Review Summary: For you, Geddy.
The awe and nostalgia returns.
Rush has probably been one of the most recognizable acts of progressive rock, and one of the greatest. Albums such as
2112, A Farewell to Kings, Hemispheres, and Moving Pictures have all been considered landmarks of the genre, featuring some truly amazing soundscapes and pieces of music. Now several years, albums, and live performances have begun to take its toll on the band. Rush isn't done, though. In 2003 came
The Spirit of Radio (Greatest Hits), a near-perfect compilation of the best of Rush.
In short, the best of progressive rock is right here.
Rush has always been notorious for their classic tunes and long, drawn-out songs, with extended solos and fantastical songwriting. Almost everything many fans know and love about Rush is here, giving it a deserved 'Greatest Hits' title. While there are many vocalists around the world who have undeniably established a sound that nobody can forget (like Dio, Gioeli, Osbourne, etc.), but Lee's voice comes closer than most. The drum work of Neil (and John Rutsey in Working Man) is wonderful here as well, showing off some well-rhythmed percussion and a steady, straightforward pace. Lee also shines with his thumping bass work, which shreds along well alongside the drums and guitar work, and fits well in the atmospheric feel of the songs. As for the guitar, Lifeson is probably the least remarkable of the trio, but still manages to play some exceptional solos and progressions. Each band member shines here.
This album, like I said, shows Rush's worth over the years. Opening the album is a classic tune,
Working Man. With its notorious entry, great lyrics, and extensive progression, the opening track alone could convince you this is one of rock's best compilations, in under eight minutes. Though the band during the
Rush and Fly by Night tracks had not gained their full, unique sound, influence still shows in the
2112 tracks as well, from artists such as
Van der Graff Generator, King Crimson, and Yes. The full, atmospheric nature of the album is established in later tracks, with immediacy.
Said unique sound is shown best in the
Moving Pictures and Hemispheres tracks. The two excellent tunes
Tom Sawyer and Red Barchetta feature the more popular section of the album, as a standpoint, whereas
The Spirit of Radio shows Lifeson in one of his best performances yet. Quite effectively proving itself later on, the tracks
Closer to the Heart, New World Man, Subdivisions, and Time Stand Still are as equally impressive as the rest of the album, all of them showing off the band trio at their peak. The
Grace Under Pressure and Power Windows tracks are the weaker on the album, but this is meant for people who were fans in the first place. The tracklist here is stellar.
Once the grand finale of
Time Stand Still fades to nothing, it takes several seconds to realize the album is finally over by that point. You realize just how pivotal Rush was to progressive music. While other bands were mildly successful, Rush had a special influence that was realized by hundreds of rock bands and musicians worldwide, and a compilation of the near best of the best, when it comes to Rush, can't go wrong. Rush is the band by which all others must be judged.
Happy birthday, Lee
Recommended Tracks:
The first half of the compilation is generally better, but for newer fans the second half will get you used to the newer sound the band had begun to take on. Nothing is horrible: there's positive and negative aspects to each song.
