Vital Signs (Rush song) explained

Vital Signs
Cover:Vital Signsrush.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Rush
Album:Moving Pictures
B-Side:
Released: (UK)[1]
Recorded:October–November 1980
Studio:Le Studio, Morin Heights, Quebec
Genre:
Label:Mercury
Producer:
Prev Title:Limelight
Prev Year:1981
Next Title:Tom Sawyer (live)
Next Year:1981

"Vital Signs" is a song by progressive rock trio Rush from their 8th studio album Moving Pictures. The lyrics of the song are about individuality and the pressures of conforming.[3]

The song is heavily influenced by reggae (in the guitar riff) as well as progressive electronica (in its use of sequencers) and the music of the Police.[4] These influences would carry on into their next three studio albums: Signals, Grace Under Pressure, and Power Windows.

The song was released as a single in the U.K. peaking at No 41. Also, a live version of "Vital Signs" appeared as the B-side to Rush's "New World Man" single in 1982 (Mercury #76179, US edition).

Reception

Classic Rock readers voted "Vital Signs" the 37th best Rush song.[5]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Rush Discography.
  2. Web site: Moving Pictures (1981) Stereogum. www.stereogum.com. 20 August 2017.
  3. Web site: "'Hold Your Fire' by Neil Peart" - Backstage Club Newsletter, January 1988. Hansen. Eric. www.2112.net. 30 June 2017.
  4. Book: Popoff, Martin. Rush: The Illustrated History. Voyageur Press. 2013. 9780760343647.
  5. Web site: The 50 Greatest Rush Songs Ever. Rock. Classic Rock2015-06-11T09:36:00 161Z Classic. Classic Rock Magazine. en. 2019-11-01.