2112
Rush
1976
Album Summary
2112 (pronounced "twenty-one twelve") is the fourth studio album by Canadian rock band Rush, released on 1 April 1976 (or March 1976, according to some sources) by Anthem Records. Rush finished touring for its unsuccessful previous album Caress of Steel, in early 1976. The band was in financial hardship due to the album's disappointing sales, unfavourable critical reception, and a decline in attendance at its shows. The band's international label, Mercury Records, considered dropping Rush but granted the band one more album following negotiations with manager Ray Danniels. Though the label demanded more commercial material, the band decided to continue developing its progressive rock sound. 2112 was recorded in February 1976 in Toronto with regular producer Terry Brown. Its centerpiece is a 20-minute title track, a futuristic science-fiction song that takes up the entire first side of the album. There are five individual tracks on side two. 2112 was released to favourable reviews from music critics and quickly outsold the band's previous albums. It peaked at No. 5 on the Canadian Albums Chart and No. 61 on the US Billboard Top LPs & Tape and was the band's commercial breakthrough in the country. Rush supported the album with a tour of the United States, Canada, and for the first time, Europe, from February 1976 to June 1977. 2112 remains the band's second-highest-selling album (behind Moving Pictures) with more than 3 million copies sold in the United States. It is listed in 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, and ranked second on Rolling Stone's reader's poll, Your Favorite Prog Rock Albums of All Time. 2112 has been reissued several times; a 40th Anniversary Edition was released in 2016 with previously unreleased material, including the album performed by artists including Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Billy Talent, Steven Wilson, and Alice in Chains.
WikipediaNot bad music but kinda long songs and not particularly special to me. Reading the wikipedia helped me realize why this is included in this list, but overall I found it not that exciting
Side one is simultaneously rocking to the max, and geeky to the max. I love how this album opens, and the way the track 2112 begins by sketching out a blueprint of all the cool riffs you're going to encounter in this stupid dystopian space opera. Glorious. Side two has a song that makes doing drugs sound about as hip as voting Republican, a surprisingly touching ballad in Tears and a slamming track to wrap everything up. Full marks for prog rock's most notable Ayn Rand adherents!
It's hard not to appreciate the sheer musical powerhouse that is Rush. Lee, Lightson, and Peart are musical titans and, even if you're not a Rush fan (which I'm not), you can't deny their skill or impact on music in general. Just being Rush earns this album 3 stars right out the gate. That said, a 20-minute track is a hard pill to swallow. Especially as it contains a section around the 7-minute mark that's just guitar tuning. It's pretentious as hell and I'm not okay with it. The second half of the album is much more digestable and absolutely redeems the album from that 20-minute monstrosity.
Just 39 minutes but it feels much, much longer. This is the first album on this site that I played twice in a day. Not because I liked it but because I wanted to know if it made more sense with a bit more familiarity. Turns out no, the second time it still felt like lots separate bits of flashy rock of different levels of bombast stuck together in a random way. (And I am not particularly big on flashy, bombastic rock with a shouty singer to begin with). 4/10
The perfect album. Each song is exactly where it needs to be. 2112 opens with its legendary overture into geddy lee's controlling and sneering priests of syrinx. We get the catchy passage to Bangkok and the heartfelt Tears. The drums are spectacular throughout. A truly timeless album that has it all. You'd have to be deaf to give this anything under a 3
Pretty much amazing all the way through. Brilliant vocals, closest reference for me is actually The Mars Volta. Perfectly delivery no matter how high he goes. Meanwhile some of the instrumental parts wouldn't sound out of place on a Queens of the Stone Age song. All this to say basically that this has aged amazingly well and I'm disappointed with myself for not getting into Rush sooner. Bass is absolutely brilliant.
