HEMISPHERES

"Hemispheres" is Rush's sixth album and the last of their epic songs era. This is Rush's most progressive album yet, as time signatures fly all over the place and song length holds no bounds. Guitars propel this album into the stratosphere, and other reviewers on Prog Archives have taken note, as this is the highest rated Rush album. This is my review of "Hemispheres" by Rush.

0) Album Artwork: (9/10) Very good artwork, as it draws you into the fantasy that is this album.

1) Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres, 18:08 (7/10) Its not what everyone says it is. The first ten minutes are riveting, albeit repetitive, but unfortunately the final eight fall short. Excellent guitar and drums throughout, but its simply too long. No matter how good the guitar is for the first ten minutes, it doesn't sustain for 18 minutes. Disappointing yet good at the same time.

2) Circumstances, 3:41 (9/10) Classic Rush! One of my favorite Rush songs of all time, and rightly so due to the catchy chorus, excellent guitar, and, of course, Neil Peart (his drumming is assumed to be god-like). There is no stopping at any point, the energy pulses through the whole song. This is one that will be stuck in your head for a while, but you'll be glad it is.

3) The Trees, 4:45 (9/10) A beautiful song! It opens with wonderful acoustic guitar and then storms into a very enjoyable rock song. The story behind is a good one, and it doesn't take twenty minutes to carry out. Very good all around boys!

4) La Villa Strangiato (An Exercise in Self-Indulgence), 9:37 (9/10) Such a good instrumental! The guitars never skip a beat, as Alex and Geddy power through this song with thoroughly enjoyable solos. But, in the background lies some excellent drumming from Neil. Listen to it and it does not feel like a nine and a half minute song, but an exciting short single. But thats the beauty of it! Its exciting, and its long!

Overall: 34/40= 8.5/10= 4.5/5

While the starter is too long, the other three make up for it in this sinfully good rock album.