2112

While Rush had been experimenting with longer concept pieces on their previous albums, it is with the side-long twenty minute title track that they earned their prog credentials. This piece has it all: sci-fi lyrics, complex chords and rhythmic sections, and many different movements. But it's also plagued with Geddy Lee's shrieking vocals (he's gotten better), and a weird section where it sounds like Alex Lifeson is just tuning up his guitar.

But have no fear - Rush overcame those difficulties in later live performances of this piece.

The second half of the album does not fare as well.

A Passage To Bangkok is the best of these songs, but it, too is marred by Lee's vocals. Like 2112 this song has fared better in later live versions. And I know some people don't like the song Tears, but it has Mellotron in it, and it shows that when Lee wasn't shrieking, he sounded pretty good.