"Presto" is the thirteenth studio album by Canadian rock band Rush, released on November 17, 1989, by Anthem Records. It marked a significant change in the band’s musical direction, being their first release with Atlantic Records after their departure from Mercury. Following the Hold Your Fire tour, Rush took a six-month break before reconvening to start work on the album. Presto signified a return to a more guitar-driven sound, with a reduction in synthesizers and a stronger focus on guitar arrangements, marking a departure from their 1980s "synthesizer period."
The album reached No. 7 on the Canadian charts and No. 16 on the U.S. Billboard 200. It was certified gold by the RIAA for selling over 500,000 copies. The singles "Show Don't Tell," "The Pass," and "Superconductor" were released from the album, with "Show Don't Tell" hitting No. 1 on the U.S. Album Rock Tracks chart. Rush supported the album with the Presto Tour from February to June 1990.
The creation of Presto saw the band embracing a more traditional rock approach, with guitarist Alex Lifeson and bassist/keyboardist Geddy Lee focusing on guitar-driven music. Drummer Neil Peart's lyrics were less thematically heavy than on previous albums, and the songs were more reflective and personal, without an overarching concept. Peart described the album’s lyrical content as "responses" to the world around them, exploring the themes of life, growth, and the human experience.
In terms of production, the band worked with Rupert Hine, who was brought in after their original choice, Peter Collins, declined to work on the album. The recording process, which took place between June and August 1989, was highly efficient, with the album being completed ahead of schedule.
Presto represented a new chapter for Rush, with a more guitar-centric approach and a fresh perspective on the world. It remains an important part of the band’s discography and is considered a return to their roots, reflecting both musical and personal growth.
