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Rush - Permanent Waves - Progressive Metal Album
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Rush - Permanent Waves

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description Rush - Permanent Waves Overview

Permanent Waves is Rush's 1980 album marking a shift toward more concise songwriting while retaining progressive complexity, featuring the radio staple "The Spirit of Radio."

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What famous Rush song is on Permanent Waves?

The album features "The Spirit of Radio," which became Rush's first significant hit single in the United Kingdom and the United States. This track was heavily inspired by the band's local Toronto radio station, CFNY-FM.

What is controversial about the cover art for Permanent Waves?

The original cover art featured a smiling woman running into the wreckage of a massive disaster, referencing the 1937 Ohio River flood. The band eventually changed the background of the US and UK releases from a devastated downtown scene to a lake setting because they felt the original was too dark.

Who produced Rush's Permanent Waves?

The album was produced by Terry Brown, who worked as Rush's primary producer throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s. Permanent Waves was recorded at Le Studio in Morin-Heights, Quebec, a facility that became the band's favored recording location.

How did Rush's sound change on the Permanent Waves album?

Released in 1980, the album marked a distinct shift away from the lengthy, fantasy-themed epics of their earlier 1970s records. Geddy Lee's vocals were noticeably toned down from his trademark high-pitch screams, and Alex Lifeson introduced prominent reggae and new wave influences to the guitar work.

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