Album Information:

About Rush:

Rush is a legendary rock band formed in 1968 in Toronto, Canada. The band consists of three members: Geddy Lee (bass guitar, vocals, keyboards), Alex Lifeson (guitar), and Neil Peart (drums, percussion). Rush is known for their intricate musicianship, complex song structures, and thought-provoking lyrics.

Rush's history began in 1968 when schoolmates Lifeson and Lee formed a band called, The Projection. The band went on to change their name several times and finally became Rush in 1971. In 1974, the band released their self-titled debut album, which was met with modest success. However, it wasn't until the release of their fourth album, 2112, in 1976 that Rush gained mainstream recognition.

Throughout the 70s and 80s, Rush continued to release critically acclaimed albums such as A Farewell to Kings, Hemispheres, Permanent Waves, and Moving Pictures. These albums showcased the band's progressive rock sound, sci-fi inspired lyrics, and Peart's virtuosic drumming skills.

Despite temporary setbacks in the 90s, such as the departure of Peart's daughter and wife, and a shift towards a more alternative rock sound, Rush continued to evolve and experiment with their music. In 1996, they released Test for Echo, which would be their final album before a hiatus that lasted five years.

In 2002, Rush returned with their album, Vapor Trails, which marked a return to their classic sound. The band continued to release successful albums such as Snakes and Arrows (2007) and Clockwork Angels (2012), which was also turned into a novel by Peart himself.

In addition to their music, Rush is also known for their visually stunning live performances, which often feature elaborate light shows, complex stage setups, and mind-bending visuals. The band has won numerous awards over the years, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.

Overall, Rush is a band that has left an indelible mark on the world of rock music. Their unique sound, thoughtful lyrics, and incredible musicianship have cemented their place as one of the most influential bands of all time.

About the album Hold Your Fire:

Hold Your Fire is the twelfth studio album by Canadian rock band Rush, released on September 8, 1987. It features a unique blend of progressive rock, new wave and synth-pop, with a focus on more pop-oriented songwriting compared to their previous works.

The album opens with 'Force Ten,' a high-energy and fast-paced track that introduces the listener to the thought-provoking and philosophical lyrics that are a hallmark of Rush's music. The next two tracks, 'Time Stand Still' and 'Open Secrets,' are both more mid-tempo and feature catchy choruses that highlight the band's experimentation with pop elements.

'Second Nature' is a standout track that features intricate guitar work from Alex Lifeson and thoughtful lyrics that explore the interconnectedness of humanity and nature. 'Prime Mover' is another standout, with a driving rhythm and catchy melody that showcase the band's musical versatility.

Other notable tracks on the album include 'Mission,' which features a soaring chorus and poignant lyrics about the search for purpose and meaning, and 'Lock and Key,' a moody and atmospheric track that builds to an explosive guitar solo.

Hold Your Fire marked a shift in Rush's sound, moving away from the bombastic progressive rock of their earlier albums towards a more polished and streamlined pop-oriented sound. However, the band's signature musicianship and lyrical depth are still present throughout the album, making it a unique and compelling entry in their discography.

Members:

Rush was a Canadian rock band formed in 1968 consisting of three members: Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart.

Geddy Lee was born Gary Lee Weinrib on July 29, 1953 in Toronto, Canada. He joined the band when it was still called The Projection and played keyboards and sang backup vocals before switching to bass and lead vocals. Lee is renowned for his distinctive high-pitched singing voice and his skill as a bassist. In addition to his work with Rush, Lee has produced several solo albums and collaborated with other artists.

Alex Lifeson was born Aleksandar Živojinović on August 27, 1953 in Fernie, British Columbia. Lifeson is the guitarist of the band and is known for his versatile playing style that ranges from melodic and atmospheric to heavy and aggressive. He also plays numerous other instruments, such as mandolin, mandola, and bouzouki. In addition to his work with Rush, Lifeson has performed on various solo projects by other artists.

Neil Peart was born Neil Ellwood Peart on September 12, 1952 in Hamilton, Ontario. He joined the band in 1974 as a replacement for their original drummer, John Rutsey, who left due to health reasons. Peart is widely regarded as one of the greatest drummers in rock history, known for his technical proficiency, complex drumming patterns, and innovative use of percussion. Peart was also the primary lyricist of the band, often incorporating themes of science fiction, philosophy, and politics into their music.

Sadly, Neil Peart passed away on January 7, 2020, leaving a legacy as one of the greatest drummers of all time. The remaining members of Rush have announced that they will not continue performing as a band without Peart.

