The track earned a for "Best Instrumental Rock Performance," highlighting its critical success during a period when the band was moving away from the heavy synth-pop of the late 80s. Legacy in Live Performance
Recorded primarily at in Quebec, the sessions for Counterparts saw the band returning to a more guitar-driven sound, though "Leave That Thing Alone" still features prominent synthesizer work by Geddy Lee and guest keyboardist John Webster . Rush-Leave That Thing Alone
: Neil Peart used the song to experiment with diverse patterns, incorporating a "Nigerian beat" influenced by King Sunny Ade in the second verse, and later shifting into a "quasi-jazz pattern". Recording and Production The track earned a for "Best Instrumental Rock
The track began as a sequel to the instrumental "Where’s My Thing?" from the previous album, Roll the Bones . Much of the song grew out of spontaneous jam sessions where the band captured "happy moments" that were later dissected and refined into a formal structure. Recording and Production The track began as a
: Geddy Lee describes the piece as being built around "rhythm and blues bass-drum interplay". It is often cited as a standout moment for his bass playing, featuring a funky, driving undertone that anchors the more atmospheric elements.