Loved this. Rush are a band I have never listened to despite being a massive Dream Theater fan and so I wasn't surprised by 2112. Found the storyline to be engaging and the music was great, especially for a three piece (and a session synth player). Liked the twist in the story at the end. Thought the B-side was better, the straight up rock songs and Geddy Lee's vocals were pure old school rock bliss. Never realised how good a singer he is, reminds me of Robert Plant but better. Instruments are all tip top and vocals were ridiculously good. Album sailed by and I loved every minute of it
The first half of this album is a prog-rock masterpiece. It is a highly influential conceptual piece that does so many things well. The rest of the album is pretty good too. 4.6/5
This album has its moments. Some of those moments are inside the side-long multipart first track, some on the tracks from side 2. I kind of wish the songs on side one were just separated out into distinct tracks of their own. Not being a big Rush fan I was unaware how much their earlier material sounds so much like a proggier Led Zeppelin. They seem to be on the road to their own more distinct sound here but it's still a ways off from something like "Moving Pictures," which I enjoyed much more. I can see why people like this, it's fun and sort of peak AOR classic rock in a way, but ultimately it's not for me. 2 stars for Ayn Rand references.
Fine, but a bit dull. Very long first track, which isn't a crime in itself, but it felt like four or five different tracks needlessly stitched together (although it is telling the one story). Other side of the album is a bit more accessible, but nothing that really stands out. I do like a bit of prog rock, but it needs to be a bit tighter and a bit cleverer than this. I came into this not knowing Rush at all, but am not particularly minded to investigate further. 2/5.
What an annoying voice this guy has. Really grating. Besides that, the songs are kind of boring. And also apparently these guys like Ayn Rand? I was going to rate it a 2 before I knew that but I almost deducted another star just for that.
2112 avoids the worst excesses of prog and keeps all the good bits, earning its place in the dad rock canon. The first side is discursive and indulgent, of course, but that's why you're here, and it's just half a record. For the rest of the runtime, we get songs, each distinct but tied together with instrumental chops and, most of all, Lee's wails. There's nothing mind-blowing here, and calling out those who say there is is fair play. But that doesn't make the music any worse.
Went in there expecting not much, having never listened to them before but I had a great time listening to this album and enjoyed it thoroughly. The more melodic aspect of this album hit exactly what I like in rock and I'm definitely looking forward to check out more of then
Really good. Psychadelic and sometimes hard rock. The singing during the hard rock parts wasn't so great. but otherwise I really enjoyed it. 4.5
This album is epic. I was originally into rush during their peak, but enjoyed some songs. This is really adventurous and ambitious. Will definitely be listening to this on occasion.
Five star streak continues. On Fourth of July no less! Great summer album. Priests of Syrinx and Train to Bangkok are tops. Not the best Rush album, but any early rush gets a 5 from me
We've taken care of everything The words you read The songs you sing The pictures that give pleasure to your eyes It's one for all and all for one
I’ve always skipped over this Rush album, didn’t have much of an understanding of prog rock. I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
Title track is of course an absolute epic. Most of the other tracks are banging as well, but not all. 2112 makes up for it though.
Second side was slightly disappointing but the song 2112 earns a high score on its own. 9/10
GREAT prog stuff I’ve heard Rush’s first three albums now and I feel like they keep improving with each one, the first was just your average prog rock, the second album really stepped up with more beautiful, dynamic sounds, and this third one got even better going all out prog in the best way 10/10, really want to hear their other stuff
Really enjoyed this one a lot. It's prog rock in it's purest form. The usual criticisms that can be made of the genre are applicable to this one as well. Songs go on for pretty long, focus on instrumental virtuosity over easy accessibility, etc. But I found the album very coherent and well-crafted. This is especially true when considering how long ago this one was made. It never felt like it became too meandering either. In terms of quality this is more of a 4.5 than an amazing 5. But I'm rounding it up for being an important part of the foundation many of my favorite modern bands built their own careers on.
I remember being completely blown away when hearing the song 2112 for the first time. At that point in my life (age 17? 18?) I had heard some proggy music but this was on a whole other level of sci fi wizardry.
One of their best. Classic Peart storytelling, side one is ONE song. Fantastic all across the board.
A banda tem uma qualidade excepcional, gostei muito da sonoridade desse álbum. Minha preferida foi: The twilight zone
04/03/2022 Really great stuff here. Loved the 20-minute opening track; it takes you on an entire journey from start to finish. So many ways this could have been awful, and there are already multiple albums on this 1001 list that have tracks that are SO much longer than is really necessary, but this one hit just right. Such a great listen.
Rush is the goat. It's cool how their music sounds so similar but also so dynamic and different
One of my favorite albums. 2112 transcends music for me, it is a piece of my life. The title track is one of the greatest pieces of music ever created. While the second half is a fun mix of complementary tracks.
