I’ve been going through the entire catalog of Rush’s studio albums to hear how the band evolved and then I give my impression of each album. Today, Power Windows.
Power Windows
If I had to point to an album to represent the cliche of not judging a book by the cover, this would be it. Power Windows is graced by one of the most awful pieces of album art ever. The music, on the other hand, is quite good. Power Windows contains songs quite literally intended to be windows into various kinds of power.
This was one of the albums I had to play a lot in order to learn the songs. As it turns out, they played a lot of this material during the Clockwork Angels tour, so I have heard most of these songs live.
The Tracks
1. The Big Money 5:34
All about power and corruption caused by the almighty $$$. Very effective use of sinister sounding keyboard chords to open the song, leading into some rapid bass licks from Geddy. The song is a concert staple, and perhaps suffers a bit from overplaying, but it still is a solid song. A-.
2. Grand Designs 5:05
This song could be about North Scottsdale, where I live. So much style without substance. The song is an infinitely easier listen than is the opening track. It’s got uptempo riffs, interesting lyrics, and nicely integrated keyboard, guitar, and bass. As always, Neil’s drumming is impeccable. A.
3. Manhattan Project 5:05
Is there anything more powerful that the atomic bomb? This is one of Rush’s occasional glimpses into history, and from past research, I think a fairly accurate description of the Manhattan Project. It’s just a cool song with great riffs and an uptempo beat that compliments the cerebral aspects of the song. A+.
4. Marathon 6:09
This song is a fantastic song about internal strength, and being in it for the long haul. Staying the course is incredibly difficult over the long haul. I read a quote once that read success comes to those who hang on long after everyone else has let go. That’s what this song is all about. A.
5. Territories 6:19
Ah, the power of international politics and tribalism that still exists in our modern world. Short-sightedness and egocentrism. We’re better than you. This song features Alex’s guitar a bit more than most of the songs on this album, and that helps bring everything together. A.
6. Middletown Dreams 5:15
A song about lost opportunity and complacency. The middle class and their middle class dreams, disrupted by contentment, or just plain laziness. Another A.
7. Emotion Detector 5:10
A song about the power of emotion, along with their contribution to triumph and failure. The song says a lot, but the music itself doesn’t seem to flow as well as some of the other songs on the album. It’s still a good song, though. A-.
8. Mystic Rhythms 5:53
Rush finishes up the album with a glimpse at the power of superstition, and how they seem to be universal. The melody doesn’t do as much for me as some other tracks on the album, but it is well executed. A-.
Conclusion
There is a lot to like about this album. While I don’t enjoy it as much as my top five albums, it certainly is one I will pull out from time to time. I give the album an A.
I Gave Grace Under Pressure an A.
I Gave Signals an A-
I gave Moving Pictures an A+.
I gave Permanent Waves an A.
I gave Hemispheres an A+.
I gave A Farewell to Kings an A.
I gave 2112 an A.
I gave Caress of Steel a B+.
I gave Fly by Night an A-.
I gave Rush a C+.