2112

Sonically good. Too long. Does not stick. Story not interesting. Also, fuck Ayn Rand.

Prog for people who want to dismantle Social Security.

Come on man, it's Rush! Progressive Canadian Kings! 100% deserves to be on this list. Everyone should at least listen to the overture.

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.

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!

Not 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

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.

Man finds guitar and starts playing. 5/5.

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

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

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

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.

I liked this. Thought all the playing was great. Especially the drums and bass. Not enough albums start with a 20 minute track about mad priests who worship computers. It's all quite indulgent but if you can't do that on a 70s prog album then when can you?

The epitome of musical integrity. Last album didn’t sell well? Fuck you here’s a 20 minute epic. The other tracks are good too, Lessons and Something For Nothing being my favorites

Poor. Hackneyed lyrics. Pedestrian tunes

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

I know Rush isn't many (most?) people's favorites, but if we're talking about a band's great albums, it's hard to ignore 2112, or at least Side A. I first listened to this somewhere around 6th-8th grade, and it never occurred to me that this was corny or might be somewhat painful to listen to decades later (besides, I was and am a big sci-fi fan). And as much as the other side of this record has pretty much *nothing* to do with the 2112 story, I've always enjoyed those songs too. Music-wise, I think I'd rank "Permanent Waves" and "Moving Pictures" as my favorite Rush albums, but it's fun to re-listen to Rush's more prog-rock-oriented stuff too (and cringe at some of those photos from that era). A solid 4! (And for those who can't really enjoy (too) much of Rush, just remember Dave Grohl's great homage to Neil Peart after his untimely death: "I still vividly remember my first listen of 2112 when I was young. It was the first time I really listened to a drummer. And since that day, music has never been the same. His power, precision, and composition was incomparable. He was called ‘The Professor’ for a reason: We all learned from him.")

Pretty over-bloated wank as far as I'm concerned. Pretty sure it is of it's time and hasn't aged well. Voice is annoying, lyrics are awful. Some quasi racially inappropriate Asian riff on the Bangkok song. Definitely all very good musicians, some good riffs here, but it's lost in the muck, doubtful of a second listen.

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.

why do ppl make 20 min songs, i'm sorry

Rush's make it or break it album. I love how they pushed back against their management and continued with the longer song format. Here, the guys successfully found out how to make it work on both an ambitious and accessible scale. In general, I really like the dynamics on this album, going from very aggressive to very beautiful at the drop of a dime. Alex really shines here and I always found his switching from folky arpeggiation to heavy power chording really interesting. I'm a big Rush fan, so I'll gush a little.. 2112 Suite - Loosly based on Anthem by Ayn Rand, it's a very geeky concept that exemplifies youthful individualism against a controlling establishment. It was a recurring theme for much of their early period and really set the tone for much of their material to follow. It took a while for me to realize that Overture instrumentally set up most of the song chapters, creating motifs to return to. They would revisit this idea again on later songs. Musically, there inhabitants an interesting blend of anger and frustration but also a wild exuberance of exploration and fun. At times, this was a very serious band, but they knew how to have fun and they were goofy as hell. A Passage to Bangkok - I really like the live version they refined in the late 70s and early 80s where Geddy would use the double neck guitar so that during the guitar solo, he could hit the power chords while playing the bass on his Taurus Pedals. Good stuff. Anyway, kind of goofy one but a fun fan favorite that would have fit pretty well on a previous album. The Twilight Zone - A song that's actually about the TV show. I like the contrast between the bouncy verses and the shift into the creepier coruses complete with the whispered vocals. Lessons - One of my favorites from this album. It sort of catches you off guard going from a more poppy acoustic feel into some pretty hard rock. Tears - Beautifully haunting and a bit strange. I really like this one. Great acoustic guitar work and love the mellotron Something For Nothing - Closes out the album with a bang which essentially bookends things nicely as Geddy wails some of my favorite lyrics from Neil during the bridge: "What you own is your own kingdom. What you do is your own glory. What you love is your own power. What you live is your own story. In your head is the answer, let it guide you along. Let your heart be the anchor and the beat of your song." - Neil Peart (September 12 1952 - January 7th, 2020)

Very solid album with a great opening. The later tracks are not as memorable as the first half but still great.

A landmark album for the band and for the prog rock genre as a whole. I remember "discovering" this record when I was in high school through friends (my dad was never a Rush fan) and it blew me away.

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.

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

You want an album where one track takes up over half the runtime. Boy do I have news for you

If you like Rush then you're going to love this album! If you don't like Rush then you can go ahead and pass on this one. I'm going to pass on this one

I hate this album

Jeez. All headbangers.

A pillar of prog rock excellence

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

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.

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.

One of their best. Classic Peart storytelling, side one is ONE song. Fantastic all across the board.

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.

Killer prog rock with sci-fi lyrics? That’s my shit.

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

Canada's best

5/5 Amazing

The album that made them. The first Prog Metal album and work of art.

The best Rush album. This is the one that turned them into the holy triumvirate.

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

One of the all time best.