2112 is an album I own (on cassette of all things), and I've listened to Rush many times. I have heard all of Rush's albums, except for perhaps the last 2 or 3, and 2112 is a favorite. This album is progressive rock, but a hard rock version of prog rock. Headphones make the listening experience better. I love the opening sounds, followed by the blast to the foundations of what you're listening to from the guitar and drums. The opening movement ("Overture") resolves with an explosion followed by quiet guitar and vocals. All of side A is full of these contrasts between blasting energy and quiet reflection. There are times when you have to concentrate to hear where the guitar and bass separate. Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee give you plenty of music to listen to, and Niel Peart is not shy to show you what he can do with his drums. Above all the music, Geddy Lee's vocals on this album are in their most iconic form. Lee adds to the contrast between energy and reflection, using more than one voice to tell the story. Both voices are iconically Lee’s. Side A ("2112") is a progressive rock classic, and gets a full 5 stars from me. I've listened to Side A more often than I have the whole album together. Side B is good, but I would only give it 4 stars on its own. I will still give this album 5 stars, because it won't be long before I listen to this whole album again.
fucking amazing. a 20 minute sci-fi epic in 7 parts. this is everything I want out of music. the b side isn't bad, but I'm rating this 5 stars for the title track alone
Sorprendente discazo de progresivo. De eso que lamento no haberle entrado antes a Rush, pues los tenía en un concepto de indigestos y difíciles de apreciar, pero al menos este disco es muy muy bueno. Hay tres cosas que me gustan: la impresionante instrumentación, las letras locas, elaboradas y como futuristas, y la voz icónica. Con eso le alcanza para la 5a estrella.
I. Overture, II. The Temples of Syrinx, III. Discovery, IV. Presentation, V. Oracle: The Dream, VI. Soliloquy, VII. Grand Finale. - 10/10 A Passage to Bangkok - 9/10 The Twilight Zone - 10/10 Lessons - 10/10 Tears - 9/10 Something for Nothing - 10/10
Essential prog rock album. First half is a suite about a distopean future where individualism is banned. Music fades away as a result. The protagonist finds an a guitar and tries to influence his society with it. The powers that be banish him and he kills himself, refusing to live in a world without music. Tears is especially good on side 2 If you can stomach Geddy Lee's voice, this is a great intro to Rush.
Another classic in my collection. I've loved this album since I was in elementary school
I'm definitely going to listen again to this album, need to pay closer attention to the lyrics
Very solid Rush album. It doesn't have Tom Sawyer or YYZ on it, but who needs that for a beautiful rock and roll album?
Tämä iski parilla ekalla kuuntelukerralla todella kovaa. Ehkä myöhemmin magia vähän hälveni, enkä saanut levyyn enää ihan samanlaista otetta. Rushin musiikki oli ennakkoon itselleni vierasta, ja oletinkin sen olevan vielä enemmän progekikkailua. Ainakin tällä levyllä biisit ovat pääosin aika tavanomaista, joskin todella laadukasta, 70-luvun rockia. Laulajan äänessä on jotain todella kiinnostavaa. Ehkä vähän Alx Rose tulee mieleen välillä.
I like Rush a lot. I'm glad to have listened to the album. Made music skillz they got.
Familiarity: 6/10 Notes: One of my favorite Rush albums, the 2112 composition is a classic example of pure unadulterated rock. Real Rating: 7.5/10
Dat is dit eigenlijk nooit geluisterd heb... Dit is een classic. Heb het even opgezocht, 1976, hun vierde album. Zal ik zeker nog wel eens opzetten
This album starts with a bang. By bang I mean twenty minutes long five part song. When I first started listening I was thinking "this has to be 80's for sure" because of the wild sound. But nope this came out in 76. Once I finally got to some vocals 4m25s into the first "song" I knew I recognized the voice. And of course Rush's top three songs (Tom Sawyer, Lime light, and The Spirit Of Radio) are always playing on your local classic rock radio station. This album is something different though. Its got rock at sometimes then the sound of running water and slow guitar at other times. I had a lot of fun Listening you should too.
I’m more of a “Moving Pictures” nerd, but never a bad time listening to this. Maybe those “hey this is Asian!” chord progressions don’t hold up so well in 2021? But it’ll probably be cool again by 2112, so hey. Life cycles and all that.
