The album that turned progressive rock into a concise, radio-ready juggernaut without sacrificing a single ounce of virtuosity.” --- ## 1. Lyrical Landscape Neil Peart’s pen is as sharp as his sticks. - **“Tom Sawyer”** – A portrait of the modern rebel, equal parts cowboy individualist and disillusioned suburb-dweller: *“His mind is not for rent / to any god or government.”* The lyric is bald, almost Ayn-Randian, yet its cadence fits the 7/8 synth riff so perfectly that it feels anthemic rather than preachy. - **“Red Barchetta”** – A dystopian car-love novella set to music; a celebration of internal-combustion nostalgia in a future that banned it. - **“Limelight”** – Peart’s most naked confession: fame as *“gilded cage”*. The line *“I can’t pretend a stranger is a long-awaited friend”* is still quoted by every reluctant rock star. - **“Witch Hunt”** – A pre-MTV moral-panic nightmare; torches, mobs and *“the reeking fault of law”.* - **“Vital Signs”** – Already peeking toward the Police and new-wave: *“Everybody got to deviate from the norm.”* **Verdict:** Intellectually brash, occasionally cold, but never lazy. Peart compresses novellas into four-minute bursts better than any drummer since. --- ## 2. Musical Architecture | Element | Signature Trick on *Moving Pictures* | |-----------|--------------------------------------| | **Time** | 7/8 verses (“Tom Sawyer”), 5/4 bridges (“YYZ”), 10:58 single-track side (“The Camera Eye”). | | **Riffs** | Lifeson’s harmonics in “Limelight” intro; bass-chord counter-melody in “Red Barchetta”. | | **Drums** | Peart’s 16th-note hi-hat swarm in “YYZ” became the textbook for every conservatory metal drummer. | | **Synths**| Oberheim OB-X pads first, guitars second—yet the bass remains the melodic spine, a production choice almost unheard-of in 1981 rock. | The trio’s chemistry is liquid: stop-on-a-dime unison hits, bass pedals triggering Moog while feet play double-kick, guitar chords voiced to leave holes for vocal syllables. No overdubbed orchestras, no 30-piece choir—just three Canadians multitracked into a cathedral. --- ## 3. Production & Sound Design Engineered by Paul Northfield, mixed by Terry Brown at Le Studio, Quebec. - **Drum sound:** Close-miked Simmons pads blended with natural Tama shells; the snare on “Tom Sawyer” is gated, compressed, then sent through a plate reverb that decays exactly 480 ms—every cover band instantly fails because they can’t replicate that snap. - **Bass tone:** Direct-injected Rickenbacker 4001, then re-amped through a cranked Marshall; the result is pick-articulated grind with sub-low pillow. - **Guitar layering:** Lifeson’s 12-string electric in “The Camera Eye” doubles the synth to create a shimmering wall that predicted 80s arena-post-punk years early. The original 1981 vinyl master is hot; early CD transfers were flat, but 2015’s 24-bit Sean Magee cut restores transient punch without brick-wall limiting—*the* version to hunt down. --- ## 4. Thematic Cohesion The title *Moving Pictures* itself is a pun: cinema, emotional snapshots, and *“pictures that move”* (i.e., life speeding past). Every track deals with **perception vs. reality**: | Track | Perceived Surface | Hidden Core | |----------------|-------------------|-------------| | Tom Sawyer | Rebel swagger | Alienation of the thinking individual | | Red Barchetta | Joyride fantasy | Eco-totalitarian surveillance | | Limelight | Rock-star glamour | Agoraphobic self-doubt | | Witch Hunt | Gothic horror | Media-fueled moral panic | | Vital Signs | Reggae lilt | Post-human adaptation | Thus the album is a concept LP disguised as a seven-song grab-bag—progressive rock’s sly answer to the post-punk appetite for brevity. --- ## 5. Influence & Legacy - **Metal:** Kirk Hammett lifts “Limelight” solo phrasing in Metallica’s *“Master of Puppets”* rehearsals; Dream Theater’s entire odd-time vocabulary is a Ph.D. in *YYZ*. - **Alt-rock:** The Pixies’ quiet-LOUD dynamic is unthinkable without Rush’s demonstration that math-rock could still *rock*. - **DJs & Producers:** The intro Morse-code pattern of “YYZ” is still sampled in drum-’n’-bass tracks; Aphex Twin cited it in a 1994 *Sound on Sound* interview. - **Pop-culture:** *“Tom Sawyer”* appears in *South Park*, *Family Guy*, *I Love You, Man*, and every NHL arena—proving that 7/8 can indeed make 50 000 people clap on the one. --- ## 6. Pros & Cons | PROS | CONS | |------|------| | ✔ Arguably the tightest four-song opening suite in rock history (Side A). | ✘ Geddy’s nasal upper register—still a deal-breaker for casual listeners. | | ✔ Drums as lead instrument without crowding the mix. | ✘ Synth-forward mix occasionally buries Lifeson’s guitar color. | | ✔ Lyrics that reward English-lit majors and car-guys equally. | ✘ Objectivist overtones age poorly in spots (*“mind is not for rent”*). | | ✔ Production that sounds modern even on 2025 earbuds. | ✘ “The Camera Eye” is 11 minutes of urban travelogue that can feel like a prog-rock holding pattern. | | ✔ Gateway drug: converts “I hate prog” skeptics by track 3. | ✘ No backing vocals or harmonic relief—three voices only. | --- ## 7. Bottom Line *Moving Pictures* is the **apex predator of transitional albums**: the moment when progressive rock learned to sprint, when new-wave sheen met Sabbath heft, and when three virtuosos accidentally wrote the blueprint for everything from 80s metal to 90s math-rock. It is not flawless—its intellectual arrogance and synth dominance sow the seeds of Rush’s later, colder era—but it is *necessary*. If you own only one Rush record, this is it; if you own zero, start here and prepare to spend the next year woodshedding “YYZ” on whatever instrument you thought you could play.
YYZ and Vital Signs real good, don’t understand why Tom Sawyer is “the” song however. For a three piece band they make a lot of noise, they’re okay.
Solid Rock album. I can see why it's a classic in their discography.
Done
Progressive, first half is better than second half. YYZ is my favorite track, which is almost a jazz rock track. Gonna give this the benefit of the doubt and round up, 3.5/5.