Album: Presto
Year Released: 1989
Lineup:
- Geddy Lee – bass guitar, vocals, synthesizers
- Alex Lifeson – electric and acoustic guitars
- Neil Peart – drums, electronic percussion
Overall Thoughts:
In between Hold Your Fire and Presto, Rush changed record companies (from Mercury to Atlantic Records), changed their prodcuer (from Peter Collins to Rupert Hine) and changed their sound. The previous four albums put a large emphasis on the synthesisers; starting with Presto, the synthesisers were reduced and the guitar work took a stronger role in the music.
The previous albums had expanded their musical repetoire, adding ska, reggae, and asian influences to their sound. Presto is more "back to basics" in their sound. The songs are less thematic and more introspective and personal.
Neil Peart's lyrics continue to shine. From "Show Don't Tell":
You can twist perceptionsReality won't budgeYou can raise objectionsI will be the judge (and the jury)
And from "The Pass":
All of us get lost in the darknessDreamers learn to steer by the starsAll of us do time in the gutterDreamers turn to look at the carsTurn around and turn around and turn aroundTurn around and walk the razor's edgeDon't turn your back and slam the door on me
In addition to the great lyrics, drums, and outstanding guitar work, the singing really works. I think this is Rush's best album in terms of Geddy's voice
On a peronal note: This is my favorite album, partly because it's when I first started listening to Rush (at age 17; I was a late bloomer), and partly because "The Pass" is my single favorite song by the group.
Ranking of Rush Albums (adding as more albums are reviewed):
- Presto
- Moving Pictures
- 2112
- Permanent Waves
- Fly By Night
- Rush
- A Farewell to Kings
- Hemispheres
- Hold Your Fire
- Power Windows
- Signals
- Caress of Steel
- Grace Under Pressure
Top 10 Rush Songs (adding as more albums are reviewed):
- "The Pass", Presto
- "Tom Sawyer", Moving Pictures
- "Working Man", Rush
- "Closer to the Heart", A Farewell to Kings
- "La Villa Strangiato", Hemispheres
- "Freewill", Permanent Waves
- "2112", 2112
- "Fly By Night", Fly By Night
- "Show Don't Tell", Presto
- "YYZ", Moving Pictures
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