Aika raikasta hard rockia tai metallia tai proge-rock-metallia ottaen huomioon, että julkaistu vuonna 1976. Rumpu-, basso- ja kitarasoundit tuo mieleen paljon Iron Maideniin. Laulaja vetääkin sitten korkeammalta, mitä kukaan Iron Maiden laulajista. Levyn ensimmäinen medley on aikamoinen pläjäys kuunneltavaksi. Aiemmat kosketuspinnat Rushiin lie varmaan jotkin yksittäisiä biisejä kokoelmalevyillä tai esiintymisiä tribuuttilevyillä. Pitäisi löytää aika tsekkailla muitakin levyjä, jos näin hyvä levy jäänyt aiemmin kuuntelematta.
I put off listening to rush because I thought it was widdly widdly nonsense for Middle Aged men. Turns out I really like it. Am I a Middle Aged man? First track seemed almost prog-metal
Rush is rush. Flawed but cool classic/prog rock. If you can look past the cheesy awkwardness, it's pretty stimulating listening.
Actually pretty good. Was expecting big things and it hit, Drums and Guitar were great, only "problem" vocals really, but they're still pretty good.
Really like the instrumentation. Not too excited about the vocals though - Not my vibe. Overall: Solid 4/5
Complex musical narrative with the longest rock track I've heard. It's a difficult but rewarding listen.
Vette mix tussen prog en typische seventies hardrock. Is stiekem het eerste album van Rush dat ik luister. Gaaf, dat/die openingsnummer(s). Niet zo proggy dat het één lang nummer is. Gaaf gekoppeld door terugkerende thema’s (water en riff). Mooie mix voor een ouder album. Invloed remaster? Vette sound voor een driemansformatie! Krijg zin in een festival als ik dit luister. Ik merk dat ik vooral naar de muziek luister en niet zozeer naar de teksten. Lekker album. Zomer! Tears is voor mij een hoogtepunt.
8-tje. Heel mooi album, beetje concept-achtig. Zodra je bent gewend aan zijn stem, waar ik altijd even voor nodig heb, is het genieten. Lekker complex op z’n tijd, soms briljant door eenvoud. Neil Pc’s drumwerk is hier nog niet zo briljant als later, maar je kunt wel zien waar de heren McBrain en Grohl hun inspiratie vandaan hebben
Pioneers of the progressive rock with 3 of the best musicians ever lived, especially Peart. Rush was way ahead of time and had a great influence on bands like Dream Theater. Geddy Lee has a typical voice which you might get to used to. Not my favorite album of Rush, but a pretty good one.
Good. Obviously title track is among Rush's best. Second half of the album is alright. 7-8/10
Pretty good. Not my favorite progressive rock album, but 2112 is a damn good song. The story is interesting, the music is incredibly tight, and the ending is phenomenal. Highlights: 1, 2, and 3.
I really enjoyed this album. Maybe not as much as moving pictures, but this is Rush with a more raw sound. Moving pictures is more refined with a theme.
The title track is an absolutely amazing experience. It’s a well crafted story, the music is interesting throughout, and it’s overall really great. The rest of the album is solidly ok for me. There are some solid songs, but most of them are a kind of forgettable. Still, nothing quite hits like the song 2112 Favorite tracks: “2112,” “A Passage to Bangkok,” and “Something For Nothing”
Not my favorite Rush, but definitely an epic. I just like the pop songs for a daily listen more.
A classic of prog. Not my favorite from Rush, and not every song on the back half is a hit, but all 3 members are at the top of their game in performances, and the title track is undoubtedly a gem.
