Halo Effect
by Rush

Album: Clockwork Angels (2012)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Rush's twentieth studio album, Clockwork Angels, is built around a narrative of a young man's journey to follow his dreams in an alternative world where, instead of fossil fuels, modern machinery runs on the power of steam. "What did I do before there were words?" Geddy Lee asks on this power ballad. Producer Nick Raskulinecz commented to MusicRadar.com: "A really cool ballad, kind of a reflective moment of the character in the story."
  • The song features strings arranged by Beck's father, David Campbell, who has also worked with Evanescence, Metallica and My Chemical Romance, amongst others. Raskulinecz told MusicRadar: "We always knew we were going to put strings on the song. Alex (Lifeson, guitar) wrote and played demo strings on a keyboard. At first, we thought about using that, but then we decided to go for it and have a real string section."
  • Regarding Lifeson's guitar work on this tune, Raskulinecz said: "Alex played his Gibson Dove acoustic. We two tracks, miking him with a U47 tube mic. I put the mic about three feel away so you can get the nice body of the guitar. It's a pretty gorgeous sound."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

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?