Rush Permanent Waves Album Reaction! Part 3 Musician Listens First Time

[@leddygee1896]

Alex Lifeson is a master of chord arpeggiation… It’s just that simple.

[@winstonlane708]

🎸🐐

[@robchehowski4281]

Everyone always points to Moving Pictures as the ultimate Rush album, but Permanent Waves is right up there as well. Like all Rush albums, the ones preceding it directly influence the ones following. PW is simply incredible.

[@RonniePeterson]

Honestly, I found Moving Pictures a huge letdown after Permanent Waves. For me an impossible act to follow which plagued all Rush albums going forward. Don't get me wrong I love them all but this album was a tough act to follow.

[@DionysusAlS]

Permanent Waves is better than Moving Pictures. It's not even close. Permanent Waves still sounds fresh today while Moving Pictures sounds quite dated. Lyrically, Moving Pictures doesn't compare favorably. "Natural Science" is more relevant now than it was 40 years ago.

[@willmcpherson8097]

PW is way better than MP in my opinion.

[@generoberts9151]

I got moving pictures like 3rd or 4th in my list. This is my #1. Every song is perfection

[@roundtownKen]

@@RonniePeterson Agree. P Waves feels like their high-water mark and maybe their best and most ambitious writing/part recording, exemplified by N Science. It seems like they fulfilled ALL of their potential in this release, never to be completely captured and duplicated going forward from PW. I'm not implying that their other later releases were substandard in any way. They just don't shine like an electrified gem like PW does.

[@motodork]

Natural Science is my all time favorite RUSH song.

[@maximilianodelrio]

I listened to it and played it multiple times a day, every day, for almost all of 2020. The song will forever retain a special place in my heart

[@umbluegray1]

That guitar solo outro is some of, in my opinion, Alex's best guitar work hands down. Incredible.

[@danarchuleta1154]

Yep, Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures may be the pinnacle of their collection. Natural Science is in my top 5 Rush tunes... again with salient and foreshadowing ideas of current socio-cultural themes. Notice the upbeat and almost royal musical accompaniment to the statements concerning Science and the honest man. Rush is a universal treasure!

[@ginamarandino6451]

Your face said it all at the end natural science. That's exactly how I feel when the song ends it's epic!

[@bostonwhofan]

I wonder if I'm the only person on the planet who never got to see Rush live, but I've met Geddy Lee, took a selfie of Geddy and I, and have his personally signed book "Big Beautiful Book of Bass"? I had the honor of meeting Geddy Lee at a book signing near Boston in 2019, just a few months before the pandemic struck. As a fan of The Who since I was 13 years old (I'm 56 now), I think it's cool when Geddy was asked what his "Desert Island" album is. He said "Who's Next" by The Who!

[@kben036]

On their last tour, they played Spirit of Radio (of course), Jacob’s Ladder, and Natural Science. I was not disappointed!!

[@MrBedZeppelin]

"Different Hearts beat on Different Strings". Oh, that sweet, haunting guitar outro, 4:20 (YES)! "Most endangered species, the Honest man". Thanks fpr the honest reaction/analysis! You are really feeling the RUSH!!

[@j.c.a2872]

My favorite Rush album, Jacob's Ladder is a masterpiece as is Natural Science !!!!!!

[@PeterMcCracken-n3g]

Cheers John, you got great taste in music, which will surely help you along. Great work as usual and thankyou for your critique. Cheers.

[@jimtatro6550]

This was the first Rush album I ever bought when it came out in 1980. I was a 12 year old kid who loved Spirit of the radio and bought the album because of that song. As a stupid kid I didn’t even listen to the second side of the album until two years later when I became a full-fledged rush fan. Natural science might be one of the top five songs they ever did.

[@Joelster-og4pf]

Honestly, I think Natural Science is underrated. HOLY SHIT, how is that song not one of the best songs of all time!!!

[@debbieplato5107]

The whole album is fabulous! I saw an interview with them and Natural Science was the only song that wasn't written before they went into the studio. They wrote Natural Science in 2 to 3 days! 🤯

[@seano2112]

There must be a tape somewhere in the archives of Alex playing on at the end of Different Strings - I would love to hear it.

[@edgarpacifico3421]

I was waiting for you to reach this song and see your reaction 💓 Mind-blowing!!

[@calvinevans6347]

I just love Geddy's bass playing.

