REACTION! RUSH Open Secrets 1987 Hold Your Fire Album FIRST TIME HEARING

[@JustinPanariello]

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[@bronzebackblaine]

This is one of my absolute favorite Rush tracks!!

[@Deetroiter]

I still think that power windows and hold your fire era Alex guitar tone is absolutely killer. That clarity and power that just rings through the air. It's absolutely period and 80's sounding, but there's a certain freshness to how Alex did it.

[@hayleycomet8029]

This song is such a gem

[@theDML2112]

This is my favorite track on this album !!!

[@Bytor2112inmiddletown]

Rush was and still is a life journey. They have been my favorite band since I was 13. I’m getting ready to turn 58 now and as I listen to different albums now the life and musical changes over the years has been amazing. I gave them the flexibility to grow, change open my musical horizons. If you like albums more than an other albums you are not on a journey. Life is a journey

[@davidhagner661]

The keyboards, their sound, texture, full sound is underrated. Brilliant song.

[@rumourhats]

I think Power Windows and Hold Your Fire have equal weighting between lyrics and music. I think Hold Your Fire is very meditative and resonating, especially in this instance, of a personal relationship breakdown. It's a very different band to the one that screamed about "black holes" - which, IMO, was proto-stoner rock. But I do appreciate the universal humanistic side to Peart's lyrical evolution. I suppose, it depends on how much lyrical content drives your music listening experience, because Hold Your Fire is perhaps music serving the lyrics, rather than "instrumentals" with lyrics on top.

[@ricktomlinson6686]

My 2 favorites on this album are this song and, believe it or not, high water.

[@richierich398]

High water is a good song

[@StevieBoy999]

@@richierich398 Only Neil Peart had the talent to write song lyrics about evolution.

[@timclark1324]

This song has an amazing bass groove!! I love it!!

[@billhenderson2459]

Great music 🎵 by great musicians

[@stickybucket1851]

This song gives me chills every time

[@willemvandoesselare7959]

The famous Wal basses ! Just love it !

[@maximilianodelrio]

This solo is one of my favorites

[@youtoo2233]

What a massive difference from 10 years earlier A Farewell to Kings, you almost wouldn't even know it's the same band

[@blackgrizzly4987]

That's the power of Rush....I can't think of any other band that has such an extensive catalogue with such diverse music

[@542bful]

Brasil Rio de Janeiro Sou de 1972. Música muito bem construida.

[@AudiophileTubes]

'Hold Your Fire' is an AMAZING album! Great artistry and songwriting!

[@billhenderson2459]

I like how clear it is. Crisp and clean. Especially the Drums.

[@zerglilngvet5428]

love this one alot! listen to the bass during the solo damnn geddy also solo , such abad ass anyway amazing bass riffs all the song

[@The_Eric_Burt]

I get the adult contemporary comparison. The next song is probably the most appropriate for that comparison. Still a good song though. I still love this album and it has several hidden gems, this song being one.

[@johnknee1403]

The most underrated Rush song ever imho.

[@ischmidt]

Fusion was in the air in '87-'89 or so. Thanks to session musician and KZbinr Guy Pratt we know that session musicians in the 80s were always looking to sneak in a little Weather Report, to the point where Madonna was actively on the lookout for it (which is pretty funny, and actually improves my opinion of her). She failed in one major instance: he said the back half of "Like A Prayer" is pretty much full-on Jaco. I like this song. The verses are pure guitar/bass/drums, it's just Alex has his Boss chorus set on "stun" so it almost sounds like keyboards. The guitar solo's very textural once again which really works, and the bass playing is awesome throughout. Neil wrote a fair amount about adult relationships in this period (and on and off through Counterparts) because he was in one, and he regretted that he was missing his daughter growing up due to touring.

[@LeviRamsey]

He mentioned "occasional estrangements" from his (common-law) wife Jackie in his books. He also pointedly said that using I/me in lyrics doesn't necessarily mean that the song is about a personal experience.

[@ashleygraham8781]

I think the Wal sounds just fine.

[@grazynafrey7545]

We all enjoy our Testament/Sanctuary/Destruction fill, but there's no denying the incredible musicianship on display here. Not a dull moment.

[@Discrimination_is_not_a_right]

1987--the year I first became a Rush fan. So this was my first "new" release.

[@magicsinglez]

Lucky you. 2 of their very best songs over a 40 year career are on this album.

[@stevielongworth6853]

i love this song

[@edgarpacifico3421]

So far so good! I know you are enjoying the album 😉! Regards from Brazil!

