$UPER THANK$!!! Thanks for watching my videos! Please SUBSCRIBE to my channel!! I appreciate it! Check the Description for Amazon Affiliate Links to VINYL/DVDs/Books, Bass gear, Music gear, and other cool products related to this video! If you want to support the channel you can Super Thanks, direct Paypal or Venmo, hit our Mailing Address or our Amazon Wishlists... ALL IN THE DESCRIPTION! Check the description for a link to Camilla's TH-cam channel! Thank you everyone!
I went off Rush when this album made its debut .. 15 years later I decided to re-visit all the albums after Moving Pictures and slowly but surely I’ve grown to appreciate them all
There's a progression to their music and some of Neil's best/most-poignant lyrics are from that later era. The reality is that if you listen back, their evolution gave an amazingly varied catalogue of amazing music. Each album stands on its own and you can keep cycling through their styles and never really get bored or feel like it's repetitive.
I seem to be in the minority here. I really dig this one. It gives this album its fantastic feel. I think it has a fantastic bass line. The album just wouldnt be "Signals" without it.
Hey Jason, great vids! One of my favorite albums is Vapor Trails, which was recorded after Rush had taken a 5 year break, after Neil's wife and daughter died. I would suggest listening to the remixed version of the album, which was sanctioned by Rush. They were never happy with the original mixing of the record, so they did a remix. I think it has some of their best music. Listening to Vapor Trails song by song would make a great series.
Digital man has such a killer groove with an awesome guitar solo, if Justin ends up not caring for that song then I think Signals will be lost all the way through
Wow, Seeing Rush for the first time live on the signals tour and seeing this song live blew my mind. This became one of my favorites on the album. You definitely need to listen a few times before you get it! From signals to Clockwork Angels you need to listen several times before you get it!lol
I don't remember if I put it in my note but this was my first Rush album I bought when it came out. It took me several times to listen to it before I really liked it. Then I seen the tour which was my first concert ever which made me appreciate the album even more.
My experience has been multiple listens are needed with most Rush albums. One to just hear the song, one to listen and learn the structure of the song, one to read/listen to the lyrics and how they relate to the music. There have been many times I needed multiple listens to fully appreciate the songs.
Rush is one of those bands that you might find you need to listen to an album a few times to really get into it. I found that to be true for a fair number of their albums. Frankly, I like that about their stuff--it keeps it interesting. OTOH, you might find that some of their stuff just never clicks for you.
Same bro. I was the same when I heard this album ad nauseam back in the early 80s. Ironically, at the same time this was released until 1995 - I played in a power trio that covered YYZ, LaVilla Strangiato and a handful of other Rush tracks. The Great Keyboard experiment in stomach churning of the 80s… until 1993 sent redemptive power with Counterparts! I will always respect what these 3 best buds accomplished musically - on their terms. The keyboard heavy stuff isn’t a favorite direction for Rush IMHO and it was not til 1993 Counterparts release did I keep current with the band. Signals now is tolerable. Cant help air drumming analog kid. There are tidbits…hidden gems in these records. Clockwork Angels is their swansong Masterpiece when it all came full circle. The getting there is an awe inspiring ride.
Justin, yes, listen to it again. The song has wall-of-sound power but has a rocking verse section, which goes back into the wall-of-sound chorus. It's good "new" Rush, for 1982/83. This particular song won't unseat their other huge hits but it's still rocks. Give it a chance to sink in.
Exactly how I felt after my first listen back when it came out. It debuted on a local Toronto radio station and I was, well, bewildered after the first listen. Didn't feel so good about it (compared to MP). So began the realization that this record (and every record after) would take several (many) listens to understand the material and with that came the love for the songs.
Maybe people treasure this album due to the high level of the lyrics associated with the instrumentals, arrangements and an excellent studio production.
Hey Justin, I’m an avid Rush fan. Each new album as they came out, I’d listen to straight through then MANY times I’d think I don’t like a certain album but then over time I would “ Get It”. My hardest one to get was Grace Under Pressure now I LOVE that album. Sometimes it takes exactly what your saying a few re listens and time for it to really sink in … what’s funny is watching you listen I can SEE you listening as a Bass Player !!! It’s great.
All the later years, for me, took several listens to each album to get a feel for what they were doing. Also, it helps to listen to the album straight-through a few times.
This may be an interesting fact for you Justin. The echo you hear on this guitar solo as well as a few others is a natural echo. The speakers were moved outside of leStudio facing the Laurentian mountains as Alex worked on and recorded this solo.
