HEMISPHERES

Rush's best, one of the greatest progressive rock albums of all time. This trio from Canada is arguably the band with the overall most talent, and it shows. Peart's Drumming, but also his lyrics, are sometimes controversial but often times magical. It's rare I care about lyrics, but this album is very special lyrically.

Hemispheres starts us off exactly where the previous album left us. The world beyond the Black Hole is fascinating, and goes deep with philosophical thoughts and greek mythology. The divide between our rational side and the irrational side, fun vs reason. It's a fun theme, and it is very well brought up in this sequel track. While it might not be the most impressive Rush song musically (thought it's still very good), the lyrics more than make up for it. Probably my favorite Rush song ever (18/18)

Circumstances is a very complex short song. While it does it's job, it's easily the worst song on the album. It's one of those rare Rush song that doesn't really seem to be going somewhere, but for once this one doesn't really needs to. It does the job, showcasing the immense talent these guys had without going too deep. My Quebecois brain loves the little french line in the lyrics (2/4)

The Trees is one of Rush's most popular song, for a good reason. The themes are once again amazing, and it's brilliant musically. Might not be as grandiose as other songs in their catalog, but it really does the job and I very much like this song (3/4)

La Villa Strangiato, do I have to say more? The guys were barely able to play it themselves. It's probably the wildest and most complex piece of music I know, it's a masterpiece, and it shows the best of Alex, proving he's just as great as the other guys. His guitar solo is one of my favorite of all time. (10/10)

FINAL SCORE: 33/36 = 91. Easy 5 Stars, one of the most fun I've ever had on an album