Average Rating: 3.52 Rating Variance: 0.81 Objectivity Score: 79% (Well Balanced)
Sort by: Rating | Release Date | Rating Date | Name5.0 classicRush Moving PicturesNot a single dud in the mix. All three members are at their zenith. Still progressive ("The Camera Eye"), yet radio-friendly ("Limelight"). In my opinion, not only Rush's greatest album, but one of the greatest rock albums of all time.4.5 superbRush 2112Their most progressive work. The balance between metal ("The Temple of Syrinx") and melancholy ("Tears") is not in any way cacophonous, but rather complementary.Rush A Farewell to KingsWere it not for "Xanadu," this album would have fallen a whole point from me. It is in my mind one of Rush's best tracks. The concert/radio favorite "Closer to the Heart" is a real gem, but I have to force myself not to remember that I've heard it 1,000 times before to derive any joy from it.Rush Permanent WavesRush still experimenting with heavier elements on this record, viz. "Natural Science." The esoteric "Jacob's Ladder" and the philosophical "Freewill" are also stand-out tracks.Rush SignalsAnd so we enter the synth-driven era. While some might scoff at Rush's conformity to everything fashionable in the 1980s, their virtuosity with the synth stands out far above their peers. "Subdivisions" is an instant classic, as are "Chemistry" and "New World Man." This album also showcases Peart's abilities quite well, and I use this album regularly to show others that he is a great rock drummer.Rush HemispheresRush's instrumental tracks I believe reach their high point with "La Villa Strangiato." The song is a mix of ups and downs, ins and outs, and never leaves me tempted to fast forward to "the good part." I'm also quite fond of the progressive masterpiece Cygnus X-1 part II. Lastly, Rush's dark sense of humor stands out in "The Trees," but don't be caught up in the lyrics per se, because the melody of the song is just as enjoyable.Rush ChroniclesTypically with a band as good as Rush, I urge others to steer clear of "greatest hits" compilations. However, this wonderful double-LP was my first taste of Rush, and for that I will forever owe a debt of gratitude. Granted, there are some glaring omissions like "Xanadu," but what you get here is an excellent sampling of the radio-friendly songs, which serve as teasers to get the listener to dive into the albums proper. Moreover, Chronicles was released long before the "loudness war," so what you get is a dynamically rich record, albeit somewhat quieter than the Retrospective set. I gave it 4.5 because it sounds great, the chosen songs are wonderful, and it is an excellent entry point into Rush without the need to buy three separate albums like one must do taking the Retrospective route.4.0 excellentRush Caress of SteelAnother progressive rock masterpiece. "The Necromancer" is easily one of Rush's most diverse and progressive tracks, and it is nicely book-ended with "Fountain of Lamneth" and "Lakeside Park," both beautiful songs on their own. This album is sadly overlooked, but if given the time to grow on the listener, provides huge returns.Rush Fly by NightThis album is another overlooked gem. While most of the radio play centers on "Fly By Night," a timeless classic, the acoustic-driven "Making Memories" laments the hardship of touring but does so with a very catchy melody. A tribute to the mythos of Tolkien is found in the touching "Rivendell," which one could argue was the trend at the time (Led Zeppelin's "Ramble On," etc.), but it is unique and memorable. Lastly, "Anthem" is another great guitar-driven track.Rush RushRush Exit...Stage Left3.5 greatRush Snakes & ArrowsI like this album, but it felt like Rush was trying a little too hard to sound retro. "Far Cry" opens as if it were classic 1970s Rush, but quickly dives into the "wall of guitar" sound and Geddy's gimmicky double-tracked vocals. It also sounds to me like he's at the top of his vocal register throughout this album (as well as Clockwork Angels). It also seems like they're trying hard because there are two instrumentals on one album, which is atypical for Rush. I love both of the instrumentals very much ("Hope," an acoustic acapella, and "Malignant Narcissist," a bass guitar-driven rampage). I still think this album has some coherence to it, and the songwriting is much improved from its recent predecessors. But aside from the two instrumental tracks, it kind of felt like I was listening to the same song throughout the entire album (albeit a very good song).Rush A Show of Hands3.0 goodRush Roll the BonesRush All the World's a StageRush PrestoThis album sits in the middle of the road for me. "Show Don't Tell" debuts Geddy's use of a five-string bass and philosophically offers up a lot to think about lyrically, "Chain Lightning" has some great rock moments, and "The Pass" has a very memorable message coupled in a great melody. The second side of the album just doesn't do it for me, though. In fact, "Superconductor" is one of those songs that gets jammed into my head and requires a lot of effort to expunge.Rush Clockwork Angels2.5 averageRush Vapor TrailsSub-standard songwriting, lack of guitar solos, and poor mastering plagued this album. There are some moments where the album shines, but those moments are few and far between.Rush Hold Your FireGone is Rush's former "umph," where we had beat-driven tracks, heavily guitar-laden tracks, or where lyrical content was contemplative. Granted, "Tai Shan" has a nice atmosphere to it, but the rest of the album feels like standard 80s synth-rock to me with nothing special.Rush Grace Under PressureRush Power Windows2.0 poorRush CounterpartsRush Test for Echo
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