Emotion Detector
by Rush

Album: Power Windows (1985)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson (Guitar Player, April 1986): "There's always one song that you're terrified of doing. You think it's going to be really tough, and 'Marathon' was the one. We wrote it and thought, 'This song is going to be like pulling teeth once we get in the studio.' Of course, we get into the studio and it's a breeze. And a song like "Emotion Detector," which we thought would be a breeze, was the killer. It was very, very difficult to get the mood right. I'm still not really sold on that song. It never ended up sounding the way I had hoped it would. Half of 'Emotion Detector' was done in one pass. Actually, that song had a whole different solo that took quite a bit of work. We left it, went ahead with some other parts, lived with it for 4 or 5 days, and Neil didn't feel quite right about it. He didn't think that it made the proper kind of statement to the song, so we re-examined it and I gave it another whirl. That was tough. It's one thing to rewrite a rhythm guitar part - you've got stuff to lock onto. But it was so hard to divorce what had been in my head as a solo for three months and come up with something that was a totally different feel. But I am satisfied with the results." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Mike - Darkside of the Moon

Comments: 5

  • Philip from Spokane, WaThis is one Rush song that really resonates perfectly with me. Peart's amazingly deep and lucid imagery really stirs a lot of emotion within me. Coupled with Geddy's amazing bass and Alex's solo this song bring so much to the table musically. Definitely my favorite off Power Windows.
  • Gabriel from Minneapolis, Mnone of the most underrated and over looked Rush songs in their catalogue.
  • Jason from Baldwin, NyGreat Bass Solo and one of Alex's best Guitar Solo's ever!!!
  • John from Asheville, NcThis song's grown on me, as has the entire album.
  • Tom from Highland, NyI saw RUSH several time during their 'Power Windows" Tour. This was the only song from the album that wasn't played. I love the bass line during the solo.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Album Cover Inspirations

Album Cover InspirationsSong Writing

Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?