[@CajunGeordie]

Adults with adult issues need rock too!!

[@timcoombe]

I think this and Turn the Page were my favourites on this album. I love the drum fills on this track. That said, much of this album I can’t get on with. Interested to hear what you think of the rest of it.

[@PROGROCK-tr9hw]

My favourite two as well.

[@alexgarrido4607]

Great deep cut. And yes, it is adult Rush!

[@rickthestiks9240]

my first rush concert was hold your fire 1988, chalk circle was the opener(great canadian band)i remember the sound was not loud,i agree whit you,its an adult toughts album, but for me counterparts was one of the best concert i saw,you gonna see the change,for sure,(its a long way to the top if you wanna rock and roll) l.o.l.🤘🤟🤘

[@jackfetter]

"Turn the Page" is coming up in a few Bass Boy! You'll surely get your Bass rocks off...

[@soumentalukder4750]

It's a polarizing album but it has so many brilliant moments.. Rush sold out Madison Square Garden in 1988 on this tour.. my brother saw the show in Atlanta and said it was phenomenal

[@cnvi08]

It’s the hidden gem on this album. They can’t play it live due to the layers.

[@juliebrockett3471]

Yeah, RUSH for grown ups! LOL! Be well and God bless… from Texas!!

[@tomass.9306]

The most underrated album by Rush, Alex guitar tone was unique and extremely hard to replicate specially that clean tone, deep lyrics 2

[@leandrorietjens23]

ONE OF THE BEST RUSH'S ALBUNS, LOVE IT

[@niged]

Hi Justin, I think your gonna like this album, when you play it back a few times. There's some great tracks to come. I think it shows Rush's versatility that they can write and perform more melodic music. Enjoy!!

[@AlfPane]

Let it go!

[@youtoo2233]

Honestly during the mid 80s a lot of Rush's songs didn't grab me but it was the guitar solos that saved the songs

[@obiwanbenobi4943]

It's good if it has put you out of your comfort zone. :)

[@stevepreece2931]

Although not my favorite period being in my early 20s I do appreciate their musical composition and Neil's lyrics and yes it's still Rush bless them

[@jewel_laughs]

Mission has the fusion feel for sure - I think you'll like that song the best on this album.

[@peterCuneo-j6s]

Well, as someone who bought the album the day it came out, we were all shocked on first listen. But number one, they were trying their darndest not to repeat themselves. To try any new sound, style or instrument. And trying to run away from the 70s as fast as they could (Ged confirms this in his book). I give them a TON of credit for that. It would have been way easier to make Moving Pictures over and over and cash in over and over. Highest respect.

[@evankeal]

I like every track equally, same for Power Windows. They were keen on 90125 production. Coincidentally I like every track on 90125 and Big Generator.

[@cjonesufc]

Often times, Rush’s music doesn’t provide an immediate gratification, but rewards repeated listens. The good news is that as time progresses they really continue to integrate all their sounds into their writing. “Roll The Bones” is good and “Counterparts” is, in my opinion, their best album. The heaviness and production are great and it’s maybe the only studio album for me that I actually like every track.

[@duffer19]

‘Sub action’ = Geddy’s secret weapon; the Moog pedals - used mostly in this era to play basic but POWERFUL notes to augment his synth playing during chorus parts. The Wal bass makes everything come together (IMO) - it gave the pop/twang, and thickness necessary to create the ‘fusion’ sound they employed in the 80s.

[@duffer19]

I also believe he’s at his best when alternating between the keys, pedals, bass, arranging, and singing - because when it’s time to let it rip … he lets it rip! The black wal (especially his PWs and Presto settings) could be the best sounding instrument I’ve ever heard in my life (and im not even a musician) … but that doesn’t mean my opinion doesn’t count. I’ve been a fan of Rush since I was a kid in the 80s. Im a fanatic through and through but I think all Rush fans are a byproduct of their own musical generation (age) over type (fusion, prog, classic rock, and even alternative)… if you were born in the early to late 70s - you’d most likely be a mid 80s fan [favorite] vs late boomers favoring FBN & 2112 - & late boomers/early X’rs are the core fans favoring 2112-MPs. Generations Y and Z - well, no one’s figured out ANYTHING about them yet 😂

[@TheCentralScrutinizerAgain]

Excellent lyrics on this track, the highlight of the album for me. but it`s a mood song like most of the album ino

[@mdu2112]

That's a good one. I hadn't heard it in a while. Those few palm-muted notes by Alex are delicious!

