Rush - Freewill (REACTION!)

[@LostInVegas]

This is an older early access Patreon video guys fyi. Enjoy!

[@Mar-yk6jp]

I fuckin love you guys. Yet another fantastic reaction. Best reaction channel on the Tube by FAR.

[@StfuFFS]

I knew I'd seen it before. I'm thinking this was right around the beginning of lockdowns...

[@quincee3376]

Ok cool. Thx keep up the great work.

[@brezz6759]

@@Mar-yk6jp agree they are the best music reaction channel of all of KZbin

[@brezz6759]

@@StfuFFS no this was uploaded on patreon early 2021

[@greenehorn]

This song is LITERALLY a “shoutout to the free thinkers.”

[@TimmyK916]

Yeah I can’t believe they didn’t touch on the lyrics really at all.

[@VangeliRock]

Yep. the lyrics are so profound, as much of what Neil wrote were.

[@mybiz1006]

Or, as we are currently known, 'tin foil hatters'. lol

[@kato0828]

Truth!

[@itsRiske11]

@@mybiz1006 You're free to have your thoughts about anything, but once something gets debunked, it's just being crazy to continue having those thoughts.

[@anthonyb2578]

The bass line underneath the guitar solo is unbelievable.

[@baronvonsatan]

All three of them are soloing at the same time. Unheard of in rock at the time, and probably to this day as well.

[@nicholasvinen]

Geddy's bass never disappoints! You're right, a lot of Rush songs effectively have them all soloing at the same time. It's awesome!

[@taylortyler1867]

Because he's in a band w/ Geddy Lee & Neil Peart, Alex Lifeson doesn't get enough credit for being the incredible guitarist that he is.

[@tmage23]

He also spent the latter half of the 1980s playing rhythm guitarist to Geddy's synth lines.

[@2869may]

It was actually Alex that started the band....

[@brianjones5241]

I agree whole heartedly and I’m a drummer LOL. Alex Lifeson is a great guitarist and a true virtuoso. Grew up with and is best friends with Geddy Lee to this day.

[@demolio7693]

He's on my top 5 Classic Rock Guitarists of a time

[@cherylwoodward]

No doubt.

[@RIKDDY]

Alex doesn't get left behind. Oh no. He's a master too. This is probably my favorite solo of his. Long live Rush

[@keithcrouch735]

Reacting to Freewill is no reason to NOT react to Subdivisions. Subdivisions is its own, awesome thing.

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

That's my favorite Rush song I think probably.

[@PaulHilburger]

and throw in the Analog Kid!

[@MrSinnerBOFH]

Freewill is great. Subdivisions is amazing, an MVP of songs.

[@tylermerritt6370]

They have to do Subdivisions next I just know they’re gonna love those synths

[@DMXIII]

Why your comment has 10 month ago? Is it bug?

[@jeffy6903]

Bringing up Godsmack in a Rush video is like bringing up a Honda in a discussion of Lamborghinis.

[@laverledugger1563]

Exactly

[@danvolbek]

Just a point in support of Geddy Lee's voice. He is so uniquely himself. You know who it is immediately! Cannot imagine Rush with any other singer.

[@cherylwoodward]

Thank you!!

[@theocruz4544]

Guy from Budgie sounds very similar (and also looks) tho.

[@amitraam1270]

Agreed. But I can't deny I had a "is this playing at X2 speed" moment the 1st time I heard him.

[@HeavyTopspin]

You don't approach Geddy as a vocalist. You treat his vocals like another instrument. Unlike most bands, it's the drums, bass, and guitar that are the focal point of the music; his voice is only there to convey the lyrics.

[@anthonytice3028]

@@theocruz4544 guy from Pavlov’s Dog sounds similar also just a little more operatic

[@Rich_Ware]

Geddy Lee is singing, playing bass, AND playing keyboard at the same time.

[@daviddecuir5021]

with his feet even!

[@frankphillips7436]

And using his nose to relocate the mic when necessary!

[@jameschisholm22]

Alex Lifeson undoubtedly one the most underrated guitarsts ever

[@grantcanada1]

He is not underrated. Where did you hear such fluff ?

[@iamthesenate6577]

@@grantcanada1 I don't know, probably the fact he is barely mentioned outside of the rush fan base?

[@coasternut3091]

Which really speaks to how great the other two are

[@mrbass1310]

Not in my world Jack. Hes one of the greats

[@thomasking5472]

@@grantcanada1 Rolling Stone magazine in their top 100 guitarists ranked Alex Lifeson 99/100 one up from the bottom.

