Editing Signals (Rush album)

{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=July 2016}}
{{Infobox album
| name        = Signals
| type        = studio
| artist      = [[Rush (band)|Rush]]
| cover       = Rush_Signals.jpg
| border      = yes
| alt         =
| released    = {{start date|1982|9|9}}
| recorded    = April – July 15, 1982
| studio      = [[Le Studio]], [[Morin-Heights]], [[Quebec]], Canada
| genre       = {{hlist|[[Electronic rock|Synth-rock]]|[[progressive rock]]|[[new wave music|new wave]]<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6he7BAAAQBAJ&q=signals+synth+rock+new+wave&pg=PA65 |title=Experiencing Rush: A Listener's Companion |last=Bowman |first=Durrell |date=October 1, 2014 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=9781442231313 |language=en |access-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-date=April 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402021300/https://books.google.com/books?id=6he7BAAAQBAJ&q=signals+synth+rock+new+wave&pg=PA65 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/rush-signals-album-turns-30/ |title=How Rush Tried to Keep Their Momentum Going with 'Signals' |date=September 9, 2015 |access-date=May 30, 2020 |archive-date=June 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618092503/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/rush-signals-album-turns-30/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
| length      = 43:12
| label       = [[Anthem Records|Anthem]]
| producer    = {{hlist |Rush |[[Terry Brown (record producer)|Terry Brown]]}}
| prev_title  = [[Exit... Stage Left]]
| prev_year   = 1981
| next_title  = [[Grace Under Pressure (Rush album)|Grace Under Pressure]]
| next_year   = 1984
| misc        = {{Singles
| name        = Signals
| type        = studio
| single1     = [[New World Man]]
| single1date = August 1982
| single2     = [[Subdivisions (song)|Subdivisions]]
| single2date = October 1982
| single3     = [[Countdown (Rush song)|Countdown]]
| single3date = April 1983
}}
{{Extra album cover
| caption = 40th anniversary reissue
| image   = Signals 40th anniversary.jpg
| type    = studio
}}
}}

'''''Signals''''' is the ninth studio album by Canadian [[Rock music|rock]] band [[Rush (band)|Rush]], released on September 9, 1982 by [[Anthem Records]].<ref>{{cite journal |title=Rush Signals tour set for September |journal=RPM Weekly |date=August 28, 1982 |volume=37 |issue=2 |page=15 |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/CANADA/RPM/80s/1982/RPM-Canada-1982-08-28.pdf |access-date=November 4, 2023 |publisher=RPM Music Publications Ltd. |location=Toronto, Ontario, Canada |language=English}}</ref> After the release of their previous album, ''[[Moving Pictures (Rush album)|Moving Pictures]]'', the band started to prepare material for a follow-up during soundchecks on their 1981 concert tour and during the mixing of their subsequent live album ''[[Exit...Stage Left]]''. ''Signals'' demonstrates the group's continuing use of synthesizers, sequencers, and other electronic instrumentation. It is the last album produced by their longtime associate [[Terry Brown (record producer)|Terry Brown]], who had worked with them since 1974.

The album peaked at No. 1 in Canada, No. 3 in the United Kingdom, and No. 10 in the United States. In November 1982, the album was certified platinum by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] for selling one million copies in the United States. Rush released three singles from the album: "[[New World Man]]", which became the band's highest charting single in the United States and a number-one hit in Canada, as well as "[[Subdivisions (song)|Subdivisions]]" and "[[Countdown (Rush song)|Countdown]]". The group supported ''Signals'' with a concert tour from April 1982 to May 1983. ''Signals'' has been reissued several times, including a remaster with a new stereo and 5.1 surround sound mix in 2011.