Det här är ju intressant, mycket intressant. Det är ett album som jag har känt till men utöver 2112 /osv har jag inte lyssnat alls. Däremot finns det andra album av Rush jag har brutit mig in i mer. Öppningsspåret, som också känns som själva själen av albumet, är ett 20 minuters spår som består av 7 delar. 2112: Overture - Låtens första del känns väldigt mycket som den Rush jag är bekant med. Blandat tempo, då det ibland är en väldigt snabb gitarr som går men där det sedan kommer pauser med lite lugn, alternativt en trummis som jobbar hårt. Det finner sig även in i litet gitarrsolo. The Temples of Syrinx ((@fanten210hours)) - I andra delen introduceras sången och tempot i musiken är fortsatt varierad. Gitarren och trummorna är stundvis väldigt similära till den föregående delen av låten. Discovery - Det blir sedan tyst i någon sekund och vi kommer vidare till låtens tredje del, Discovery. Det är en mysig plats att vara på. Lugnt plockande gitarr som fylls på med lite ackord, och i bakgrunden finns ljudet av ett faktiskt rinnande vatten. Jag får genast en spa-känsla. Sedan blir det lite sång och helt plötsligt börjar gitarren gå snabbare och snabbare. Det är en följd av ackord som ökar i tempo för varje gång det spelas. Sen blir det långsamt igen. Presentation - Det rinnande vattnet är borta och vi befinner oss i sällskap av låtens fjärde skepnad. Nu är det återigen lite mer av den Rush-känsla jag känner till. En hög gitarr och en tung bas och en skrikande röst. Men också blandat med verser som är lugna och snälla. Avslutningsvis kommer riffet igång med tempot igen och ännu ett gitarrsolo visar sig. Ett lite kladdigt men verkligen bra solo. Oracle - Lugnet är tillbaka. Sången skriks inte fram utan det är en ekande gitarr och en lugn röst som inleder. Det dröjer dock inte länge innan Rush-känslan är tillbaka med all sin ryckighet. Det är ackord som inte låter sig ringa ut utan som blir tystade direkt för att ersättas av ett nytt. Soliloquy - Samma känsla som i föregående del inleder även den 6e delen, övergången känns similär. När sedan trycket ska sättas igång igen är det dock inte riktigt på samma sätt. Det är lugnare, långsammare och ackorden får ringa ut. Det befinner sig också ett riktigt fint litet solo i denna del. Det solo i hela låten som passar mig bäst. Kan nog vara den del av låten som enligt mig får klassas som bäst. Grand Finale (Medley) - Här ska allt komma samman, även om det inte känts spretigt på ett störigt sätt tidigare. Men precis som titeln säger så väver den ihop. Det känns lite som en blandning och det är kanske just av den anledningen dom denna del faktiskt känns spretig. Vi är lite överallt och får lite av allt här. Det är kaos. Summering - Sjukt häftigt. Jag gillar sånt här, det känns experimentellt med långa låtar som består av lite ihopplock. Samma sak gäller för Pink Floyds långa låtar, det känns som något extra och redan innan jag börjar lyssna på såna här låtar har den nog vunnit mig över. Det är något som triggar något i mig att lyssna extra noggrant. Resterande delen av albumet känns stabilt. Det är inga riktigt sjuka grejer som jag tycker händer, utan det är bara musik som ligger bra i mina öron. Det är många fina riff och småsaker som får mig att må lite extra bra. Albumet lämnar ett väldigt gott intryck på mig och det är det album som varit roligast att lyssna igenom på ett bra tag. Kul! Bäst: "2112: Overture / The Temples of Syrinx / Discovery / Presentation / Oracle / Soliloquy / Grand Finale - Medley"
9/26 Solid Prog-Rock collection. Standout Tracks: A Passage to Bangkok, The Twilight Zone, Tears
8/10. Already reasonable familiar with this, and after this listen, I still like it, but still not that much. I like the cheesy Rock Opera that makes up the first half, and while the second half sounds similarly good, it's not as fun without the unifying theme.
2112 itself is obviously a masterpiece but the b side of this decent but fairly forgettable . 8/10
Worth a listen every few years ATTENTION PLANETS OF THE SOLAR FEDERATION. WE HAVE ASSUMED CONTROL
2112 by Rush (1976) Dazzling performances by prog rock trio Rush carry this very listenable album. The opening twenty-minute suite “2112” is held together by a dystopian sci-fi narrative based on the Ayn Rand novella Anthem. The story line is rather banal, but the ambiguous ending leaves the listener with a positive message whether it is technically comic or tragic. Music, Rush reveals to us, “does” something to the human soul: “Listen to my music And hear what it can do There's something here that's as strong as life I know that it will reach you” And of course, it’s fitting that the discovered instrument for opening the heart of the protagonist is a guitar. The rest of the album (side two) lacks the cohesion of (and with) “2112”, but it still has its highlights. The power, diversity, intricacy, and musicality of these three artists is on full display. Wild diversity of rhythms alone are enough to sustain interest. And with blazing fills on drums (Neil Peart) and extraordinarily inventive guitar and bass (Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee), Rush once again demonstrates the potential of a rock ensemble to drive sound straight into the soul. 4/5
7:30 into track #1... why am I listening to them tune their guitar? Otherwise, this is pretty good. I've never been a huge Rush fan, but I can't deny their talent.
