A FAREWELL TO KINGS

As far as the Rush discography goes this is one of the finest additions to the list. It has stood the test of time with its powerful lyrics and amazing musical performances. The standouts are fantasy oriented, but the others all have great moments.

The album starts off with the title track A Farewell To Kings. It slowly builds up (something the boys must have really enjoyed doing. 3 out of 6 start like this) with an acoustic and birds chirping, then comes Neil with some bells and then it all breaks loose with a very memorable guitar riff. A most excellent track that leaves the listener wanting more.

After the title track comes one of the two mini-epics, Xanadu. Another slow starter but it has one of the most blood pumping effects once it hits full swing. It details a mans adventures through a foreign land searching for the lost Xanadu, a place said to hold the secret of immortality. He obtains immortality but is trapped and longs for death to escape his prison. A haunting track that ends as peacefully as is begun.

Next up is Closer To The Heart, this is the track that go the most radio play because its short, enjoyable, and upbeat. Its a really nice track that has undergone many transformation with the countless live versions available. Cinderella Man an inspirational tale of a man fighting against great odds. Madrigal is slow and contemplative, a nice track to relax to.

Then comes the second mini-epic and finale(sort of) Cygnus X-1. It starts slowly but it has a much darker tone, instead of birds and and acoustic, it starts with silence and creepy vocals depicting the prologue about the Black Hole in the constellation Cygnus. The bass rips in and keeps the song going, screaming vocals and loud guitar moves the song along at a quickened pace. An adventurer travels into the black hole and is destroyed, yet still remains somehow. This is the lead-up into the next album Hemispheres, where the story is completed. It took awhile to get into but it is definitely the strongest, or tied with Xanadu, tracks on the album.

All in all this is an amazing album that deserves to be heard by both Heavy Prog fans, Rush fans, and basically anyone who loves some good music. A great but not essential album, if your a Rush fan you should already have it, if no, go buy it.

Share this RUSH review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Prof.
• Report this review (#170846)
• 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 A Farewell to Kings page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for RUSH related discussions