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New World Man
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| "New World Man" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Rush | ||||
| from the album Signals | ||||
| B-side | "Vital Signs" (live) | |||
| Released | August 27, 1982[1] | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 3:43 | |||
| Label | Mercury | |||
| Songwriters | ||||
| Producers |
| |||
| Rush singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "New World Man" (visualizer) on YouTube | ||||
"New World Man" is a hit single from the 1982 album Signals by Canadian rock band Rush. The song was the last and most quickly composed song on the album, stemming from a suggestion by then-Rush producer Terry Brown to even out the lengths of the two sides of the cassette version. It went to No. 1 (on the RPM national singles chart) in Canada, where it remained for two weeks in October 1982.[3][4] It was the only single by a Canadian act to top the RPM chart that year.
In the United States, it became Rush's highest charting single and it remains Rush's only American top 40 hit, peaking at No. 21 on the Billboard singles chart in October and November 1982. On the Cashbox Top 100, it peaked at No. 35. It also hit No. 1 on the Billboard Top Tracks chart (the first Rush single to do so).[5]
"New World Man" reached No. 42 in the United Kingdom. A remixed version (released as a double A-side with "Countdown") later reached No. 36 in the UK in early 1983.
Cash Box said that "synth blips pave the way for this pulsing change of pace" for Rush, with "a more compact, almost Police-like drive."[6] Billboard said that it may give Rush a hit single due to its "hypnotic synthesizer pop with flashes of guitar rock."[7]
References
[edit]- ^ "RPM" (PDF). p. 2.
- ^ a b Bowman, Durrell (2014). Experiencing Rush: A Listener's Companion. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 65. ISBN 978-1-44223-131-3.
- ^ RPM 50 Singles Survey (Canada), Oct. 9, 1982, Library and Archives Canada
- ^ RPM 50 Singles Survey (Canada), Oct. 16, 1982, Library and Archives Canada
- ^ Whitburn, Joel (2004). The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits, 8th Edition (Billboard Publications), page 547.
- ^ "Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box. September 11, 1982. p. 8. Retrieved 2022-07-07.
- ^ "Top Single Picks". Billboard. September 4, 1982. p. 63. Retrieved 2023-01-29.
See also
[edit]- List of songs recorded by Rush
- List of number-one singles of 1982 (Canada)
- List of Billboard Mainstream Rock number-one songs of the 1980s
New World Man
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Background and Composition
Development
"New World Man" was composed as the final track added to Rush's ninth studio album, Signals, released in 1982, specifically to balance the running times of the two sides on cassette tape formats, resulting in approximately equal lengths of around 20-21 minutes per side.[8] The suggestion originated from longtime producer Terry Brown during the album's mixing sessions at Le Studio in Quebec, after the initial seven tracks had been finalized and revealed an imbalance in side lengths.[9] Without the song, Side B would have totaled roughly 17 minutes, while Side A ran over 21 minutes; at 3:43 in duration, "New World Man" brought Side B to about 20:44, closely matching Side A's 21:35.[10] The track was written in one day and recorded the next in May 1982 at Le Studio, a pace that contrasted with Rush's typical meticulous process.[8] Initially referred to internally as "Project 3:57" to fit the precise time needed for balance, it exemplified the band's ability to create spontaneously under constraints.[11] Songwriting credits went to all three members—Neil Peart for the lyrics and Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson for the music—aligning with Rush's established collaborative approach, which had evolved following their increased incorporation of synthesizers starting with the previous album, Moving Pictures.[10] This integration marked a shift toward a more concise, new wave-influenced sound on Signals, with Brown co-producing the sessions alongside the band.[8] Peart developed the lyrics over a couple of days, aiming for a straightforward and concise set that tied into the album's themes of human connection, centering on a distinctly North American identity and the need for equilibrium in a rapidly changing world.[2][12] Lifeson later reflected on the song's instinctive creation, noting it "happened so suddenly" amid the album's experimental synthesizer explorations.[8] This addition not only addressed practical formatting concerns but also provided a lighter, more accessible closer to Signals, helping propel the album's commercial success.Lyrics and Themes
The lyrics of "New World Man," written by Rush's drummer and primary lyricist Neil Peart, center on the archetype of the North American man navigating a world of competing influences, seeking equilibrium amid personal and societal evolution.[13][2] Peart, known for infusing his writing with philosophical depth, portrays this figure as a "rebel and a runner" who grapples with internal conflicts—such as "a problem with his poisons" symbolizing self-destructive tendencies—while striving to "clean up his systems" for purity and progress.[14] The "new world" serves as a metaphor for North American identity, distinct yet intertwined with the "old-world man" (evoking European traditions) and the "third-world man" (representing emerging global dynamics), highlighting themes of balance and adaptation in a rapidly changing landscape.[2] Key phrases underscore this tension between optimism and caution: "Learning to match the beat of the old-world man / Learning to catch the heat of the third-world man" illustrates the effort to harmonize diverse cultural rhythms without losing one's core, while the repeated bridge "Extend the frontiers" evokes an ambitious push for expansion tempered by the risks of overreach.[14] Peart's lyrics reflect a humanist perspective, emphasizing personal responsibility and learning from "his own mistakes" to avoid extremes, as the protagonist is "old enough to know what's right / And young enough not to choose it," blending hope for societal advancement with warnings against hubris.[2] This exploration avoids dystopian fatalism, instead promoting measured evolution through self-awareness. The song follows a straightforward verse-chorus structure with a repetitive bridge, clocking in at approximately 200 words to maintain its concise, urgent tone, and is delivered through Geddy Lee's signature high-pitched vocals, which amplify the themes of restless energy and introspection.[14] Written spontaneously to fit the remaining space on Rush's 1982 album Signals, the lyrics tie into broader album motifs of human connection in a technological age.[2]Recording and Production