== Background and recording ==
In July 1981, Rush ended their tour in support of their previous album ''Moving Pictures''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rush.com/tour/moving-pictures/ |publisher=Rush.com |title=Tour – Moving Pictures Tour |access-date=July 6, 2018 |archive-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708162639/https://www.rush.com/tour/moving-pictures/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The album became their most commercially successful of their history, granting them their first No. 1 album in Canada and selling over one million copies in the United States at the tour's conclusion.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=moving+pictures#search_section |publisher=Recording Industry Association of America |title=Gold & Platinum Search – "Moving Pictures" |access-date=July 6, 2018 |archive-date=April 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402021218/https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=moving+pictures#search_section |url-status=live }}</ref> Rush then took a three-month break, during which they oversaw the production and mixing of their second live release, ''Exit...Stage Left'', at [[Le Studio]] in [[Morin-Heights]], Quebec. In one of drummer and lyricist [[Neil Peart]]'s diary entries written during this time, he had been cleaning a Hayman drum kit that was housed in the studio and, in September 1981, began working out a song with two members of the band's road crew, the unreleased "Tough Break".<ref name=tourbook>{{cite web |url=http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/signals.html#tourbook |title=Stories from Signals |first=Neil |last=Peart |date=1982 |publisher=Anthem Records |access-date=July 6, 2018 |archive-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708135114/http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/signals.html#tourbook |url-status=live }}</ref> Peart was also working on lyrics, in particular a set which included "Subdivisions", a track the group would later record for ''Signals''.<ref name=tourbook/>

Having arranged some material for their next studio album, Rush toured North America and Europe from October to December 1981 with a setlist that contained "Subdivisions".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rush.com/tour/exit-stage-left/ |publisher=Rush.com |title=Tour – Exit...Stage Left Tour |access-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708191533/https://www.rush.com/tour/exit-stage-left/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The group had their sound man capture their soundchecks on tape which provided a method of developing new songs, which was particularly the case for "Chemistry".<ref name=tourbook/> The majority of ''Signals'' was written and rehearsed in early 1982.<ref name=tourbook/> [[Geddy Lee]] has said that the group were aware of how easy it would have been to "play it safe" and produce another ''Moving Pictures'', a mindset the band was entirely against.<ref name=scene1982>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19821028scene.htm |title=Rush Takes Off: The Geddy Lee Interview |magazine=Scene |date=October 28, 1982 |first=Raj |last=Bahadur |access-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708162641/http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19821028scene.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The album displays the band continuing to incorporate the synthesizer into their songs with less emphasis on guitar-oriented riffs which had been the focus of their sound in the 1970s. Lee considered ''Signals'' as the beginning of a new era for the band.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19830521sounds.htm |magazine=Sounds |title=Private Lives: The Rush Sanctuary Breached |date=May 21, 1983 |first=Geoff |last=Barton |access-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708162355/http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19830521sounds.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> In hindsight, he said it was considerably difficult to make because it took longer than usual for the band to achieve the right feel for each song.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19830331circus.htm |magazine=Circus |title=Face to Face with Rush's Geddy Lee |date=March 31, 1983 |first=Philip |last=Bashe |access-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708162558/http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19830331circus.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Some ideas that [[Alex Lifeson]] and Lee had initially saved for potential solo albums were used on ''Signals''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19830315latimes.htm |newspaper=The Los Angeles Times |title=Drumming a Different Beat |date=March 15, 1983 |first=Dennis |last=Hunt |access-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708162407/http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19830315latimes.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Writer and journalist [[Greg Quill]] noticed a "cyclical framework" in ''Signals'', specifically the album opening in suburbia followed by contemplating escape in "The Analog Kid". Then, "universal human imponderables" are explored through humanity, sex, religion, and aging, which ends in an actual escape in "Countdown". Quill spoke to Peart about this theory, to which the drummer replied: "You noticed that. We were hoping no one would. It's so unfashionable these days to construct grand concepts. We're being closed mouthed about it".<ref name=quill>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19820900musicexpress.htm |title=Neil Peart: New World Man |magazine=Music Express |first=Greg |last=Quill |date=September 1982 |access-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708162409/http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19820900musicexpress.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

