Up next on the chopping block is the band Rush. Now I have really only heard like one or two songs from these guys but I figured they’re an iconic band and Neil Peart is a legendary drummer so with that let’s take a look…………..
Rush- so with this one I kinda get some Zeppelin vibes and I did read that they were influenced by them when they wrote this album. I also didn’t realize that Neil Peart did not play drums here. This is very much a straight forward rock record and yes Geddy Lee has almost a Robert Plant like voice (I said what I said). Anyway, I actually really enjoyed this one. I’ll give it 10/10
Standouts: Finding My Way, What You’re Doing, Before And After
Fly By Night- this one definitely has a hard rock sound going for it and this is the first album with Neil Peart and you can tell because the drum work on here is incredible. The rest of the band is great as well and I really like Alex Lifeson’s guitar playing on here. Definitely a great follow up. I’ll give this one another 10/10
Standouts: Fly By Night, Anthem, Making Memories
Caress Of Steel- this one wasn’t received as well as the last couple records but it’s actually not that bad. Yes there’s only like 5 songs and I guess this is more of an EP but I found it enjoyable. I’ll give it 8/10
Standouts: Bastille Day, I Think I’m Going Bald
2112- I should warn you the first song is like 20 minutes and it kinda gets boring. If you are a prog rock fan, then you will love this album but I’m guessing most fans of this kind of music have already listened to this. DO I think it’s a masterpiece? I wouldn’t go that far but it’s a damn good record. I’ll give this one 9.5/10
Standouts: Something For Nothing, The Twilight Zone, Lessons
A Farewell To Kings- I think the one song I have heard from them was Closer To The Heart and it’s always being played on KLOS. That said the rest of the album is pretty good. It’s only got like 6 songs but they’re good songs. Overall, a great rock record and I’m giving it 9/10
Standouts: Cinderella Man, A Farewell To Kings, Madrigal
Hemispheres- ah yes this is one of those records that I have heard so much about. I heard how great it is and how much of a classic it is and after listening to it, it’s completely justified. It’s definitely one of their best and it has only like 4 songs (seriously that seems to be a trend here and I wish more bands would do this). Anyway, if you’re gonna start with this band this is one of those records to start with. I’m giving it 10/10
Standouts: the whole album. I’m not picking standouts for 4 songs
Permanent Waves- another one that is one of their classic records. I actually think I like the last record a little better but this one is just as good. I’ll give this one 10/10
Standouts: Freewill, Jacob’s Ladder, Natural Science
Moving Pictures- ah yes the album that gave us their most overplayed song Tom Sawyer. Seriously I can’t listen to that song anymore. Aside from that, this is another great classic rock record and I feel like this is the one that’s their most accessible. I’ll give this one 10/10
Standouts: Limelight, The Camera Eye, Red Barchetta
Signals- you know I didn’t think I’d like this record but I actually liked it more than I thought. Yes it does sacrifice the guitars for more keyboards and synths but it’s not a bad record. A fun fact is that this record influenced Trent Reznor to incorporate keyboards into NIN’s music so there’s that. Overall, not bad and it gets a 9/10
Standouts: The Analog Kid, The Weapon, Losing It
Grace Under Pressure- so this one has a lot of keyboards and synth and really, it’s kinda forgettable. It’s a very 80’s sounding record and I’m sure there are those that over this one but it’s just average. I’m giving it 3/10
Standouts: Afterimage
Power Windows- again, this is a very 80’s sounding record and it kinda reminds me of something that either The Police or even U2 might even write. There are some who probably love this record and it’s something that I might put on in the background but I don’t see myself revisiting this one anytime soon. It’s getting 6/10
Standouts: Manhattan Project, Grand Designs
Hold Your Fire- I’d say this one is a slight step up but it’s definitely got a pop sound going for it. To me this one is just ok and it’s nothing special. I’ll give it 6/10
Standouts: Prime Mover, Turn The Page
Presto- so here they finally are getting back into more guitar driven songs which is refreshing. You can kinda tell that they still have that sound that was leftover from their previous 3 albums but to me it’s a step in the right direction. I’ll give this one 6.5/10
Standouts: War Paint, Show Don’t Tell, Red Tide
Roll The Bones- so this is their first 90’s record and yes there is rapping on the title track. This one does have rock songs and you can tell that they’re trying to go back to that sound sort of. Not a bad record so I’m giving it 7/10
Standouts: Dreamline, Ghost Of A Chance, Where’s My Thing
Counterparts- I feel like there are some heavy rock parts on here. Now they are back to the simplicity of just guitar, bass, and drums which is a nice change. There’s some ok songs but it’s definitely a step up from the last few. I’ll give this one 8/10
Standouts: Stick It Out, Alien Shore, Double Agent
Test For Echo- to me this one has some really good songs and some that are just ok. I do like the guitar tone on here but again this one doesn’t really stick out. I’ll give it 7/10
Standouts: Totem, Half The World, Resist
Vapor Trails- I actually enjoyed this one more so than the last few. I’m sure there are those that would say the production is too loud or whatnot but I didn’t see anything wrong with it. I feel like on this they get back to basics. Anyway, a very enjoyable record and I’m giving it 8/10
Standouts: Ceiling Unlimited, Nocturne, One Little Victory
Feedback- I suppose every band has to have a covers record so here is Rush’s. It’s just them covering song like Summertime Blues and Crossroads so if you want to hear how those songs sound by Rush then check this out. I’ll give it 7/10
Standouts: Summertime Blues, Crossroads, For What It’s Worth
Snakes And Arrows- I feel like this picks up where the last record left off. You could say they’ve finally gotten back to their original formula of writing good rock songs. This one also has a few instrumental tracks and they’re not bad but kinda drag on in places. Overall, not bad. I’ll give this one 8/10
Standouts: Workin’ Them Angels, The Way The Wind Blows, Bravest Face
Clockwork Angels- the final Rush album and it’s really good. There is something for everyone on here and it’s too bad that this is their final record before Neil Peart died as I feel like they could’ve made an awesome follow up to this. I’m giving this one 10/10
Standouts: Wish Them Well, Caravan, Halo Effect
Well that was a long deep dive but I’m glad I did it. Neil Peart really was a great drummer but the whole band was great. Geddy Lee is a phenomenal bass player and Alex Lifeson is a great guitar player. There were some hits and misses album wise but overall great albums. RIP Neil Peart.
Final Grade: A
Album Rankings:
- Hemispheres
- Fly By Night
- Rush
- Moving Pictures
- 2112
- Permanent Waves
- Clockwork Angels
- A Farewell To Kings
- Caress Of Steel
- Signals
- Snakes & Arrows
- Vapor Trails
- Feedback
- Power Windows
- Roll The Bones
- Counterparts
- Test For Echo
- Presto
- Hold Your Fire
- Grace Under Pressure
Sinister Reviews 