[@cherylwoodward]

How this can be perceived as having no “umph” is beyond me. Masterpiece.

[@davedecker1725]

Call Dre, he could remaster it 😂

[@ThisIsAnAnnoyingProc]

It can be a good song and still be corny

[@JazzzRockFuzion]

It’s one of the best-engineered/mixed rock albums ever. Still sounds fresh and plenty punchy…I’ll respectfully disagree on that point for sure! 😛

[@flayman22]

I agree about the sound actually. I've always felt that the Terry Brown produced albums, particularly the trio of A Farewell to Kings, Hemispheres, and Permanent Waves seemed to be too focused in the midrange. Like they were mixed on Yamaha NS10s only. I'm sure they weren't, but it sounds like there's a big low-midrange boost or some weird comb filter. I think it's partly a stylistic choice. The first album to be produced by someone else was Grace Under Pressure, and although it sounds overproduced like everything else from that era, I can't deny that the drums and guitar sound much fuller and the stereo field is more pleasing. I've just learned to ignore my quibbles about the sound. You can hear Django Reinhardt and appreciate the virtuosity even though it's like listening through a tin can.

[@thecratho]

yeah.....not sure what they are talking about

[@calvingreen5202]

Natural Science, from this album is a MUST!!! Transitions, lyrics and musical genius all in one song...you won't be disappointed 😌

[@matthewginn1739]

You beat me to it! Favorite song on a great album.

[@primemover4485]

I agree only the live version off of Different Stages Live!!

[@jeffreyletourneau299]

IMO best song on the album.

[@time2k12]

100%, from babbling brook to roaring ocean and everything in between!

[@robmcgrath5202]

I was also going to say, it's my favorite song on the album. And, with it being the last track, there's certain anticipation while going through the other tracks because I know my favorite is coming.

[@TheBuglemouthBass]

In my opinion, the best instrumental breakdown section in Rush's history.

[@markdrechsler5660]

Agreed. And that is saying a lot!

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

Yeah, I always think that I’m not a huge fan of this song when it first comes on, but after that breakdown, it’s always one of my favorites, lol.

[@inspectorbudget]

I always look forward to each live performance just to hear the improvised greatness!

[@primemover1416]

I was so pissed off with the fact that I first owned Permanent Waves on 8-track (yes, I'm old) and the instrumental faded out at the end of Track 1 and faded back in on Track 2.

[@johndardi1334]

@@primemover1416 Oh man that’s just WRONG. Hehehehe

[@soggybomb]

I love the production on this! Crystal clear bass, drums, guitar...what are you looking for from a remaster?

[@jimtatro6550]

“Each of us, a cell of awareness, imperfect and incomplete. Genetic blends with uncertain ends on a fortune hunt that’s far too fleet.” Brilliant lyric, incredible song.🔥🤘🏻🎧

[@pamelahinchee8012]

Did Neil write it?

[@jimtatro6550]

@@pamelahinchee8012 Yes, that’s why it’s brilliant.👍

[@csk19633]

My favorite lyric in the song.

[@wonderwatchlisten]

My favorite! And when he sings it, his voice soars!!

[@thomasking5472]

Based on the essays of famed philosopher William James. "If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice" is a direct quote. Neal loved his literature.

[@ysalimirii]

Alex is one of the best guitarists in prog rock and yet many forget to mention him because of Neil and Geddy. Alex is incredible.

[@TheBuglemouthBass]

Fun fact: Alex's born surname is Zivojinovich, which translates in Serbian to "Life Son". His parents were 1st generation immigrants that fled war and turmoil in Yugoslavia.

[@justindexter2810]

Everyone agrees Neil is a legend, and we all know how good Geddy is (the reason I started playing bass), but people forget that Alex Lifeson is equally as talented as they are, and I think it's because he's so selective of when to display his virtuosity, always careful to not go full McFly and shred the synchrony of the song

[@jeyfromnowhere]

The irony being that the lead guitarist usually gets the lion's share of virtuoso praise (unless there's a uniquely charismatic front person), but when you're the third member of a band that includes the greatest drummer and the greatest bassist of all time (arguably, of course) you can get lost in the conversation.

[@davidleeroth784]

I think they are one of the few bands who everyone is in the Top 10 of their craft. Not even my fave band Van Halen could claim that.

[@davedecker1725]

@@davidleeroth784 c'mon Dave, gimme a break!

[@tzt1182]

Exactly!

