2112

It was like RUSH was at the plate with two out and two strikes on them and with "2112" they hit a homerun, and the rest is history. The band did feel that if this one wasn't successful the game was over, that this was their last opportunity and this could possibly be their last record.

The song "2112" would be their second side long suite, the first coming on their previous release "Caress Of Steel". In an interview Alex had said that the band was really happy with "Caress Of Steel" and they wanted to develope that style but because it didn't do well commercially the record label and their management were directing a lot of negative feelings towards them. "The Fountain Of Lamneth" had been their first concept song and they were determined to make "2112" which was like an extension of it. Alex said there was a lot of anger and passion on this record. It was about one person standing up against everybody else. Which is just how they felt.The first part of it called "Overture" sounds like synths are firing off all over the place, and when Neil starts going crazy on the drums it's fantastic. "The Temple Of Syrinx" is a short 2 minute passage that begins with Geddy singing "The meek shall inherit the earth" and then all hell breaks loose as Geddy lets it absolutely rip. We are assaulted on several fronts during this earth shaking passage. "Discovery' opens with acoustic guitar, the sound of water flowing and gentle vocals. "Presentation" is my favourite part of this epic. Some great heavy parts in this one, nice bass too.The contrast is incredible between the heavy and mellow sections. Alex ends it with a really good solo. "Oracle : The Dream" opens with sad vocals but it gets intense. "Soliloquy" opens with acoustic guitar and running water again before we get some scorching guitar and passionate vocals.The "Grand Finale" closes the song with a beautiful instrumental.

"A Passage To Bangkok" has an eastern sound to it and is quite dark until the chorus when things lighten up.This is such a great song.The guitar solos are amazing. I think this is the only RUSH song that has it's focus on drugs. "The Twilight Zone" is both haunting and empty, at least that's the feeling I get from the chorus. "Lessons" builds in the intro to some passionate vocals and some good guitar. Nice song ! "Tears" is a sad song that features some beautiful mellotron from Hugh Syme, flutes in the verses and strings in the chorus. "Something For Nothing" is another song that contrasts the light and the heavy very well.

This is the one that put them on the world map, and it's a masterpiece !