First album Iv listened to by fully Rush, and I really enjoyed it. Classic 70s rock sound can see the influence Rush had on heavy rock/metal music that followed. 20 minute song to start the album was very tempting to skip but worth the effort of listening to the full song. An album I think I will come back to in the future, but possibly skipping the first song.
This is really well executed. I have to be in the right mood, but it's very good indeed.
A really indulgent opening 20 minute track, but I still quite enjoyed the album overall.
good album, the first one i've listened to of Rush, not disappointed. Would probably be more 3.5, but here's 4 for our Canadian friends.
3.5/5 Didn’t know what to expect, but I was surprised by this album. The reviews were not all great, but this album had a great sound. The first song is actually 5 different songs. No favourite songs, but an album I could go back to.
Quintessential progressive rock. Not a bad place to start if you want to understand the fascinating world of Rush. Favorites: 2112 Melody, A Passage to Bangkok, Something for Nothing.
It's a classic for a reason. I'm a big fan of Dream Theater, who were in many ways just a heavier Rush. Outside of a few sings though I've never got into Rush.
Geddy Lee, screecher extraordinaire. 3 incredibly talented musicians that exemplify why 3 member rock bands, with the right personnel, can create and perform some of the most powerful rock music.
I've never really given Rush the credit they deserve. They are certainly masters of the Prog-Rock era. It still isn't exactly my thing, but I do think it is a masterful album and why it deserves a place on this list.
I really dig this one. It isn't a five for me. But it is a very important album. It's one of my friends favorite albums. I can remember many a drunken drug fueled night, with this as a soundtrack.
So I got this album around 2003 and it may have been during my class trip to Ottawa in grade 12. I had for sure got Everything to Everyone by Barenaked Ladies and Live Between Us by Tragically Hip (two bands who's absence on this 1001 list invalidates the whole endeavour). I started getting into Rush around the time they were having a resurgence during the Rock In Rio DVD and album (with the amazing dragon drinking from a coconut cover). During this time I’m pretty sure the Toronto Star had an article calling 2112 the greatest Canadian album. For me, I cannot agree with that as we have Funeral, Day For Night or even Gordon. I guess what is the greatest around this album is the mythology. That it’s dominated by a 25 minute anthology about some far flung sci-fi saga. Then you have the musicianship of these three guys completely on display here and it’s pretty unarguable this is their masterpiece. I am also listening to this album on the day Taylor Hawkins died. The version I listened to on Spotify has the cover by Taylor and Dave Grohl. I saw Foo Fighters in 2015 and they played Tom Sawyer. My brother had years earlier seen Rush in Toronto and Foo Fighters came out for a song on that one too. Really appreciated having this one today on a day when we lost a legend. Likely one of his favourite albums.
Ah my love/hate relationship with prog rock back at it again. By all measures I should love this album: impressive instrumentals, interesting lyrics and vocals. But then the first song has to be titled "2112: Overture/The Temples of Syrinx/Discovery/Presentation/Oracle/Soliloquy/Grand Finale (Medley)" and I just want to tear my hair out because it just screams excessive and pretentious. I have no clue when these transitions happen in the twenty minute song, nor do I really care. Like I said, the first song is twenty minutes. It's just too weirdly long. I suppose I should just appreciate it the way it is, but it's hard to digest. I like when it gets weird, but it doesn't get weird nearly fast or long enough for my tastes. Despite this all, it's still a good album. As mentioned at the beginning, the vocals are unique and the instrumentals are killer. Love/hate relationship.
