RUSH

Though prog monsters Rush hadn't hit their stride yet, the band did a fairly average cult band status album. The band had gotten considerable notice in Cleveland due to the last track, and it's understandable why; the instrumentation. Prog-heads Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson were going to try new things in future releases, while drummer John Rutsey delt with what was coming; replacement. Awkard production, Zeppelin-esque songwriting, unsure playing abilities...are you sure this is Rush?

1.Finding My Way - Though not a prog epic of some sorts, it's one of the strongest tracks on the album. The blues based riff is what is likely of Rush, but the "oh baby, baby" lyrics are totally an odd listen to any experienced prog head who is familiar with Rush. Lee's vocals are still high and dry, his bass playing prominate (yet sloppy). Lifeson's guitar sound is much more bottom-end, which might be due to mixing, but dosen't really sound signature or interesting at all. Rutsey's drumming is average, to say the least. It has no real flare or even a bit of emotion behind it. An odd song from Rush, but it's good from a rocker's standpoint. (7.5/10)

2.Need Some Love - The song is about the same as the first track, but much more straight- forward and fast. The lyrics, again, are a total shock, as the music is. The band plays with every bit of energy they have, which makes this song totally groovy and interesting. Soaring vocals from Lee are the high point, and augmented by guitar solos and heavy basslines, makes for a killer track. (7/10)

3.Take a Friend - There is one thing you can't knock down Rush on; consistence. The songs are fairly varied blues jams that oddly work..so far at least. The grooving riff is some typical of 1970 -1972; about 2 or 4 years late are the Rush boys. The lyrics aren't as loving, but they talk about love and peace, dropping acid not bombs and that stuff, but thats not too important. Lifeson's guitar flourishes are excellent during the verses and chorus', with his Gibson being rocked to it's hardest extent. (7.5/10)

4.Here Again - The worst track from any Rush album can be found here. The song, while musically speaking, isn't horrible, but it lasts a lifetime. The terrible bluesy and western lyrics don't work and make for a totally boring jam that dosen't gel with the listener and sounds awkward when being played by the band. The lyrics, as said before, are more like a western movie script and dosen't really have any meaning. All in all, just a mess of absolute wierd. (1.5/10)

5.What Your Doing - Possibly the most grooving of the tracks, the heavy metal guitar riff is a look into the future. Trippy delayed vocals and heavy guitar riffs and bass lines make the song a signature for the album, even if the lyrics leave quite a bit to be desired (as with most things on this album). (7.5/10)

6.In the Mood - Cowbell...we need more cowbell. The band plays a rocking number that could have easily fit on Led Zeppelin's debut album. The lyrics are totally nonsense loving and everything, but the music is blues rock at it's best. Lifeson's riffs are in total unison with Lee's interestingly sloppy bassline and the unsure drumming of Rutsey. Not skip worthy, but it's a bit weak for a song that gets some airplay to this day. (7/10)

7.Before and After - Another low blow from the album. The track is basically a ballad like track, but it just dosen't seem to go that way during the rest of the song. The way the ballad could have been is awesome, but the track looses it's power with the intense chords, and looses interested really soon after. Terrible lyrics and a very uncertain band at their worst are here. (2/10)

8.Working Man - The band had saved the best for last. Working Man is an anthem of pure beauty and still gets airplay and live play to this day. The heavy metal riffs and awesome cleveland - inspired lyrics mixed with that potential and Led Zeppelin influence make for the best of listening. Lifeson's guitar solo on this track is on of his best, as it is a total blues workout from head to toe; scales and pre-shred can be found on this track within the space of 4 minutes. A captivating moment for the band and their listeners. (9.5/10)

Though the album has some very, very awful tracks, there are enough good moments to make it at least note-worthy. A 2 stars for the effort that the three young musicians put into this record, even though one would be replaced by possibly the greatest drummer that has ever lived. Still, the only reason to get this is if you are interested into getting more Rush CD's and expanding your incomplete collection.