Geddy Lee played bass (Chris Squire bass player for Yes, died in 2014) on stage with Yes when they were inducted into the rock n roll HOF. That’s where the inspiration for Rush’ progressive rock came from.
This song has the power to give me goosebumps and bring tears to my eyes everytime i hear it. My dad raised me on rush and we went to 5 concerts together. I am grateful to have been introduced to this band by him. They have brought so much joy and inspiration to my life ❤🖤
me too! I remember being a kid, sitting in the garage, listening to Signals while reading the lyrics sheet. my dad took me to 5 shows too, even got to see them on their last tour in Seattle. they played jacobs ladder and the camera eye.. fuck man thinking about it brings a lil tear to my eye haha
I was a misfit kid who was awkward and didn't really fit into any real group. Very socially challenged. I felt alienated a lot. Then this song came out. It made me realize it was ok to be different,and to be proud of it. I felt like someone else understood me. My favorite work from Neil. His drums are sheer perfection. And Alex's solo is fierce! Great choice!
I understand what you are saying. High school years was a very lonely time for me, I didn't fit in anywhere and this song really spoke to me and helped me to see that I was not alone
The best way to describe them is, they are Rush. Progressive rock, lyrics that make people think, and quality music by talented musicians. Years of production that kept getting better. Like a fine wine, they improved with age.
@@thomasharris4942 I agree although Motorhead went through a few line up changes and were essentially Lemmys band, the last line up with Phil and Mikkey were together for a long time though.
Each member is considered to be the elite in their musicianship. Their attention to detail with changing melodic structures and time signatures make each song an adventure.
This song is completely autobiographical. All three members grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Canada, and felt suffocated by the blandness, the need to conform. None of them were in the “cool” group in school. Luckily, they found each other....
A little clarification: Neil didn't grow up in Toronto. He came from a community called Port Dalhouise which is across Lake Ontario to the south of Toronto. That's where Lakeside Park is. It was Geddy, Alex and John who all knew each other growing up in Toronto. They didn't know Neil until he showed up for the audition to replace John. Obviously, by the lyrics, Neil could relate to that feeling on his side of the lake, too. :)
@@0okamino it's a universal feeling - especially through the awkwardness of the teenage years. The need to fit in, but if you're not part of the 'in' crowd, you're a misfit, and outcast. Pressures of society to succeed, to build that perfect life, but what is that?! It's different for all of us. Rush makes intelligent (or 'nerd') rock - and their message is to all of us that have felt this way (and judging by their 'cult' like popularity through the years, that's a lot of us!) I know for me, this song hit the nerve, deep.
If you consider Port Dalhousie (which is itself a suburb of St. Catherines) to be a suburb (which is where Neil grew up). It's across Lake Ontario from Toronto's view - but the feeling is felt the same. I'm from Kitchener, about an hour outside of Toronto - and the pressures & issues of the teenage life is a universal message. Alex, Neil & Geddy were all misfits - and indeed, lucky for us that they found each other!
Jann Wenner inducted them into the Hall of Fame as..."The godfathers of Progessive Metal, the high priests of high concept....RUSH" . Been on a Rush Journey of my own since Neil Peart's passing. The are amazing!
@@laurabuie3224 OMG Yes!!! From Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins "indicting" them, to their stellar performance, but the acceptance speeches were and still are, legend. Neil was his usual quiet, intelligent and kind self, thanking their friends, crew and family, Geddy spoke of their appreciation to all the fans, and Alex "blah,blahed" about what's pissed off every Rush fan for well over a decade, in a way that has gone down in RRHoF history as the best (and funniest) acceptance speech, ever.
My favorite Rush song. For some reason I'm so intrigued to see what kind of reaction you have to all of Rush's kick ass songs that I've been rocking to since I was a kid. I'm now 52 and still crank up the volume in my car and rock out to Rush. In my opinion being a teenager who grew up listening to Rush, Motley Crew, Judas Priest, Scorpions, Van Halen, AC/DC, Def Leppard, Ozzy, plus many more. Then as young adults transitioning into the whole Seattle scene and grunge movement with Nirvana, Alice in chains, Sound Garden, Stone Temple Pilots then Linkln Park etc. Generation X grew up with the best music. Of course that's just my opinion. I do feel fortunate and proud to be an 80"s and 90's rocker chick...
The 60's to the 90's had some of the most innovative and talented musicianship in history. But - just like you noticed - what sets Rush apart is that you have incredibly deep, thought-provoking lyrics on top of that magical music. It was the best of both worlds. Nowadays there are a LOT of talented vocalists out there singing very good lyrics. But I doubt we'll ever see again the same level of creativity & mind-blowing proficiency on ACTUAL musical instruments [NOT computers] which we enjoyed in those decades. And even without the music, Neil's lyrics stand on their own as works of literature. Rush was a gift to the world in the form of three cool, deep-thinking guys not afraid to push the boundaries and take risks . . . and still have fun without taking themselves too seriously. RIP Neil Peart. And flowers to Alex & Geddy. You 3 planted The Garden which will continue to bear fruit forever.
I love you ❤️ I’ll be honest, I only got about half way through your comment, but! I did read it all. You had me at favourite. Yes, I spell favourite with a ‘u’ in there somewhere. You are American, I am Canadian 😞🥰 You are awesome & wicked hot 🔥 The next life my Queen!
