RUSH — Counterparts (review)

Album · 1993 · Hard Rock

4.5/5 · 2014-08-03
Unitron

Rush-Counterparts

After the weak effort 'Roll the Bones', Rush came back rocking with 'Counterparts'. Unlike 'Bones', Counterparts is combining the alternative rock style of 'Presto' and hard rock, instead of being more pop-sounding.

1: Animate. Being the opening song, it makes sense that this is one of my favorites from the album. Animate begins with some powerful drumming by Peart and catchy bass and guitar riffs. The synth stays in the background, unlike in 'Bones'. Lifeson soon gives us really catchy riffs, with Lee giving a great vocal performance. At the bridge Peart slams the drums while Lee gives great rolling bass and Lifeson conducts a great solo. One of Rush's best in a while. (10/10)

2: Stick It Out. Even though the title may sound like an innuendo, the lyrics are about speaking your feelings. This song is probably Rush's heaviest song since 'Kings', with really heavy guitar and drums. Lee gives us really strong vocals that match the heavy instruments. The bridge has really nice acoustics and vocals before the solo comes in. Easily my favorite from the album. (10/10)

3: Cut to the Chase begins with nice guitar and strong bass and vocals by Lee. When the drums come in, it gets a driving beat and some driving riffs. As the song progresses, the bass gets stronger and Deep Purple-like organ comes in for a short while. Lifeson's solo usher in really heavy riffs and great drumming. Another favorite. (10/10)

4: Nobody's Hero starts out with beautiful acoustics and heartfelt vocals by Lee. Once the electric guitar and drums enter, the song gets sort of a power ballad feel. The lyrics are very heartfelt, being about society and how they shun those who are different. (8/10)

5: Between Sun and Moon. Beginning with some catchy guitar and bass, 'Sun & Moon' quickly gets an alternative rock feel. Peart's drumming is really powerful as heard in the chorus. I think this song is a perfect way to combine classic rock and alternative rock styles. (8/10)

6: Alien Shore enters in with great guitar and drums. The bass soon comes in and drives throughout while Lee gives strong vocals. The lyrics are among the strongest, with them being against sexism and racism. The bridge keeps that driving bass while Lifeson conducts a great solo. Another great song. (8/10)

7: The Speed of Love is the weakest song on the album in my opinion. The drum beats are nice and the vocals are good, but it doesn't go anywhere and is a little to pop-like. (2/10)

8: Double Agent begins with quiet bass and great vocals. The guitar quickly comes in, and Lee starts talking very menacingly. Every instrument compliments each other nicely in this song. The lyrics are strong as well, being about our light and darkness. Lifeson guitar shreds during the bridge while the drums keep a steady pace. A unique song and another favorite. (10/10)

9: Leave That Thing Alone is an instrumental that begins in a similar fashion to 'Where's My Thing' from 'Bones'. The bass is strong with heavy guitar, and there is even some haunting keyboard thrown in. Actually better then 'Where's My Thing' from 'Bones'. (8/10)

10: Cold Fire starts out with catchy guitar. The drums quickly get faster, and the song gets slower. The guitar eventually comes back in and the lyrics aren't up to par with some of the other lyrics, but they aren't bad. Not much else to say, a good song though. (8/10)

11: Everyday Glory. Starting out with stand-out synth, Everyday Glory is a weak closer in my opinion and it's a little to pop-like. It doesn't really go anywhere and the guitar isn't really strong in this song. A weak end for a great album. (3/10)

Overall, Counterparts certainly got Rush back on track after 'Bones'. Even though it get a little weak towards the end, Counterparts is still an album that I come back to often. An excellent addition.

Hope you found this review helpful.