"The Spirit of Radio" by Rush

Song#:  0062
Date:  02/23/1980
Debut:  88
Peak:  51
Weeks:  8
Genre:  Rock, Hard Rock, Prog Rock



Pop Bits:  Rush was never a singles band and a good chunk of their earlier albums were dedicated to lengthy themed epics like "2112." But 1980 saw "Permanent Waves" come out and it was a definite shift towards something more focused and radio-friendly - well, rock radio friendly. And it proved to be the right move as the album was their first US Top 10 (#4) and they have not had an album peak outside of the Top 20 since. This lead track and first single was their first chart entry in three years and has become a rock radio classic.

ReduxReview:  How much do I like prog rock? About zero. And back in the day I just did not get Rush at all. You know, I had to read books like "Fahrenheit 451" and "A Tale of Two Cities" for classes and I enjoyed them. But it doesn't mean I want to hear them combined and put to some crazy-ass rock music. But times and ears change and at some point a few years ago I suddenly found myself really liking Rush. I prefer their rock radio staples like this one, but they can have some very tasty album cuts. In fact, I think it might have been "Red Barchetta" from their next album "Moving Pictures" that changed my mind. This particular song hooks you from the wild opening lick to the reggae influence mid-section. Pretty tasty and fun for prog rock.

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  The title of the song was inspired by a slogan used by Toronto radio station CFNY.

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