A FAREWELL TO KINGS

I believe this album to be Rush's masterpiece, surpassing what they attempted with 2112 and an obvious precursor to Moving Pictures. It is as well-rounded as could be asked. From the lengthy epics Cygnus X-1 and Xanadu to the shorter, radio fare Closer To The Heart (which gained them quite a bit of extra populartiy away from their already established fanbase), a solid opener in the title track, and a couple extra goodies, Cinderella Man and the beautiful Madrigal. Each song delivers, and the overall package is something Rush could never top, only equal. I believe they equalled this on Permenant Waves and Moving Pictures, but this was obviously a benchmark.