Power windows is Rush at their finest. It is one of the bands favourite works (especially Neil and Geddy)
I must stress, If you don't like pop music at all, don't bother. If you like at least some this is the album that defined pop music and Rush in my opinion.
It has a very strong 80's synth heavy feel to it, but it also very much guitar oriented, just as much as any rush album from any period. Expect 80's guitar tone (very high frequnecy oriented, alex used a lot of F sharp in his arrangements, which makes guitar solos absolutely sing, btw)
This album is my favorite because its lush production and layers of melodies that keep me coming back.
Honestly I feel the same as you, that they have gotten progressively worse over time.
Signals doesn't have too many fans amongst the rush community, BTW, so lets call that a wild card.
I absolutely love grace under pressure (84) power windows (85) and Hold your fire (87) because I love pop music from that era, and rush were simply the best pop and hard rock group of the time. Whether or not you can appreciate those albums depends upon your ability to appreciate pop music.
But again, those were very guitar oriented albums (like the Outfield or Big Country) as well, so don't assume you won't get your fix of great guitar work, which in my opinion is why people don't like pop music from the 80's. They were also very keyboard oriented, bo if you hate keys, it may not be your thing.
Also, every band member was in top form for their instruemnt at the time. Don't think that because theres a lot of synth, there's little bass playing. Geddy was brilliant on 4 strings at the time.
Late 80's to early 90's would seem to me presto and rol the bones, which the fixx's producer rupert hine took the helm and changed things (i like those albums too, but probably because i adore everything rush accomplished)
I certainly would check those albums out, even if yopu aren't into pop music. (i wasn't for the longest time until I heard them)
These albums were life changing for me, so don't rely on someone elses perceptions to rob you of what could change yours.
Enjoy and I hope this helps.
_________________ I love the Queen.
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