[@mdu2112]

I'm am the only one here typing PW and then thinking, wait, this could mean Power Windows! John, I could've sworn you were about to proclaim Different Strings as your new favorite song (for the Nth time!). It seems to have hit the right spots with you. This is my "secret"favorite song. Onward with some more Rush!

[@lvgelfling72]

My personal favorite album. Natural Science being my favorite song from Rush period. Glad you finally got to this one. This, imo, is the perfect album. I also think everything from Hemispheres to GUP is perfect though as well. Lol

[@JohnSlopReacts]

Glad you've come along for the ride :)

[@conrad98gtp]

"Different Strings" as more of a relatable term, music wise, but more as a metaphor, how we as people are different, and are driven by different purposes, yet sometimes find ways to relate.

[@niged]

The most endangered species, the honest man! What brilliant lyrics from Neil! Watch them play this live, Snakes and Arrows tour, unbelievable

[@calvingreen5202]

Another great reaction!! This album has always been my favorite!! Even though Moving Pictures was their most successful album, I always enjoyed the delicate, yet complex arrangements of Permanent Waves. This album was the perfect predecessor for Moving Pictures.

[@jaywitt5171]

Great reaction, John. How fitting is it that they put an end to Permanent Waves with the sound of waves. And, I bet that sounds really good on the headphones for people who have never actually seen the ocean or been down to a tide pool. Natural Science waves really bring you there. Tide pools are amazing.

[@hampyonce]

Its only Rock & Roll, but I am left with a pleasant feeling about it.

[@willmcpherson8097]

I was waiting for you to listen to Natural Science. Permanent Waves is hands down Rush at their most epic. Great review.

[@jacquesjrviens3384]

Glad you enjoyed this perfect album…. And now… Moving pictures. Can’t wait !!! Another masterpiece.

[@stevepreece2931]

For me the best Rush album and natural science as a guitarist wow

[@cogline]

Great reaction to a masterpiece album

[@richspencer248]

John such a fantastic closing song...that song was the last song on the Snakes and Arrows Tour if I remember right...an outdoor Gorge Amphitheater in George, Washington...It was miraculous.

[@GeorgeJohnson-gf2do]

Mr,.Slop ,if you keep this up you will be sucked down the Rush rabbit hole that will never let you out of and be come a life long Rush fan as millions have already become.Tread lightly young man.😝

[@cpmf2112]

Natural Science is my all time favorite song 😁

[@thedarkness97]

For a live version of Natural Science, I cannot recommend highly enough, the Moulson Ampitheater live version, the best of this song live!

[@tj7264]

Love this album!! Natural Science is such an awesome experience live as well. Have seen it many many times!!

[@lisaharrison1031]

So glad they played both JL & NS on the R40 tour in 2015. What a way to go out……. RUSH is the best.

[@stantheman9072]

You note the same response I had when you said the songs had a “steely” sound to them. This album was a huge sonic departure from its predecessors, while being stylistically similar. Rush was spreading gloriously artistic wings here. I had to listen to it several times when new to catch up to it. Being just another dumb college kid at the time, I wasn’t sure at first I liked a lot of it. It was that big of a musical surprise. I’m not saying I did not think it was good work, but it’s sort of like appreciating the quality of any piece of art without having a personal like for it. But then over time, on repeated listening, I learned how much work it took on my part to hear how great it all was.

[@michaelakkerman407]

My favorite Rush album...it's hard to beat. Signals and Power Windows are great seconds.

[@docwho10th88]

"The most endangered species, the honest man"

[@carlgibbons5777]

I told you that this record is when Rush hit their stride and took it to another level:) There is no early Rush record that comes close to matching the brilliance of Permanent Waves, Moving Pictures, or even Signals, Grace Under pressure, and Power Windows for that matter. The 80's ushered in Rush at their pinnacle.

[@charlesbarbarotta2892]

This tune is so incredibly creative, and honestly a prog masterpiece.

[@juliebrockett3471]

Loved it!!

[@toshibautoob]

Thanks John, this was one of a few Rush albums I haven't gotten yet. I believe it will be my next purchase thanks to you.

[@gregsantine4155]

Not many bands will come close. Ever.. pure integrity

[@Nightrelic]

This is my favorite Rush album. I remember when it came out, it was so different from anything else out there. New Wave was big by this point, so, at least I was getting away from hard rock, but this album crossed over. It was so different it fit into the mix. And it was perfect. It’s a lot more melodic than their previous albums and lyrics fit the melody like a glove, unlike previous albums. Everything was perfect.

