# Presto (album)

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1989 studio album by Rush

Presto Studio album by Rush Released November 17, 1989 (1989-11-17)[1] Recorded June–August 1989 Studio Le Studio, Morin Heights, Quebec McClear Place, Toronto, Ontario Genre Pop rock[2] progressive rock Length 52:11 Label Anthem Producer Rush Rupert Hine Rush chronology A Show of Hands (1989) Presto (1989) Chronicles (1990) Singles from Presto "Show Don't Tell" Released: November 1989[1] "The Pass" Released: March 1990

***Presto*** is the thirteenth studio album by Canadian rock band [Rush](/source/Rush_(band)). It was released on November 17, 1989 by [Anthem Records](/source/Anthem_Records)[1] and was the band's first album released internationally by [Atlantic Records](/source/Atlantic_Records), following the group's departure from [Mercury](/source/Mercury_Records). After the *[Hold Your Fire](/source/Hold_Your_Fire)* (1987) tour ended in 1988, the group members reconvened in December to decide their next step and agreed to take six months off before starting on a new album. *Presto* marked another change in Rush's sound, with a reduction in synthesizers and a return towards more guitar-driven arrangements.

*Presto* reached No. 7 in Canada and No. 16 in the United States. "[Show Don't Tell](/source/Show_Don't_Tell_(song))," "[The Pass](/source/The_Pass_(song))" and "Superconductor" were released as singles from *Presto*; the former charted at No. 1 on the U.S. [Album Rock Tracks](/source/Mainstream_Rock_(chart)) chart.[3] Rush supported the album with the [Presto Tour](/source/Presto_tour) from February to June 1990. *Presto* reached gold certification by the [Recording Industry Association of America](/source/Recording_Industry_Association_of_America) for selling 500,000 copies.[4] The album was remastered in 2004 and 2013, the latter as part of the 2013 box set *[The Studio Albums 1989–2007](/source/The_Studio_Albums_1989%E2%80%932007)*. In 2015, it was reissued after being remastered by Sean Magee at [Abbey Road Studios](/source/Abbey_Road_Studios), following a direct approach by Rush to remaster their entire back catalogue.[5]

## Background

In May 1988, Rush wrapped up touring the band's previous album, *[Hold Your Fire](/source/Hold_Your_Fire)* (1987),[6] which was followed by the band's third live release, *[A Show of Hands](/source/A_Show_of_Hands)*, in early 1989.[7] The group then decided not to renew contracts with international distributor [Mercury Records](/source/Mercury_Records); Lifeson said they departed because the relationship had become stale by this point.[7] Peart later wrote that with the band now "free of deadlines and obligations" for the first time in 15 years, they chose to take advantage by taking a six-month break.[8] In December 1988, the group gathered at Peart's house to discuss the next step and agreed to start a new studio album after the break.[8][9]

## Writing

Work on *Presto* began with Rush renting a studio in the country to write and rehearse new material. They adopted their usual method of Lifeson and Lee working on music while Peart worked alone on lyrics. Peart wrote: "At the end of the day I might wander into the studio, ice cubes clinking, and listen to what they'd been up to, and if I'd been lucky, show them something new."[8] Rush worked at the studio during the week and returned home on weekends.[8]

*Presto* marks the beginning of Rush's return to a more guitar-driven sound from what's known to many as the band's "synthesizer period" of the previous four releases. When Lifeson and Lee discussed what musical direction to take, they agreed that the core of the band's sound, emotion, and energy had come from the guitar, something that they wanted to return to for *Presto*.[8] This resulted in a much more satisfying album for Lifeson.[7] Lifeson had felt constricted in his guitar playing since synthesizers began playing a more dominant role in the songwriting and performance on *Signals* (1982), which had continued through the 1980s.[10] Lee explained that Rush wanted *Presto* to be "more of a singer's album, and I think you'll notice that the arrangements musically support the vocal. [...] Neil's lyrics to me are a lot more heartfelt. [...] This album was a real reaction against technology in a sense. I was getting sick and tired of working with computers and synthesizers. [...] We made a pact to stay away from strings, pianos, and organs—to stay away from digital technology. In the end, we couldn't resist using them for colour."[11]

