When we lift the covers from our feelings
We expose our insecure spots
Trust is just as rare as devotion
Forgive us our cynical thoughts
If we need too much attention.
Ah, “Emotion Detector.” Another song from Power Windows I don’t really know what to do with—and, apparently, neither did Rush, as this is the one song from the album they never played on their supporting live tour.
There are some incredibly lovely moments in this song—the piercing guitar chords that play on the outro in particular hit me between the ribs—but the song itself never quite coheres for me. It’s pleasant… but that’s about it. In fact, in writing this post, I listened to “Emotion Detector” at least three times—I had to, as I forgot what I’d just heard the second it was over. (Maybe a little ironic, considering the title of the song.)
“Emotion Detector” was an exceptionally difficult song for the guys to compose. Alex had to discard his original solo and rewrite it, and according to him, he was never entirely sold on the end result.
I can’t say I’m any warmer on it, but maybe y’all disagree?