[@stevedrums1675]

I saw them 49 times from 1982 never missing a tour through the last one. I was 12 in 1982 and 45 in 2015. They went from being almost other-worldly superheroes when I was a kid to almost friends that would come to town every couple of years and musically say "hi" and catch me up on what they were up to. That's a lot of life seeing these guys......I miss them terribly, but so grateful. Being their fan was and remains a privilege..

[@kurtboehm4095]

Amen

[@jamesmichael3607]

No don’t explain anything. These 2 don’t care. But to diss. Talentless. Literally listen to what you love . These guys are making money pretending, and not really good at

[@debbiekennedy7720]

This song literally changed my life. Thirty-five years ago I was “stuck” in a bad home/relationship situation that was 360 degrees of toxicity. I had the opportunity to make a burning-bridges move to a city that I had never been to in which I knew basically no one. Fear of the unknown had me bogged down and unable to make a decision. This song came on the radio in the car and the lyric “If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice” stopped me cold. I looked at my life and thought, “I don’t choose this”. I packed up and left the next day.

[@fgs2732]

That’s deep. Good for you

[@killrmillr]

I saw Rush at least once on every tour starting in 1986. The single greatest performance I ever saw them do was Freewill in 2008. They were on it that night and it was amazing.

[@Baelzar]

I do prefer the live version.

[@norwegianblue2017]

Exactly the same for me! Started with Power Windows and caught every tour at least once until they hung it up.

[@louofm1]

I saw every tour since 1984. Each show was absolutely amazing, right up until their final tour.

[@paulgale2565]

I love your reaction videos but please don't forget about Alex Lifeson. He is probably one of , if not the most underappreciated guitarist in prog/rock music history and it's a crime. Rush is the "Holy Trinity". Like a tripod, this group would not exist without all 3 members holding up their end. Alex does that as well as Neil and Geddy do. Thank you guys. RIP PROFESSOR PEART

[@stephensevenpounder5447]

We think alike on this. Alex Leifson is an amazing guitarist. He makes it look so easy.

[@BigShield86]

Out of all three Alex is the only founding member of Rush

[@paulgale2565]

@@BigShield86 I'm aware of their history as well, that doesn't negate the fact that he's amazing and underappreciated.

[@Garoth4582]

Honestly he probably is the most underrated. They are all 3 top in their fields but the other two always steal the thunder. I don't know why he is never given his due. If he wasn't good as the other two rush wouldn't work. Plus he deserves more credit because there is no rhythm guitarist. He brings it all.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

I absolutely love the full range of his guitar work. It's just so incredible and then he often multitask like the other members do, playing pedals and things sometimes.

[@chilly2go]

There IS A Remastered version of this album! The 40th Anniversary edition has been released for several albums with Permanent Waves being the most recent release. I highly recommend checking out this song or any others you want to react to from those albums instead of the original releases if you want a more modern mix.

[@marccouture67]

Yep, here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6OloZeve6iNo9E

[@StickHits]

It doesn't really sound any different though, but doesn't matter because it already sounds amazing

[@sydhamelin1265]

@@StickHits I love these guys, but Ryan has a fundamental misunderstanding about good production and mastering. This is AAA, world class production. The stuff he's wanting can be done with an EQ. But pumping the volume just compresses the overall sound. Adjust the EQ, set the volume, and enjoy, this is produced exactly as it should be.

[@bapt_andthebasses]

This album can't be remixed because the original tapes are long lost. The remaster sounds meh

[@Kevin-fy7vu]

I came here to basically say this. A great deal of Rush’s catalog has been remastered at this point. A quick 5 second search on any platform is going to show you a remastered option if available.

[@adamjohnson4821]

"You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill I will choose a path that's clear. I will choose Freewill" The chorus, hell, the entire song is thought-provoking, something that we need as a people need to listen to.

[@Dobr3967]

I can’t believe y’all start each review with “shout out to the free thinkers” but didn’t comment on the awesome lyrics of “Freewill.” Did you read along while listening?

[@alrivers2297]

Yeah seriously

[@beebeeramone4641]

My God no kidding. One of my favorite all time Rush songs BECAUSE of its encouragement of free and critical thinking.

[@tonylightcap2053]

Listening to these musicians show off has ALWAYS been a pleasure.

[@johnmiett6532]

Red Barchetta is a definite sleeper, one of my favorites from Rush.

[@krisiglehart3061]

Mine too brother it tells such a cool story, if you like music, cars, racing, you'll love this Bad Ass song.

[@wichitadisciple9874]

One of my favorites !!

[@gregoryzakutansky9506]

Definitely Red Barchetta. Takes one on a songscape journey. Me likey!

