NEW RUSH FAN REACTS TO RUSH - SUBDIVISIONS 

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....

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.

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.

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 ❤🖤

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.

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!

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”

No, but a lot of metal bands list Rush as an influence. I define them as Rush.

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!

This song has been credited by many to have prevented 1000’s of teen suicides.

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. :)

Not many bands have the drummer write most of their lyrics . Neil was great at it .

amazing how those lyrics are more truer today then when they were written so long ago

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.

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.

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...

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rush was so cool with their funky time signatures and sudden changes of time signature. It's at mathematic subdivisions . .

This is one of the greatest songs ever written hands down.

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 love watching this guys reactions to the greatest band ever! I feel like I’m in the room with him just chillin and listening

Please listen to “the trees” by rush with lyrics.

Bars. "Be cool or be cast out." Something everyone can relate to.

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.

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.

This song came out while I was in high school. Awesome music and lyrics that spoke directly to me

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.

Dude Rush is Rush. Unlike any other rock band you'll ever hear.

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.”

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.

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!

Lighted streets on quiet nights. Poetry.

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.

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 !!

The Great Canadian Trio.Great song choice 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🎸🎸🎸🥁🥁🥁🥁🎼🎼🎼🎼🥁🥁🥁🥁🎸🎸🎸🎸!!!!

Early 70's Rush would be "hard Rock". Later 70's Rush would be "Progressive Rock". Early 80's Rush would be "Rock". mid 80's Rush would be "New Wave". Late 80's/early 90's Rush would be "Pop Rock". Mid 90's Rush would be "Grunge". 2000's Rush would come the closest to be Heavy metal.

the drum cam version to see how Neil plays it..... AMAZING. Progressive rock.

I love every bit of this song, every note.The synthesizer is so moving, what a tone. This song moves me like no other.

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.

I think Rush's keyboard years were the best.

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 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

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....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! 🎼🎶🎶🎸🎹🤘😎

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.

Neil killed the percussion on this song with tasty fills and the hot work on that ride cymbal...YEAH!!!

Ive been incredibly blessed to see Rush 8 times and what was trippy is I always saw the same concertgoers EVERYTIME

The “keys” in this song are fantastic. Love the intro. Another amazing composition by them!

Rush is a gift to humanity the likes of which we will never see again

Rush is considered to be a "Rush" group. they were their own genre. all three of them. RIP Neil.

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.

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.

Bars!

That smooth transition Neil had. He will only be appreciated in years to come.

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.

It's hard to put a genre on Rush. They started out as a bluesy rock band with even hints of heavy metal. Deep down rooted I consider them a jazz hybrid rock band. I feel a heavy jazz influence. Whatever it is called I consider it magic

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.

Rush is considered the Father's of progressive metal, which you hear in their earlier records. In the early 80s they were influenced by some new wave bands like the Police and Talking Heads and added some Regaee/Ska to their style. In the mid 80's they went heavy on the keyboard which turned off some of their metal fans. Then in the 90's they went back to a heavier style with less keys.

"Headphones of Truth" Awesome, bro, awesome!

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

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.

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.

Hard to believe 3 folks could make this much sound. And yup, they sounded like this live too!

First show I ever saw...RUSH at Radio City Music hall in 1982...I was 16...been a fan ever since.

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.

Rush ain't metal music. It's just music! And some of the best out there. Rush is unique in the music industry.

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.

Rush is essentially a rock band that likes to experiment. As soon as you try to put them into a box (metal, progressive, etc.) they put out something that says "Really? What about this??" And that's part of what makes them so damn great.

It was the early 80’s it was so hypnotic I was their, made it thru the fire

Rush is..... Rush. Even from a novice to Pearts work, everyone gets blown away. Hes the professor. I mean.. . Its "Neil" their really isnt anything else to say. A man whom left us to early, he still had a thousand more songs in him. I'm not surprised that this man had the reaction he had, especially him choosing of all songs, Subdivisions.... the triple click of the ride sends even the most seasoned drummers smiling. And the time signatures are out of this world.

No matter when you were in high school you can relate to the lyrics and fall into your memories

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.

They grew up together in the suburbs of Toronto. They sought escape from the mundane, predictable life of their parents. They were free-thinkers and tried to expose the monotony of conformist conservatism of the '80s.

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!!

Watching the making of a new RUSH fan is somehow very emotional and satisfying

You have to watch the drum ISO of Neil playing this song in concert.. It is just amazing..

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!

The subdivision of our own selves within ourselves and ourselves and each other is society. We are subdivided in so many ways.

The Rush journey is diverse, complicated, and definitely much fun! Great reaction! Keep me coming. ✌ to you sir.

Rush is Rush. They're a three-bomb. Three piece, explosive. Great job, my friend. Keep it up.

Time to go live with Rush.

First time at 12 years old, saw RUSH, for the first time! I am 58 years old today! I will bring you the right songs to you, to do in a correct matter, to help on the next video to cast!

Rush RULES! We can flow together. We's Blessed.

It’s all in the mastery of the lyrics that makes the music 🎶 pop and become a classic! Bars

For any fan of RUSH, I hope that you had the chance to see them perform live.

Awesome job. Keep 'em coming! RUSH made their own category!!

I love it when people discover Rush. Gives me hope for the future. hahahaha

From what I have learned, none of them put themselves as the "lead". Each knew their role in what was really a 3 man orchestra.

I am old school Rush. This was the last song I liked before I began my Alternative Rock Quest. So many songs before this saved my life.

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.

Ur my fav reactor by far!!! For Rush. U know ur stuff bro! 👍🏻👌🏼 Keep it up!! 👊🏼👊🏼

This is one of my favorites by them. Glad you did it. Thanks. Especially like it when you do their live stuff.

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!😎👍

Pure rock and roll my friend from 3 of the most talented men from Canada ever, thanks for this, peace.

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. 💯