What you’ve said is right on! I sang in a Stone Temple Pilots tribute and really dig a lot of 90’s material. But also a lot of classic and some metal. Variety is the spice of life- as the saving goes!
For me - words and music - this is one of Rush's greatest songs. Great commentary on the drawbacks of suburban existence. I'm going to suggest a song about prejudice and ignorance: Witch Hunt. TY.
Not only is this the greatest song of all time, but there is so much more to this song than meets the eye. I personally know several people who have done their Ph.D. theses on RUSH and this song specifically. Aside from its OBVIOUS meaning (i.e. people who are not considered "cool" or "popular" being cast out from society), there is actually a "double meaning" to this song. The secondary meaning is the irony of people from the big city wanting to escape to where there is peace and quiet (i.e. the suburbs) yet the people from the suburbs want the "action" and want to go down to the big city to find it/experience it. Hence, we have subdivisions socially as well as geographically. It's almost the "flip side of the coin" kind of song. The more you listen to it, the more you appreciate its many, many layers and (as always) magnificent musicianship by the greatest band of all time. Not my opinion, but simply a fact of life.
One of the things that make Rush unique is that you really can’t really place them in any genre’ .. Gene Simmons of the band Kiss said it best. “It’s Rush, baby! It’s Rush”
They moved from genre to genre. They started out as hard rock then moved to progressive rock(although a heavy version of it) then to synth rock/new wave then to hard rock again which is more or less what they ended with.
Any time..... Any time I get a chance to see someone younger than myself digging RUSH, it is like I am reliving the first time I heard them. RUSH defies categorization. They have spent 40+ years doing what they do. Following the spirit of music wherever it led them..... So refreshing. Keep digging and I will enjoy watching your journey.
To quote Gene Simmons of KISS, “It’s fearlessness! It’s the quality of writing a song and not worrying about whats popular and what’s not. There’s only one band that sounds like that. What kind of band is Rush? It’s Rush” They defy being categorized by one or more genres so I just go with incredibly talented musicians, writers and performers no matter what style or sound they were experimenting and expanding on.
I once heard Geddy say he doesn't like being pigeon holed as a prog band. He said rush is just a heavy rock band that pushed to have great musicianship and deep lyrics.
Jay........."Subdivisions" was actually the song that single handedly resulted in me becoming a lifelong Rush fan.........I'm so looking forward to your response!
They are concerned to be one of the original "Progressive Rock" groups, or PROG ROCK. They are unique in that they were a 3 person band, from Canada, that never gave into commercial pressure, they did what they wanted to do. They were always true to themselves and therefore their fans have ALWAYS been true to them. Most people would just consider them a rock band, not really metal, but there is no other RUSH. They are a sound and style all their own. That is why they are the G.O.A.T. :)
If we need to categorize, I'd place them firmly in the prog rock "genre", if only because of the weird time signatures and high tech complex noodling --which I of course love.
I don't know if "one of the original" is a good way to put it. Prog was around for half a decade before they started doing it. Yes, Genesis, ELP, King Crimson, Camel, Gentle Giant, and others all predate them. I see them as a sort of second-wave prog group, and definitely important to the evolution of the genre, but "one of the original" prog rock groups is just ahistorical.
True. They changed from blues metal to prog out of love of bands like Yes, Genesis, Utopia, etc. I hope Rush fans new and old get into that stuff, too.
I watch many reaction videos to Rush. Not only do you appreciate them, but you actually understand them and their songs, and also see that they constantly evolved and didn't stay with one sound like so many bands. You get why they had such staying power and a LEGION of dedicated fans around the world for 40+ years; a band whose likes you won't ever see again. Gauranteed. Keep them coming. Peace!!
When I was a teenager this song came out. I had my drum set up in our garage. Subdivisions was my warm-up song. Back Then I couldn't play it like him of course. But it set the bar for me to climb to. I eventually figured it out. Neil Peart has this way of keeping rhythm with both his hands, left hand on the hi-hat, right hand on the ride. Create a shuffling 16th note sound that he played in many songs, including this one. This guy was truly The Professor! Lovin what you do here Jay
“Subdivisions” is such a hook-filled track that a lesser band could have milked it for at least half of an album. It is a very good description of what it’s like to grow up in the suburbs. I know ‘cause I grew up at the same time and in the same suburban part of the city as Alex and Geddy did. Neil came from a relatively small town to the west which, for many, was just a bedroom community for Toronto.
When Signals came out the dominant conversation about Rush (that I recall, among the older high school kids I knew) was "they used to be a metal/hard rock band, go check out 2112 and Caress of Steel." My first awareness of them was Moving Pictures and Signals (I was 10 when Signals came out) and people my age didn't experience the same disconnect. These two albums woke me to the fact that music can be powerful, and you have to imagine hearing them in relation to what was selling the most at the time. They weren't having the same conversation as the rest of popular music. Early 80s Rush fans were in the mindset of "there's Rush and there's everything else," and while you might like other bands you'd never rate any of them higher. I wore out my Signals cassette.
Well, it's not that hard. All it takes is to be very intelligent, be an extremely talented musician and poet, read a _lot_ of books, and a hell of a lot of dedication. That's it. 😁
This song absolutely captured the essence of the era. Late 70's and mid 80's midwestern, finished basement high school party scene. Latch key kids left alone and given free reign.
One of my all time favourites. I discovered Rush when I was in high school in a suburb near Montreal in 1985. That song is an accurate portrait of how kids behaved and the social barriers that truly exist even to this day. Neil Peart is as much of a prophet as he is a brilliant lyricist. Next Rush songs for you : Natural Science - Vital signs - Witch hunt - losing it. You are ready bro !!