In a contrast to previous albums *[Grace Under Pressure](/source/Grace_Under_Pressure_(Rush_album))* (1984), *[Power Windows](/source/Power_Windows_(album))* (1985) and *Hold Your Fire*, the album does not contain an overall running lyrical theme, or what Peart described as "heavy" lyrical messages, instead adopting a more loose approach with each track making its own statement.[9] Peart used the word "response" to describe the lyrical content as a whole. "The idea that you don't go through life just looking at things. It doesn't matter if you've been all around the world - you may have seen it, but if you haven't felt it, you haven't been there."[12] Peart added: "There are many threads and a strong motif of looking at life today and trying to act inside it."[11]

The album's title was an idea that Rush had considered using for *A Show of Hands*, but when Peart started writing a song entitled "Presto", it was then used as the title of the album.[13][9]

## Recording

After several songs had been worked out, the band felt it was the right time to present what they had to a co-producer. However, their initial choice, [Peter Collins](/source/Peter_Collins_(record_producer)), who'd worked on *Power Windows* and *Hold Your Fire*, reluctantly declined the offer to work on *Presto*, as he wished to produce other bands. Though Rush felt confident enough to undertake production duties themselves, they still wanted someone they could trust and to provide an objective point of view to their ideas.[8] Among the various candidates was English producer, songwriter, and keyboardist [Rupert Hine](/source/Rupert_Hine), whose experience with a variety of artists attracted the group. Peart recalled the time when they presented their ideas to Hine: "We were a little bemused [...] at the end of some of them he actually seemed to be laughing! We looked at each other, eyebrows raised as if to say: 'He thinks our songs are funny?' But evidently it was a laugh of pleasure; he stayed 'til the end".[8] At Hine's suggestion, the group brought in Stephen W. Tayler as the recording and mixing engineer. The sessions with Rush and Hine together were productive; initially, 10 days were assigned for pre-production work with one track for each day, but it was complete after just one-and-a-half days.[7]

*Presto* was recorded from June to August 1989.[14] As part of their deal with Hine, the band agreed to record parts of the album in London.[13] *Presto* was finished around four weeks ahead of schedule.[7]

When the album was complete, Rush sought a new record deal and signed to [Atlantic Records](/source/Atlantic_Records) after executive [Doug Morris](/source/Doug_Morris), who had wanted to sign the group for a number of years, made an attractive offer.[7]

## Songs

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*Presto* continues the treble-heavy, light [progressive rock](/source/Progressive_rock) of Rush's previous two studio albums.[15]: 118

### Side one

"The Pass" concerns a friend of Peart's who joined him on a cycle ride and once discussed juvenile suicide, which inspired the lyrics for the song.[10] Peart named it the song he had worked the hardest on, due to the delicate nature of the subject.[12] The song became a group favorite; Peart cited the track as the reason they would re-record the *Presto* album, if they could.[16][*[failed verification](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability)*]

"Scars" features a complex drum pattern in which both acoustic and electronic drums are utilized. The pattern was derived from a tribal rhythm Peart heard while on a bicycle tour of Africa (later chronicled in his first book, *[The Masked Rider: Cycling in West Africa](/source/The_Masked_Rider%3A_Cycling_in_West_Africa)*). He went on to incorporate this pattern into [his live drum solos](/source/List_of_Rush_instrumentals). The song also features the use of a [sequencer](/source/Music_sequencer) in place of, and often mistaken for, a bass guitar.

Lifeson said the title track is about "feeling more active in your heart than in your head, not having the answers to problems."[10]

### Side two

"Superconductor" deals with the superficiality of mainstream music. That topic also appears in other songs such as "Grand Designs" from the *Power Windows* album.

In "Anagram (for Mongo)", every line contains one or more words that are formed by using letters in another word from that same line (e.g. "There is no **safe seat** at the **feast**"), and certain lines contain [anagrammed](/source/Anagram) words (e.g. "**Miracles** will have their **claimers**"). Its title was inspired by the character Mongo from the 1974 film *[Blazing Saddles](/source/Blazing_Saddles)*.[13] Lifeson spoke about the lyrics: "It doesn't mean anything, it was just a fun thing, but there are some great twists in there."[10]

"Hand over Fist" was originally an instrumental that Rush had intended to include on *Presto*, but Peart continued to submit lyrical ideas to Lifeson and Lee; one in particular fit the music well enough and the plan for an instrumental was scrapped.[13] In the album's tour book, Peart used the symbolism that the hand game "[rock, paper, scissors](/source/Rock%2C_paper%2C_scissors)" represents, which was made into a nursery rhyme and used as a lyrical chant in "Hand over Fist."[13]