[@samprichard8134]

100% one of the best off moving pictures and from rush in general

[@thomasrush5417]

Yep.

[@robertljazz2796]

Watch this played live its unbelievable the sound coming from three musicians who have mastered their instruments!!!!

[@chrisscott7317]

Another great song from Rush is Natural Science. Definitely check it out

[@Josh-ov2js]

That song!!!! My favorite one too.

[@fromulus]

Oh fuck yeah that song is an absolute masterpiece.

[@Spineburger]

Such an underrated track. I remember when I was diving into their catalog for the first time and came upon that. I was like HOW IS THIS NOT UP THERE WITH THEIR BEST KNOWN SONGS

[@2869may]

Yes..! and "Jacobs Ladder"

[@TylerBrian-h4m]

Every few years a new generation discovers bands like Rush! Thank you for reacting to this!

[@ChrisMusial]

Jacob's Ladder from this release is outstanding as well. One of their best.

[@Mikey_Sea]

The Vegas live version of that is too freaking cool.

[@alexe3700]

Yeah that one grows on you

[@mattpool2112]

Permanent waves is just a perfect album. Every track is "one of their best" even Different Strings is a masterpiece.

[@shanewilson199]

Each one of us has our on outstanding song. Natural science, entre nous are great too.

[@teejenkins75]

That's my favorite on this album

[@cherylwoodward]

George, you cannot compare Geddy Lee’s amazing singing to Fragglerock! WTF?!!😂

[@andrewgarrison7485]

It is seriously unfair, Fragglerock heights are just not attainable.

[@cherylwoodward]

@@andrewgarrison7485 😂

[@sydhamelin1265]

Ryan - we gotta talk about the Loudness War, and why the production you're looking for has actually hurt the overall quality of music. There are some great examples of older songs remastered the way you're asking, with the end result being a loss of dynamics in the song, because everything is getting pushed up to a ceiling, resulting in less room for each instrument to sit on the recording. It's like raising the floor of your house 4 feet, but only raising the ceiling 2 feet. Yes, everything is higher, but it's more cramped. Music works the same way, there's a ceiling to these levels before they start distorting (called "clipping"), and so the ceiling of the music can't be raised that high. When you raise the floor, you lose the distinction in the instruments. You'd actually hear the bass less prominently, and you'd really, really lose things like the hi-hats and other percussion. Rush had some of the best engineers and producers in the world, they did it right the first time. Just turn the volume up and adjust your EQ to your preference. (You guys do use an EQ right?)

[@ryanjacobson2508]

The problem is that they don't take the time to adjust to natural sound dynamics, but just complain that the levels aren't high enough. It's actually been proven that people tire of loud music after about 10-15 minutes, but keep in mind that many people are listening to music on earbuds in noisy environments so they aren't really getting the full sonic environment anyway.

[@olivierpeartnoy]

Yeah I never understood that. If the master isn't loud enough, just up the volume lol. That being said the production on PW isn't my favorite. It's a bit "flat". Moving Pictures though...if I ever hear people talking shit about that production I'm gonna snap haha.

[@sydhamelin1265]

@@olivierpeartnoy I saw PW and thought you meant Power Windows at first, which is probably one of their worst produced albums hehe. But I actually love the production on Hemispheres, Permanent Waves, and Moving Pictures, with MP being the capstone, where they really had the sound down. Then Signals, to me, is where it started flattening out a bit, especially the drum production. But I listened to them back to back just now, and I will admit that PW's sound is a bit thinner than MP. I still think those are their 3 peak albums for production, and probably for writing as well. and yes 2112 gets a nod haha. As far as volume, YES. If you want it louder, turn it up. Sure, you have to turn it down again if the next song is something with modern production, but you lose so much in dynamics with that modern day production. Same with EQ'ing. People don't realize that a well engineered song is going to let the listener have a lot of control over the sound. Everything will be in the mix, and you can EQ it based on how you want it to sound. I just hear someone streaming a song, no EQ, then talking about how they wish the production was better. It's like listening to it through a phone speaker and saying "man, they really blew it by not putting in the bass", like no. If you're going to run a channel about listening to music, you gotta learn how to get the right sound.

[@sydhamelin1265]

@@ryanjacobson2508 Yeah, ear fatigue from improperly mastered music, where midrange is cut low to make it more "punchy". Your ears actually strain to pull out the midrange from the music and it ends up adversely impacting your listening experience. I'm not an audiophile, but whenever I hear people complaining about the mastering, I always first ask "what are you playing it through?". Ryan has to remember that HE gets to choose the volume, he is in control of that. if he wants it louder, turn it up. But don't squish the volume floor, because you lose the dynamics.