Track List for Hold Your Fire:

Sure thing! Here are the tracks in the album Hold Your Fire by Rush, in order of appearance on the album:

1. 'Force Ten' - 4:30
'Force Ten' is the opening track of the album, and it features a catchy guitar riff and powerful drumming to set the tone for the whole album. Lyrically, the song touches on themes of strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

2. 'Time Stand Still' - 5:10
'Time Stand Still' is a slower, more introspective song with poignant lyrics about the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing the moments we have. The song features a memorable chorus and a beautiful guitar solo.

3. 'Open Secrets' - 5:38
'Open Secrets' features intricate guitar work and a driving bassline, along with lyrics that touch on the idea of hidden truths and the secrets we keep from one another. The song also includes a memorable instrumental break.

4. 'Second Nature' - 4:35
'Second Nature' is an upbeat rocker with a driving beat and catchy chorus. Lyrically, the song explores the idea of natural instincts and the way they can both help and hinder our progress as individuals.

5. 'Prime Mover' - 5:19
'Prime Mover' is a complex, heavily layered song with intricate instrumentation and impressive vocal harmonies. The lyrics explore themes of personal growth and evolution, with references to both the natural world and the realm of technology.

6. 'Lock and Key' - 5:09
'Lock and Key' is a darker, more introspective song with a slow, brooding tempo. The lyrics touch on themes of personal struggle and inner turmoil, and the music features some haunting guitar work and atmospheric effects.

7. 'Mission' - 5:16
'Mission' is a soaring, epic track with powerful vocals and inspirational lyrics about the importance of pursuing one's dreams and finding one's true purpose in life. The song builds to a stirring crescendo, with some impressive keyboard work and guitar solos.

8. 'Turn the Page' - 4:54
'Turn the Page' is a melancholy, reflective song with haunting guitar work and poignant lyrics about the passage of time and the way our experiences shape us. The song features a beautiful saxophone solo in the middle section.

9. 'Tai Shan' - 4:16
'Tai Shan' is a departure from the album's usual rock sound, with an Eastern-inspired melody and understated instrumentation. The lyrics reference the beautiful Tai Shan mountain in China and ruminate on the beauty and power of nature.

10. 'High Water' - 4:33
'High Water' is a spirited, uptempo song with catchy guitar riffs and driving beats. The lyrics touch on themes of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity, with references to the power of water to both sustain and destroy.

Discography for Rush:

Here is the complete discography for the Canadian rock band Rush:

Studio Albums:
1. Rush (1974)
2. Fly by Night (1975)
3. Caress of Steel (1975)
4. 2112 (1976)
5. A Farewell to Kings (1977)
6. Hemispheres (1978)
7. Permanent Waves (1980)
8. Moving Pictures (1981)
9. Signals (1982)
10. Grace Under Pressure (1984)
11. Power Windows (1985)
12. Hold Your Fire (1987)
13. Presto (1989)
14. Roll the Bones (1991)
15. Counterparts (1993)
16. Test for Echo (1996)
17. Vapor Trails (2002)
18. Snakes & Arrows (2007)
19. Clockwork Angels (2012)

Live Albums:
1. All the World's a Stage (1976)
2. Exit...Stage Left (1981)
3. A Show of Hands (1989)
4. Different Stages (1998)
5. Rush in Rio (2003)
6. R30 (2005)
7. Snakes & Arrows Live (2008)
8. Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland (2011)
9. Clockwork Angels Tour (2013)

Compilation Albums:
1. Archives (1978)
2. Rush Through Time (1981)
3. Retrospective I (1974–1980) (1997)
4. Retrospective II (1981–1987) (1997)
5. Chronicles (1990)
6. The Spirit of Radio: Greatest Hits 1974–1987 (2003)
7. Gold (2006)
8. Retrospective III: 1989–2008 (2009)
9. Time Stand Still (2016)

EPs:
1. Feedback (2004)

Singles:
1. Not Fade Away (1973)
2. Fly by Night (1975)
3. Making Memories (1976)
4. Closer to the Heart (1977)
5. Cinderella Man (1977)
6. The Trees (1979)
7. The Spirit of Radio (1980)
8. Freewill (1980)
9. Limelight (1981)
10. Tom Sawyer (1981)
11. Vital Signs (1981)
12. New World Man (1982)
13. Countdown (1982)
14. Distant Early Warning (1984)
15. The Body Electric (1985)
16. Mystic Rhythms (1986)
17. Time Stand Still (1987)
18. Show Don't Tell (1989)
19. The Pass (1989)
20. Superconductor (1990)
21. Roll the Bones (1991)
22. Ghost of a Chance (1992)
23. Stick It Out (1993)
24. Nobody's Hero (1994)
25. Driven (1996)
26. Test for Echo (1996)