Stadler. Interesting that you called VT an over correction after TFE, because I always viewed CP as being an over correction after the RTB debacle (at least, it was a debacle to me. At least 3 of Rush’s worst songs ever are on that album). CP was definitely heavy, and that part of it was a welcome change of direction. But Stick it Out sounded a bit too “desperate to stay relevant”. Trying too hard to imitate the then recent grunge craze. And as has been pointed out, Nobody’s Hero is nice, but a bit too preachy, and maybe even a bit too repetitive. Between the Sun and Moon has some of their best melodies in the verses, but then is ruined by the single worst chorus in the band’s history. Yes, even worse than the choruses from the first album. And yes, it is even far FAR worse than “net boy, net girl”.
TFE sounded like them finding themselves again. “OK, we did the heavy grunge album and found our rock roots again...now let’s do a RUSH album.” And to my ears, the results are nearly perfect (I just don’t care for Dog Years and Totem that much, but they are ok)