Recording began at Le Studio in April 1982, and ended on July 15.<ref name=LPnotes/> It is Rush's last album co-produced by their longtime associate [[Terry Brown (record producer)|Terry Brown]], who had worked with them since 1974. He was joined by engineer Paul Northfield with assistance from Robbie Whelan.<ref name=LPnotes/> Rush intended to finish the album in June, but had to spend additional time in the studio which led to a month's reduction in their planned vacation time.<ref name=getsuccess>{{cite web |url=http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19850100gettsuccess.htm |title=Success Under Pressure |first=Steve |last=Gett |access-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-date=September 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915145909/http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19850100gettsuccess.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Upon completion, the album was mastered by [[Bob Ludwig]] at Masterdisk.<ref name=LPnotes/>

==Songs==
===Side one===
"Subdivisions" was one of the first songs Rush had arranged for ''Signals''.<ref name=tourbook/> After Peart devised a set of lyrics, Lifeson and Lee wrote a collection of musical ideas to fit Peart's words. Peart recalled that his bandmates interrupted him as he was cleaning his car and set up a portable cassette player on the driveway outside the studio, and played him what they had come up with. Peart added: "I listened closely, picking up the variations on 7/8 and 3/4, the way the guitar adopts the role of rhythm section while the keyboards take the melody, returning to bass with guitar leading in the chorus, then the Mini-moog taking over again for the instrumental bridge", and told Lifeson and Lee that he liked it.<ref name=tourbook/>

"The Analog Kid" originated during the group's stay at [[Virgin Gorda]] in the [[British Virgin Islands]] in January 1982, travelling on a yacht named Orianda.<ref name=tourbook/> Peart had written the words to the song initially as a companion piece to "Digital Man", which Rush had started working on in late 1981, and presented it to Lee. The two discussed what could be done with the lyrics in a musical sense, deciding on the opposite on what the words may suggest, with Peart describing the track as "a very up-tempo rocker, with some kind of a dynamic contrast for the choruses".<ref name=tourbook/>

"Chemistry" was developed during soundchecks on the ''Moving Pictures'' tour in 1981. It was during one particular session during the United States leg whereby, after each member checking each of their instruments separately, "a little spontaneous creation" came about which produced a song without the group realising it. Each member played a different part; Lee played what became the keyboard section for the bridge, Lifeson the guitar riffs heard in the verses, and Peart the drum pattern for the chorus.<ref name=tourbook/> Upon listening to the soundcheck tapes, Lifeson and Lee took each section and arranged it into a complete track before they produced a demo which almost matched the version recorded for the album.<ref name=tourbook/> "Chemistry" marked the first time that each member collaborated on the lyrics to a song, with Lifeson and Lee devising its title, concept, and several phrases that they wished for it to include. Peart then took their ideas and developed a set of complete lyrics. He named "Chemistry" as the easiest song to write for ''Signals''.<ref name=tourbook/>

"Digital Man" was one of the songs worked on during the late 1981 writing sessions at Le Studio, during which the music and lyrics for its verses, plus the [[ska]]-influenced bridge, was worked out.<ref name=tourbook/> The song was also heavily influenced by funk, with Lee's bass line described as "so funky and fluid its almost laughable".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/rush-signals-album-turns-30/ |title=How Rush Tried to Keep Their Momentum Going With 'Signals' |first=Ryan |last=Reed |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=September 9, 2015 |access-date=May 30, 2020 |archive-date=June 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618092503/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/rush-signals-album-turns-30/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Its instrumental break has been compared with "[[Walking on the Moon]]" by [[The Police]].<ref name="ClassicRock">{{cite journal |title=Rush: Progressive To The Core |author=Geoff Barton |date=September 2006 |journal=[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]] |volume=97}}</ref> The song developed further in March 1982 during the band's one month stay at The Grange in [[Muskoka Lakes]], Ontario.<ref name=tourbook/> Peart wrote the remaining lyrics by an open fire in his chalet while Lifeson and Lee worked on the music in the adjacent barn. After numerous attempts they devised a combination of suitable words and music for the chorus, and Peart wrote: "We were all very pleased with the dynamic and unusual nature of the part, it was so different for us".<ref name=tourbook/> However, Brown expressed a lack of enthusiasm to record the song and remained so until the group had continually talked about why it worked "until he got tired of hearing about it".<ref name=tourbook/> "The Analog Kid" and "Digital Man" served as the inspiration for comic book writer [[Troy Hickman]] to create heroes of the same names in his 2004 comic ''[[Common Grounds]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sequentialtart.com/archive/apr04/thickman.shtml |title=Troy Hickman — Holey Crullers! (vol VII/iss 4/April 2004) |publisher=Sequential Tart |access-date=September 17, 2012 |archive-date=November 6, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106195237/http://www.sequentialtart.com/archive/apr04/thickman.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Side two===
"The Weapon" is the second part of Rush's "Fear" song series. During a writing session at a northern Ontario manor home in 1981, Lee and his friend Oscar devised what Peart described as the foundation of "a highly mysterious and bizarre drum pattern" with his [[drum machine]].<ref name=tourbook/> At a subsequent rehearsal, Peart learned to play the part on his own drum kit which required him to alter his usual technique, but took the experience as an enjoyable challenge.<ref name=tourbook/>

