The “wonderful” 1982 song Neil Peart never got tired of: “Always”
The article looks back at Rush drummer Neil Peart's enduring fondness for "Subdivisions," a 1982 track from the album Signals, highlighting how the band's shift towards keyboard-driven arrangements gave Peart fresh creative satisfaction on stage. It matters as a window into how Rush evolved from their prog-rock roots into a more synth-influenced sound during the early 1980s, without losing the technical complexity that defined their earlier work, and how this evolution kept Peart personally engaged decades into the band's career.
Peart praised the song for offering "a great new way for us to relate" and for showcasing the band's growing fluency with shifting time signatures, calling it "challenging and always rewarding to play decently." The piece also touches on Rush's broader trajectory, from their uncertain early years before 2112 to the concept-driven ambition that later won them a devoted fanbase, particularly among listeners who identified with the outsider themes of songs like "Subdivisions."
- Neil Peart cited "Subdivisions" (1982) as a lasting live favourite.
- He valued its shifting time signatures and keyboard-led sound.
- Song reflects Rush's evolution and appeal to outsider fans.