[@olivierpeartnoy]

@@sydhamelin1265 I have to disagree about Power Windows. It lacks a bit of bass but I love how crisp it sounds and the overall sound design of it. I understand why it's not everyone's favorite but personally my worst productions have to be either Presto or Vapor Trails. Didn't love the one for Clockwork Angels either.

[@Double_Gator]

Life in one verse: “Each of us, a cell of awareness, imperfect and incomplete. Genetic blends, with uncertain ends, on a fortune hunt that’s far too fleet.” The music, the lyrics: my favorite song from my favorite band. Period.

[@m.gideonhoyle409]

Someone please tell Ryan that there actually are remastered versions available for many Rush albums, including this one.

[@CoastalRock10]

Exactly. I think the track sounds great imo

[@thejonathandoan]

11:08 YES!!!!! Stank face is EXACTLY the reaction I was hoping for!! That solo section is probably Rush's most visceral piece of music in their entire canon! Yeah, it's DIRTY!! :)

[@reshpeck]

The live version of this on Exit: Stage Left is amazing. The crowd's deafening cheers after Lifeson's solo is exhilarating to hear

[@necoperez2924]

Natural science from this album.. It's definitely one of their best songs.. Transitions galore

[@26milez]

Rush - Natural Science

[@danarchuleta1154]

Wow, not my favorite reaction...This song is a masterpiece on many levels. No mention of the lyrics or how the music embodies "freewill," with the breakdown illustrating how "free" musical components can meld into such an amazing culmination of sound....Freak'n Fragglerock...?! Relisten and note the change after the break....Getty's vocals soared...just what one wants to accompany music that is cerebral, fluid and virtuosic, a sonic Kaleidoscope. Still enjoy your reactions...just one Rush fan's take....peace!

[@raidrfrk]

Especially stopping it every 40 seconds

[@wonderwatchlisten]

Agreed! This song is amazing! And the live version on the *remastered* album - Geddy kills it!!

[@todvball]

This song flows....so well...it takes the mind on a journey; it's very uplifting after a tough week....I think that's another reason so many can relate! So good.

[@MrShagification]

It's a reaction, the point is to just talk about how you feel. You seem to be dissenting, because they don't feel the same way your do. That's kind of silly. I think Rush is easily one of the greatest bands in history, but I still think they occasionally have some goofy sounds, and how the overall mix of the original records can be wanting. I even like a lot of their stuff, because of how carefree and silly it is; it has a rare charm to it.

[@groezinjohn]

Couldn't have said it better myself!!!

[@neighbourhoodmusician]

Damn, man. I adore Geddy Lee's vocals. He sounds so sincere and he ranged in style over the years so well.

[@cherylwoodward]

No apologies necessary. His vocals make Rush every bit as much as Neil’s drumming and Alex’s soloing.

[@mark-be9mq]

Agree.

[@paulgale2565]

Hey fellas, you both obviously know music and can appreciate the signature changes but their timing, no wasted notes always amazes me being a fan since the early 70's. Watching their maturation over the years has been a pleasure. Their love and friendship growing up together is what connects them and makes their timing flawless. FAMILY goes along way...dedication helps. Thanks guys. Appreciate you!

[@bryansproles2879]

I was watching Fraggle Rock in the 80's on HBO 😂 Definitely need to check out Subdivisions - huge hit. Both Subdivisions and Freewill also have really deep lyrics. Remember that Neil was the primary lyricist since he's been in the band.

[@8LOU_SKUNT]

Solo: a musical composition for a single voice or instrument with or without accompaniment. Rusholo: a musical composition for three instruments without accompaniment.

[@toraxic]

Re: Ryan's request for remasters... the production on Rush's albums in the late 70s and early 80s is actually seen as an hallmark of "dry" production and fidelity. You don't have distortion and heaviness, but you have detail and a wide soundstage. It may not have a lot of effects, but it sounds more transparent and highlights the playing better. As for Geddy Lee's voice, his vocals post-1981 are mellower and lower. Try "Show Don't Tell" or "Bravado" (or for something heavier, "Far Cry" and "One Little Victory") to see how they evolved in their career.

[@anthrax2525]

Certainly "Far Cry". "Seven And Seven Is" deserves a look, too.

[@qtheband751]

A study revealed that the dynamic range (essentially frequency range) has gradually diminished from decade to decade starting in the 60s. So, from a pure audio perspective, songs from the 60s and 70s had greater fidelity and sound quality. The deterioration has been attributed in part to the excessive use of compression.

