"Radio-Friendly" Progressive Rock (1981)

Defined by a definitive progressive rock sound and lengthy songs on previous albums, Rush took a new approach to songwriting in 1980-81. To appeal to the "commercial" crowd, the band began to write shorter length songs that were more "radio-friendly." After writing and recording in 1980, Rush would release one of their best and most selling albums in 1981―Moving Pictures. The LP immediately amassed commercial success in countries such as Canada, the United States, and United Kingdom. Prominent singles included on the album are "Tom Sawyer," "Vital Signs," and "Limelight."

Even though Rush were focused on producing shorter, "radio-friendly" songs in the 1980s, the band did not lose their progressive rock sound. Moving Pictures still contained preposterous time signatures, theme changes, and unique instrument parts. "Tom Sawyer," one of the songs that launched Rush to commercial success, is forever known to many as one of Rush's most popular songs. While I do somewhat agree with this claim, I believe that "Limelight" had a more significant effect. 

"Tom Sawyer" heavily relies on Geddy Lee's synthesizer as heard throughout the song and in conjunction with Alex Lifeson's excellent guitar solo. We also cannot forget about one of the best drummers to ever rise from rock 'n' roll, Neil Peart. Peart's impressive drumming introduced the "commercial" world to uncommon percussion that just does not have to be a simple snare and hi-hat beat in 4/4 time. The band would continue to play this fan-favorite song on every tour up until their retirement in 2018.

While not as popular as other tracks on the album, "YYZ" has to be one of my favorites. This instrumental track accurately demonstrates what each member is capable of on their instrument. Every member of the trio is heard loud and clear during the four-and-a-half minute song. What I really enjoy about this song and Rush in general is the bass track. Compared to other bands of the 1980s who did not utilize the bass to its full potential, Geddy Lee did. Lee's bass track has always been prominent in almost every song released by the band. The bass also ties in very nicely with Lifeson's riffs and solos on "YYZ." Neil Peart also holds the song together in 10/8 time with his monster drum set consisting of numerous toms, cymbals, and snares.

Many may not know that drummer Neil Peart wrote a significant amount of songs for the band. One of the most popular as mentioned earlier, "Limelight." While this track may seem upbeat and cheerful because of the instrumentation, it actually is not. Because of Rush's increased success and public attention, the song accurately captures Peart's discomfort. The increasing popularity made Peart feel like there was a loss of privacy. Unfortunately, to further Peart's uneasiness, the track would reach the number four spot in the United States. 

To conclude Rush's first album directed towards commercial audiences, "Witch Hunt" and the single "Vital Signs" are last. "Witch Hunt," while not one of my favorites, is the third part of the band's "Fear Series" that depicts life controlled by fear. Last but not least, "Vital Signs" is an interesting one due to the amount of genres that are featured throughout. I thoroughly enjoy this track due to Lifeson's guitar riffs that almost have a reggae feeling and the electronica vibe from the synthesizers. Even though the song is not necessarily as popular as the other singles on the album, I think it was an appropriate track to end with. 

Overall, Rush's first chance to strike interest in commercial audiences was a success. The band scored multiple hits and quickly soared to fame throughout the early-to-mid 1980s. Despite majority of the songs on Moving Pictures being shorter than on previous albums, they still possess the classic progressive sound adopted by Rush. Being one of my favorite Rush albums, I highly recommend every rock 'n' roll/progressive rock fan spend some time with it.

Alex Lifeson & Geddy Lee live―1981