Completely with you on this take J. This is the type of synth-heavy song that was the hallmark of the late 80s albums. I Googled when the synth "era" really began and most sites indicated with "Presto." While there are really good songs from this era, I am not a big fan of Rush's releases during this time. Digital Man, of course, is a different beast and a great tune.
Love this record. If you're not getting it by track 3, I doubt u will get it. I love the back and forth between synth and bass guitar and Alex's guitar solo tone. NP is superb as usual, and I really like how they captured his drum sound on this album, very clean and crisp.
Like I said I had a hard time first time I heard it but it grows on you. Definitely need to listen to it more. The albums after this one really struggled with and still do and I been listening since 1980. Next 3 albums maybe one or two I liked just had a hard time with. I started out with moving pictures and permanent waves so I was like what the hell is this. Signals grew on me
Definitely my favorite track! The whole album took me a couple of listens before it's songs started to grow on me. I can't really put my finger on why this song stood out to me, but it did. But I have to agree with Rupert Hine, "I can't believe one of the biggest power trios is smothered in keyboards". Or Alex's comment, "what's with all these keyboards? They're not even a real instrument". But on the coming albums the band was able to strike a better balance between guitar and keys. But now onto Digital Man, and side two! 😎☮️
I'm a science nerd so this one of my favorites 🤣 This song along with Natural science, cygnus x-1, time and motion I call it their science series 🤣 (Count down to Test for Echo)
"I need to hear this more than once". Yeah. I previously said the album feels a little experimental. Like they wanted to try something a little different. I remember hearing it and liking individual things within the songs, but I had to listen to the album a few times for it to gel for me. Hearing the songs now and being so familiar with them, I really like them. "Signals" isn't at the top of the list of my favorite albums from them, but I still think it's a decent one.
I'm in my late 50's and this album did break the hearts of core Rush fans back in the day.. However itt did bring in a new generation of Rush fan. And I think you won't enjoy the rest of this album. I love em all. That's why I'm a Rush fan
Chemistry is one of the really deep cuts on the album. I enjoy it but it’s not one of my favorites. I love Geddy bass on it. It was only played on the Signals tour in 82. It’s the first time all 3 members collaborated on lyrics and the last Rush song to have a lyrical contribution from Geddy and Alex. Going forward it will be all Neil's lyrics with the exception of 3 more songs with Neil collaborating with Pye Dubois. Musically you can hear the influence of The Police on the guitar and drumming.
Count me amongst those who feel Signals in up there with their other amazing classic albums. Music, like neck ties,comes in manny different patterns and colors and not every option will appeal to everyone. Personal taste is going to come into play. What I can say and have mentioned to you before is that their willingness to grow, change and bring new colors and influences to the palette, the willingness to experiment and perhaps fail in public is part of the magic. They had hit records along the way and instead of stopping when they struck gold or hit on the secret sauce, they stayed in the lab; alway pushing themselves. They are the definition of a progressive rock band.
I hadn’t listened to Signals in years then did so last year and was completely blown away!!!! Give it many listens…that’s always the sign of a well written/produced album. If you don’t like the direction it’s going, then you better stop now🤣🤣 even though there is great music down the road, it’s just not 70’s Rush, nor should it be
I think if you forget it's RUSH it will be a more pleasant listen and still better than a lot of what's out there. Still some very dramatic moments awaiting you.
signals is a awesome album I remember people saying some of same things when it came out. Now it's considered a classic album. Rush never did the same thing twice. Listen to the isolated bass on digital man
I'm right there with you with this song/album, there are some great tracks on this record but there are also some songs that just don't do anything for me (like this one). I'm not really a fan of the next album (Grace Under Pressure), but I do really like the album after that (Power Windows) as I think the mix between all of the instruments and synths work really well. After that is where I'm pretty much done with Rush, aside from a few songs here and there...I'm really interested to see how you feel about they're late 80s/early 90s stuff, it'll be fun to see your reaction when you get there.
I'm telling you now... I've been spinning this record [THANK YOU to the subscribers that sent it to my mailing address!] multiple times and my views are changing on it.
Signals has been called "the most schizophrenic Rush album". I have yet to grok why, but my guess is because it was the first album where keyboards and synths played a major role in the music. They went back to their power-trio foundation when they recorded Counterparts. A few other things were going on in the meantime (read Neil's book "Ghost Rider" for the details). I personally like this album, especially "Subdivisions", "The Analog Kid", "Losing It", and "Countdown". But it isn't in my top five. That's as far as I go.
