New World Man
Encyclopedia
"New World Man" is a track from the 1982 album Signals by Canadian rock band Rush
. The song was the last and quickest composed song on the album, stemming from a suggestion by then-Rush producer Terry Brown
to even out the lengths of the two sides of the cassette version. It went to #1 (on the RPM
national singles chart) in Canada
, where it remained for two weeks in October 1982. Less successful in the U.S., it nonetheless remains Rush's only American Top 40 hit, peaking at #21 on the Billboard singles chart
for three weeks in October and November 1982. It also topped the Billboard Top Tracks chart for two weeks (their first single to do so). "New World Man" also reached #42 in the UK; a remixed version released as a double A-side with "Countdown" later reached #36 in the UK in early 1983.
A live version of "Vital Signs" appears as the B-side on the "New World Man" single. Other than the band's self-released 1973 single of "Not Fade Away/You Can't Fight It," this is the only song Rush has ever released on a single that did not appear on a Rush album (Mercury #76179, US edition).
The song essentially follows a standard verse-chorus-verse-chorus pattern in the absence of a guitar solo.
Rush (band)
Rush is a Canadian rock band formed in August 1968, in the Willowdale neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario. The band is composed of bassist, keyboardist, and lead vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer and lyricist Neil Peart...
. The song was the last and quickest composed song on the album, stemming from a suggestion by then-Rush producer Terry Brown
Terry Brown (record producer)
Terry Brown is a record producer involved in a variety of work, but most noted for his involvement with the Canadian rock band Rush and the British/Canadian band Cutting Crew. Brown is currently working with emerging Ottawa roots-rockers Ken Workman & The Union. He is referred to fondly by the band...
to even out the lengths of the two sides of the cassette version. It went to #1 (on the RPM
RPM (magazine)
RPM was a Canadian music industry publication that featured song and album charts for Canada. The publication was founded by Walt Grealis in February 1964, supported through its existence by record label owner Stan Klees. RPM ceased publication in November 2000.RPM stood for "Records, Promotion,...
national singles chart) in Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, where it remained for two weeks in October 1982. Less successful in the U.S., it nonetheless remains Rush's only American Top 40 hit, peaking at #21 on the Billboard singles chart
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
for three weeks in October and November 1982. It also topped the Billboard Top Tracks chart for two weeks (their first single to do so). "New World Man" also reached #42 in the UK; a remixed version released as a double A-side with "Countdown" later reached #36 in the UK in early 1983.
A live version of "Vital Signs" appears as the B-side on the "New World Man" single. Other than the band's self-released 1973 single of "Not Fade Away/You Can't Fight It," this is the only song Rush has ever released on a single that did not appear on a Rush album (Mercury #76179, US edition).
The song essentially follows a standard verse-chorus-verse-chorus pattern in the absence of a guitar solo.
See also
- List of RPM number-one singles of 1982
- List of number-one mainstream rock hits (United States)