"New World Man" was put together in May 1982 when the backing tracks for the album's other seven tracks were completed, and there was enough space on the vinyl for a song under four minutes.<ref name=tourbook/> Had the track become too long, the band would have put it down and used it for a subsequent release. "New World Man" began with Peart writing lyrics that tied in themes from other songs on the album, "and came up with a straightforward, concise set of lyrics consisting of the two verses and the two choruses".<ref name=tourbook/> The group adopted a "fast and loose" approach for its corresponding music and worked swiftly, with the song fully arranged in one day and recorded in the course of the next.<ref name=tourbook/>

"Losing It" originated from a theme Lifeson had come up with which was used in subsequent rehearsal sessions to produce a demo with keyboards and drums.<ref name=tourbook/> In June 1982, when the band revisited the song in the studio, they discussed the possibility of [[Ben Mink]] of the band [[FM (Canadian band)|FM]] playing the [[electric violin]] somewhere on ''Signals'', and decided that "Losing It" was the best track for his contribution.<ref name=tourbook/> To cater for the part, Rush put down the basic track for a jazz-oriented solo section and invited Mink to the studio which included him multi-tracking various notes to resemble a complete [[string section]].<ref name=tourbook/> The lyrics include references to the latter years of writer [[Ernest Hemingway]]–"For you the blind who once could see, the bell tolls for thee". It was not played live until 2015 when Rush performed it at five concerts on their [[R40 Live Tour]].

"Countdown" was inspired by the band attending the launch of the [[STS-1]] ''Columbia'' space shuttle in April 1981, the first of NASA's [[Space Shuttle program]]. They had been invited to the launch and observed it from a VIP area at an air base in [[Cape Kennedy]], Florida.<ref name=tourbook/> The song features samples of radio communications recorded before and during the flight.

==Artwork==
The sleeve was designed by [[Hugh Syme]], who is credited with its concept, direction, and graphics, with photography from Deborah Samuel. Syme based his design upon receiving merely the album's title, and recalled a "great deal of trouble" in a cover that he and the group were satisfied with. "I decided that, with such a phenomenally important word with the kind of potency it potentially had, to go with something really dumb, really inane".<ref name=syme1983/> He noted, however, that the cover still tied into the meaning of some of the songs on the album, in particular "Chemistry".<ref name=syme1983/> The final concept came out from the result of several failed ideas, including one that Syme devised which would have involved Rush hooked up to [[electroencephalography]] machines as they played in the studio and a snapshot of their heartbeats and brain waves taken during a performance.<ref name=symebillboard/>

