2112

2112 the track is one of the greatest art rock songs ever released. 2112 the album, however, is a solid effort anchored upon that masterpiece but rounded out with too many mediocre tracks to gain a five star rating. The title track is the epic saga of an anonymous man in the year 2112 who discovers the gift of music in the guise of a guitar, only to have it crushed by his repressive society. Neal Peart's sparkling lyrics are loosely based on the book Anthem by Ayn Rand, but taken by themselves they still stand as an excellent modern epic. Peart not only wrote the lyrics but also provided the excellent drum work on this entire album. Alex Lifeson is given so much chance for expression on the title track, and he does not disappoint. His guitar truly rocks out in the Overture and Finale, screams over the voices of the Priests, and grows from tentative to wondrous in the Discovery portion. Geddy Lee's voice is almost or just as expressive as the guitar, complementing the necessary emotion in each section. Perhaps the only weakness in the track is the exaggerated voicing given to the Priests' lyrics, but taken in its musical context it is understandable.

After the unbridled brilliance of this song, almost anything would disappoint the listener. Passage to Bangkok does just that; though its theme is catchy it lacks that spark of artistry that characterizes the better work of Rush. The Twilight Zone sounds whiny and the lyrics are very nonsensical, Lessons and Tears are definitely better but nothing really special. The second half closes with Something for Nothing, whose raucous, admonishing guitar theme fits the lyrics and makes it the best track on the side.

2112 the track is a must have for all Rush and other progressive music fans. The rest of the album is probably worth having, but if you don't really enjoy the art-rock sound then go to Itunes and just get the title. 2112 the album recieves four stars.