[@BushcraftingBogan]

Listen to the bass isolated during Alex's solo. Its pure madness!

[@SF_Bud]

Probably my favorite of Alex's guitar solos and I am a BIG Rush fan, especially of their earlier days. He kills this one.

[@kippsguitar6539]

And most difficult

[@alexandrepontes4003]

Killing solo. The bass line underneath is incredible too

[@monalisaganser5813]

Rush is the greatest. Together for 40 yrs. Amazing. Phenomenal! 😀❤️🎸🐕

[@timwhitnell7145]

Nah, it's an incredible song. Every guitar you hear on a Rush song is Alex Lifeson - so great but still underrated. This song needed more emphasis from you on the philosophy of Neil's lyrics. "If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice." Seemingly a simple concept but deep. This is the first time I've heard you guys say anything negative about Geddy's singing. His tone is unique. It may not be to everyone's liking but there's no way his singing is corny. It's always earnest.

[@salvatoredioguardi3132]

Three musical geniuses! These men deserved every bit of the Rock Hall!!

[@puz369]

That section you love is basically all 3 dudes soloing at the same time. And it slaps. Unbelievable.

[@matthewjames9885]

You guys are still barely scratching the surface of rush!! Show don’t tell, cold fire, big money, one little victory, and earthshine just to name a few! I’ve been listening to rush since I was 2 years old and I get chills seeing people hear these songs for the first time. Great vid as always.

[@Haegi]

Porcupine Tree - Anesthetize (Live in Tilburg) an absolute must in the progsphere

[@dannyhaines2387]

Many people didn't care for Getty's voice until they listened to Many songs and just fell in to the songs! Getty's voice is an instrument itself in the music 🎶

[@willpowerfpv3246]

Fun fact, Fraggle Rock is getting a reboot right now, and Foo Fighters have already done music for it! 😅👌 Great video, guys! I'm Canadian, so I grew up on Rush. 🇨🇦🤟

[@johnstrange6799]

This song was great then, and this song is great now. There was NOTHING else like it on the radio.

[@DougOrleans]

Wikipedia: Lifeson says the guitar solo in the song is a "really hard solo to play", describing it as "frenetic and exciting" and "one of the most ambitious pieces of music Rush has ever done".

[@na-tv6rn]

I always found the solo in Middletown Dreams to be one of Alex's most frantic ones. It just kicks off with such intensify. Great song and album too!

[@13StJimmy]

Rush is one of the few bands that while you won’t love every song you’ll love what’s being done in the song

[@vonbass1300]

If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.

[@longsnapper5381]

RUSH is 3 masters of their instruments cutting loose.Geddy's singing never gives me chills.

[@gh41996]

Natural Science is a must from this album! You'll like the sound better compared to the more 80s sounding Subdivisions, which is also fantastic!

[@donjackson5522]

The Best Intro Ever really displays how Rush can blend their transitions seamlessly even between songs with totally different timing.

[@ajdelprete]

Y'all need to do another Rush epic song like Natural Science off this same album!

[@usagi2988]

Bruh, I'm with you on the Fraggle Rock vibe... for a kids show, that theme song bangs.

[@LOVEtheMuse59]

Alex Lifeson rarely gets his flowers! He was/is ground breaking. Love Rush!

[@erikhughes7150]

Greetings from a fellow Las Vegan (Blue Diamond). So glad I found your channel. You guys are great and your passion for this genre of music is impressive. Keep the excellent reviews coming. Rush is so epic and loved these guys since I was probably 10 years old. Cheers!

[@konstantinosG84]

Natural Science and Jacob's Ladder off of this album, are beyond beautiful. Half of the prog metal scene after them are copying these two songs. And if you want to hear something more modern from them you should check Counterparts.

[@surf101-]

You must not be a true fan if these are your 2 choices!!!!!

[@frankphillips7436]

18:50 That comedown back to the chorus groove is the pinnacle of this song!

[@DerInspektor]

Great song by a great band. You are still the only reactions I am still watching. Do Rush Witch Hunt please next.

[@ibanezman04]

The next Rush reaction surely has to be Red Barchetta or The Camera Eye.

[@TeeDOG6]

Nothing wrong with loving "Working Man". Rutsey was a great drummer. The reality was he was replaced by "The Professor".

[@MusicHead480]

Rush - Closer to the heart

[@conrad98gtp]

The music was created in a different era, and it is just fine. It is some of their most memorable work. Also, the lyrics are always very important in every Rush song. The message equally has just as much impact as the music.