[@bobespirit2112]

To me, this is Rush’s greatest album. It’s perfect in every way, as is Moving Pictures in every way but one - MP doesn’t have Natural Science - and the guitar tone on PW is otherworldly - that’s the immortal Rush guitar tone - when Alex solos, it’s like the heavens opening for me. There are a million other incredible, fabulous musical moments on other Rush albums, but if I could only have one - there is no contest for me; it’s Permanent Waves every time.

[@miconis123]

Natural Science shows how good Alex is good at conveying emotion or painting a picture with sound.

[@ginamarandino6451]

I have to comment again I love your intro and your outro. I would switch it up weekly I love hearing you play

[@croydonmassive]

So glad you enjoyed that album dude.

[@snowdog0312]

In my opinion, and the realization of the greatness of this band, however, I’m sure that most radio stations are not going to play these two songs which I love probably forever. They are classically outside-the-box, and their compilations consist of that which only true RUSH fans will understand. These songs are true RUSH, relax, and enjoy. And if you can keep up with their time signature changes, and all those fun things that rearrange your brain. It truly takes guts and the dealing with an industry that is focused on 3-minute songs on your drive to work. So, here are my reaction comments. And all I can think of is how to tell a true RUSH fan from a wanna be? If your first and second song selections are comprised of and off their Permanent Waves album; both are Jacobs Ladder 'and' Natural Science. If so, reward yourself for being a true bad ass, and just more musical than the next guy. But if you try and keep up with this group, made mostly for musicians, you will be amongst the greatest rock, progressive, and, genres that don’t even exist yet; summed up in one word, amazing. Marty

[@gregcormier2379]

I echo Rob Chelowski's comment, Permanent Wave is right there with Moving Pictures song for song. For me the dark horse track is Different Strings.

[@mrbig1844]

Jeez,all the guys are banging away like madmen on NS,they almost sound like they are seriously angry or something,a prog- metal masterpiece that will never ever be surpassed. Masterclass from start to finish. These guys are musical virtuosos, absolutely out of this world geniuses. Period.

[@andyreid6826]

They got the wave sounds from a lake by the recording studio.

[@calvinevans6347]

I'd like to believe that the ending solo would be longer performed live. I WANTED MORE!!!

[@beescheese9716]

Moving pictures is probably the best album, but Permanent Waves is perfection!

[@davidhart8621]

My favorite Rush album as well!

[@AudiophileTubes]

Timeless MASTERPIECE!

[@kingcruze1]

I paused the video right before "Natural Science" began, I venture to say that I think this will me your new favorite song. Let's find out. Side Two of Permanent Waves is just phenomenal. Their best work in my mind. They really became Rush.

[@thegman8968]

🏆 YUP !! That's how you close an album!💐💐💐

[@bobcarn]

Natural Science is a fan favorite. Alex one time said it's one of his favorite songs to play in concert (Geddy's is Working Man).

[@gleebyers]

Different Strings, one of my favs!

[@rattan3793]

The plucked harmonics you hear in Different Strings is Geddy playing them on the bass.

[@miconis123]

The ending of Different Strings sounds like Alex is about to blow up with sound

[@timshelton8535]

This was unbelievable live. I wish I had a time machine!!!

[@maximilianodelrio]

Natural Science just hits different

[@markdenning309]

I like them all through pictures. They were experimenting and having fun with us. There's a sardonic humor in all there albums.

[@markotto9855]

Great album! I mean... Yet ANOTHER Great album!

[@markjohnson4217]

The guitar in Different Strings is an acoustic twelve string, but I don't know they got that incredibly rich tone, he used that in sections of Hemisheres as well. Nice to hear Geddy on electric piano on this song.

[@mark-be9mq]

Different Strings(&Entre Nous have always been a favorite. It's possibly the best guitar outro/fade ever...?

[@jonprice3337]

You got it, I'm glad

[@rickdaniels1789]

I went on the same journey in '79. Yes. I am the ancient of days. lol

[@keithwatkins7908]

Permanent Waves is my favorite Rush album, every track is brilliant, showcasing great song writing and musicianship. They kept their progressive side, with great pop hooks as well. IMO far better then Moving Pictures which I have tired of.