Thank you for your comments on Rush they are one of the best bands and subdivisions is my favorite song I play it so much back in 1981 when I was 18 seems like such a long time ago and I guess it was but when I listen to something visions I can go back
Rush....in a word. Go down the rabbit hole with these guys....2112 is when I was introduced and then saw them live. They are that good live too! 🎼🎶🎶🎸🎹🤘😎
Rush is the quintessential progressive rock band. First album is more heavy but then next have music that were the entire side. I love Fountain of Lamneth, one song five movements, interesting lyrics.These old epics have a lot of sci-fi and fantasy themes. Freewill also great lyrics.
Really enjoyed your reaction review. Rush were generally considered as "Progressive Rock" by the music critics. I remember an interview with Geddy Lee when the guy asked him if Rush were "Prog Rock". Geddy responded by saying "I always thought we were just a hard rocking band". I agree with Geddy.
Progressive rock, undeterred by the mainstream music industry because they refused to be pushed around. They had a vision and a devotion to their fan base that was and still is second to none. When their record label said that they only wanted Rush to do 3 minute radio music, they handed them 2112, and pretty much said, “Here, suck on this.”
I absolutely loooove the intelligent articulation that you bring to your reactions. All the while, maintaining that you're a beginner to this musical genre. Honest interactions + humility. It's why I keep coming back . Blessings.
For me, this has always remained one of those songs that I've heard literally thousands of times, played in a Rush tribute band dozens if not a couple of hundred times and have never gotten sick of it. there is something about it's construction, cohesion and genuineness that has never failed me. I was 12 when this song was released and am now (balding!!) and 50. This song and I have travelled a lot of miles together.
Clearly you understand music at its highest levels. Really cool to see the younger Gen appreciate it. You broke it down with time signature talk and lyrical details. Awesome man! I will continue to watch you’re journey continue. 💯
Yeah, it's about conforming and wanting to be your own self. You nailed it. Solid on the instrument side. They played their own music, and did it well.
The best way to describe them is they are an adaptive, rock based band. They use what is going on in the music world and put their talent & twist on it
The first concert I ever attended was when I was 13. It was Rush on their LA dates during their Signals tour in 1983. My brother and I went to both the Forum and Long Beach Arena shows. In the years that followed, I've never witnessed anything close to it.
ahh the three masters !!!! can you imagine Hendrix on lead guitar ,Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar, Neil Peart on duel drums with Bonzo , Beethoven on keys and Bon Scott lead vocals whaling bout a dirty women he loved -souls in heaven would rock!
good reaction Jay Rah Visions, Rush is Rush- they basically created 'prog metal' and of course also blend classic and heavy rock, jazz and blues, as well as some folk... all into their own thing- always something different
Rush is a genre....period! They had songs that the radio station could not or were unwilling to play due to the song lengths and complexity. Cleveland was one city who would allow Rush on their stations so that is why the city has a special place in their Canadian hearts.
I grew up in the same city they did, and the first time I heard this song on my Walkman on the radio in 1982, I was 14 and walking through one of the same neighbourhoods they were talking about. It kind of freaked me out, in the best possible way. Three million people here now, and after almost 200 years of this town existing, these guys are the greatest artists it's produced so far. So glad you like them! (And I'd love to hear a hip-hop song that samples their stuff! Do any maybe exist right now??) Edit: And LOL, yes, teenagers in 1982 were often found in seedy basement bars! Things were pretty lax back then, and I think the first time I was asked for ID here, I was already drinking age. Somehow, I managed to keep a few brain cells after all that.
I was in high school when this came out , my first concert RUSH 🎶💙was awesome to b a teen in the 80,s w music like this ✨💕🎶🧚🏻♂️ loving your channel. 😎
The drummer was 1 of the best in the world,he also writes the lyrics,best 3 man band wver,Geddy Lee top 5 bassist ever as her plays keyboards and sings,the catalog is enormous
Rush is in a class of their own ❤️ watching and remembering one of my musical heroes. Neil E. Peart OC. Our beloved Professor. Rest In Peace 😭Sept.12, 1952 - Jan. 07, 2020. Enjoy your musical journey🙏🏼 it will change you.
Perfect example of how a band can rock in the 70's and then make the synthesizer driven 80's also work in their music. such a diverse lineup of songs . these are legends.
Label & music press my try to label Rush "Prog Metal", in which case they led the way... But honestly my brother, Rush is Rush...simplistic as it sounds. They followed their muse regardless of what was or wasn't popular. They had two things so often missing in bands that break out: Integrity, and authenticity. KEEP ON TRAVELING YOUR MUSICAL JOURNEY BROTHER! It's an honor to follow it!
Great review. I think most people categorize RUSH as Progressive Rock. Their music was always evolving through their 40+ year career. And it's all good. RUSH on!😎👍
Many Rush fans, like myself, consider this song to be the soundtrack of our teen years, even if we didn't realize it back in 1982, my junior year in high school.
Rush were big Zeppelin fans, and their influence shows up in Rush's first album. Niel joined for the second album and his lyrical ability as well as the bands appreciation for progressive rock bands like 'Yes,' took them in a more progressive direction through the 70's. However, whatever the influence, Rush just does their own thing, reflecting and blending whatever they were feeling at the time of recording. True masters.