[@VG-iq8xq]

Oh man so glad you chose Freewill. It's probably my favorite Rush song. It just flat out bangs! I think Alex said the master tapes were destroyed in a fire so they aren't able to remaster it the way they'd like too.

[@calkelpdiver]

Sometimes "less" is "more" in music. Too much re-mixing and other enhancement tricks take away from the original sound. Thing about Rush is that their live performances sound like in the studio, and vice versa. Highly skilled musicians who can create a sound and play it faithfully in any situation. That is the real magic of Rush.

[@Ritaholden1]

My husband and I absolutely love Rush! Have listened to them since the 80's. This is his favorite Rush song. Or anything from 2112. Thank you for the reaction. ❤️

[@devwhit]

If you like “Working Man” so much, you should react to the live version from Cleveland, the “Time Machine” tour. Mind-blowing.

[@johnfoster5295]

Not nearly as good as the original. They messed with the arrangement. Almost sounds like a different song.

[@devwhit]

@@johnfoster5295, I actually think it’s miles better than the original. In any case, definitely with a watch. 🙂

[@johnfoster5295]

Agree to disagree. The original version is fire. They changed it too much for me. Worth a listen since they already heard the original, but I would never recommend it for a first listen.

[@devwhit]

@@johnfoster5295, I really like the diversity in taste of the Rush fandom. I would absolutely recommend the live Cleveland version as a first listen. But that’s just me. 🙂👍🏻

[@GreyDabbler]

Great choice, Gents! This is one of their many songs that holds up as a poem - extremely meaningful lyrics, deeply philosophical.

[@luliby2309]

It is mind-bogglingly insane to think that Geddy Lee is not respected as a vocalist by so many people. Anyone who knows singing knows that Geddy is great. His range and his control and everything is just phenomenal. Doing it all while also playing bass and sometimes keyboards just adds another layer. He truly is an underrated singer. He's secretly one of the best vocalists around. It's also insane that so many younger people around my age just seem to hate good singing. Man, there's nothing as exhilarating as a great singer who can blast out monster vocals in a powerful range. It's also why a great harsh vocalist is so captivating to me as well. And since it got brought up again, I need to rant about the extreme flaws of modern recording practices. Let me tell you, a record that sounds like this is something to aim for. There's nothing in this recording that lacks any kind of punch or power or fidelity or depth or whatever. That's all because it's mixed properly. The funny thing is, though we do have superior tech today, a lot of the "remasters" for records that have come out have just made the same ole mistakes of blasting up the volume and the bass and ending up with a record with worse audio quality as a result. If you've ever noticed at a live Rock concert, the guitar has more amps and they're bigger, while the bass guitar has fewer and smaller amps. That's because the human ear hears bass easier than treble and mids. So many younger people today are used to that, and just because they're used to it, they consider it better. I don't know, maybe it's like how many people today actually buy more fast food the more money they make, even though it's supposed to be a reverse good. Nowadays, good is bad and bad is good.

[@XViTNg]

Eh. I mean. I like rush. But Geddys voice has always kept me from being a big fan. He is definitely gifted with his voice. But he wrote the absolute corniest melodies. That’s why 2112 is the one album where the vocals were far less corny. And even that album is full of corny melodies. But this album and moving pictures especially have some of the lamest corniest vocals ever.

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

@@XViTNg The cornyness is the awesome part, my man. There’s nothing wrong with being sincere.

[@birsay123]

His voice after 2000 leaves much to be desired

[@luliby2309]

Absolutely disagreed with Geddy's vocals being..."corny". I mean...corny? I don't understand what's "corny" about it. :/ It sounds like when I've heard people call Dream Theater "cheesy". There's like...no massive difference in their melody writing compared to many other bands. I don't think I'd understand what people are even getting at unless they gave me some examples of other "corny" bands/songs and some examples of "non-corny" bands/songs. And his voice after 2000 is perfectly fine. He sounds lower, so perhaps he lost a bit of upper range, but his vocal ability is still completely intact. It's ironic too, because usually people hate his younger voice for being too high, but like his older voice better for being lower, alongside the tonal change. Honestly, it all just boils down to people making excuses that don't add up. The entire band is clearly untouchable and good, so people have to hide their closed-mindedness behind excuses that don't make sense. People do this all the time when they clearly just don't like something for nonsense reasons and attempt to justify it. They can't just be mature and say that the band isn't for them, but there's obviously nothing wrong with any of it. XD

[@mattnicholson2364]

That solo section is indescribably good. Jaw dropping. Likely their best ever.