Genre: Progressive Rock 4/5 Much like a warm blanket and hot cocoa, Rush is my warm comfort blanket if a rock group could suffice as such. Rush's discography spans 19 albums (and 1 EP), and contains some of rock music's best stuff, ranging from straight blues rock 'n roll to heavy, technical progressive metal. With only 2 of their 20 projects in this book, I highly recommend anybody who enjoyed this to check out the remainder of their stuff. Whatever your particular flavor, Rush is bound to have it in their catalogue. As for 2112, their biggest album at the time and a big fuck you to their record label who had asked them to go commercial, it's 1976, Rush is entering their prime, and they're beginning to fully execute the true power that the trio possessed. Geddy Lee (bass/vocals), Alex Lifeson (guitars), and Neil Peart (drums/lyrics) are 3 musicians who showcase some of rock's most virtuosic playing available at that time, and still to this day. The title track alone is one of their greatest musical triumphs: a 7-part prog-rock epic, telling the story of a denizen in a world where men aren't able to think on their own, and is spat in his face as he tries to spread the love of music. It's eloquently crafted, lyrically and musically, and spotlights some of Rush's best work. Geddy's voice on Temples of Syrinx is astronomical, as well as his bass playing, Lifeson's solo work on Soliloquy is outstanding, and Neil's passionate performance in the Grand Finale, along with his timely, poetical social commentary that spoke to a number of musical acts looking to progress beyond the constraints of their musical overlords, are breathtaking. It's a true triumph of rock and roll. The back half of the album plays out rather unceremoniously (A Passage to Bangkok and Something for Nothing are both very good though), and keeps this from being a perfect 5, but the title track is a can't-miss, essential rock classic that will endure the test of time. Rush rules.
Their breakthrough album (in a time of dire crisis), and an early example of prog metal. Certainly much more understandable and influential sound than King Crimson. I read the comic book alongside the album, which made it really easy for me to digest, but it also ruins the creativity that your mind may picture the scenes. It also reimagines some of the scenes, giving it a happy ending where the protagonist doesn't commit suicide, and the ones who "regain control" are the same music-loving ancestors from the dream. I'm not a huge fan of their sound on this record... I prefer their innovative production on the synths and their more metallic sound or later albums, but you can't go wrong with Geddy's performance, and the guitar and drums hit hard and demonstrate they can handle different styles. The highlight is the titular epic, and it's engaging to follow on the story that feels like a Legion of Superheroes storyline. The second side is weaker, but there's a good amount of diversity from the heartfelt "Tears" to the exotic "A Passage to Bangkok" and mysterious "Twilight Zone," all of which incorporate the acoustic guitar well to match the corresponding mood.
Dziwny album, ale wpadł mi w ucho. Śmieszne kompozycje i fajne riffy, niekoniecznie podszedł mi ten 20-iluś minutowy utwór. Niemniej jednak jak na tamten rok, brzmi to świeżo naprawdę. Mi głos wokalisty odpowiada akurat, ale jest to na pewno kontrowersyjny moment albumu
4.1 - What I’m learning about prog rock generally through this listening exercise so far is that it only works when the band’s awesomeness can offset the genre’s overall ridiculousness. Given the two Rush albums I’ve heard, I’d say they succeed where other prog rock bands get lost burrowing their heads in their own asses. The album starts with a 20+ minute suite of which I was naturally skeptical. But somehow the parts came together creating a dynamic and interesting listen. It’s hard to deny Geddy Lee’s supreme rock vocals, or Lifeson’s incredible guitar performance on “Something For Nothing” or consistently brilliant drumming from Rutsey. Such an epic trio. This album is certainly not an easy-listening experience and is probably best suited for a long car trip where it can take center stage.
De sólo escucharlo realmente no me atrapó. Hasta que le puse atención a las letras cambio mi concepto y qué bueno que lo hice porque sí es un discazo. El track principal cuenta toda una historia en sí mismo y es muy bueno pero puede ser un poco cansado. Las 5 canciones de lo que fue el lado B del disco son muy buenas y pueden mantener relación con lo expuesto en el lado A. Estas 5 canciones gustaron más que el primer gran track, siendo mi favorita Something for Nothing. Sólido 4.
This album started playing, surprisingly, on beginning of my morning commute. It was great. Varying beats, crescendos, roller coasters of energy.
While this is a good Rush album, I’m not sure it’s even their best. Some great parts and no doubt the band is incredible showing their range. That said, it’s an acquired taste and I can see it growing on me more and more. Obviously a big influence on prog today, especially Coheed.
