Signals Songs Ranked
Signals is the ninth studio album by Canadian rock band Rush, released on September 9, 1982 by Anthem Records. After the release of their previous album, Moving Pictures, the band started to prepare material for a follow-up during soundchecks on their 1981 concert tour and during the mixing of their subsequent live album Exit…Stage Left. Signals demonstrate the group’s continuing use of synthesizers, sequencers, and other electronic instrumentation. It is the last album produced by their longtime associate Terry Brown, who had worked with them since 1974. The album peaked at No. 1 in Canada, No. 3 in the United Kingdom, and No. 10 in the United States. In November 1982, the album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America for selling one million copies in the United States. Rush released three singles from the album: “New World Man”, which became the band’s highest-charting single in the United States and a number-one hit in Canada, as well as “Subdivisions”, and “Countdown”. The group supported Signals with a concert tour from April 1982 to May 1983. Signals have been reissued several times, including a remaster with a new stereo and 5.1 surround sound mix in 2011. Here are all of Signals songs ranked.
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8. Countdown
“Countdown” is a heck of an album closer. The lyrics are a pretty straightforward description of the space shuttle launch. The music fits this subject so well, and the samples are simply awesome. Lee’s best keyboard solo of all time is found in this song.”
7. Losing It
“Losing It” is pure beauty. It’s somber sound and words bring forth a great deal of empathy. Very moving stuff. The instrumental break puts me on Cloud Nine.”
6. The Weapon
“The Weapon” keeps me tapping my feet for hours on end. Apart from the funky music, the lyrics are a good reflection of how people react to fear. A clear expression of the state of the world in the midst of the Cold War.”
See more: Rush Albums Ranked
5. New World Man
“The other popular track off here, and excellent overall. It talks about how the modern man is today in society, through his strengths and weaknesses. Almost sounds like it was taken off of Moving Pictures. “
4. Chemistry
“This song is good, but it’s probably the album’s weakest track. Neil Peart’s subtle, yet scientific take on the “chemistry” of love. It comes off sounding like “She Blinded Me With Science”, a pop song that came out around that time. Still, it’s got a great guitar solo in the middle.”
3. Digital Man
“This song is about a man (or a robot) under constant observation and attention who just wants to live normally. A great track, with most of it consisting of a “white-reggae” structure, complemented with a techno chorus later on.”
See more: Rush Songs Ranked
2. The Analog Kid
“A good fast and upbeat track. This song is about a young boy pushing away from reality and absorbing his dreams through nature. Great transition from a guitar-driven verse section into a synth chorus. Also, good vocals from Geddy.”
1. Subdivisions
“GREAT OPENER. This song is about dealing with the pressures of being a youth living in a tense suburban environment. Excellent combination of a synth driven structure and guitar work. Ask any fan of Rush and they often consider this one to be a fan favorite. “
