Grace Under Pressure [Remaster] - Rush (CD 1997)

1984 started off not so well for the members of Rush. They apparently were not too happy with the production values on their last release "Signals". The band and fans alike felt the keyboard sound was too overbearing, the guitar tracks too buried & the drum sound not up to snuff. While the songs themselves were of high quality, the overall mix was not.(Why did they release it then?). Alex, Geddy & Neil thought a change of co-producer was in order. So out goes long time producer Terry Brown, who had helped produce every one of their records up to this point, and was responsible for much of their growth both musically and personally. It was a difficult thing for them to have to tell him they wanted (or needed) to work with someone else. They thought bringing in someone fresh could help with the new direction they were heading with their music. The problem is that they were having difficulties finding someone to commit to their next project. Several producers were contacted,no one came through until Peter Henderson arrived after the trio had already begun recording. The resultant "Grace Under Pressure" showed a much darker side to the band, with lyrics dealing with such topics as nuclear threat(Distant Early Warning), losing friends in death (Afterimage), fear (The Enemy Within)and the horrors of the concentration camps (Red Sector A). Musically dark as well, the guitar was once again brought to the fore. Lifeson was well into his heavy texturalist mode with some of his best playing here. Lee's bass playing & keyboard parts are integral yet evenly balanced with the guitar & Peart's complex drum tracks. The vocals, as always, are top notch, Geddy singing Neil's words with an incredible amount of passion and conviction. This album may not be their best effort, but considering all the group had gone through, this CD is very deserving of many plays and close scrutiny, and rates up there with the rest of their classics. A must have for fans and a must hear for everyone else interested in heavy & progressive music.