RUSH
Grace Under Pressure 40th Anniversary Super Deluxe Box Set
UMe

Grace Under Pressure marked RUSH’s tenth studio release when it arrived in April 1984. It represents what I tend to think of as the band’s “new wave” era—visually, at least—where their styling leaned more toward the aesthetic of DURAN DURAN and A FLOCK OF SEAGULLS than the familiar image of the Canadian trio. Even so, the album itself remains firmly rooted in the band’s established musical identity, delivering a strong collection of songs consistent with their earlier work. In keeping with previous anniversary treatments—such as those for 2112, A Farewell to Kings, Hemispheres, Permanent Waves, Moving Pictures, and Signals—UMe and the band have issued a 40th anniversary edition in several formats. Chief among them is the Super Deluxe 5LP Vinyl Box Set, which is the focus of this review.

While I don’t own other RUSH box sets for direct comparison, this edition appears fully in line with the high standards set by previous releases in both packaging and content. Upon arrival, its sheer heft—an impressive 10.2 pounds—immediately conveys a sense of substance. The lift-top box is constructed from durable, high-quality cardboard and features reimagined cover art by longtime RUSH collaborator Hugh Syme, whose work ranks among the finest in rock illustration (alongside artists like Derek Riggs). Yet it is the contents within that truly distinguish this set.

Inside, the presentation begins with a foldout folder adorned with another Syme illustration: a whimsical ballet hippo balancing atop an egg emblazoned with the album’s fraction-style “p/g” logo—a clever visual pun on the title. This folder houses a replica concert ticket from the band’s 1984 Toronto performance and an “All Access” laminate from the same tour. Beneath this lies a six-page “Pressure Release” replica of the official press release, accompanied by a RUSH newsreel chronicling the band’s history up to that point. Additional memorabilia includes three 9×12 black-and-white live litho photographs and a 24×36 Live in Toronto poster, along with a faithful reproduction of the original tour program (remember those?).

The vinyl component begins with a remastered edition of the album, featuring slightly revised cover art. Sonically, the remaster is crisp and well-balanced, with each instrument clearly defined. This is followed by a 2025 mix by longtime producer Terry Brown. While competently executed, the differences between this mix and the remaster are subtle—best appreciated through direct, track-by-track comparison (for example, on “Distant Early Warning”). Both LPs are housed in notably thick, durable sleeves.

The set also includes a previously unreleased triple-LP recording of the band’s September 1984 performance at Maple Leaf Gardens. Packaged in a sturdy gatefold sleeve, the recording captures the intensity of RUSH’s live performances, albeit in a more concise format than the marathon shows of their later years.

Complementing the audio material is a 52-page hardcover book featuring a foreword by Geddy Lee. In it, he reflects on the band’s creative direction during the period, including their evolving sound and the challenges of finding a suitable producer after an unexpected departure. The book also contains lyrics, archival photos, Syme’s artwork, tour setlists, and production credits. Tucked into the back cover is a Blu-ray disc offering audio versions of both album mixes, the Toronto concert film, and the four official music videos from the era: “Distant Early Warning,” “Afterimage,” “The Enemy Within,” and “The Body Electric.”

Rounding out the package is a distinctive acrylic display featuring the album’s fraction logo, illuminated by an LED base—a striking and unusual addition that enhances the set’s collectability. Contrary to the sticker on the base of the display, it takes 3-AAA batteries, not 3-AA. There are no instructions included with it so you’re left to figure out how it works on your own. There IS a small button on the side of it that changes the color to one of quite a few different ones or if you just leave it alone it will slowly cycle through them all. However, on initial observation there was no on/off switch and after several minutes of trying to figure it out I discovered that tapping the button twice would turn it off. A set of instructions would be nice here.

Were it not for issues with the vinyl pressings, this collection would merit a perfect score. Unfortunately, several flaws detract from the overall experience. Both the remastered LP and the Terry Brown mix exhibit off-center pressings, resulting in visible tonearm sway during playback—most noticeable on tracks like “The Enemy Within.” Additionally, there are audible skips on “The Body Electric” and “Red Lenses,” suggesting possible manufacturing defects. The live LPs also suffer from similar off-center issues, particularly on LP2, Side 1, and all five records display some degree of warping—especially pronounced in the live recordings. Such defects are disappointing, particularly given the premium price point of $300–$350, where higher quality control would be expected.

Now in full disclosure here, it is entirely possible that these issues I experienced are unique to just the box set that was sent to me. Others may not have the same problems but in my limited experience with albums that skip out of the box, it’s usually due to poor pressings and it usually extends to other pressings and not just a single set. Take that observation as you will.

Despite these shortcomings, this remains one of the most impressive box sets in my collection, of which this marks my 7th. However, the manufacturing flaws (the vinyls were pressed in the Czech Republic) ultimately prevent it from achieving the flawless rating it otherwise deserves.

3.5 Out Of 5.0