They have an interview with Rush and Alex talks about Rush and Lep meeting up in the building during a concert and just freaked out when he was in the same room as Plante.
Cool that you noticed the time signature. It's almost like Neal Peart (may he R.I.P.) was constantly devising syncopated stuff to challenge himself to hold the groove together. The result is magic.
Now watch Neil PLAY the drum part it will blow your mind completely.....the song is Subdivisions on a few levels musically, he splits the parts in subdivisions....playing parts that one may play on one hand on two...it's mindshattering. He made the drums sing not only lyrics, but guitar and kept time. A man beyond his time, and immortal. I grew up when they came out, and I recall no one inspired people to air drum and pick up sticks to play like Peart. It was holymacinoles then, and now. A three man band played so many sounds....at the time was astonishing, intriguing, and highly stimulating-still is now too. One of my favorites.
Jay, you won me over with this one video. I love that you are open to trying something new, much less with a song I grew up listening. This song was (still is) dead on with a generation of kids that really didnt fit in, kids that did get bullied, kids that were not popular-which was most. I totally related to this song. then and now. What I found out that that there were people like me that didnt have to "fit in", what I find out later in life is that it is ok to NOT fit in to everything. I am unique. Rush-a "Progressive Rock" band. Rush documentaries are great to watch to see how different they really are/were as a band. You are 100% right that they have no problem trying stuff that did and did not work, but they kept their own as they penned in their other songs. I love they they didnt stick to the same ole-"I love you" "I miss you" stuff that most everyone else did. Thanks for checking out Rush.
Wow, great reaction. Love your comment on how they are not afraid to change and experiment on their sound. They definitely have gone to different places in their music. Geddy said they easily could have kept on making the same music on every album, but they didn't want to do that. I also love the way you appreciate Neil's lyrics. RIP Professor!!
What you’ve got to remember is the year Rush produced their many masterpieces. Each album took the best of technology, instrumental intricacies, production that was currently available at the time. So each album has its own unique style to match these advances. They out grew time.
This song has been credited by many to have prevented 1000’s of teen suicides.
Geddy Lee played bass (Chris Squire bass player for Yes, died in 2014) on stage with Yes when they were inducted into the rock n roll HOF. That’s where the inspiration for Rush’ progressive rock came from.
This song has the power to give me goosebumps and bring tears to my eyes everytime i hear it. My dad raised me on rush and we went to 5 concerts together. I am grateful to have been introduced to this band by him. They have brought so much joy and inspiration to my life ❤🖤
I guess I'm not alone. but i'm the dad.
@@cyberprompt no you aren't! So you have a daughter that likes RUSH??
me too! I remember being a kid, sitting in the garage, listening to Signals while reading the lyrics sheet. my dad took me to 5 shows too, even got to see them on their last tour in Seattle. they played jacobs ladder and the camera eye.. fuck man thinking about it brings a lil tear to my eye haha
I was a misfit kid who was awkward and didn't really fit into any real group. Very socially challenged. I felt alienated a lot. Then this song came out. It made me realize it was ok to be different,and to be proud of it. I felt like someone else understood me. My favorite work from Neil. His drums are sheer perfection. And Alex's solo is fierce! Great choice!
I understand what you are saying.
High school years was a very lonely time for me, I didn't fit in anywhere and this song really spoke to me and helped me to see that I was not alone
This song came out while I was in high school. Awesome music and lyrics that spoke directly to me
The best way to describe them is, they are Rush. Progressive rock, lyrics that make people think, and quality music by talented musicians. Years of production that kept getting better. Like a fine wine, they improved with age.
Rush are impossible to categorise, they make great music and that is the thing it's music, there really has been no other band like them.
My all time two fave bands are Rush and Motörhead, two bands than just made the songs they wanted to make, everyone else be damned.
@@thomasharris4942 I agree although Motorhead went through a few line up changes and were essentially Lemmys band, the last line up with Phil and Mikkey were together for a long time though.
@@stephenwainwright7580 truth. The last one was the only one I got to see. Saw them in Montreal in October 2015, months before Lemmy passed.
So true RUSH IS A ONE OF A KIND BAND . THEY HAVE THEIR OWN SOUND. AND NO ONE SOUNDS LIKE RUSH . BANDS LIKE RUSH ARE RARE.
If Mozart, Beethoven and Dickens were modern day Rock and Roll artists, they would be RUSH.
Each member is considered to be the elite in their musicianship. Their attention to detail with changing melodic structures and time signatures make each song an adventure.
This song is completely autobiographical. All three members grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Canada, and felt suffocated by the blandness, the need to conform. None of them were in the “cool” group in school. Luckily, they found each other....
A little clarification: Neil didn't grow up in Toronto. He came from a community called Port Dalhouise which is across Lake Ontario to the south of Toronto. That's where Lakeside Park is. It was Geddy, Alex and John who all knew each other growing up in Toronto. They didn't know Neil until he showed up for the audition to replace John. Obviously, by the lyrics, Neil could relate to that feeling on his side of the lake, too. :)
0okamino thanks for info......
Lucky for all of us they found each other!
@@0okamino it's a universal feeling - especially through the awkwardness of the teenage years. The need to fit in, but if you're not part of the 'in' crowd, you're a misfit, and outcast. Pressures of society to succeed, to build that perfect life, but what is that?! It's different for all of us.
