2112

Okay, this album is the entry point into the world of Rush for most people, and the first one they dod really well, in my opinion. It was not their first attempt at writing epics, they had done that on both Caress of Steel and Fly By Night (although by-tor and the snow dog might not be considered a full-fledged "epic", it is an attempt at more progressive songwriting) however, it is the first time they really succeeded. The title track is an epic science-fiction tale with some really corny lyrics delivered by one of the most infamous voices in prog.

It's not a very "mature" album, however, lyrics about space federations and pot-smoking tours, along with the fast and heavy music, screaming, high-pitched vocals made it an obvious choice for the vinyl racks at the homes of all the teenagers all over the world when it came, and though Rush would mature immensley in the next few years and start making more complex music on albums such as "Hemispheres" and "Moving pictures", 2112 has a sort of youthful charm to it which seemed to disappear as they went along (of course).

Rush has always, with a few exceptions, been more of a technical band than an emotional one, and while they're not one of my favourite bands, and my appreciation for them seem very inconsistent (i like 2112 and hemispheres, but not AFTK, for example), a few parts of the title track struck a chord in my heart ( despite being THE least metal fan on earth at the time i first heard it) and, if you just surrender to the corny sci-fi world Neil Peart creates, just might strike one in yours too. D

espite my adoration for the title epic, i can't give it any more than 3.5 stars because of the second side which simply doesn't hold up at all in comparison. "Tears" is especially bad, and i can't believe i actually used to listen to the whole album the whole way through without skipping this track. If you have a soft spot for mellotrons, however, you just might find it interesting.

Still, highly recommend it to all who like moderately heavy music, are in college/high school and/or just want to check out one of the most popular bands on the archives. It is, after all, a great entry point to Rush, and even if they may not make my personal top 10 or 20, they just might make make yours.

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