## Artwork and promotion

The album's sleeve was designed by Rush's longtime collaborator [Hugh Syme](/source/Hugh_Syme): a black-and-white design depicting a levitating magician's hat on a hill with a rabbit emerging from it. The field in the foreground has many rabbits.[7] Rush had devised its concept and presented it to Syme, who then produced several ideas depicting what they suggested. Lifeson recalled the moment when they saw the design they went with: "We all started laughing hysterically, 'This is great, it's perfect!'"[7]

Rush produced three music videos for Presto: "Show Don't Tell", "The Pass" and "Superconductor".[7]

## Critical reception

Professional ratings Review scores Source Rating AllMusic [17] The Encyclopedia of Popular Music [18] The Essential Rock Discography 5/10[19] MusicHound Rock [20] Rolling Stone [21] The Rolling Stone Album Guide [22] The Virgin Encyclopedia of 80s Music [23]

*Presto* received mixed reviews from critics. Gregory Heaney of [AllMusic](/source/AllMusic) described the album as "workmanlike" and removed from the creativity of their earlier works. However, he asserted that the songs weren't terrible, just that something was not quite clicking, perhaps due to the length of time it had been since the band wrote more-traditional, guitar-based songs.[24] However, before Heaney's review was posted, the site had listed a favorable 4.5 star (out of a possible 5) review of the album by Mackenzie Wilson, who described the album as one that "intelligently leads Rush into the '90s without musical bleakness".[17]

## Track listing

All lyrics are written by [Neil Peart](/source/Neil_Peart); all music is composed by [Geddy Lee](/source/Geddy_Lee) and [Alex Lifeson](/source/Alex_Lifeson).

Side one No. Title Length 1. "Show Don't Tell" 5:01 2. "Chain Lightning" 4:33 3. "The Pass" 4:52 4. "War Paint" 5:24 5. "Scars" 4:07 6. "Presto" 5:45

Side two No. Title Length 1. "Superconductor" 4:47 2. "Anagram (for Mongo)" 4:00 3. "Red Tide" 4:29 4. "Hand over Fist" 4:11 5. "Available Light" 5:03

## Personnel

Credits taken from the album's CD liner notes.[14]

**Rush**

- [Geddy Lee](/source/Geddy_Lee) – bass guitar, vocals, synthesizers

- [Alex Lifeson](/source/Alex_Lifeson) – electric and acoustic guitars

- [Neil Peart](/source/Neil_Peart) – drums, electronic percussion

**Additional personnel**

- [Rupert Hine](/source/Rupert_Hine) – additional keyboards and backing vocals

- [Jason Sniderman](/source/Jason_Sniderman) – additional keyboards

**Production**

- Rush – production, arrangement

- Rupert Hine – production, arrangement

- Stephen W. Tayler – engineer, mixing

- Simon Pressey – assistant recording engineer at Le Studio

- Jaques Deveau – assistant recording engineer at Le Studio

- Rick Anderson – assistant recording engineer at McClear Place

- Matt Howe – assistant mixing engineer

- Everett Ravenstein – assistant pre-production engineer

- [Bob Ludwig](/source/Bob_Ludwig) – mastering

- [Hugh Syme](/source/Hugh_Syme) – art direction

- Scarpati – photography

- [Andrew MacNaughtan](/source/Andrew_MacNaughtan) – portraits

## Charts

Weekly charts Chart (1989) Peak position Finnish Albums (Suomen virallinen lista)[25] 17 German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[26] 60 Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[27] 70 UK Albums (OCC)[28] 27 US Billboard 200[29] 16 Chart (2025) Peak position Hungarian Physical Albums (MAHASZ)[30] 15 Year-end charts Chart (1990) Position US Billboard 200[31] 79

## Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales Canada (Music Canada)[32] Platinum 100,000^ United Kingdom (BPI)[33] Silver 60,000^ United States (RIAA)[34] Gold 500,000^ ^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Irv_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Irv_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Irv_1-2) Lichtman, Irv (November 18, 1989). ["Inside Track"](https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/80s/1989/BB-1989-11-18.pdf) (PDF). *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. p. 96 – via World Radio History.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Presto (1989)"](https://www.stereogum.com/1685666/rush-albums-from-worst-to-best/photo/attachment/presto/). *Stereogum*. June 9, 2014. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210402022852/https://www.stereogum.com/1685666/rush-albums-from-worst-to-best/photo/attachment/presto/) from the original on April 2, 2021. Retrieved July 30, 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Billboard_3-0)** ["Rush - Chart History"](https://www.billboard.com/artist/rush/). *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Retrieved December 16, 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Music - What The Hell Happened To... 06.08.09: Rush - Presto"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140201143805/http://www.411mania.com/music/columns/106532). 411mania.com. June 27, 1990. Archived from [the original](http://www.411mania.com/music/columns/106532) on February 1, 2014. Retrieved August 20, 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Abbey Road - Engineers - Sean Magee"](https://www.abbeyroad.com/engineer/sean-magee). *[Abbey Road Studios](/source/Abbey_Road_Studios)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201214135425/https://www.abbeyroad.com/engineer/sean-magee) from the original on December 14, 2020. Retrieved December 14, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Hold Your Fire Tour"](https://www.rush.com/tour/hold-your-fire/). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190114044610/https://www.rush.com/tour/hold-your-fire/) from the original on January 14, 2019. Retrieved January 13, 2019.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-K89_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-K89_7-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-K89_7-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-K89_7-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-K89_7-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-K89_7-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-K89_7-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-K89_7-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-K89_7-8) Wilding, Phil (November 25, 1989). ["The Meaning of Lifeson"](http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19891125kerrang.htm). *[Kerrang!](/source/Kerrang!)*. No. 266. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190114044411/http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19891125kerrang.htm) from the original on January 14, 2019. Retrieved January 13, 2019.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-PTB90_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-PTB90_8-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-PTB90_8-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-PTB90_8-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-PTB90_8-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-PTB90_8-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-PTB90_8-6) Peart, Neil (1990). ["Scissors, Paper, Stone by Neil Peart"](http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/presto.html#tourbook). Anthem Records. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190114153311/http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/presto.html#tourbook) from the original on January 14, 2019. Retrieved January 13, 2019.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ME90_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ME90_9-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-ME90_9-2) Sharp, Keith (February 1990). ["Something Up Their Sleeves"](http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19900200musicexpress.htm). *[Music Express](/source/Music_Express_(magazine))*. Vol. 14, no. 144. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200126231849/http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19900200musicexpress.htm) from the original on January 26, 2020. Retrieved January 14, 2019.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-S89_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-S89_10-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-S89_10-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-S89_10-3) Elliot, Paul (December 9, 1989). ["The Magic Circle"](http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19891209sounds.htm). *[Sounds](/source/Sounds_(magazine))*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190115023039/http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19891209sounds.htm) from the original on January 15, 2019. Retrieved January 14, 2019.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Krewen_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Krewen_11-1) Krewen, Nick (April 1990). ["Rush: Presto Change-o"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140201153943/http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19900400cm.htm). *[Canadian Musician](/source/Canadian_Musician)*. Vol. 12, no. 2. Archived from [the original](http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19900400cm.htm) on February 1, 2014. Retrieved May 12, 2014.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-CP90_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-CP90_12-1) ["Rush Remains Canada's Top Pop Export"](http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19900103canadianpress.htm). *[The Canadian Press](/source/The_Canadian_Press)*. January 3, 1990. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190114210406/http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19900103canadianpress.htm) from the original on January 14, 2019. Retrieved January 14, 2019.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-RL89_13-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-RL89_13-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-RL89_13-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-RL89_13-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-RL89_13-4) Coburn, Bob (December 4, 1989). ["Geddy Lee on Rockline for Presto"](http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19891204rockline.htm). *[Rockline](/source/Rockline)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190114044435/http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19891204rockline.htm) from the original on January 14, 2019. Retrieved January 13, 2019.