[@NCNelz]

No one has mentioned it …lyrics for “Different Strings” was written by Geddy…A long-term relationship in which two people truly love each other, but their differences have made it very difficult and inharmonious, yet for the distance created by it, their bond and love for each other remains. It's hard to tell if they are still together, but the line: "but there are times for you and me when all such things agree," seems like an indication that they WANT to remain together & get along in the face of the "differences."

[@TheCentralScrutinizerAgain]

Natural Science is great fun!

[@23nacho23]

Wow, I forgot how good this entire album was

[@SkunksterPlaysPoorly]

People just don’t listen to albums anymore. But the full album experience is amazing. Permanent Waves is the best complete Rush album. Moving Pictures has more popular tracks, but they don’t fit together as well as the 6 tracks of this one. It’s right up there with Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here.

[@mark-be9mq]

Entre Nous and Different Strings can be described, I think, not so much a 'love songs' but songs about love and relationship. And there's few better.

[@paulgarcia1566]

Hey John did you catch R2D2 effects/samples at 9:36 - 9:44?

[@JohnSlopReacts]

What no haha thanks for pointing that out!

[@mark-be9mq]

Personal Favorite, kinda which ever one I'm listening to.

[@generoberts9151]

One thing that if you really focus on Natural Science is the fills time changes led by Neil. He really goes ape 💩 in this song

[@ericmcdonough8193]

Sometimes I think I'm the only one that thinks Hold Your Fire is a top notch album. I love that album. Sure they're one or two songs towards the end that needn't be, but the rest is great. Just me?

[@winstonlane708]

🌊🌊🌊 WAVES

[@jimlund4845]

first album released in the 80s I believe

[@ginamarandino6451]

You know I never noticed it before today but the instrumental is very reminiscent of The Twilight zone maybe he's using the same guitar but it just seems similar

[@davymc6764]

i would love Muse to cover Natural Science and get that message out

[@toddludwitzke6471]

Neil was a little ahead of the times in this song predicting computers and synth in making music most of todays music is made this way not the way these three made music back then with real instruments

[@youtoo2233]

One can argue that the first 8 or 9 studio Rush albums got better and better, up through Moving Pictures or Signals

[@winstonlane708]

🎼💃🏼💃🏻💃🏽🎶 🎙

[@kentclark6420]

Personally I would put Freewill as their best song, period.

[@patricksmith8249]

Agree…and the instrumental in the middle as their absolute apex.

[@paulgarcia1566]

Neil says "Moving Pictures" (the next album), is when he feels Rush became Rush. How could it NOT be this album though? My guess is that this was the last album the band recorded while still being inspired by other artists and after MP, they didn't rely upon or need any exterior inputs.

[@godbluffvdgg]

Real Rush heads, don't count Moving Pictures in the top 5 Rush albuma...2112, Hemispheres, Caress of Steel, A Farewell to Kings, Then Permanent Waves...Moving pictures is for those born in the 80's

[@mdu2112]

@@godbluffvdgg Caress over MP? I think I'm going bald! 🙂

[@godbluffvdgg]

@@mdu2112 Fountain of Lamneth...

[@glazalde07]

@@godbluffvdgg Bad take

[@winstonlane708]

🎸🥁🎸

[@23nacho23]

Natural Science rules........woohoo

[@charlesbarbarotta2892]

I mean, ask the fellas from tool and Dream Theatre about this tune…

[@jf-sn3yy]

Mike Damone reacts to Rush.

[@rushrules81]

Pretty good album when Entre Nous is your least favorite!

[@jackteppo9633]

Share what you found.

[@lindaward5376]

Fasten your seatbelt; Tom Sawyer is next!!! 🎤 🎹 🎸 🥁 🎸 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@davidwilburn8450]

Something plucked. . pinch harmonics on the Bass and the Guitar

[@behindenemylines9033]

2 pieces of virtuoso music.

[@deanventuroli2225]

Your heads gonna fall off....

[@michelmoreau8117]

K look show respect you cannot cut through the album like that , where’s the beginning , you can’t do rthat to rush , it doesn’t work , no disrespect intended cheers.

[@G-DOGBONEY]

Natural Science is an epic bust you in tha ass banger. Period.

[@G-DOGBONEY]

This guitar solo is the very best by Alex.