Rush makes intelligent (or 'nerd') rock - and their message is to all of us that have felt this way (and judging by their 'cult' like popularity through the years, that's a lot of us!)
I know for me, this song hit the nerve, deep.
If you consider Port Dalhousie (which is itself a suburb of St. Catherines) to be a suburb (which is where Neil grew up). It's across Lake Ontario from Toronto's view - but the feeling is felt the same. I'm from Kitchener, about an hour outside of Toronto - and the pressures & issues of the teenage life is a universal message.
Alex, Neil & Geddy were all misfits - and indeed, lucky for us that they found each other!
Jann Wenner inducted them into the Hall of Fame as..."The godfathers of Progessive Metal, the high priests of high concept....RUSH" . Been on a Rush Journey of my own since Neil Peart's passing. The are amazing!
I agree they are !!
The Foo Fighters inducted Rush into The Rock And Roll Hall of Fame!!!
It was Brilliant🔥🔥🔥!!!!
@@laurabuie3224 OMG Yes!!! From Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins "indicting" them, to their stellar performance, but the acceptance speeches were and still are, legend. Neil was his usual quiet, intelligent and kind self, thanking their friends, crew and family, Geddy spoke of their appreciation to all the fans, and Alex "blah,blahed" about what's pissed off every Rush fan for well over a decade, in a way that has gone down in RRHoF history as the best (and funniest) acceptance speech, ever.
public enemy also gave them a shoutout when they were inducted the same year
Mark Gagliardi Werner is a douche bag. He kept them out of the POPHOF for 20 years
My favorite Rush song. For some reason I'm so intrigued to see what kind of reaction you have to all of Rush's kick ass songs that I've been rocking to since I was a kid. I'm now 52 and still crank up the volume in my car and rock out to Rush. In my opinion being a teenager who grew up listening to Rush, Motley Crew, Judas Priest, Scorpions, Van Halen, AC/DC, Def Leppard, Ozzy, plus many more. Then as young adults transitioning into the whole Seattle scene and grunge movement with Nirvana, Alice in chains, Sound Garden, Stone Temple Pilots then Linkln Park etc. Generation X grew up with the best music. Of course that's just my opinion. I do feel fortunate and proud to be an 80"s and 90's rocker chick...
The 60's to the 90's had some of the most innovative and talented musicianship in history. But - just like you noticed - what sets Rush apart is that you have incredibly deep, thought-provoking lyrics on top of that magical music. It was the best of both worlds.
Nowadays there are a LOT of talented vocalists out there singing very good lyrics. But I doubt we'll ever see again the same level of creativity & mind-blowing proficiency on ACTUAL musical instruments [NOT computers] which we enjoyed in those decades. And even without the music, Neil's lyrics stand on their own as works of literature.
Rush was a gift to the world in the form of three cool, deep-thinking guys not afraid to push the boundaries and take risks . . . and still have fun without taking themselves too seriously.
RIP Neil Peart. And flowers to Alex & Geddy. You 3 planted The Garden which will continue to bear fruit forever.
I love you ❤️ I’ll be honest, I only got about half way through your comment, but! I did read it all. You had me at favourite. Yes, I spell favourite with a ‘u’ in there somewhere. You are American, I am Canadian 😞🥰 You are awesome & wicked hot 🔥 The next life my Queen!
At 52 myself, Add 70's rocker with those 2 decades.
What you’ve said is right on! I sang in a Stone Temple Pilots tribute and really dig a lot of 90’s material. But also a lot of classic and some metal. Variety is the spice of life- as the saving goes!
For me - words and music - this is one of Rush's greatest songs. Great commentary on the drawbacks of suburban existence. I'm going to suggest a song about prejudice and ignorance: Witch Hunt. TY.
Tektoniks Architects yeah Witch Hunt, great lyrics and very topical.
As a matter of fact.....ignorance and predudice, and fear walk hand in hand.
Witch Hunt is AWESOME and timelessly relevant 👍
And Trees
Not only is this the greatest song of all time, but there is so much more to this song than meets the eye. I personally know several people who have done their Ph.D. theses on RUSH and this song specifically. Aside from its OBVIOUS meaning (i.e. people who are not considered "cool" or "popular" being cast out from society), there is actually a "double meaning" to this song. The secondary meaning is the irony of people from the big city wanting to escape to where there is peace and quiet (i.e. the suburbs) yet the people from the suburbs want the "action" and want to go down to the big city to find it/experience it. Hence, we have subdivisions socially as well as geographically. It's almost the "flip side of the coin" kind of song. The more you listen to it, the more you appreciate its many, many layers and (as always) magnificent musicianship by the greatest band of all time. Not my opinion, but simply a fact of life.
One of the things that make Rush unique is that you really can’t really place them in any genre’ .. Gene Simmons of the band Kiss said it best. “It’s Rush, baby! It’s Rush”
They moved from genre to genre. They started out as hard rock then moved to progressive rock(although a heavy version of it) then to synth rock/new wave then to hard rock again which is more or less what they ended with.
Any time.....
Any time I get a chance to see someone younger than myself digging RUSH, it is like I am reliving the first time I heard them.
RUSH defies categorization.
They have spent 40+ years doing what they do. Following the spirit of music wherever it led them.....
So refreshing.
Keep digging and I will enjoy watching your journey.
You summed up my own thoughts perfectly.
Rush was so cool with their funky time signatures and sudden changes of time signature. It's at mathematic subdivisions . .