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-CDNOTES_14-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-CDNOTES_14-1) [*Presto*](https://www.discogs.com/Rush-Presto/release/428391) (Media notes). [Atlantic Records](/source/Atlantic_Records). 1989. 7 82040-2. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190114044437/https://www.discogs.com/Rush-Presto/release/428391) from the original on January 14, 2019. Retrieved January 13, 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-AlbumbyAlbum_15-0)** [Popoff, Martin](/source/Martin_Popoff) (2017). *Rush: Album by Album*. [Minneapolis](/source/Minneapolis): [Voyageur Press](/source/Voyageur_Press). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0760352205](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0760352205).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Woods, Jeff (May 30, 2011). ["The Time Machine Tour Interview With Neil Peart of RUSH"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120212171055/http://exploremusic.com/show/the-time-machine-tour-interview-with-neil-peart-of-rush/). *[ExploreMusic](/source/ExploreMusic)*. Archived from [the original](http://exploremusic.com/show/the-time-machine-tour-interview-with-neil-peart-of-rush) on February 12, 2012. Retrieved May 12, 2014.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-AllMusic_(Original_Review)_17-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-AllMusic_(Original_Review)_17-1) Wilson, Mackenzie. ["Rush - Presto (Archived Entry from AllMusic.com)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120610072302/http://www.allmusic.com/album/presto-mw0000654443). *[AllMusic](/source/AllMusic)*. Archived from the original on June 10, 2012. Retrieved September 6, 2017.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_bot:_original_URL_status_unknown))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** [Larkin, Colin](/source/Colin_Larkin) (2007). [*The Encyclopedia of Popular Music*](/source/The_Encyclopedia_of_Popular_Music) (4th ed.). [Oxford University Press](/source/Oxford_University_Press). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0195313734](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0195313734).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Strong_19-0)** Strong, Martin Charles (2006). "Rush". *The Essential Rock Discography* (8th ed.). Open City Books. pp. 938–939. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-84195-860-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-84195-860-3).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Graff, Gary; Durchholz, Daniel, eds. (1999). "Rush". *MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide*. Farmington Hills, MI: Visible Ink Press. p. 965. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-57859-061-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-57859-061-2).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** Bob Mack (January 25, 1990). ["Presto"](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/presto-19900125). *[Rolling Stone](/source/Rolling_Stone)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140221115444/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/presto-19900125) from the original on February 21, 2014. Retrieved August 16, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["Rush: Album Guide"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130704223108/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/rush/albumguide). *[Rolling Stone](/source/Rolling_Stone)*. Archived from [the original](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/rush/albumguide) on July 4, 2013. Retrieved February 17, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** [Larkin, Colin](/source/Colin_Larkin) (2003). "Rush". *The Virgin Encyclopedia of 80s Music*. [Virgin Publishing](/source/Virgin_Publishing). pp. 414–415. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1852279699](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1852279699).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-AllMusic_24-0)** Heaney, Gregory. ["Presto - Rush"](https://www.allmusic.com/album/presto-mw0000654443). *[AllMusic](/source/AllMusic)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120610072302/http://www.allmusic.com/album/presto-mw0000654443) from the original on June 10, 2012. Retrieved November 10, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** Pennanen, Timo (2021). "Rush". [*Sisältää hitin - 2. laitos Levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla 1.1.1960–30.6.2021*](https://musiikkiarkisto.fi/oa/_tiedostot/julkaisut/sisaltaa-hitin.pdf#page=221) (PDF). Helsinki: Kustannusosakeyhtiö Otava. p. 221. Retrieved May 17, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Germany_Rush_26-0)** "[Offiziellecharts.de – Rush – Presto](https://www.offiziellecharts.de/album-details-32141)" (in German). [GfK Entertainment charts](/source/GfK_Entertainment_charts). Retrieved July 3, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Netherlands_Rush_27-0)** "[Dutchcharts.nl – Rush – Presto](https://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Rush&titel=Presto&cat=a)" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved July 3, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_UK2_28-0)** "[Official Albums Chart on 3/12/1989 – Top 100](https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/19891203/7502/)". [Official Charts Company](/source/Official_Charts_Company). Retrieved July 3, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Billboard200_Presto_29-0)** "[Presto Chart History (*Billboard* 200)](https://www.billboard.com/artist/Presto/chart-history/TLP)". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Retrieved July 3, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** ["Album Top 40 slágerlista (fizikai hanghordozók) – 2025. 6. hét"](https://slagerlistak.hu/album-top-40-slagerlista-fizikai-hanghordozok/2025/6). [MAHASZ](/source/Association_of_Hungarian_Record_Companies). Retrieved February 12, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** ["Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 1990"](https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/1990/top-billboard-200-albums). *Billboard*. Retrieved October 22, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-CanadaRushPrestoalbumCertRef_32-0)** ["Canadian album certifications – Rush – Presto"](https://musiccanada.com/gold-platinum/?_gp_search=Presto%20Rush). [Music Canada](/source/Music_Canada). Retrieved July 3, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-United_KingdomRushPrestoalbumCertRef_33-0)** ["British album certifications – Rush – Presto"](https://www.bpi.co.uk/page/certified-awards). [British Phonographic Industry](/source/British_Phonographic_Industry). *Select*albums*in the Formats field.* *Type*Presto Rush*in the "Search:" field.*