Yes, like I've said, starting with moving pictures, there's so much going on and so much to process, you need to listen a few times. Sad, this is the last album with Terry Brown producing. 😢
Subdivisions live was often epic. That deep synth start with pulsating red lights hit you in your stones live. Agree with Justin mostly though, these are not rushy songs for the most part. Digital man is cool though. I could have lived without some of the others...including this one.
As a Rush fan, this album became the beginning of the onsie/twosie songs per album that were great and the rest just... eh, okay. My favorite on this album is New World Man.
On their own, Hydrogen and Oxygen are extremely volatile under certain conditions, Yet form the basics of life as we know it when combined together. Just a thought…
I did think with your desire for more "songs", less epics & liking synths, you'd like this album a lot. A bit surprised Lyrically this is possibly Pearts best which is saying something. It's a significant part of its appeal. The sings really caught the experience of growing up & tension between moving out into adulthood and hold on to the safe & familiar. And the more eager hopefulness of the 80s.
NOW YOU KNOW HOW I FEEL.....THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF THE END OF THE GREAT RUSH....SYNTH OR NOT....THE HEAVINESS AND THE BANSHEE WAILS OF LEE'S VOICE, ARE GONE !!!!
As I commented earlier last week, I'm not a fan of this album and the next two as much of a Rush fan that I am. Hold your fire they started get getting better songs again.Then they came out with Presto and I really was getting back into them. I liked the music they were writing much better then the past few albums.
Do you know you are absolutely correct your down with it but don't realise it. You need to listen multiple times you can hear old Rush there and the originality of this album is awesome, ok it's my view fair to say but at the time no one sounded like this and as a musician like yourself I appreciate the composition. 😁👍🐈⬛😁
If Rush didn't already have a reputation for being a nerd's rock band, this song pretty much dispelled all doubts. I remember a radio DJ commenting on one of their more romantic song from a later album going "Hey look -- Rush is talking about nookie instead of micro-biology." 😁"Chemistry" is sort of a sleeper track on the album, but it's got nice grooves throughout. I don't think it was performed live much, if at all.
This album, followed quickly by "Grace Under Pressure," was enough to put me off of Rush until "Presto," in the late '80s. I have since reassessed its value, but I still find the run of albums from "Signals" through "Hold Your Fire" to be rather frustrating in the way they consistently cock-block Alex!
PW is so two albums ago😂. It’s like comparing physical graffiti with in through the outdoor.. This song is not on my playlist, But it’s not a bad song.
My reaction to songs in the future will be the same as this one, so to save us both some time, I’ll post my thoughtful, meaningful, and personal reaction. Here it is: Nope.
“Chemistry” wasn’t my favourite when I first heard it, but it’s grown on me over the years. Definitely the weakest track on side one, but not one I’d skip over.
I felt the same way when I first heard this album. I hated it. Where is the high falsetto voice? Where’s the guitars? What the heck.? I mentioned it to a friend I turned on to Rush not so long before this came out. He said, “ you have to listen to it more, you will like it”. He was right.
You’ll never get a Rush album in the first listen ever! That’s why they are so unique you have to give it several listens ….Rush isn’t a quick fancy hook band with lame lyrics and no substance that your sick of in a week… When your done with this reaction and time goes by if your still listening to these albums your favorites will change multiple times and songs will grow on you
Beginning with 'Signals,' I felt the same with it and each subsequent Rush album. It took more than a few listens to really get into the "'new" direction of the band. However, each record has its own merits, with the exception of 'Test For Echo' (1998), which has some great songs, but (to ME), is their weakest album of 19.
Justin, "With all do respect, with Rush your reviews come off very mundane. When a song ends, you usually say... cool... cool, it was ok, Alex sounds nerdy... Geddys voice changed. You as a musician I'd would think you would compliment how well they play their instruments. I was surprised after listening to Exit Stage left, you wouldn't give them kudos on how well they reproduce there sound live. I respect the fact that you like Permanent Waves so much which is also my favorite album. But I would suggest not to use that album as a barometer to gauge there other albums. "Every album is different, and an intentional depture from previous work. They did not want to repeat themselves, they kept changing and evolving. If have time watch there documentary; Beyond a Lighted Stage. It was very well done.