To quote Gene Simmons of KISS, “It’s fearlessness! It’s the quality of writing a song and not worrying about whats popular and what’s not. There’s only one band that sounds like that. What kind of band is Rush? It’s Rush” They defy being categorized by one or more genres so I just go with incredibly talented musicians, writers and performers no matter what style or sound they were experimenting and expanding on.
Nice quote!
Yes! Even though I do think Gene Simmons is a douchebag. lol.
@@danwest9900 He pretty much admits it in the quote (that he can't write a song without worrying whether it's going to be popular or not)! 😁
I once heard Geddy say he doesn't like being pigeon holed as a prog band. He said rush is just a heavy rock band that pushed to have great musicianship and deep lyrics.
THAT is high praise!
amazing how those lyrics are more truer today then when they were written so long ago
I love watching this guys reactions to the greatest band ever! I feel like I’m in the room with him just chillin and listening
Jay........."Subdivisions" was actually the song that single handedly resulted in me becoming a lifelong Rush fan.........I'm so looking forward to your response!
I think Rush's keyboard years were the best.
This is one of the greatest songs ever written hands down.
They are concerned to be one of the original "Progressive Rock" groups, or PROG ROCK. They are unique in that they were a 3 person band, from Canada, that never gave into commercial pressure, they did what they wanted to do. They were always true to themselves and therefore their fans have ALWAYS been true to them. Most people would just consider them a rock band, not really metal, but there is no other RUSH. They are a sound and style all their own. That is why they are the G.O.A.T. :)
If we need to categorize, I'd place them firmly in the prog rock "genre", if only because of the weird time signatures and high tech complex noodling --which I of course love.
I don't know if "one of the original" is a good way to put it. Prog was around for half a decade before they started doing it. Yes, Genesis, ELP, King Crimson, Camel, Gentle Giant, and others all predate them.
I see them as a sort of second-wave prog group, and definitely important to the evolution of the genre, but "one of the original" prog rock groups is just ahistorical.
True. They changed from blues metal to prog out of love of bands like Yes, Genesis, Utopia, etc. I hope Rush fans new and old get into that stuff, too.
I watch many reaction videos to Rush. Not only do you appreciate them, but you actually understand them and their songs, and also see that they constantly evolved and didn't stay with one sound like so many bands. You get why they had such staying power and a LEGION of dedicated fans around the world for 40+ years; a band whose likes you won't ever see again. Gauranteed. Keep them coming. Peace!!
When I was a teenager this song came out. I had my drum set up in our garage. Subdivisions was my warm-up song. Back Then I couldn't play it like him of course. But it set the bar for me to climb to. I eventually figured it out. Neil Peart has this way of keeping rhythm with both his hands, left hand on the hi-hat, right hand on the ride. Create a shuffling 16th note sound that he played in many songs, including this one. This guy was truly The Professor!
Lovin what you do here Jay
I love every bit of this song, every note.The synthesizer is so moving, what a tone. This song moves me like no other.
They are a Master Musician Group. Go back to the roots with Working man and Anthem. Early 70’s. 2112 was another great. Tells a story.
No, but a lot of metal bands list Rush as an influence. I define them as Rush.
First show I ever saw...RUSH at Radio City Music hall in 1982...I was 16...been a fan ever since.
“Subdivisions” is such a hook-filled track that a lesser band could have milked it for at least half of an album. It is a very good description of what it’s like to grow up in the suburbs. I know ‘cause I grew up at the same time and in the same suburban part of the city as Alex and Geddy did. Neil came from a relatively small town to the west which, for many, was just a bedroom community for Toronto.
When Signals came out the dominant conversation about Rush (that I recall, among the older high school kids I knew) was "they used to be a metal/hard rock band, go check out 2112 and Caress of Steel." My first awareness of them was Moving Pictures and Signals (I was 10 when Signals came out) and people my age didn't experience the same disconnect. These two albums woke me to the fact that music can be powerful, and you have to imagine hearing them in relation to what was selling the most at the time. They weren't having the same conversation as the rest of popular music. Early 80s Rush fans were in the mindset of "there's Rush and there's everything else," and while you might like other bands you'd never rate any of them higher. I wore out my Signals cassette.
Not many bands have the drummer write most of their lyrics . Neil was great at it .
Well, it's not that hard. All it takes is to be very intelligent, be an extremely talented musician and poet, read a _lot_ of books, and a hell of a lot of dedication. That's it. 😁
Nuff said.
Best drummer ever. Best lyricist ever. Neil is a double GOAT in the rock pantheon.
This song absolutely captured the essence of the era. Late 70's and mid 80's midwestern, finished basement high school party scene. Latch key kids left alone and given free reign.
One of my all time favourites. I discovered Rush when I was in high school in a suburb near Montreal in 1985. That song is an accurate portrait of how kids behaved and the social barriers that truly exist even to this day. Neil Peart is as much of a prophet as he is a brilliant lyricist. Next Rush songs for you : Natural Science - Vital signs - Witch hunt - losing it. You are ready bro !!
Bars. "Be cool or be cast out." Something everyone can relate to.
Thank you for your comments on Rush they are one of the best bands and subdivisions is my favorite song I play it so much back in 1981 when I was 18 seems like such a long time ago and I guess it was but when I listen to something visions I can go back
The “keys” in this song are fantastic. Love the intro. Another amazing composition by them!
Rush....in a word. Go down the rabbit hole with these guys....2112 is when I was introduced and then saw them live. They are that good live too!
