Track Listing

1. Force Ten
2. Time Stand Still
3. Open Secrets
4. Second Nature
5. Prime Mover
6. Lock and Key
7. Mission
8. Turn the Page
9. Tai Shan
10. High Water

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #52735 in Music
• Released on: 2008-05-19
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

CD Description
Continuing their trend that began with GRACE UNDER PRESSURE, Rush turned in a glossy, keyboard-driven record with 1987's HOLD YOUR FIRE. Like the previous album, POWER WINDOWS, this one was co-produced by Peter Collins, resulting in a collection of very pop-friendly songs but with the trio's signature complex arrangements and intelligent lyrics. The most dramatic difference with FIRE is the inclusion of an outside guest vocalist on "Time Stand Still" in the person of rocker Aimee Mann.
This period of Rush's career often came underfire from many longtime fans, who felt the band had exchanged their heavier, fantasy/sci-fi style of the '70s for a flashier, synthesizer-infused sound in hopes of gaining more radio airplay. However, it is the band's traditions of artful lyric writing coupled with intricate musical soundscapes that shine through the glistening digital textures. Standout examples of such include the opening "Force Ten", "Prime Mover" and the driving "Turn The Page". Soon, the trio would growout of this period and strike a musical balance between thenew digital technology and their original guitar-oriented sound.

Customer Reviews

The most Accessible Rush Album
This was the album that got me into Rush. When I first heard it as a newbie drummer and musician it blew me away. This is the epitome of the bass and drums working together in the most groovy and funky way that any rush album has ever had before or since. Time stands still being my favorite song lyrically, especially having just turned 30 it has special meaning. This is easily the most user friendly Rush album but musically and technically astounding at the same time. This rates as one of my favorite albums of all time. A true masterpiece!!

Exhilarating, transcendent, upbeat, melodic prog-metal
I love mid-eighties period Rush! I have returned to this album again and again since its release in 1987 and it still sets my soul on fire. The music and lyrics are intelligent, passionate and full of enthusiasm and wonder for life. Every track oozes with the quality musicianship that this band has been associated with at all stages of their career. Fantastically inspirational.

Three stunning musicians with open minds, open hearts, a ton of awareness, expressing dynamic creativity of the highest order. Great songs, great eighties production with just the right sprinkling of accomplished guitar solos and atmospheric keyboards. The lyrics are deeply personal, socially aware, and often highly emotional. And they were obviously enjoying themselves!

By this album Rush had taken a more melodic approach and added keyboards to their earlier Zeppelinesque metal sound, apparently losing many fans in the process. For me "Hold Your Fire" is the best of their excellent eighties albums that have stood the test of time. "Power Windows" is also superb, but "Hold Your Fire" is a bit sharper.

Still Holding Fire
If there is one band on the planet who have consistently over-played and under-performed, it's Rush. Rush fans love everything they do, whilst no-one else cares. Both these statements may be harsh, but why is it that such a great band is either worshipped, maligned or simply ignored? OK, they do tend to go overboard, but I can't understand why bands as diverse as the Police and Van Halen were household names in the eighties, yet Rush never were. Perhaps they seemed too aloof...

This set, which starts off brightly enough but tails off towards the end, is a perfect example. The songs contain a couple of nods to their dodgy prog past and the lyrics are to Peart's usual high(er-than-thou) standard. The production is as clear as a whistle, but you get the idea that Rush never really let go on this one. The guitars are a little more upfront than on their preceding five studio albums and that's what saves this album in the end. The lyrics to Tai Shan - why! On the other extreme, Time Stand Still and Prime Mover are great - eighties Rush at their best. They are capable of doing anything they want musically, but never managed to fire on all cylinders from about 1982 onwards. However, an average album by this band is still a great one, and that's why it warrants 4 out of 5.