I've watched a lot of music reviews of a lot of different bands by a lot of different people and I tell you everyone sure has a different way of responding, I see some rap guys acting like Rush is the most hip thing you ever heard, I see some girls listening to Rush like it's all ballads, their eyes are closed and they act like they're listening to Open arms by Journey, lol, everyone sure responds to music in different ways that's for sure and Justin is no exception
I think this is a good album but this is the prelude of things to come for Rush where song melodies started getting generic and they start losing their identity. So I agree to an extent. Not a huge fan after this album other than some choice songs. I wore every album out up to this one.
sometimes a song is so damn good it goes right by you. so yes you have to listen to it again. you're leaving out all of the innuendos. like Herbie Hancock would say. music ain't music unless it has a little doodads. okay teach
Not my favorite song either. And interesting that you mention that you are not getting the album so far. This is the one album in the catalogue that I could never reconcile my feelings for. There are albums of theirs I love, a few I don't love, and then there is Signals. There is just something about it that I could never grasp. Yes, it is the beginning of the synth era, but it is not the best of the synth era in terms of the songs or in terms of their use of synths. It is a transitional record that bridges 1974 - 1981 Rush with Grace Under Pressure thru Hold Your Fire. Subdivisions is a great song and there are a few other good ones. But my early nineties grunge loving friends would tease me with "Electricity! Biology!" So uncool! For me Power Windows is the gem of the synth era.
I’m not sure a second listen to this song is going to make a difference Justin. This song and Countdown from Signals just don’t do it for me. I dig the rest of the album, but those two songs never made it to my playlist.
Nope, like I said yesterday this song is not for me. Digital man either for that matter. Rest of songs I like. Subdivisions you need to listen to again, it's a great influential song.
Yeah, not my favorite song. But NOTHING from RUSH sucks!! There's just some songs that I like better than others. Be well and God bless... from Texas!!
$UPER THANK$!!!
Thanks for watching my videos! Please SUBSCRIBE to my channel!! I appreciate it!
Check the Description for Amazon Affiliate Links to VINYL/DVDs/Books, Bass gear, Music gear, and other cool products related to this video! If you want to support the channel you can Super Thanks, direct Paypal or Venmo, hit our Mailing Address or our Amazon Wishlists... ALL IN THE DESCRIPTION! Check the description for a link to Camilla's TH-cam channel! Thank you everyone!
I'm suscribed Justin
Hey Justin I sure would like to see you respond to some Led zeppelin, especially their live stuff
@@youtoo2233 early on i did some zeppelin (check my channel). Problem is a lot get blocked by TH-cam
@@JustinPanariello just curious, from what you've listened to who do you like more overall, Led or Rush?
@@youtoo2233 oh man I cant do that. Its all different
That guitar solo is beyond good. A moment of creative genius.
Neil's drums are fantastic on this track. So damn good. Especially the ending...
Every Rush album you have to hear multiple times. The more the better it gets.
A personal favorite.🤘😎
I went off Rush when this album made its debut .. 15 years later I decided to re-visit all the albums after Moving Pictures and slowly but surely I’ve grown to appreciate them all
There's a progression to their music and some of Neil's best/most-poignant lyrics are from that later era. The reality is that if you listen back, their evolution gave an amazingly varied catalogue of amazing music. Each album stands on its own and you can keep cycling through their styles and never really get bored or feel like it's repetitive.
Probably my favorite song on the album now after 40 years of listening. The song itself is an exercise in musical chemistry. I love it so much.
I like Alex’s solo in this track. Very emotive and well crafted.
"seems to me, its chemistry." Alex's solo after this with the colors and effects is pure Lifeson.
One of Alex’s personal favourites with limelight and kid gloves
I seem to be in the minority here. I really dig this one. It gives this album its fantastic feel. I think it has a fantastic bass line. The album just wouldnt be "Signals" without it.
Did I mention its fantastic??
Chemistry is a phenomenal song! Always has been from the first listen for me.
You're not alone. I love this one too!
My personal favorite on this album. That drumming during the chorus always gets me. I
Hey Jason, great vids! One of my favorite albums is Vapor Trails, which was recorded after Rush had taken a 5 year break, after Neil's wife and daughter died. I would suggest listening to the remixed version of the album, which was sanctioned by Rush. They were never happy with the original mixing of the record, so they did a remix. I think it has some of their best music. Listening to Vapor Trails song by song would make a great series.
Chemistry is my Cinderella Man.