🎼🎶🎶🎸🎹🤘😎
One of my favorite and relevant Rush tunes, this and Spirit of Radio. Thank you for reacting to this. Their lyrics and cadence are nuts.
Ive been incredibly blessed to see Rush 8 times and what was trippy is I always saw the same concertgoers EVERYTIME
Whats up old dude in the overalls.? Sacramento Arco Arena
The Great Canadian Trio.Great song choice 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🎸🎸🎸🥁🥁🥁🥁🎼🎼🎼🎼🥁🥁🥁🥁🎸🎸🎸🎸!!!!
I was one of those kids in the late '70s - early '80s that they helped save. This is an anthem for many. Thanks for the reaction.
Rush is the quintessential progressive rock band. First album is more heavy but then next have music that were the entire side. I love Fountain of Lamneth, one song five movements, interesting lyrics.These old epics have a lot of sci-fi and fantasy themes. Freewill also great lyrics.
Really enjoyed your reaction review. Rush were generally considered as "Progressive Rock" by the music critics. I remember an interview with Geddy Lee when the guy asked him if Rush were "Prog Rock". Geddy responded by saying "I always thought we were just a hard rocking band". I agree with Geddy.
Growing up in suburban Toronto in the 80s, this song was my anthem. The video for this song was a snapshot of my teenage years.
The Rush journey is diverse, complicated, and definitely much fun! Great reaction! Keep me coming. ✌ to you sir.
Pure rock and roll my friend from 3 of the most talented men from Canada ever, thanks for this, peace.
This is one of my favorites by them. Glad you did it. Thanks. Especially like it when you do their live stuff.
Progressive rock, undeterred by the mainstream music industry because they refused to be pushed around. They had a vision and a devotion to their fan base that was and still is second to none. When their record label said that they only wanted Rush to do 3 minute radio music, they handed them 2112, and pretty much said, “Here, suck on this.”
the drum cam version to see how Neil plays it..... AMAZING. Progressive rock.
I absolutely loooove the intelligent articulation that you bring to your reactions. All the while, maintaining that you're a beginner to this musical genre.
Honest interactions + humility.
It's why I keep coming back . Blessings.
For me, this has always remained one of those songs that I've heard literally thousands of times, played in a Rush tribute band dozens if not a couple of hundred times and have never gotten sick of it. there is something about it's construction, cohesion and genuineness that has never failed me. I was 12 when this song was released and am now (balding!!) and 50. This song and I have travelled a lot of miles together.
Clearly you understand music at its highest levels. Really cool to see the younger Gen appreciate it. You broke it down with time signature talk and lyrical details. Awesome man! I will continue to watch you’re journey continue. 💯
Awesome job. Keep 'em coming! RUSH made their own category!!
Yeah, it's about conforming and wanting to be your own self. You nailed it. Solid on the instrument side. They played their own music, and did it well.
The best way to describe them is they are an adaptive, rock based band. They use what is going on in the music world and put their talent & twist on it
Hey man!!! It's so nice to see you reacting to Rush!!! Love from Brazil!!!! 🤘♥️🇧🇷
Ur my fav reactor by far!!! For Rush. U know ur stuff bro! 👍🏻👌🏼 Keep it up!! 👊🏼👊🏼
Rush is Rush. They're a three-bomb. Three piece, explosive. Great job, my friend. Keep it up.
Rush is a gift to humanity the likes of which we will never see again
Great reaction!! They are on their own level for sure!🤘🏻 keep those RUSH reactions coming!!!
The first concert I ever attended was when I was 13. It was Rush on their LA dates during their Signals tour in 1983. My brother and I went to both the Forum and Long Beach Arena shows. In the years that followed, I've never witnessed anything close to it.
ahh the three masters !!!! can you imagine Hendrix on lead guitar ,Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar, Neil Peart on duel drums with Bonzo , Beethoven on keys and Bon Scott lead vocals whaling bout a dirty women he loved -souls in heaven would rock!
good reaction Jay Rah Visions, Rush is Rush- they basically created 'prog metal' and of course also blend classic and heavy rock, jazz and blues, as well as some folk... all into their own thing- always something different
It’s all in the mastery of the lyrics that makes the music 🎶 pop and become a classic! Bars
Rush is a genre....period!
They had songs that the radio station could not or were unwilling to play due to the song lengths and complexity.
Cleveland was one city who would allow Rush on their stations so that is why the city has a special place in their Canadian hearts.
Watching the making of a new RUSH fan is somehow very emotional and satisfying
Rush is nothing but classic rock. They were one of the best. Got to see them in the Mabee Center in Tulsa back in the 80s.
Hard to believe 3 folks could make this much sound. And yup, they sounded like this live too!
Neil killed the percussion on this song with tasty fills and the hot work on that ride cymbal...YEAH!!!
I grew up in the same city they did, and the first time I heard this song on my Walkman on the radio in 1982, I was 14 and walking through one of the same neighbourhoods they were talking about. It kind of freaked me out, in the best possible way. Three million people here now, and after almost 200 years of this town existing, these guys are the greatest artists it's produced so far. So glad you like them! (And I'd love to hear a hip-hop song that samples their stuff! Do any maybe exist right now??)
Edit: And LOL, yes, teenagers in 1982 were often found in seedy basement bars! Things were pretty lax back then, and I think the first time I was asked for ID here, I was already drinking age. Somehow, I managed to keep a few brain cells after all that.
