Counterparts
The production onCounterpartsis a bit too smooth, which means that the passion that normally infuses Rush's music (and prevents it from being too coldly intellectual) is weakened. The songs themselves are good, including the singles "Animate",  "Nobody's Hero", and "Stick It Out". Other standouts are "Cut to the Chase" and "Cold Fire". Though Rush's brand of slick, sophisticated progressive rock isn't exactly trendy, it is what they do best, and they've wisely stuck to it. Therefore, althoughCounterpartsisn't on a par withMoving PicturesorPermanent Waves, it's still a strong effort. --Genevieve Williams