Again thank, great reaction. I'm a Rush fan since 1980, and really appreciate that a youtuber teach the music of three master.
Thanks again
RUSH!!!
Great Alex solo
I wasn't a huge fan of this album at first either, but it really grew on me. Subdivisions and Digital Man are 2 of my all time favorites.
Digital man has such a killer groove with an awesome guitar solo, if Justin ends up not caring for that song then I think Signals will be lost all the way through
All-time favourite!
Wow, Seeing Rush for the first time live on the signals tour and seeing this song live blew my mind. This became one of my favorites on the album. You definitely need to listen a few times before you get it! From signals to Clockwork Angels you need to listen several times before you get it!lol
I don't remember if I put it in my note but this was my first Rush album I bought when it came out. It took me several times to listen to it before I really liked it. Then I seen the tour which was my first concert ever which made me appreciate the album even more.
Love this song. Fantastic lyrics. I love the comparison between chemistry in science to chemistry and emotional connection in relationships.
It took a while for Signals to click for me. Now it's one of my favorites.
My experience has been multiple listens are needed with most Rush albums. One to just hear the song, one to listen and learn the structure of the song, one to read/listen to the lyrics and how they relate to the music. There have been many times I needed multiple listens to fully appreciate the songs.
It took me a number of listens before I really got into this song but I do really like it now.
Rush is one of those bands that you might find you need to listen to an album a few times to really get into it. I found that to be true for a fair number of their albums. Frankly, I like that about their stuff--it keeps it interesting. OTOH, you might find that some of their stuff just never clicks for you.
When you go to play the album, play it as loud as you can because Rush is best loud
This is one of my fav Signals track... So good
Always been one of mine as well.
Same bro. I was the same when I heard this album ad nauseam back in the early 80s. Ironically, at the same time this was released until 1995 - I played in a power trio that covered YYZ, LaVilla Strangiato and a handful of other Rush tracks. The Great Keyboard experiment in stomach churning of the 80s… until 1993 sent redemptive power with Counterparts!
I will always respect what these 3 best buds accomplished musically - on their terms. The keyboard heavy stuff isn’t a favorite direction for Rush IMHO and it was not til 1993 Counterparts release did I keep current with the band. Signals now is tolerable. Cant help air drumming analog kid.
There are tidbits…hidden gems in these records. Clockwork Angels is their swansong Masterpiece when it all came full circle. The getting there is an awe inspiring ride.
Justin, yes, listen to it again. The song has wall-of-sound power but has a rocking verse section, which goes back into the wall-of-sound chorus. It's good "new" Rush, for 1982/83. This particular song won't unseat their other huge hits but it's still rocks. Give it a chance to sink in.
Exactly how I felt after my first listen back when it came out. It debuted on a local Toronto radio station and I was, well, bewildered after the first listen. Didn't feel so good about it (compared to MP). So began the realization that this record (and every record after) would take several (many) listens to understand the material and with that came the love for the songs.
Maybe people treasure this album due to the high level of the lyrics associated with the instrumentals, arrangements and an excellent studio production.
Hey Justin, I’m an avid Rush fan. Each new album as they came out, I’d listen to straight through then MANY times I’d think I don’t like a certain album but then over time I would “ Get It”. My hardest one to get was Grace Under Pressure now I LOVE that album. Sometimes it takes exactly what your saying a few re listens and time for it to really sink in … what’s funny is watching you listen I can SEE you listening as a Bass Player !!! It’s great.
All the later years, for me, took several listens to each album to get a feel for what they were doing. Also, it helps to listen to the album straight-through a few times.
This one and losing it are two of my favorite songs on this album besides subdivisions. An underrated album imho.
Some low end bendy By-Tor like notes in this solo. Alex can really bring some wild sounds out of a guitar--very cool.
Signals is not everyone's cup of tea but I found that the album grows on you over time, again it's the amazing drumming that does it for me
signals grew on me over time a few years after it's release.
This may be an interesting fact for you Justin. The echo you hear on this guitar solo as well as a few others is a natural echo. The speakers were moved outside of leStudio facing the Laurentian mountains as Alex worked on and recorded this solo.
Completely with you on this take J. This is the type of synth-heavy song that was the hallmark of the late 80s albums. I Googled when the synth "era" really began and most sites indicated with "Presto." While there are really good songs from this era, I am not a big fan of Rush's releases during this time. Digital Man, of course, is a different beast and a great tune.
