2112

Rush has been one of my favorite bands for a couple years now, and although I generally like their music a great deal, there's something about Geddy's voice in Rush's early years (2112 is a good example) that irks me a little bit. But besides Geddy's sometimes-obnoxious singing on this CD (which actually holds some purpose in regards to the lyrics), it's hard to fault 2112.

-2112 Overture/The Temples of Syrinx: This is obviously the centerpiece of the album, clocking in at 20:33. Some may not like Geddy's screeching in this song, but it serves a purpose if you observe the lyrics. The story being told here is actually quite good and is excellently written and executed. The music matches what's going on in the story and creates amazing imagery, Geddy's voice adjusts to what character he is playing, etc. etc. This is one of the best songs ever written.

-A Passage to Bangkok: One of Rush's more 'typical' songs, but it definitely distinguishes itself from their other songs with it's eastern flair. Good song (even if it is about pot.)

-The Twilight Zone: A wierder song. Not really sure about this one. I'm not entirely sure what they were going for with this one, but it's ambient and flows really well. It's like your average ambient Prog song, only more condensed. Probably the weakest track here.

-Lessons: Nice tune. Geddy goes for the grating effect once more, but it actually suits this song really nicely. Pure classic rock. Love it.

-Tears: A sad song that has a disticntly nostalgic air about it. Not in the sense that the song is from 1976, but in the sense that it can get make you start to think about times past. Deep, emotional and yet elegantly simple -- good stuff.

-Something for Nothing: Classic hard rock with that special Rush touch. Not too much to criticize. I guess my only really complaint is that it doesn't really seem like an album-closer. I always listen to this CD and expect to hear at least one more and I'm almost always disappointed when I realize that this is the last song. But I guess, in some respects, that's not such a bad thing. It is a great song, after all.

5/5: Geddy's voice wasn't exactly mind-blowing, but for the time it was fine and I can't bring myself to take off points for something so utterly subjective (although I know that's kind of the point, but this album is just too good overall to nitpick things like that, and besides that, I can't stand to see Frances The Mute rated higher than this masterpiece!) The lyrics are amazing, the music is amazing and Geddy's voice is quite enjoyable once you get used to it. Plus, it's nice to have a very distinctive vocalist.

30 years later, and people are still eagerly anticipating each of Rush's new releases... Let's hope this next one marks a return to their Prog roots!