[@daviddci7650]

When listening to Rush, every record needs a clean slate. It's impossible to fully appreciate Rush without the lyrics. Because when the music is a little thin, the lyrics are very thick. Oh well. It is what it is, right? This is a great Rush song. Adult contemporary? really? That's like saying Jaco Pastorius allowed himself to be overshadowed by other musicians.

[@markmilner842]

Completely agree about the bass tone. The playing is excellent, but I really dislike the sound of the Wal. The lyrics are more personal & “adult” on this album than had usually been the case previously, but still more thoughtful & sophisticated than most adult contemporary pop. This is one of the best songs on the album, IMO.

[@vincenttayelrand]

Arguably the only track on this Rush album that I care to revisit - though I am not a big fan of its 90s style production.

[@richierich398]

I don’t mind the bass tone and I really dig what Geddy is playing on this song. Yeah I totally agree about your assessment of the production of this album. You can literally hear everything perfectly. To be honest I had not noticed that before. I think Neil was an old soul even when he was young. Look at the lyrics COS for example. This is another song that I appreciate more now than I did when the album came out. It’s a good deep track.

[@obiwanbenobi4943]

I agree with you about Neil. I always felt old compared to everyone around me. Rush songs always came across to me as comforting in that it was good to know there was someone else out there that had similar concerns and attitudes.

[@cobbycaputo3332]

You're right, it is surprisingly like a lot of bands I saw in clubs in the mid-80's exploring the heavier side of fusion. This is one of the albums I only know from radio play, so I know the Aimee Mann collab, but really nothing else.

[@toddc28]

Hold Your Fire - definitely Rush’s adult contemporary album. That’s not a dig. It’s a cool album. Just different. With the two initial "hits" out of the way, the next 3 songs are deeper tracks that are perhaps lesser well known and less memorable. Two of those three (Open Secrets and Second Nature) were never played live by Rush. Not bad tracks by any means, but overshadowed by better tracks on the album. Open Secrets is enjoyable to listen to. But nothing overly special. But as I just listened to it now after a few years of not hearing it, I realized it's quite a nice song.

[@kentw377]

Great song. Neil dug deep for the lyrics on this album! Lyrics are more mature and don't sound like they were written by a teenager with acne. Like most rock bands that never grew up.

[@conrad98gtp]

This a very reflective record, lyrically. Which makes it very relatable on a human level. I guess it's inevitable with age, speaking from Neil's writing perspective, that the things that are currently important to him in his life, meaningful-wise, it's going to creep into the lyrics. The same goes for Van Halen, especially when Sammy Hagar stepped in. True, they still sang about some adolescent things, they also started writing more about adult topics of love and relationships, and more worldly topics. Old fans got upset, but how can you think that when you're an artist going through your 40's, you're still going to be writing about being Hot For Teacher?

[@jackteppo9633]

Alex has enough guitars to hit all the beats. Count them. Awesome song a

[@Tranquillado]

Aimee Mann reappears on this track.

[@youtoo2233]

Man you got a perfect description of what you're calling adult contemporary, yeah I get the vibe like it's elevator music or some dark lounge with people smoking and having a light drink, lol

[@LateGroomer]

One thing I always thought about Geddy's playing on this album, and I could be wrong, but... I think he lightened up his touch a lot. On the Rick and the Jazz, he bangs the crap out of his strings. Maybe the Steinberger too. Very different here, and maybe not just because of the bass. Almost like he adopted a much jazzier style.

[@6lillium]

my favorite track o. this album..... you really need to consider where they were personally at this point. Middle aged , married ,kids ,and most importantly... FANS of other music and genre. It's reflected throughout the 80s for Rush. And given time , many of these songs are supreme growers. As for Geddy's Wal , I get it. However, in the 80s , There really wasn't the reverence for Fenders that there is now. As the choices for quality instruments was limited ( even with Fender in the 80s) many bassists were seeking out new " tones". The Wal , being "Alembic lite"( no slight....much more affordable, bolt on neck ,and quality built , and filter based electronics )was hot at the time( check out Mick Karn....a must for any bassist and GOOD tones on a Wal) At this time , boutique basses were VERY new. Aside from Alembic, Pedulla , and very few other regional builders ,there hadn't been much available. Starting with Aria II's , Ken Smith, Fodera , Specter ( the high end) Tobias, and Wal , the mid 80s was an explosion of high end basses. Full disclosure , I have an Alembic, a Stingray HH , and a custom Fretless 5. I think the problem with the bass sound on this album was in production, as the sound was much fuller live( I was 3 rows back for this tour in Portland Oregon). A common problem of the mid to late 80s.......