This is the only song in the vast library of Rush where they all sat down to write the lyrics together...interesting.
A very under-rated song from SIGNALS....but the more I listen to it the more I love it!
Love this record. If you're not getting it by track 3, I doubt u will get it. I love the back and forth between synth and bass guitar and Alex's guitar solo tone. NP is superb as usual, and I really like how they captured his drum sound on this album, very clean and crisp.
Like I said I had a hard time first time I heard it but it grows on you. Definitely need to listen to it more. The albums after this one really struggled with and still do and I been listening since 1980. Next 3 albums maybe one or two I liked just had a hard time with. I started out with moving pictures and permanent waves so I was like what the hell is this. Signals grew on me
Great comments below. Crank it up on a long cruise.
Definitely my favorite track! The whole album took me a couple of listens before it's songs started to grow on me. I can't really put my finger on why this song stood out to me, but it did. But I have to agree with Rupert Hine, "I can't believe one of the biggest power trios is smothered in keyboards". Or Alex's comment, "what's with all these keyboards? They're not even a real instrument". But on the coming albums the band was able to strike a better balance between guitar and keys. But now onto Digital Man, and side two! 😎☮️
I'm a science nerd so this one of my favorites 🤣 This song along with Natural science, cygnus x-1, time and motion I call it their science series 🤣
(Count down to Test for Echo)
Love Time and Motion.
@@christophmozure9413
Wind and sun and rain
Days connect like boxcars in a train😏🤌🏾
It's a drummers song. Always loved this as a rush drum song...
"I need to hear this more than once". Yeah. I previously said the album feels a little experimental. Like they wanted to try something a little different. I remember hearing it and liking individual things within the songs, but I had to listen to the album a few times for it to gel for me. Hearing the songs now and being so familiar with them, I really like them. "Signals" isn't at the top of the list of my favorite albums from them, but I still think it's a decent one.
I'm in my late 50's and this album did break the hearts of core Rush fans back in the day.. However itt did bring in a new generation of Rush fan. And I think you won't enjoy the rest of this album. I love em all. That's why I'm a Rush fan
Chemistry is one of the really deep cuts on the album. I enjoy it but it’s not one of my favorites. I love Geddy bass on it. It was only played on the Signals tour in 82. It’s the first time all 3 members collaborated on lyrics and the last Rush song to have a lyrical contribution from Geddy and Alex. Going forward it will be all Neil's lyrics with the exception of 3 more songs with Neil collaborating with Pye Dubois. Musically you can hear the influence of The Police on the guitar and drumming.
So courses in high school: The Natural Sciences: Chemistry, Biology, Physics etc! RUSH IS WHEN SCIENCE MEETS MECHANICS AND IS TAUGHT BY THE PROFESSOR!
Count me amongst those who feel Signals in up there with their other amazing classic albums. Music, like neck ties,comes in manny different patterns and colors and not every option will appeal to everyone. Personal taste is going to come into play. What I can say and have mentioned to you before is that their willingness to grow, change and bring new colors and influences to the palette, the willingness to experiment and perhaps fail in public is part of the magic. They had hit records along the way and instead of stopping when they struck gold or hit on the secret sauce, they stayed in the lab; alway pushing themselves. They are the definition of a progressive rock band.
Multiple listens required - I guarantee you will get to like it - a lot !!
I hadn’t listened to Signals in years then did so last year and was completely blown away!!!! Give it many listens…that’s always the sign of a well written/produced album. If you don’t like the direction it’s going, then you better stop now🤣🤣 even though there is great music down the road, it’s just not 70’s Rush, nor should it be
I think if you forget it's RUSH it will be a more pleasant listen and still better than a lot of what's out there. Still some very dramatic moments awaiting you.
The song is interesting, the interplay between the lyrics and instruments, so cool. You aren't getting it, I didn't either at first.
signals is a awesome album I remember people saying some of same things when it came out. Now it's considered a classic album. Rush never did the same thing twice. Listen to the isolated bass on digital man
I'm right there with you with this song/album, there are some great tracks on this record but there are also some songs that just don't do anything for me (like this one). I'm not really a fan of the next album (Grace Under Pressure), but I do really like the album after that (Power Windows) as I think the mix between all of the instruments and synths work really well. After that is where I'm pretty much done with Rush, aside from a few songs here and there...I'm really interested to see how you feel about they're late 80s/early 90s stuff, it'll be fun to see your reaction when you get there.