It was my first approach to Rush, so I didn't know what to expect. It was pretty good, I won't deny the amazing sound they have, I mean wow. Maybe at some point I got lost and felt like I wasn't going anywhere, but it's just a matter of re-listening to it.
Right on, man! Gimme that sweet sweet Rush! Excellent album, so much amazing rock. I love Geddy’s frenetic singing on this album. Definitely their most iconic artwork on the cover. Tunes are all solid. But not as good overall as Moving Pictures. Respectable 4 star rating.
This album was a short and fun time! I love Rush and they always have some stellar rock songs with great drums, guitar, and mesmerizing vocals. Standouts include 2112: Overture/The Temples of Syrinx/…, the Twilight Zone, Tears.
I have heard a lot over the years that Rush are a lot of people's guilty pleasure. I can see why, I enjoyed this way more than I have enjoyed anything even close to prog that is on this list.
I went to see Rush in Utah about 15 years ago. Me and my then girlfriend, Rita with the lumpy tits, got so drunk before the gig, that about 4 songs in, she threw up all over my brand new flip flops and so I punched her in the face, killing her instantly. Rush saw what happened and could not stop laughing. They all posed for photos with her dead, lumpy boobs and paid for some new flip flops. We have been friends ever since.
Progressive rock, 1976. Almost 5 stars because of the overture which is something phenomenal. The album has also a fantastic tracklist and the musicians are in a really good shape on this record. Unfortunately there is not an universally acclaimed hit on this LP, so their masterpiece for me remains "Permanent Waves" in which I find only unbelievable songs.
2112 is my go to first song for races. It used to be because I'd go out too hard and die, so I'd make myself listen to that whole song before I could start to pick it up. I really like this album (I'd never listened to any of the other songs before)
I've tried to give Rush a listen before and wasn't particularly interested, but this totally revitalized my interest. Their sound feels unique on this album, and although it was short, I felt like they really found themselves on it. Definitely would listen to again
First time listening to this album and was surprised at how much I enjoyed it after listening to other Rush albums previously. Different in its sound to others, with a more prog approach and easy to see why it’s included in this list
Cool to know this is the first instance of the "Rush sound". Overture definitely has that boom, geddy's wild voice, cryptic fantasy lyrics, ripping guitar solos.
Not my favorite Rush album to be honest. I like Moving Pictures and Roll the Bones better, but still, it’s one of Rush’s most influential albums. I actually don’t like Progressive Rock all that much, but some of Rush’s songs just rock so hard and Neil Peart is absolutely insane.
Rush is one of the best prog rock acts, 2112 is a classic example of their work. Geddy Lee's basslines are fantastic. Neal Peart was one of the best drummers to ever live. The way the guitar lines match the vocal melodies is impressive. Great album
Some albums are classics for rational reasons, and some are just a matter of pure feeling. This one fits the second case.
I have always felt that this power trio successfully bridged the gap between classic rock and prog rock. I liked both sides of this album but have to reserve my 5 stars for a limited few. Otherwise, this is a solid rock album with three exceptional performers.
Very exciting, technically interesting prog rock. The first track is definitely the highlight, but the rest is also good.
+Really solid guitar playing +Powerful rock voice +pretty immersive -3 songs on one track is annoying -on A Passage to Bangkok the Asian Bell thing is very outdated and distracting. Almost feels racist in a way
I always love prog rock! Changing meters, melodies, tempos, to fit the story it weaves is so fun. Great album!
The experimental elements of Rush are nicely tolerated as they do not get lost in the experience, staying carefully rooted in their rock tendencies. Hard to realize that a lot of their electronic contributions to music was and remains probably some of the most well done. Rush found a great way to incorporate that into their music while still keeping the rock alive, and for that this review will not debate the inclusion of this album on 1001.
This is an album I've heard a few times, and to be fair it's pretty good, they can play fuuuucken well, and I know most of my mates (plus all my favourite bands) list it as a classic... but eh? Other bands did the prog end better, led Zeppelin did the led Zeppelin end better. Plus I think by the time I first heard it I was already so sick of the style I just didn't care. 3/5
Lekker om een album te beginnen met een medley. Fijne muzikale compositie en mastering, doet een beetje pink floyd achtig aan. Vocal zijn opvallend en passen er goed bij.