2112

RUSH's groundbreaking album that kept them from becoming a footnote in history. 2112 took what was insinuated on the previous two releases and really upped the ante to make their first classic album. The title track is one of the best examples of classic heavy progressive rock out there. It excels in lyrical content, instrumental prowess and most importantly the ability to shift from act to act while remaining thoroughly exciting throughout its entirety. This is not a grower. This is something that is instantly lovable yet only becomes more so upon repeated listens. This title track is often cited by RUSH fans as the absolute best thing they have ever done. I can't say that I disagree although i'd be hard pressed to pick an absolute favorite this certainly is up in the higher ranks.

One of the things that has always (slightly) disappointed me about this album is that is isn't a full-on concept album. I would have loved to hear an entire album dedicated to the exploration of the theme set about on the title track. However, not imposing my futuristic will upon an album that was cutting edge at the time, I have to admit that despite it not being what I really want it to be it still is a great album. The songs on the second side are excellent. "A Passage To Bangkok" is one of the best songs they have ever recorded and although the other tracks took me a little longer to appreciate, I have succumbed to their charm as well.

Despite really wanting to give this album 5 stars, I have to think what would my most ideal RUSH masterpiece be. After giving it a little thought I think it would be "2112" from this album plus "Xanadu" and "La Villa Strangiato." THAT would be the perfect RUSH masterpiece. This album has one of those ingredients but unfortunately the rest of the tracks are not that great but I do enjoy them. They are not masterpieces and this just falls short of the top honors but I really love this album anyways so 4.5 but since we don't have a half point system here i'll just have to make this a weak 5 star album.