I was in high school when this came out , my first concert RUSH 🎶💙was awesome to b a teen in the 80,s w music like this ✨💕🎶🧚🏻♂️ loving your channel. 😎
I remember watching them perform this in Radio City Music Hall when the album came out. What a great show!
The drummer was 1 of the best in the world,he also writes the lyrics,best 3 man band wver,Geddy Lee top 5 bassist ever as her plays keyboards and sings,the catalog is enormous
"Headphones of Truth" Awesome, bro, awesome!
Wow Jay....I get a serious Q-Tip vibe from your look and mannerisms. Awesome! Tribe for life!
It was the early 80’s it was so hypnotic I was their, made it thru the fire
Like the shout outs to the names of the musicians - that’s what sets you apart. Great reaction. Got me subscribed.
That smooth transition Neil had. He will only be appreciated in years to come.
Rush is in a class of their own ❤️ watching and remembering one of my musical heroes. Neil E. Peart OC. Our beloved Professor. Rest In Peace 😭Sept.12, 1952 - Jan. 07, 2020. Enjoy your musical journey🙏🏼 it will change you.
Perfect example of how a band can rock in the 70's and then make the synthesizer driven 80's also work in their music. such a diverse lineup of songs . these are legends.
Rush and this album is just as fresh and relevant today as it was when I first heard it in the '80's. Thanks for posting, Jay.
Label & music press my try to label Rush "Prog Metal", in which case they led the way... But honestly my brother, Rush is Rush...simplistic as it sounds. They followed their muse regardless of what was or wasn't popular. They had two things so often missing in bands that break out: Integrity, and authenticity. KEEP ON TRAVELING YOUR MUSICAL JOURNEY BROTHER! It's an honor to follow it!
Great review. I think most people categorize RUSH as Progressive Rock. Their music was always evolving through their 40+ year career. And it's all good. RUSH on!😎👍
Many Rush fans, like myself, consider this song to be the soundtrack of our teen years, even if we didn't realize it back in 1982, my junior year in high school.
Rush were big Zeppelin fans, and their influence shows up in Rush's first album. Niel joined for the second album and his lyrical ability as well as the bands appreciation for progressive rock bands like 'Yes,' took them in a more progressive direction through the 70's. However, whatever the influence, Rush just does their own thing, reflecting and blending whatever they were feeling at the time of recording. True masters.
Geddy played the base at Yes’s rock n roll hall of fame induction.
It’s a great video clip as you can see the joy in Geddys actions.
They have an interview with Rush and Alex talks about Rush and Lep meeting up in the building during a concert and just freaked out when he was in the same room as Plante.
Actually they were bigger WHO fans (Neil)..but yes Zep was an influence and so were the police.
@@Dentor59 that's right
The subdivision of our own selves within ourselves and ourselves and each other is society. We are subdivided in so many ways.
Saw them live when they were an opener for Turd Nugat and later on Moving Pictires tour. Awesome for real.
Rush, as well as Pink Floyd, are in genres unique to themselves. Each their own genre. RIP Neil.
Cool that you noticed the time signature. It's almost like Neal Peart (may he R.I.P.) was constantly devising syncopated stuff to challenge himself to hold the groove together. The result is magic.
Rush is a gift for all to discover. No band makes me more emotional and happy to be alive than Rush.
Now watch Neil PLAY the drum part it will blow your mind completely.....the song is Subdivisions on a few levels musically, he splits the parts in subdivisions....playing parts that one may play on one hand on two...it's mindshattering. He made the drums sing not only lyrics, but guitar and kept time. A man beyond his time, and immortal. I grew up when they came out, and I recall no one inspired people to air drum and pick up sticks to play like Peart. It was holymacinoles then, and now. A three man band played so many sounds....at the time was astonishing, intriguing, and highly stimulating-still is now too. One of my favorites.
Peart shines in this tune. The Drum work is especially stellar
Jay, you won me over with this one video. I love that you are open to trying something new, much less with a song I grew up listening. This song was (still is) dead on with a generation of kids that really didnt fit in, kids that did get bullied, kids that were not popular-which was most. I totally related to this song. then and now. What I found out that that there were people like me that didnt have to "fit in", what I find out later in life is that it is ok to NOT fit in to everything. I am unique. Rush-a "Progressive Rock" band. Rush documentaries are great to watch to see how different they really are/were as a band. You are 100% right that they have no problem trying stuff that did and did not work, but they kept their own as they penned in their other songs. I love they they didnt stick to the same ole-"I love you" "I miss you" stuff that most everyone else did. Thanks for checking out Rush.
No matter when you were in high school you can relate to the lyrics and fall into your memories
Wow, great reaction. Love your comment on how they are not afraid to change and experiment on their sound. They definitely have gone to different places in their music. Geddy said they easily could have kept on making the same music on every album, but they didn't want to do that. I also love the way you appreciate Neil's lyrics. RIP Professor!!
Me too. Great to see the lyricist acknowledged since we all know he was a great drummer admired by 'the greats'! RIP Professor 😊🐰 #ENRGYZRBunny
I love it when people discover Rush. Gives me hope for the future. hahahaha
What you’ve got to remember is the year Rush produced their many masterpieces. Each album took the best of technology, instrumental intricacies, production that was currently available at the time. So each album has its own unique style to match these advances. They out grew time.
Dude Rush is Rush. Unlike any other rock band you'll ever hear.
My favorite Rush track. Awesome reaction dude.