The front photograph depicts a [[Dalmatian (dog)|Dalmatian]] dog sniffing a red fire hydrant on a green lawn.<ref name=syme1983>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19830320creem.htm |title=From Brainwaves to Tidal Waves: The Story Behind Rush's Album Covers |magazine=Creem Close-Up |first=Jeffrey |last=Morgan |date=Spring 1983 |access-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-date=June 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624202328/http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19830320creem.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=symebillboard>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/6613236/rush-hugh-syme-art-of-rush-book-album-covers-neil-peart-foreword-exclusive |title=Rush Art Director Hugh Syme on the Stories Behind the Band's Iconic Album Covers and His New Book 'Art of Rush': Exclusive |magazine=Billboard |first=Gary |last=Graff |date=July 1, 2015 |access-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-date=July 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701105751/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/6613236/rush-hugh-syme-art-of-rush-book-album-covers-neil-peart-foreword-exclusive |url-status=live }}</ref> Samuel shot the image on the rooftop of her studio. The lawn is a piece of AstroTurf, and the hydrant was rented from Toronto and repainted the desired colour for the cover. She recalled a search to find a Dalmatian who could sniff on command, and placed dog biscuits underneath the hydrant multiple times to get the final shot.<ref name=samuel>{{cite web |url=http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/20121109durstonphoto.htm |title=Exit Stage Left – Deborah Samuel Interview |publisher=Durston Photography |first=Rob |last=Durston |date=November 9, 2012 |access-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708162435/http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/20121109durstonphoto.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The back cover is a pretend blueprint of a neighbourhood with what Lee described as "make believe subdivisions",<ref name=getsuccess/> detailing Warren Cromartie Secondary School, a fictional school named after baseball player [[Warren Cromartie]]. He and the [[Montreal Expos]] are thanked in the album's liner notes.<ref name=LPnotes/> Syme considered the back cover "a little subtle, perhaps over-indulgent".<ref name=syme1983/>

==Release==
The album was released in September 1982. The album peaked at No. 1 in Canada,<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?brws_s=1&file_num=nlc008388.6924a&type=1&interval=24&PHPSESSID=c6btf3r8hs459qqt5ln3o3dcv5 |title=Top Albums/CDs - Volume 37, No. 8, October 09 1982 |magazine=[[RPM (magazine)|RPM]] |access-date=February 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315211158/http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?brws_s=1&file_num=nlc008388.6924a&type=1&interval=24&PHPSESSID=c6btf3r8hs459qqt5ln3o3dcv5 |archive-date=March 15, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> No. 3 in the United Kingdom,<ref name="UK charts">{{cite web |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/rush/ |title=Rush chart positions in the UK |publisher=[[The Official Charts Company]] |access-date=January 1, 2013 |archive-date=March 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313002707/http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/rush/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and No. 10 in the United States.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/signals-mw0000191705/awards |title=''Signals'' chart position in the US |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=January 1, 2013 |archive-date=December 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121211155015/http://www.allmusic.com/album/signals-mw0000191705/awards |url-status=live }}</ref> In November 1982, the album was certified platinum by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] for selling one million copies in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=sgnals#search_section |publisher=Recording Industry Association of America |title=Gold & Platinum Search – "Signalss" |access-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-date=April 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402021218/https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=sgnals#search_section |url-status=live }}</ref>

Rush released five singles from ''Signals''. "New World Man" reached No.&nbsp;21 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] singles chart for three weeks in October and November 1982. It is the band's highest charting single in the US, and the only one to have reached the top 40.

