Review Summary: Rush at their best, recommended to anyone who is into progressive rock or metal.
Rush. Remember those guys? You know... the band that inspired many many drummers, bassists, and guitarists all over the world. Sure some of their mid-late 1980's albums weren't up to par with anything they had wrote in the 70's, but they were (and still are) indeed icons of the progressive/metal genre.
2112 is one of those iconic albums that will forever be enjoyed by mostly anyone into rock music. The progressive side of Rush starts, and reaches its peak, right here on this 6 song epic. The title track clocks in at just over 20 minutes, and is considered by many people (including myself) to be one of Rush's best songs. The guitar is powerful, yet not all that heavy, but it still really packs a punch. Alex Lifeson's guitar work really shines on this album, especially on the classic
A Passage To Bangkok. Geddy Lee's bass skills are unmatched, and Neil Peart's drumming is incredible. Yes, this is indeed Rush's best release to date. But, let's get into a little more detail, shall we?
What can I say about Alex Lifeson? He is one of my largest inspirations as a guitarist, and his skills have come a long way since their self-titled debut album (not to say he sucked back then, but his writing has gotten a hell of a lot better). His sound is very thick on this album, and it compliments the bass guitar perfectly. Unlike some bands, he doesn't rely on distortion to play a fine rhythm or lead, and he is one of those guys who (as it seems) believes that when it comes to soloing, it isn't the quantity... it's the quality that counts. Listen to the solo at the end of
The Twilight Zone as a perfect demonstration of this. He doesn't play fast, but the solo sounds great. The tone on all the songs sounds like I could be floating in space as I'm listening (excluding
Lessons). Lifeson is, was, and will continue to be an inspiration, and an icon to many new or old guitarists for generations to come.
Geddy Lee is my personal favourite bass player of all time. He incorporates melodic, tasteful, and powerful bass lines to each and every song, and he sings at the same time!! His vocals are often described as a high-pitched screech, or scream with a strong melodic presence. That pretty much sums it up. Picture an owl as the lead singer of Rush, and then picture Geddy Lee and you got about the same result. But, that isn't to say the vocals are bad because they fit the music extremely well.
Now onto Neil Peart. Here's a guy that is exempt from winning a certain world's best drummer award because he won way too many times. That should tell you something... he is the world's best drummer. His beats and rhythm's are quite complex (save
Tears) on
2112 and Rush was very fortunate to aquire him. He uses many different styles and techniques, including one of my favourites, when he uses the foot pedal on his high hats. Remember that dance beat? Unh-Ts-Unh-Ts-Unh-Ts. Very nice example of this during the guitar solo on
A Passage To Bangkok. His skill of paradiddles, complex rhythm's, and drum rolls are unbeatable. Neil is my favourite drummer, will always be my favourite drummer, and I don't believe anyone will ever surpass his skill in my lifetime.
The only complaints I have about this album is that the sound quality isn't 100%. The guitar sounds quiet at times, and vocals sound very loud at other times.... but come on people, it was 1976. And also that fact that
Lessons could have been better, as it isn't Rush's best song here, but does feature some very nice acoustic lines.
Rush's best album
2112 is an album I will treasure till the day I die. I recommend you buy this album right away if you like bands like AC/DC, Van Halen, Dream Theater, or even Iron Maiden.
