FLY BY NIGHT

This is Neil Peart's debut with Rush. From the get-go, he was asked to supply lyrics for the band, and this addition changed the principal elements of the band. No longer would they sing about working from 9-5, now they would sing about Snow Dogs and Necromancers. Anyway, the work by all the members is phenomenal. Rather than talk about all of the tracks, I'll mention the stand out tracks.

The opener Anthem begins and ends with a bang. With great guitar work by Lifeson, phenomenal bass work by Lee, and incredible drumming and lyrics from Peart, the song brings up Peart's long fascination with the heart and mind. A true rocker at the core.

The next stand out track, By-Tor and the Snow Dog, brings in the entrance of By-Tor, who later makes an appearance in The Necromancer. A true rocker, with phenomenal work by all of the members, especially Peart, whoses drum fills take the main stage throughout the song. The song has a very rocking intro, a very quiet middle section, and a rocking ending everything a good song needs, a rise and fall.

The other three songs woth mentioning are Beneath, Between, and Behind, another rocking piece that begins Pearts fascination about kingdoms. Fly By Night, a rocking piece, with some great bass work by Lee and a catchy chorus. And the finale, In The End, beginning with a quiet acoustic guitar, then roaring in with a phased electric guitar, this is my favorite song on the album.

Overall, this is my 2nd favorite of the first 3 Rush albums. For every track I like, there are a few that are just okay, nothing spectacular. 3.5/5.