==Reception==
{{Album reviews
|rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
|rev1score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web |last=Prato |first=Greg |url={{AllMusic |class=album |id=r17139 |pure_url=yes}} |title=Signals - Rush |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=September 17, 2012}}</ref>
| rev2 = ''[[The Encyclopedia of Popular Music]]''
| rev2Score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite book|last=Larkin|first=Colin|author-link=Colin Larkin|title=The Encyclopedia of Popular Music|year=2007|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|edition=4th|isbn=978-0195313734|title-link=The Encyclopedia of Popular Music}}</ref>
| rev3 = ''[[Martin C. Strong|The Essential Rock Discography]]''
| rev3Score = 6/10<ref name="Strong">{{cite book |last1=Strong |first1=Martin Charles  |title=The Essential Rock Discography |edition=8th |year=2006 |publisher=Open City Books |isbn=1-84195-860-3 |page=938–939 |chapter=Rush }}</ref>
| rev4      = ''[[MusicHound Rock]]''
| rev4Score = {{rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite book|editor1-last=Graff|editor1-first=Gary|editor2-last=Durchholz|editor2-first=Daniel|title=MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide|publisher=Visible Ink Press|location=Farmington Hills, MI|year=1999|section=Rush|isbn=1-57859-061-2|page=965}}</ref>
|rev5 = ''[[Rolling Stone]]''
|rev5score = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine |author=J.D. Considine |author-link=J.D. Considine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/signals-19821028 |title=Signals |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=October 28, 1982 |access-date=September 17, 2012 |archive-date=August 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805041700/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/signals-19821028 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|rev6 = ''[[The Rolling Stone Album Guide]]''
|rev6score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/rush/albumguide |title=Rush: Album Guide |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |access-date=February 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704223108/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/rush/albumguide |archive-date=July 4, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| rev7 = ''[[Colin Larkin|The Virgin Encyclopedia of 80s Music]]''
| rev7Score = {{rating|3|5}}<ref>{{Cite book|author=[[Colin Larkin|Larkin, Colin]]|year=2003|title=The Virgin Encyclopedia of 80s Music|ISBN=1852279699|publisher=[[Virgin Publishing]]|section=Rush|pp=414–415}}</ref>
}}
At the time of release, ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' criticised the band's choice of "emphasizing synthesizers at the expense of Alex Lifeson's guitar," calling the album "mostly a wasted effort."<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/signals-19821028 |title=Signals |newspaper=Rolling Stone |access-date=February 20, 2017 |archive-date=December 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161219093343/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/signals-19821028 |url-status=live }}</ref>

''Louder'' called ''Signals'' the 29th best album of the 80s.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-50-best-albums-of-the-80s |title=The 50 best albums of the 80s |first=Louder 13 |last=December 2018 |website=loudersound |date=December 13, 2018 |access-date=January 4, 2019 |archive-date=February 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215222423/https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-50-best-albums-of-the-80s |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[AllMusic]] retrospectively praised the album, complimenting the band for not simply making ''Moving Pictures, Pt. II'', continuing their exploration of the synthesizer and introducing more contemporary themes into the lyrics.<ref name="Allmusic" />

[[Ultimate Classic Rock]] placed ''Signals'' seventh in their list of "Top 10 Rush Albums,"<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/top-rush-albums/ |title=Top 10 Rush Albums |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |date=July 29, 2011 |language=en-US |access-date=July 21, 2017 |archive-date=July 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170727024723/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/top-rush-albums/ |url-status=live }}</ref> while ''[[Stereogum]]'' placed the album third (behind ''[[Moving Pictures (Rush album)|Moving Pictures]]'' and ''[[2112 (album)|2112]]'') in their list of "Rush Albums From Worst to Best," labelling it "the most audacious album of the band's career."<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.stereogum.com/1685666/rush-albums-from-worst-to-best/franchises/counting-down/ |title=Rush Albums From Worst To Best |date=June 10, 2014 |work=Stereogum |access-date=July 21, 2017 |archive-date=July 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708003637/http://www.stereogum.com/1685666/rush-albums-from-worst-to-best/franchises/counting-down/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the 2010 documentary film ''[[Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage]]'', [[Trent Reznor]] cited ''Signals'' as an influence for incorporating keyboards into hard rock.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://nerdholes.blogspot.com/2010/05/rush-beyond-lighted-stage-review.html |title=Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage review |last=Chittenden |first=B. |date=May 1, 2010 |website=Two Assholes Talking About Nerd Stuff |access-date=July 21, 2017 |archive-date=January 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109181914/http://nerdholes.blogspot.com/2010/05/rush-beyond-lighted-stage-review.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Canadian music journalist [[Martin Popoff]] stated that ''Signals'' was his favorite Rush album because of the "creamy production."<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xIWzCwAAQBAJ&q=martin+popoff+rush+signals+creamy&pg=PA7 |title=Rush - Updated Edition: The Unofficial Illustrated History |last=Popoff |first=Martin |date=June 2016 |publisher=Voyageur Press |isbn=9780760349953 |access-date=November 1, 2020 |archive-date=April 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210402021218/https://books.google.com/books?id=xIWzCwAAQBAJ&q=martin+popoff+rush+signals+creamy&pg=PA7 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2022, ''[[Guitar World]]'' named ''Signals'' the #9 greatest rock guitar album of 1982, saying that although there was a "shift to a more electro-synth sound", there was "still room for Alex Lifeson to do his thing on his six-string", and that "Geddy Lee remained the best bassist in rock".<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/features/25-greatest-rock-guitar-albums-of-1982 |title=The 25 greatest rock guitar albums of 1982 |work=Guitar World |access-date=May 23, 2023 }}</ref>

