2112

You guys know the background behind the recording. Rush's previous outing, "Caress of Steel", displeased the record company greatly due to poor sales. They were warned to avoid more epics so what do By-Tor, Lerxt, and the professor do? Well, I think you know the answer to that. "2112" is one of the most praised albums of not only prog, but modern music in general, and rightfully so. The title track is just stunning. It is the perfect follow up to their previous epics. The story is magical, being about a guy who lives in the year 2112 in a civilization that is repressed by the priests of the temples of Syrinx. In a cave, the man discovers an ancient item that "gives forth a sound and have wires that vibrate and give music". He shows the guitar to the priests and they destroy it, as it "doesn't fit the plan". Consequently, the man takes his own life right before a revolution begins. All you hear at the end is "We have assumed control", but it is not known which side is speaking. I felt I had to tell it as it deserves to be told multiple times for its brilliance. Geddy does a great job, playing the priests. He changes his voice depending on the character, much like Peter Gabriel. This song is worth buying the whole album, even if you don't like the other songs.

Much like "Caress of Steel", the shorter songs pale in comparison to the epic(s). They are a big improvement, though. My favorites are "Tears" and "The Twilight Zone". Overall, this album is great and should be in most prog collections. However, I can't give it a fifth star because of the slight weaknesses of the shorter tracks. 4.5 stars.

Share this RUSH review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to White Shadow
• Report this review (#139937)
• Buy RUSH music online with PA partners
• Show all RUSH MP3/Stream
• Go to RUSH page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to 2112 page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for RUSH related discussions