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

5555

Enjoyableeee. Really wish the first song was seperated but they're all amazing. Favorite one is Something For Nothing

2112 the song is incredible. The rest of the album i don’t care for as much and I’d give 3. it averages at around a 4

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.

Such a weird and talented group made up of a bunch of dorks. Love it.

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

Great classic prog album. Ayn Rand sucks.

I think this album is the definition of fine.

I like Rush as much, if not more than the next guy, and I understand the significance of this album to the fan base. That said, for me, I've never been able to shake the feeling that this one is severely over-hyped. In traditional prog-fashion, the album is composed as a two-sided adventure where the first side is a long-running, multi-part odyssey featuring widely varied instrumentation, storytelling, and technical focus. The second is devoted to more-consumable "single"-formatted tracks. 2112 is a nerdy dedication to one of the shittier philosophers to grace our planet in the past 100 years: Ayn Rand (who dedicated her life towards the proliferation of the idea of rational self-interest; basically the idea that one should value their own objectives and interests above all else). Shitty inspiration aside, the song certainly has some chops to it and I found a few of the sections to be really enjoyable. Overture and The Temples of Syrinx are the highlight in my mind with some weakness towards the middle. Also, by contrast to other prog acts (like Yes) who put together long-running opuses that actually blend from section to section, this song is very Rush in the sense that it is pretty formulaic and feels more like a distinctly segmented opera. Great instrumental work throughout of course -- I'd be lying if I wasn't drumming along while listening to this. Side two is weaker than most of their records IMO. I love Passage To Bangkok (top 7 Rush song for me) and Something For Nothing, but the rest is pretty throwaway for me. IDK man, I was excited when this came up on the list, but tbh it just doesn't clear a 3 for me.

I've never been able to get fully into Rush, so what a perfect opportunity right now! Thanks 1001albumgenerator.com! The music is pretty solid (what up prog), but the one thing I feel like has always bothered me about Rush was Geddy Lee's voice. Just have never been able to get over it. It's ok in small samples for me but over a whole album it's a lot. The first song was by far the best part of the album to me. Started to falter after that a bit, but still solid. Going high 3 here and my inability to get into Rush continues.

Pretty much a straight forward pop-guitar album with some weird time signatures that give fedora-wearing a/v kids a pass to listen to pop music.

Out of the incel frying pan and into the fire! There are Rush songs I like but none of them are on here. The best thing I can say about this album is, like my favorite dental procedures, it's over before you know it!

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.

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.

STANDOUTS: Tears? Maybe? OVERALL: 1.5/5; sick of these 1970s albums at this point.

Classic case of not for me, dawg. There's just an inante sci-fi looser energy coming from this whole thing - sounds like they're huge fans of all of the worst aspects of Led Zeppelin and learned all the wrong lessons from the Who. The first four minutes is just a series of intro-riffs, so you're just left wondering when the song is going to actually start, then a bomb goes off, a stupid bible quote, and more intro riffs into the first verse (4:50). Then it ends with a few notes on a lute before burbling water takes us into the next song in the overture. They do the 'chinatown riff' at the start of passage to bangkok. They make the typical prog error of confusing having lots of parts in songs for having interesting song-writing. The songs just seem like cobbled undeveloped ideas, but sound totally sterile. They have a reputation for being super technical complex prog-wizards, but these riffs are just power chords! His voice is powerful, but if you're not into it its pretty grating. The drums are too hyperactive to actually establish much of a beat. Think of something positive to say...The breakdown at the 19 minute mark of the overture is pretty fun. The bass playing throughout is good. The guitar tone is cool and there are spurts of twin-lead harmonies I liked. The guitar solos are ok, and a respite from the singing. Despite a 20 minute opening track, it's only 38 minutes long...

Did not enjoy listening to Geddy Lee do his best Robert Plant impression for much of the opening track. I think this album must be on the list because that first 20 minute song is meant to break your spirit, thus making it easier to die. Rest of the album struck me as mid, with a lot of the same feeling that they must’ve really been into listening to Led Zeppelin. Was also kinda odd to hear guitar that reminded me of early metal, specifically Iron Maiden, because they wouldn’t release an album until some 4 years later. Kinda like Something for Nothing, it justifies the one star

Boring

Nope. I can still respect the band's talent, find some merit while also loathing the ever loving shit out of them.

Wow, is this ever not for me. Wankery for adolescent male nerds and the men who were once adolescent male nerds. Seriously. You have this shrill lunatic screaming about how they are the priests of some temple or something, and then suddenly you have to listen to a guy literally tune his guitar over waterfall sounds for three minutes. And you're only a third of the way through the first song! Good god. And it just keeps going and going and going. It took everything I had to get through until the end. Sometimes the drums are cool.

There is not a song on this album that I would actually care to listen to. And I've seen them live....

nah.