[@roddmcleodable]

Subdivisions is a really interesting lyric... looking at teen alienation in suburbia. One of Neil's very best drumming compositions as well. You'd love it, George.

[@royh.6234]

Jeff Jones was the original bass player and vocalist in Rush he was replaced by Geddy before the recording of their first album and Jeff later moved on to join the Canadian band Red Rider with Tom Cochran . You may remember the song “Lunatic Fringe”

[@king_ziltch]

Being from Toronto, I obviously had alot of exposure to Rush growing up. You guys should check out the song Circumstances off the Hemispheres album. I would also recommend New World Man, and also the Anolog Kid from their Signals album, which also has Subdivisions 🤘

[@dsomerville5293]

Circumstances the most underrated Rush song

[@jazzehentner4548]

Remember they played it live just exactly like the Album they pulled off every song live exactly as you were used to hearing it, their live recordings are so good it's ridiculous......That was the most impressive to me!!!!!

[@greatone5712]

In an Era (my time) originality was as important as any other aspect. Geddy Lee has a unique vocal that is RUSH.

[@F3502000]

Love Rush!! 👍

[@CoastalRock10]

Dude, it has been remastered. it was recorded back in the eighties so it's not going to sound like stuff you're listening to in the last 10-20 years even if it's remastered. They used completely different recording tools back then.

[@michaelbrown3128]

Just 3 guys, and Neil Peart, the drummer wrote all of their lyrics!!!! Bad ass, and so creative!

[@aldersmoke1]

To George's criticism of the production, this song has been remastered multiple times through the years. What I would say is that bands like Rush and Sabbath sound like actual live bands. What you seem to be looking for is all the artificial layering and manipulation that goes with modern rock production that enhances the live performance. In other words, what you're used to isn't real. This is, for whatever that's worth.

[@Hotlog69]

I don't think Ryan wants a remaster but a total remix. Now of course you can't have them re-record everything. They have the stems. Someone one could take that into strange new directions.

[@Gimfigle496]

Rush is actually the opposite. They spared nothing to make their concerts sound as close to the studio productions as possible.

[@aldersmoke1]

@@Hotlog69 Sure, they could use modern production techniques to modify or beef up the original tracks, but my point is that the result would be artificial. People are used to modern recordings sounding frankly unnatural, with enhanced bass, etc. The production on the Terry Brown helmed Rush albums is fantastic. No way I'd mess with it.

[@aldersmoke1]

@@Gimfigle496 That wasn't very hard for them at their level of playing. Funny thing about recreating the studio performance live, it's pretty easy to do if the studio version was recorded live, which Rush albums from this era basically were. They're from an era where bands rehearsed their songs into the ground prior to recording them because they didn't have the luxury of punching in and copy/pasting to fix everything.

[@dingleberrysnigglefritz]

casualties of the loudness wars, these guys are.

[@brettteeter3461]

This song is incredible.

[@PadreMortalis]

You got me with Fraggle Rock. The freaking memories flew outta my brain!

[@billymuellerTikTok]

LOL - my younger brothers were in love with that show - I was more into Sesame Street and early Muppets (the show and the first movie or two) the song without watching it sounded a lot better than I remember... Jim Henson also did that Emmet Otter Christmas Special and the 'Riverbottom Nightmare Band' song was my jam

[@billymuellerTikTok]

Animal was a freaking awesome drummer too

[@maximilianodelrio]

I was waiting for you to react to this one, absolute banger!

[@sansbudget]

We don't actually hate Working Man at all. But we know that the best comes later

[@mr.e8432]

I’ve seen Alex nail that solo live several times. Amazing guitarist.

[@731trident]

Thank you for posting another Rush review! **edit** 'Subdivisions' - OH HELL YES! (Also, I'd really like you guys to do 'Nobody's Fault But Mine' and/or 'In The Evening' by Led Zeppelin, if possible.)

[@magicbrownie1357]

To say there is a "guitar solo" in this song is a misnomer. All three guys are soloing on their instruments at the same time. Inventors of "the combo solo"

[@jbassguy571]

This album is one of the best-engineered records of all time.

[@alleyeditor]

What Ryan said about not liking the song, but hears how amazing it is, is why Rush is the greatest band ever. All three of them, Geddy, Alex and Neil, musical geniuses.

[@wolflarson71]

"Anthem" has an equally impressive solo that just goes bonkers with the bass, drum and guitar chaos.

[@neighbourhoodmusician]

Anthem is a big yes. That and Bytor and the Snowdog. Both fantastic early Rush.

[@MandyZor-El]

Love RUSH!