[@garylagstrom3864]

Still miss Alex Lifeson on these records, but I will say after seeing the Signals tour the next time I saw them was Roll the Bones and then Counterparts! Both with PRIMUS!!! My point Counterpart is the RETURN OF BASS DRUMS AND GUITAR 🎸 AKA AS THE TERRY BROWNISH YEARS WITH KEVIN THE CAVEMAN SHIRLEY IN THE PRODUCER SEAT!

[@howardbrown8432]

Good song... This album will grow on you. May take longer than the others but there are some good ones on here.

[@mark-be9mq]

Adult contemporary Rush, is a good description or atmospheric Rush music for stores. They still make coherent songs, because they're Rush, but less rock. It Sill has its moments. I liked Force Ten & Prime Mover, TSS, the best for their energy. Glad you're working through the whole catalog. Better days to come, I think you'll feel, anyway.

[@youtoo2233]

Of course I do love the bass playing but never have been a fan of the bass sound on this album, I'm more into a lower end sound

[@bobcarn]

This is one of my more favorite songs from the album. It's very understated and underrated. It's got a contemplative vibe going and great imagery in the lyrics. It's put together really nice! I too like the jazz bass better and welcomed when he moved away from the 80s sounds. I never really got into that bass that didn't have a body or head.

[@bobespirit2112]

This was the WAL bass, not the Steinberger.

[@bobcarn]

@@jraelien5798I was just generalizing and referring to when they'd play and he'd have that weird fretless stick thing. I didn't like that, and I don't think he did either because once he moved away from it, he never brought it back.

[@bobcarn]

@@jraelien5798 I said "fretless"? I had a senior moment. It wasn't fretless, it was headless. Sorry about that.

[@shabadoo25]

Male/Female grownup relationship stuff will be a major theme for a while. Even when the fusion stuff recedes. I hated the Signature Guitars/Wal Bass era when it happened but I don't mind it in retrospect. It makes all the live stuff sound different. ***PLEASE GIVE US A LIFE UPDATE WHEN YOU CAN. I know Punta Gorda got slammed by Ian.

[@JustinPanariello]

We’re good. House is mostly good. We fared better than most I’d say. Waiting on electricity and internet. Maybe another week they say. 👍

[@shabadoo25]

@@JustinPanariello That's great to hear. We came out relatively unscathed in Orlando. No power for 2 days, no Internet for 3.

[@surfeit5910]

Live for yourself, there's no one else More worth living for Begging hands and bleeding hearts Will only cry out for more Vs. Closed for my protection Open to your scorn Between these two directions My heart is sometimes torn

[@charlieYTonly]

This era of Rush was a reaction to the previous era of Rush which was more riff-based, hard rock, and progressive. They knew they could write good compositions and bring a "scene" to life musically, but I think they felt they need to be better "songwriters" in the classic sense. So how do you write good songs with good melodies and keep it sounding like Rush? This album (as well as Presto) is clearly an attempt at that. Later, I think, they just embraced being hard rock Rush so the productions gets heavier later. But I still like this period and this album.

[@danielwolski873]

I spoke to a friend of mine, in the 80's he played bass in a band. He told me that in the mid to late 80's Jazz bass was not in style, that could be why Geddy didn't play it.

[@nodrush80]

Great album, although it took many listens before it grew on me.

[@natron1908]

This would be like Neil offering you a couple fingers of his favorite scotch, explaining the intricacies if the flavor, the history of it, stories about it....and then you shoot it and slam the glass in the table. You should drink the scotch slowly, take time to appreciate it.

[@dopaminetxmusic8215]

the Steinberger sounds better than the Wall. I play my jazz bass 95% of the time Nothing better!

[@rickhaddad7261]

I don't know if it's of interest to you? You should check out some of isolated bass tracks that are out there. I'm not a bass player, but for me they are pretty awesome. Take care ✌

[@JustinPanariello]

At some point I think I will. Well after the discography and Beyond The Lighted Stage.

[@patrigilligan2112]

It was a very difficult time to be a Rush fan. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

[@youtoo2233]

Yeah this album came out during the height of the hair bands which I wasn't a fan of either. I was just so happy that Rush didn't try to become one of them lol

[@nicholassmith479]

@@youtoo2233 What? You’re not a fan of Poison? 😢

[@youtoo2233]

@@nicholassmith479 😂

[@KennethStCyr-dv6cm]

LOL...its all downhill (or uphill) from here!!!

