A FAREWELL TO KINGS

Here is where Rush finally shows what they're made of. After the brilliant career-saving, yet slightly flawed "2112," Rush show their most mature songwriting yet. Arguably one of their most progressive albums, "A Farewell To Kings" refines the hard-rocking Rush we got to know on previous albums while adding the progressive elements that make this album wonderful. The title track is a great rockin' tune with a wonderful touch of classical guitar from Lifeson. Also, the lyrics have to be some of Peart's most accomplished and pointed he's ever written. "Xanadu," one of Rush's most accomplished songs, begins by creating a peaceful yet eerie atmosphere thanks to the atmospheric guitar and keyboards, along with bells and chirping birds. The tune soon kicks in for an adventure you'll just have to hear, closed by one of Lifeson's best guitar solos he's ever recorded. "Closer To The Heart" was one of Rush's first big commercial hits that may not appeal to all prog fans, but I find a worthwhile song with yet another wonderful set of lyrics provided by Peart along with Talbot. "Cinderella Man" is often an overlooked song on this album. Though not as awesome as "Xanadu" or the soon-to-come, "Cygnus X-1," it is certainly a valid rocker with some nice riffage provided by Lifeson. "Madrigal" is a very short, mellow tune with some contemplative lyrics. Most may find it a throwaway track, but it really provides a balance for what has come before it on the album, and the monster that's after it: "Cygnus X-1: The Voyage." Probably another one of Rush's greatest songs, it begins the tale of a space explorer and a black hole that will be continued in the next album, "Hemispheres." The song starts off with some quintessential "spacey" sounds (though not a la "2112") and some spoken (yet kind of geeky) lyrics. The song builds and builds off of one of Lee's thumping bass lines before entering into some nice barre-chord riffing. The story continues up to a guitar solo until they turn down the volume a bit to come back for another build up. What ensues is just chaos, complimented nicely with some shrieking provided by Lee. "A Farwell To Kings" proves to be one of Rush's most progressive and best albums they have released. The album (in my opinion) doesn't have any glaring faults, but still is not a masterpiece. But don't let that deter you from it, for "A Farewell To Kings" is surely not to be missed!