10 Best Hard Rock Albums Of The 80s
5. Moving Pictures - Rush
Coming into the 80's, Rush had little to prove to anyone in terms of musical integrity. Not only had they made some of the best hard rock music of the 70's, but their ability to stick to their guns allowed them to venture wherever they wanted stylistically without having to worry about any record company involvement. On the other hand, Rush were never content to stay in just one genre.
As they set up shop for their next record, influences of more new wave bands like the Police had found their way into the band's sound. Even if the use of synthesizers and more effects was disquieting for a rock fan, Rush proved they had the songwriting expertise to pull off such a transition like on their most celebrated instrumental "YYZ" or the reckless abandon of Alex Lifeson's solo on "Red Barchetta." The album's opening cut "Tom Sawyer" manages to work in the perfect blend of modern technology with the band's more feral soundscapes, which culminates in one of the best air-drum moments in hard rock history from Neil Peart.
Regardless of what stripe of rock music you see yourself as, Moving Pictures is a record that just has to be heard to be believed.