[@mjm5081]

❤ ❤... ❤

[@debbieplato5107]

Yes, not a bad song but like the rest of the album not something I would want to listen to on a regular basis.

[@caio42631]

I hate that bass sound... But you get used, but yeah, a jazz bass it would be far better. But this album have some of the best bass lines

[@rimskykorsakov2892]

The bass line is very Mick Karn of Japan

[@ashleygraham8781]

He played Wal fretless. Rest his soul, he was an awesome player.

[@rimskykorsakov2892]

@@ashleygraham8781 I was very fortunate to see Japan in concert in 1982 , Mick had great stage presence as he used to glide across the stage

[@ashleygraham8781]

@@rimskykorsakov2892 Yeah.... that shuffle he did whilst playing amazing bass lines was a sight to behold.

[@jonathanspahn7308]

I think this is a really great song 🎵 I am hearing the 'cleanness' of the production. I think if it had been a little dirtier, had a couple extra measures to increase the dynamics between phrases, let Alex cut through a little more in spots, this could have been perfect 🤣 ( not like I'm nit picking or anything 😜)🤘

[@garya7893]

How did your house make it through the storm?

[@mark-be9mq]

Prefer the Rickenbacker bass tone by far, then jazz. Wal the least, but Geddy makes it mostly work. But I didn't like it's & the guitar tone much. Alex said he adopted it to cut thru the synths better, but it sounds to tinny & high pitched.

[@dondebomm6329]

I've always just referred to this album as "that red ball album". Although there is a couple decent song on here and I don't dislike it as much as I used to, it's probably my least favorite Rush album.

[@yauybob]

Counterparts is a whole album dedicated to adult relationships. Buckle up! 🤣

[@JeffOnTheRoads]

First time I’ve ever heard the song. That will probably happen a lot at this point. The lyrics continue their downward spiral (for me), and Geddy and Alex seem to have lost some inspiration. I’ve heard they all get it back on Vapor Trails but we’ll see about that.

[@yes_head]

This is one of those mid 80s song that I have no recollection of. I couldn't hum the melody if you paid me, so it's nice to hear these again in this context. I can't say I'm a fan of Neil's drumming, with that super tight snare sound. The entire soundscape is very much "of its time." At least with this album you get the sense that Geddy remembered he's a bass player. I get the sense he'd been listening to a lot of Mark King and Level 42. Not a terrible song, overall. Just not very "Rush-y".

[@ashwar3639]

Oh boy, Second Nature really gets to the Adult Contemporary feel in a super syrupy way. The keyboards and electronic drums really reach a point of unbearable on this next song. The good news is the album starts to get way better after that. Prime Mover has some great moments and is a little more rock, and Lock and Key and Turn the Page are highlights for sure. Overall though, you are probably going to be happy when this album is over and not revisit it much. It's just too over arranged, wet, and too busy and too many notes and parts for the tones they chose and themes of these songs. I also always felt this album's tempos felt rushed (pun intended) on all the songs, contributing to the business and cluttery sound. With the adult themes and more melodic approach, I feel they should have laid back a bit on the tempos and not done so much with different synth sounds constantly filling up every space. They seem to be racing on almost every song here, almost as if they want to end them too! I predict Second Nature will be your least favorite song here, the syrup is thick on it and Alex is non existent. Second half is a little better though so hang in there! Some fantastic bass playing and drum breaks coming with some pretty cool solos from Alex that are short but crammed with detail. You will make it through and not hate the band haha! They lost their way a bit here for sure, admirable for wanting to try new things but they just got buried in gizmos and processed sounds too much.

[@cfjelde]

Keyboard era Rush gets no credit for some great songs.

[@JustinPanariello]

Signals gets tons of credit. And Power Windows is many fans favorites. I personally really like Grace Under Pressure also. THIS album gets no credit...understandably lol.

[@cfjelde]

@@JustinPanariello I, personally, haven't talked to many fans that say PW was their favorite. I might have met and known fans who like to keep it older school, cause there is that contingent. But, I have to say, the playing on PW is next level. Some of my favorite bass parts that I had to practice practice and replay just to play properly.

[@jimtatro6550]

This is one of the “meh” songs from HYF for me, it’s not bad, just vanilla.

[@danalioto3146]

Ok, but Forgettable. Don't worry things get better I swear!

[@nugeman7779]

That Wal bass......

[@yauybob]

Counterparts is a whole album dedicated to adult relationships. Buckle up! 🤣