==Reissues==
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!Year
!Label
!Format
!Notes
|-
|1994
|[[Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab]]
|CD
|Gold CD remaster.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mofi.com/goldcd.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206032326/http://www.mofi.com/goldcd.htm |archive-date=December 6, 2008 |title=Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab |publisher=Mofi.com |access-date=September 17, 2012}}</ref> "The Weapon" has one line of lyrics missing at 3:12. The label stated this was the case on the master tape delivered to them. Both "New World Man" and “Digital Man” have endings a few seconds longer.
|-
|2011
|Anthem
|CD, DVD
|Digitally remastered as part of the three-volume ''Sector'' box sets, also available in 5.1 surround sound.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.themasterdiskrecord.com/2011/11/andy-vandette-on-remastering-14-rush-albums |title=Andy VanDette On Remastering 15 Rush Albums |publisher=Themasterdiskrecord.com |date=November 23, 2011 |access-date=September 17, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140823055546/http://www.themasterdiskrecord.com/2011/11/andy-vandette-on-remastering-14-rush-albums/ |archive-date=August 23, 2014 }}</ref>
|-
|2015
|Mercury
|LP, digital format
|Digitally remastered.<ref>{{cite web |title=12 MONTHS OF RUSH: 14 ALBUMS FROM MERCURY ERA FOR RELEASE IN 2015 |url=http://www.rush.com/12-months-of-rush-14-albums-from-mercury-era-for-release-in-2015/ |website=Rush.com |access-date=July 10, 2015 |archive-date=July 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711024744/http://www.rush.com/12-months-of-rush-14-albums-from-mercury-era-for-release-in-2015/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|2023
|Mercury
|LP, Blu Ray, digital format
|Three digitally remastered formats: (1) Super Deluxe Edition, (2) one-LP Picture Disc Edition, and (3) Dolby Atmos Digital Edition<ref>{{cite web |title=Signals 40 Super Deluxe Edition |url=https://www.rushbackstage.com/product/6XAMRU261/signals-40-super-deluxe-edition |website=www.rushbackstage.com |access-date=February 26, 2024  }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Signals 40th Anniversary Release |url=https://www.rush.com/signals-40th-anniversary-release/ |website=www.rush.com |access-date=February 26, 2024  }}</ref>
|}

==Track listing==
{{tracklist
| all_lyrics      = [[Neil Peart]] except where noted
| all_music       = [[Alex Lifeson]] and [[Geddy Lee]]
| headline        = Side one
| title1          = [[Subdivisions (song)|Subdivisions]]
| length1         = 5:35
| title2          = [[The Analog Kid]]
| length2         = 4:47
| title3          = Chemistry 
| lyrics3           = Lee, Lifeson, Peart
| length3         = 4:57
| title4          = Digital Man
| length4         = 6:23
}}
{{tracklist
| headline = Side two
| title5 = The Weapon
| note5 = Part II of "Fear"
| length5 = 6:24
| title6 = [[New World Man]]
| length6 = 3:42
| title7 = Losing It
| length7 = 4:53
| title8 = [[Countdown (Rush song)|Countdown]]
| length8 = 5:49
}}
===40th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition (2023)===
{{Track listing
| title1 = Subdivisions
| title2 = [[Red Barchetta]] 
| note2 = Live
| title3 = Countdown
| title4 = New World Man
| title5 = New World Man
| title6 = [[Vital Signs (Rush song)|Vital Signs]]" (Live) {{plainlist|
*"+ Plus"
*"÷ Divided By"
*"{{=}} [Shape-Shifter]"
*"− Minus"
*"× Multiplied By"}} "{{=}} [Solf-Filter]
| title7 = The Weapon (Single Edit)
| title8 = Digital Man
}}

