2112

After having below average results to what the band thought was their master-work, Caress of Steel, they were furious. With all this fury and passion, the band decided to go against what the record company wanted and released one of their best and most progressive albums ever. Symphonic Heavy Metal was the main attraction, as the trippy story and music will last in the hearts of Rush fans for years to come.

1.2112 - Clocking in at over 21 minutes, this is easily Rush's most accesible, complex and consistent epic yet. The problem with the other two epics on the last album was that they were very cheesy and were very rough in songwriting, yet this one solves the problems. The amazingly consistent song has about six different parts; all of which connect with one another in a very fluid and natural way. Neil Pearts lyrics on an over-powering Toltarian society and the war to bring music to society is excellent, as he sends us on a trippy journey to another planet and then back again. Of course, the instrumentation is pristine. Geddy Lee's bass playing is at it's peak, with a full Rickenbacker 4001 tone bursting through the seams. Alex Lifeson adds his best riffs and his best solo's, making him one of the greats of guitar playing history. This track is not to be missed by anyone. (10/10)

2.A Passage to Bangkok - After such a harrowing and psychedelic journey as a title track, one needs to chill out with some marijuana. The song utilizes the oriental riff and middle eastern pothead destinations into a riff galore. Of course, the band plays with a sort of laid back feel that has not been heard of on the last few albums. Lee's vocals are a standout, as his smoothly sings on the chorus yet screams with passion on the verse. An excellent progressive pop track. (10/10)

3.The Twilight Zone - Not as consistent as the first two tracks, the song is much more scary than the other two (well, hold for the title track). The song is a bit sloppily played, but it seems to work to it's advantage during the eerie chorus. Lifeson's guitar playing and riffs are amazing, yet still retaining a sort of professional feel with the acoustic bits. Pearts lyrics are a homeage to the show, of course, and are mostly shadowed by his excellent drumming skills. (9/10)

4.Lessons - A lot of people don't give enough credit to this track, as it is one of my personal favourites. Sure, it's a bit poppy and very different from anything that the band had ever done, yet it's smooth and very groovy. The lyrics, written by Lifeson, are about learning the lessons and hardships of life, are very different yet work well with the insane chorus of total heavy metal groove. The acoustics and electrics from Lifeson are total 70s heavy metal at their best. Lee's vocals are my favourite on this track, as he shrieks excellently; while adding a smooth yet rocking bassline. Pearts drumming, to say the least, is godly. He brings such a power and intensity to the already raw sound. Grooving for something a bit late on the times. (9/10)

5.Tears - Probably my least favourite track off of the whole album, yet I can respect what it does for people. The song is a ballad, lyrics written by Lee, and actually has total emotion after such hard rock grooves. Oddly dark in nature, Lee's smooth vocal and Hugh Syme's depressing mellotron make for the best of both worlds. (8.5/10)

6.Something for Nothing - The first time I listened to this song, I hated it. It has, luckily, grown on my since, as it now remains one of my favourite off of the album. The lyrics are amazingly coherrent, as you can't get everything you want. Pearts lyric combined with the darkness of the music adds for an awesome musical journey. Lee's screech is uncontroled and almost operetic with Robert Plant mixed in; albeit a bit more original. Lifeson's use of acoustic guitars and electric to form a large musical soundscape is astounding for such a dark track. A classic. (10/10)

The album is the best thing Rush has done so far. The large musical consistency and the amazing lyrics come from the heart and are very true to the hardships the band were going through during this time period. I have to give this album a 5 stars because of the amazing heavy progressive tendencies of the band and shear musical talent of these three (or four, however you count it) young musicians.