1. **[^](#cite_ref-United_StatesRushPrestoalbumCertRef_34-0)** ["American album certifications – Rush – Presto"](https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Rush&ti=Presto&format=Album&type=#search_section). [Recording Industry Association of America](/source/Recording_Industry_Association_of_America). Retrieved July 3, 2020.

## External links

- *[Presto](https://www.discogs.com/master/7674)* at [Discogs](/source/Discogs) (list of releases)

v t e Rush Alex Lifeson Geddy Lee Jeff Jones John Rutsey Neil Peart Studio albums Rush (1974) Fly by Night (1975) Caress of Steel (1975) 2112 (1976) A Farewell to Kings (1977) Hemispheres (1978) Permanent Waves (1980) Moving Pictures (1981) Signals (1982) Grace Under Pressure (1984) Power Windows (1985) Hold Your Fire (1987) Presto (1989) Roll the Bones (1991) Counterparts (1993) Test for Echo (1996) Vapor Trails (2002) Snakes & Arrows (2007) Clockwork Angels (2012) Live albums All the World's a Stage (1976) Exit... Stage Left (1981) A Show of Hands (1989) Different Stages (1998) Rush in Rio (2003) R30: 30th Anniversary World Tour (2005) Snakes & Arrows Live (2008) Grace Under Pressure Tour (2009) Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland (2011) Clockwork Angels Tour (2013) R40 Live (2015) Live videos Exit... Stage Left (1982) Grace Under Pressure Tour (1986) A Show of Hands (1989) Rush in Rio (2003) R30: 30th Anniversary World Tour (2005) Rush Replay X 3 (2006) Snakes & Arrows Live (2008) Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland (2011) Clockwork Angels Tour (2013) R40 Live (2015) Compilations Rush Through Time (1979) Chronicles (1990) Retrospective I (1997) Retrospective II (1997) The Spirit of Radio: Greatest Hits 1974–1987 (2003) Gold (2006) Retrospective III: 1989–2008 (2009) Working Men (2009) Video compilations Through the Camera Eye (1985) Chronicles (1990) Box sets The Studio Albums 1989–2007 (2013) Extended plays Feedback (2004) Cygnus X-1 (2017) Singles "In the Mood" "Fly by Night" "Lakeside Park" "The Twilight Zone" "Making Memories" "Closer to the Heart" "Circumstances" "The Trees" "The Spirit of Radio" "Entre Nous" "Limelight" "Tom Sawyer" "Vital Signs" "New World Man" "Subdivisions" "Countdown" "Red Sector A" "Afterimage" "The Big Money" "Mystic Rhythms" "Time Stand Still" "Show Don't Tell" "The Pass" "Dreamline" "Roll the Bones" "Ghost of a Chance" "Stick It Out" "Nobody's Hero" "Test for Echo" "Half the World" "Driven" "One Little Victory" "Secret Touch" "Summertime Blues" "Far Cry" "Caravan" "Headlong Flight" Other songs "Working Man" "Before" and "After" I. "Into the Darkness" "Didacts and Narpets" "2112" "A Passage to Bangkok" "Tears" "Xanadu" "Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres" (II. "Apollo Bringer of Wisdom" and III. "Dionysus Bringer of Love" IV. "Armageddon The Battle of Heart and Mind" VI. "The Sphere A Kind of Dream") "Freewill" "Red Barchetta" "YYZ" "Witch Hunt" "The Analog Kid" "Between the Wheels" "Marathon" "Manhattan Project" "Force Ten" "Mission" "Lock and Key" "Second Nature" "Heresy" "Animate" "Cold Fire" "The Larger Bowl (A Pantoum)" Tours Hemispheres Tour (1978–1979) Moving Pictures Tour (1980–1981) Exit... Stage Left Tour (1981) Power Windows Tour (1985–1986) Hold Your Fire Tour (1987–1988) Presto Tour (1990) Roll the Bones Tour (1991–1992) Counterparts Tour (1994) Test for Echo Tour (1996–1997) Snakes & Arrows Tour (2007–2008) Time Machine Tour (2010–2011) Clockwork Angels Tour (2012–2013) R40 Live Tour (2015) Fifty Something Tour (2026–2027) Related articles Discography Songs Awards Instrumentals Victor My Favourite Headache A Work in Progress Anatomy of a Drum Solo Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road Hugh Syme Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage Working Man – A Tribute to Rush Category

Authority control databases MusicBrainz release group

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Presto (album)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presto_(album)) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presto_(album)?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.