Rubbish

Eh not a fan of the sound or his voice

I can't stand the vocals :))))))))))))))

Epic

Holy FUCK

There are two 20 min songs i can listen to and not get tired of. This is one of them. For me personally it is a masterpiece that really feels like a 20 min journey. as someone who hates musicals this feels like what musicals should be. I don't like Ayn Rands philosophies (Peart's views evolved over time) but i feel that the text could be interpreted as just being about fascism. When you look how close we are to listen to AI music generated by companies in order to profit and cut the cost of music writer, we won't notice because we focus on the performers on social media and on events and concerts. That aside the song is very easy listened due to how it is segmented and is one of my favorite concept albums/songs. The rest of the album is pretty forgettable. passage to Bangkok and the twilight zone i remember. RIP Niel Peart

Epic. Notes and Notes and Notes.

I did not use a private Spotify session for this one. I have this somewhere on CD and used to have it on cassette as well. I love this album, the entire first half is an epic song and then the second half has a few more classics. How different and talented Rush was blew my mind and it still does.

Outstanding - and the meek shall inherit the Earth !

Was this album perfect? Yes.

This is peak "Dad Rock", and I love it. It's also peak "Prog Rock", which I also love. 2112 is an incredible song. Let's all remember too that classical music is all long as well with different movements, that's no different than this song! All you complaining about long songs should get better attention spans. There's so much to unpack in just this one song alone, which is obviously the highlight of this record. I can understand if you don't like Geddy Lee's voice, it took me a while too but I've gotten past it now because the music is just so well written (minus the guitar tuning part, why is that here? hahaha).

Could listen to Rush all day

One of the greatest rock operas ever made. First half is better than the second half, in my opinion. 9/10.

What an epic album. Love it. It's excellent.

2112 is an amazing album where side one is a sweeping dystopian fantasy about a world where music has been forbidden. It will knock your socks off even if you aren’t wearing any.

Banger

Amazing album

Overall: 9/10 Rush is one of my all time favourite bands. This isn't their best album in my opinion, but the title track is so epic and worth listening to on it's own. The second half of the album has some bangers as well, though they almost seem like an afterthought. It's insane that the (possibly) greatest drummer of all time was in the same band as the (possibly) greatest bassist of all time, it makes it hard to focus on just one of them! Geddy's vocals also sound awesome on this album, I know his voice can turn some people off but I love it. Alex is also no slouch on the guitar, his solos are a huge highlight for me. I'm sad that I never got to see these guys live. RIP Neal Peart. Fav Song: 2112 Least Fav Song: Lessons

Great music, never seen before

Powerhouses of prog rock. I absolutely love Rush and this album is an incredible example of why. The first track is such a journey. I love world it paints. Knowing that Rush was being pressured at this time to make their music more commercial gives it another layer of artistry and importance in my opinion. The integrity they had to push on and be as creative as they wanted is commendable. I understand that some people don't understand rock opera and can't appreciate it properly. Think about the story it's telling you! Appreciate some tasty licks! Think of it as 7 different songs if that helps, you'll be able to tell where one part ends and another begins pretty easily. The second side is pretty great as well. Tears probably being the weakest to me, a bit of a more meloncholy break. Still good. Brings it right back up with Something For Nothing though! A strong finish! A wonderful album through and through.

Fantastic Odyssey of prog rock, incredibly full and thoughtful instrumentation. Probably my favourite vocal performance from Geddy Lee.

Absolute perfection. Favorite songs: 2112, Something for Nothing, A Passage to Bangkok, Lessons, The Twilight Zone Least favorite songs: Tears 5/5

One of my favorite albums. 2112 lyrics are great, even if the source material (Ayn Rand) isn't my favorite. Discovery is a beautiful moment for me on this album. The B side is good, but I always comes back to 2112 for its title track.

One of the big sins of this list is genral lack of Rush albums. Over 1000 records and it's only a second one by the Canadian band? Blasphemy. As for the sound, Geddy Lee's vocal take some time to get used to, but after a while you just can't fanthom a different vocalist at all. Guitar solos and riffs are amazing as always, but the highlight lies in drumming. It's easy to miss it, but Neil Peart might be one of the greatest drummers in rock/metal history. Amazing band, great album.

Rush is one of the all time greatest bands. I need to get a new 2112 sticker for my car.

THE album from RUSH. Probably my favorite band & I've seen them live more than any other group. Easy 5 out of 5 for me.

Absolute stone cold classic

Peak dork music. Instrumentally phenomenal and lyrically ridiculous. I greatly enjoy Rush as a matter of personal bias and I will have beheaded anyone who dare insult the prophet Geddy Lee (PBUH).

This fucking rocked. Never heard of either the band or the album but MAN did it kickass. 100% putting this on rotation. The vocals, the sounds, the complete project was something I enjoyed from start to finish. 5/5 what more the say.

Loved it, first song went for 20mins. Great rifts and drums that seems to be the theme of 70s rock music

Really good prog Rock album

I love Rush.

I'm not much of a prog rock guy, but if you're gonna listen to it, you may as well listen to the best. Rush is undoubtedly a rock powerhouse and the best way I can describe their music is a musical journey through space. The 38 minute runtime is misleading, as it feels like a complete experience, and some of their better work comes after this!

The titular track is a prog rock epic from its first notes to its haunting final lines. The rest of the album is fun straight up rock and roll. It’s not Rush’s best album but it doesn’t deserve any less than a 5 in my eyes. Hoping we get a bunch more Rush on this list!