Ok try this. Play along to the songs and you will see why this is good. There is a lot going on.
I'm telling you now... I've been spinning this record [THANK YOU to the subscribers that sent it to my mailing address!] multiple times and my views are changing on it.
Signals has always been my #3 Rush record snipping on the heels of Moving Pictures and Permanent Waves. It's fire!
It's gonna be a drag for you thru their 80,s stuff if your not keen.
Signals has been called "the most schizophrenic Rush album". I have yet to grok why, but my guess is because it was the first album where keyboards and synths played a major role in the music. They went back to their power-trio foundation when they recorded Counterparts. A few other things were going on in the meantime (read Neil's book "Ghost Rider" for the details).
I personally like this album, especially "Subdivisions", "The Analog Kid", "Losing It", and "Countdown". But it isn't in my top five.
That's as far as I go.
Yes, like I've said, starting with moving pictures, there's so much going on and so much to process, you need to listen a few times. Sad, this is the last album with Terry Brown producing. 😢
Subdivisions live was often epic. That deep synth start with pulsating red lights hit you in your stones live. Agree with Justin mostly though, these are not rushy songs for the most part. Digital man is cool though. I could have lived without some of the others...including this one.
As a Rush fan, this album became the beginning of the onsie/twosie songs per album that were great and the rest just... eh, okay. My favorite on this album is New World Man.
On their own, Hydrogen
and Oxygen are extremely
volatile under certain conditions,
Yet form the basics of life as
we know it when combined
together. Just a thought…
I did think with your desire for more "songs", less epics & liking synths, you'd like this album a lot.
A bit surprised
Lyrically this is possibly Pearts best which is saying something.
It's a significant part of its appeal. The sings really caught the experience of growing up & tension between moving out into adulthood and hold on to the safe & familiar. And the more eager hopefulness of the 80s.
Not one of my favorites but I think this record is pretty good overall. Took me a few listens to appreciate.
NOW YOU KNOW HOW I FEEL.....THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF THE END OF THE GREAT RUSH....SYNTH OR NOT....THE HEAVINESS AND THE BANSHEE WAILS OF LEE'S VOICE, ARE GONE !!!!
Thank God the screaming/screeching/banshee is far gone at this point. Melodic/accessible voice is welcome!
As I commented earlier last week, I'm not a fan of this album and the next two as much of a Rush fan that I am. Hold your fire they started get getting better songs again.Then they came out with Presto and I really was getting back into them. I liked the music they were writing much better then the past few albums.
You gotta hand it to Rush not giving in to slick radio friendly songs. This was 1982, and MTV was blowing up. Rush wasn't invited to the party.
This album grew on me a lot over time. The worst thing about the album is that it sounds like it was recorded in a sewer.
Do you know you are absolutely correct your down with it but don't realise it. You need to listen multiple times you can hear old Rush there and the originality of this album is awesome, ok it's my view fair to say but at the time no one sounded like this and as a musician like yourself I appreciate the composition. 😁👍🐈⬛😁
This and New World Man are my two least favorite songs on Signals but I still like both. The guitar solo and drums are 🔥
If Rush didn't already have a reputation for being a nerd's rock band, this song pretty much dispelled all doubts. I remember a radio DJ commenting on one of their more romantic song from a later album going "Hey look -- Rush is talking about nookie instead of micro-biology." 😁"Chemistry" is sort of a sleeper track on the album, but it's got nice grooves throughout. I don't think it was performed live much, if at all.
This album, followed quickly by "Grace Under Pressure," was enough to put me off of Rush until "Presto," in the late '80s. I have since reassessed its value, but I still find the run of albums from "Signals" through "Hold Your Fire" to be rather frustrating in the way they consistently cock-block Alex!
PW is so two albums ago😂. It’s like comparing physical graffiti with in through the outdoor.. This song is not on my playlist, But it’s not a bad song.
You don't really like nerdy songs. :) I enjoyed this song lyrically, along with bass, Alex solo plus drums during the more quiet parts.
My reaction to songs in the future will be the same as this one, so to save us both some time, I’ll post my thoughtful, meaningful, and personal reaction. Here it is:
Nope.
For me Chemistry did was one of the weaker songs on this album, but I did like Countdown - probably because of the subject. Moving on.....
What ya trading there Justin?
“Chemistry” wasn’t my favourite when I first heard it, but it’s grown on me over the years. Definitely the weakest track on side one, but not one I’d skip over.