==Personnel==
Credits are taken from the album's 1982 liner notes.<ref name=LPnotes>{{cite AV media notes |url=https://www.discogs.com/Rush-Signals/release/1368144 |title=Signals |year=1982 |id=ANR-1-1038 |publisher=Anthem Records |access-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-date=July 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708162850/https://www.discogs.com/Rush-Signals/release/1368144 |url-status=live }}</ref>

;Rush
*[[Geddy Lee]]&nbsp;– bass guitars, synthesizers, vocals, arrangements, production
*[[Alex Lifeson]]&nbsp;– electric and acoustic guitars, [[Moog Taurus]] pedals, production
*[[Neil Peart]]&nbsp;– drums, percussion, arrangements, spoken vocal on “Subdivisions”, production

;Additional personnel
*[[Ben Mink]]&nbsp;– electric violin on "Losing It"

;Production
*[[Terry Brown (record producer)|Terry Brown]]&nbsp;– arrangements, production
*Paul Northfield&nbsp;– engineer
*Robbie Whelan&nbsp;– engineer assistant
*JVC&nbsp;– digital mastering
*[[Bob Ludwig]]&nbsp;– mastering at Masterdisk on the original vinyl album an remastering at Gateway Mastering Studios in 1997
*Brian Lee&nbsp;– additional remastering in 1997
*[[Hugh Syme]]&nbsp;– art direction, graphics, cover concept
*Deborah Samuel&nbsp;– photography
*Kineblok Inc.&nbsp;– photographic colour optics
*Ray Danniels&nbsp;– management
*[[Moon Records (Canada)|Moon Records]]&nbsp;– executive production

==Charts==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}

===Weekly charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
! scope="col"| Chart (1982)
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
{{album chart|Canada |1 |chartid=6939 |rowheader=true |access-date=May 15, 2022}}
|-
{{album chart|Netherlands |31 |artist=Rush |album=Signals |rowheader=true |access-date=August 5, 2018}}
|-
{{album chart|Norway |33 |artist=Rush |album=Signals |rowheader=true |access-date=August 5, 2018}}
|-
{{album chart|Sweden |19 |artist=Rush |album=Signals |rowheader=true |access-date=August 5, 2018}}
|-
{{album chart|UK2 |3 |date=19820918 |rowheader=true |access-date=August 5, 2018}}
|-
{{album chart|Billboard200 |10 |artist=Rush |rowheader=true |access-date=August 5, 2018}}
|}
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
! scope="col"| Chart (2023)
! scope="col"| Peak<br />position
|-
{{album chart|Germany4|88|id=42792|artist=Rush|album=Signals|rowheader=true|access-date=May 5, 2023}}
|}
{{col-2}}

===Year-end charts===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
! scope="col" | Chart (1982)
! scope="col" | Position
|-
{{album chart|Canada |7 |chartid=6170 |rowheader=true |access-date=May 15, 2022|refname="CANYE82"}}
|-
!scope="row"|US Top Pop Albums (''[[Cashbox (magazine)|Cash Box]]'')<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cashboxmagazine.com/archives/80s_files/1982YEAP.html|title=The CASH BOX Year-End Charts: 1982|work=[[Cashbox (magazine)|Cash Box]]|date=December 25, 1982|access-date=May 15, 2022}}</ref>
|46
|}
{{col-end}}

==Certifications==
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada |type=album |award=Platinum |artist=Rush |title=Signals |relyear=1982 |certyear=1984 |access-date=July 3, 2020}}
{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|region=United Kingdom|artist=Rush|title=Signals|award=Silver|relyear=1982|certyear=1982|id=5870-789-2}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States |type=album |award=Platinum |artist=Rush |title=Signals |relyear=1982 |certyear=1982 |access-date=July 3, 2020}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Discogs master|7771|name=Signals}}

{{Rush}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Signals (Album)}}
[[Category:1982 albums]]
[[Category:Rush (band) albums]]
[[Category:Anthem Records albums]]
[[Category:Mercury Records albums]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Terry Brown (record producer)]]
[[Category:Albums recorded at Le Studio]]