Studio Sessions
The recording of "New World Man" took place at Le Studio in Morin Heights, Quebec, during May 1982, as part of the broader sessions for Rush's ninth studio album, Signals, which spanned April through July of that year.[15][12] The track was composed and tracked in just two days, serving as a spontaneous addition to balance the album's overall length at under four minutes, contrasting the more deliberate production of the preceding songs.[12] Produced by the band—Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart—alongside their longtime collaborator Terry Brown, the sessions marked Brown's final project with Rush after contributing to every album since 1975's Fly by Night.[15] Engineering duties were handled by Paul Northfield, with assistance from Robbie Whelan, ensuring a polished yet energetic capture of the band's performance.[15] Overdubs and final mixing for Signals, including "New World Man," were completed in July 1982 at the same facility, with digital mastering by JVC to enhance clarity across the synth-rock arrangements.[15] Peart's drum tracking emphasized a propulsive, driving rhythm to complement the song's upbeat tempo, employing his Tama Artstar prototype kit augmented by a parallel percussion rack system—including Tama timbales and additional cymbals—for added dynamic texture and fills.[16] This setup, featuring two 24-inch bass drums, a range of toms from 6 to 18 inches, and Zildjian cymbals such as a 22-inch ride, allowed for the track's intricate yet accessible percussion that underscores its radio-friendly structure.[16] In the final mix, Lee's bass lines and vocals received prominent placement to anchor the song's catchy hooks, aligning with Rush's evolving emphasis on Lee's multifaceted role amid the album's synthesizer integration.[15] Positioned as the album's closing track, "New World Man" encapsulated the sessions' culmination, providing a concise, thematic resolution to Signals' exploration of technology and human connection.[15]Musical Elements
"New World Man" is classified as a progressive rock song incorporating synth-pop influences, with a duration of 3:43.[17][18] The track is composed in E major at a tempo of approximately 158 beats per minute.[19] Its structure consists of an introductory synthesizer riff, two verses, a repeating chorus, a bridge with a guitar solo, and a fade-out conclusion.[20][21] The harmonic foundation features a verse progression of E-A-B chords, establishing a straightforward I-IV-V sequence that drives the reggae-inflected rhythm.[20] In contrast, the chorus shifts to resolve on C#m, employing the vi chord to build and release tension effectively.[20] This arrangement contributes to the song's accessible yet dynamic flow. Instrumentation centers on Alex Lifeson's electric guitar, delivering punchy riffs and a melodic solo, alongside Geddy Lee's intricate bass lines and soaring lead vocals, supported by Neil Peart's precise drumming.[21] Synthesizers, including Lee's Oberheim OB-X for polyphonic pads and Minimoog for leads, provide atmospheric textures that overlay the core rock elements, exemplifying Rush's evolving integration of electronic sounds during the early 1980s.[22] This blend marks a departure from their earlier guitar-focused progressive rock style toward a more synthesized palette.[23] The song's musical symmetry echoes the balanced themes in its lyrics, creating a cohesive artistic expression.[1]Release and Commercial Performance
Single Release
"New World Man" was released on August 27, 1982, by Mercury Records as the sole single from Rush's album Signals.[24] Issued in the United States under catalog number 76179, it marked the band's only top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.[24] The single was primarily distributed in a 7-inch vinyl format at 45 RPM, featuring "New World Man" on the A-side and a live version of "Vital Signs"—recorded during the 1981 Moving Pictures tour and previously unreleased on that tour's live album Exit... Stage Left—on the B-side.[25] Later reissues included a 12-inch vinyl maxi-single in the UK (catalog RUSH 12 1179) and digital formats as part of remastered album compilations and streaming platforms starting in the 1990s.[26] The single's artwork derived directly from the Signals album cover, incorporating futuristic imagery of a metallic robot figure against a stark, technological backdrop designed by Hugh Syme.[27] Promotion for the single emphasized radio airplay on rock and album-oriented stations, capitalizing on the track's concise, radio-friendly structure amid the synth-heavy sound of Signals.[28] Additionally, "New World Man" was incorporated into Rush's live performances beginning with the Signals tour in September 1982, debuting on September 3 at Brown County Veterans Memorial Arena in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, and played regularly during the Signals tour (1982–1983), the Grace Under Pressure tour (1984), and the Power Windows tour (1985–1986), with a brief revival during the Vapor Trails tour in 2002.[29][30] No dedicated music video was produced for the single, consistent with Rush's limited use of visual media during this era.[31]Chart Performance
"New World Man" was a commercial success in Canada, where it peaked at No. 1 on the RPM 100 Singles chart for two weeks in October 1982, marking Rush's only No. 1 single in their home country that year.[32] In the United States, the song reached No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1982.[3] It also topped the Billboard Top Tracks (Mainstream Rock) chart for two weeks, Rush's first No. 1 on that ranking.[33] On the Cash Box Top 100, it peaked at No. 35.[34] The single's initial release in the United Kingdom peaked at No. 42 on the Official Singles Chart in September 1982.[35] A remixed version issued in early 1983 reached No. 36.[36]| Country | Chart | Peak Position | Weeks at Peak | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | RPM 100 Singles | 1 | 2 | Dave's Music Database |
| United States | Billboard Hot 100 | 21 | - | Billboard |
| United States | Billboard Top Tracks | 1 | 2 | Rate Your Music |
| United States | Cash Box Top 100 | 35 | - | Tropical Glen Cash Box Archive |
| United Kingdom | Official Singles Chart (initial) | 42 | - | Official Charts Company |
| United Kingdom | Official Singles Chart (remix) | 36 | - | Official Charts Company |