I felt the same way when I first heard this album. I hated it. Where is the high falsetto voice? Where’s the guitars? What the heck.? I mentioned it to a friend I turned on to Rush not so long before this came out. He said, “ you have to listen to it more, you will like it”. He was right.
You’ll never get a Rush album in the first listen ever! That’s why they are so unique you have to give it several listens ….Rush isn’t a quick fancy hook band with lame lyrics and no substance that your sick of in a week… When your done with this reaction and time goes by if your still listening to these albums your favorites will change multiple times and songs will grow on you
I keep telling him this 👍
Beginning with 'Signals,' I felt the same with it and each subsequent Rush album. It took more than a few listens to really get into the "'new" direction of the band. However, each record has its own merits, with the exception of 'Test For Echo' (1998), which has some great songs, but (to ME), is their weakest album of 19.
I agree that this album has some issues with their style. However, the solo is interesting.
Justin, "With all do respect, with Rush your reviews come off very mundane. When a song ends, you usually say... cool... cool, it was ok, Alex sounds nerdy... Geddys voice changed. You as a musician I'd would think you would compliment how well they play their instruments. I was surprised after listening to Exit Stage left, you wouldn't give them kudos on how well they reproduce there sound live. I respect the fact that you like Permanent Waves so much which is also my favorite album. But I would suggest not to use that album as a barometer to gauge there other albums. "Every album is different, and an intentional depture from previous work. They did not want to repeat themselves, they kept changing and evolving. If have time watch there documentary; Beyond a Lighted Stage. It was very well done.
I've watched a lot of music reviews of a lot of different bands by a lot of different people and I tell you everyone sure has a different way of responding, I see some rap guys acting like Rush is the most hip thing you ever heard, I see some girls listening to Rush like it's all ballads, their eyes are closed and they act like they're listening to Open arms by Journey, lol, everyone sure responds to music in different ways that's for sure and Justin is no exception
@@youtoo2233 True, like I always tell people, "It takes time to listen Rush."
A BIG shift...progressive for sure.....just wait for the next two albums....even a bigger shift...but a cool journey!
I find this song has a lag to it. Could have been stepped up a few bpm.
I think this is a good album but this is the prelude of things to come for Rush where song melodies started getting generic and they start losing their identity. So I agree to an extent. Not a huge fan after this album other than some choice songs. I wore every album out up to this one.
sometimes a song is so damn good it goes right by you. so yes you have to listen to it again. you're leaving out all of the innuendos. like Herbie Hancock would say. music ain't music unless it has a little doodads. okay teach
Leave lyrics to Neil is good advice.
Not my favorite song either. And interesting that you mention that you are not getting the album so far. This is the one album in the catalogue that I could never reconcile my feelings for. There are albums of theirs I love, a few I don't love, and then there is Signals. There is just something about it that I could never grasp. Yes, it is the beginning of the synth era, but it is not the best of the synth era in terms of the songs or in terms of their use of synths. It is a transitional record that bridges 1974 - 1981 Rush with Grace Under Pressure thru Hold Your Fire. Subdivisions is a great song and there are a few other good ones. But my early nineties grunge loving friends would tease me with "Electricity! Biology!" So uncool! For me Power Windows is the gem of the synth era.
Not necessarily my favorite song on the album either but I was afraid you might relate them to someone like, "Wang Chong" this time. Lol!
i hear eye of the tiger coming...
I’m not sure a second listen to this song is going to make a difference Justin. This song and Countdown from Signals just don’t do it for me. I dig the rest of the album, but those two songs never made it to my playlist.
LMAO...that song is so bad I totally forgot about it. Maybe Countdown has a chance after all!...............................No it doesn't...
lol
Yeah. My guess has been Countdown isn’t gonna fly. We shall see.
Nope, like I said yesterday this song is not for me. Digital man either for that matter. Rest of songs I like. Subdivisions you need to listen to again, it's a great influential song.
Yeah, not my favorite song. But NOTHING from RUSH sucks!! There's just some songs that I like better than others. Be well and God bless... from Texas!!
This chorus - it seems to me, it’s melody. The riff is great but the song seems unfinished like D’yer Maker.
Not my favorite. It’s choppy and smooth all at the same time. Lyrics say a lot but don’t mean anything to me. Agree Alex’s playing is a highlight.
If you don't "get" Rush (especially Signals) then feel free to listen to Ariana Grande. 😂