2112

It's an excellent album to start the day with, but I don't find a single song truly memorable. Perhaps the first track is impressive, but it didn't strike me as extraordinary.

5 stars, no notes.

I find prog always takes a few listens to really click, and this list isn't great for that. Still, it was an enjoyable listen. The title track is the highlight here, but I'm not sure how often I'll be in the mood spend 20mins listening to it again.

Listened to this on a flight to Thailand - literally a Passage to Bangkok

I wish these prog rock albums would have more radio edits of their 17 minute songs. That would I could decide its bang average without wasting 17 minutes of my time

Back in high school, all the Rush-heads swore that 2112 was THE ALBUM one had to listen to. While I like some of their songs, the album never really impressed me enough to listen more than once or twice. I've always said that I respect Rush more than I want to listen to much of their music. A song here or there has always worked well for me. I was uncertain when this came up today. I assumed it would at some point, so I was going to have to form an actual opinion rather than just a shoulder shrug. I found side 1 to be a mixed bag. I could appreciate what they were going for, but some parts I enjoyed and others just felt "too much." I also didn't love some of Geddy's. Side 2, however, I really liked a lot. Each song was the perfect length and all showed the different strengths of the band as a whole. It felt more like the Rush I have always enjoyed, though I didn't know the songs.

11yo me had his mind blown by this. When I put in on now it takes me straight nec6k there.

I wish the first track was split up for the modern day listener. I preferred the more fast tempo moments but enjoyed it overall

That was really unpleasant. I don't get Rush.

As a modern listen, 2112 doesn’t feel as dated as I expected; aside from the electronic/effect-heavy feel of “I. Overture,” most of the rock passages are surprisingly listenable.

To edit later

OK...

The 2nd Rush album of this challenge and I don't think it hit quite as well as the first. Not that I didn't like it, with the 20 minute epic opener followed by five 3-4 min tracks, it just didn't feel as balanced as Moving Pictures. It probably wouldn't put me off returning though, just for that epic opener although it's the track that follows it, perhaps in relief, that really stuck out with it's greasy riff and blues-y solo.

Fun and enjoyable. ★★★

Ok

***1/2

Not sure why I haven't listened to anything from Rush yet, especially due to the many cameos in TPB, but I definitely enjoyed this album. There are clear similarities with LZ that I like, especially track 3. I have to admit, I didn't listen to track 1 all the way through but did like what I heard.

Unhinged to open an album with a 20 minute rock opera, only to follow it up with the “oriental” guitar riff…twice!

Classic

6/10 Favourite: 2112 Least Favourite: Lessons

duh

*2112* Absolutely classic despite being bit of a one sided album. Nothing on side two comes close to topping the "2112" suite, but the songs do quite well hold their own... (9.6) ★★★★½

I am kot as high on Rush as other prog, but 2112 is one of their best albums. Still not fully convinced. 4 stars

I enjoyed parts of the title suite ("The Temples of Syrnix" is pretty good), as well as "Passage to Bangkok" and "Something for Nothing". The rest didn't do a lot for me. I'm not a huge Rush fan to begin with but this era where they go full prog in particular isn't my jam. Light 3 stars.

Solid stuff. Very classic. Apart from the use of the oriental riff in A Passage To Bangkok this is stuff that will all probably remain classic even in the year 2112.

some of the dweebiest dweebs to ever do it music: hated. (⌐■_■)

I’m not a Rush Guy, and never have been. Probably haven’t heard this in full since high school or so. I listened with an open mind and had more fun than I expected. Realistically it was a 3.25 or something but I’m giving it the boost because it had moments that rock harder than most Canadians ever rock.

Was good. Never been a huge fan of these guys but still not bad.

Idk man. Like rush is cool I guess but there is just something so corny about it. The lyrics and vocals really take me out

I fear I can’t get down with Geddy Lee’s voice. Impressive as it may be, and it is. But that epic first song I already had saved for some reason and I must say it was impressive (if a little musically incohesice)

Decent

Some nerdy ass shit. But that’s good shit.

3.5

Fine. Continue to not understand the hype around this album.

Для меня Rush слишком яркие и экспрессивные.

Rush is a family favorite

i still don't like prog but i respect the shred

I kind of wish I didn't like this stuff to be honest but I do

Hmmm I don’t know what I thought Rush was but this is not what I thought Rush was. This is Rush? I guess it’s like bad Queen and then there’s the crushing sadness of thinking you made it through four songs but it’s still the first song 🥹

absolutely not for me. this reminds me of being stuck in traffic with my step father making us listening to Led Zeppelin and feeling car sick except I'm stuck in traffic forever and this shrill man won't stop yodeling and it's actually hell.

Boooring.

Gutes Album. Ziemlich langer Einstieg aber wenn man sich in den damaligen Zeitgeist fühlt gefällt es einem doch immer mehr.

Solides Album, plätschert aber stellenweise ein wenig vor sich hin. Songs mit Überlänge gibt es definitiv interessantere.

Gutes Album mit starkem Einstieg. Die zweite Hälfte geht dafür etwas schneller vorbei und hält nicht mehr ganz das Niveau des ersten Songs. Macht aber Spaß

TWENTY MINUTES

Esimene "lugu" on 20 minutit pikk, wtf? Tundub olevat kogemusalbum (mitte ainult singlid reas). Mõnus kuulamine! Progerokki fännan ma väga ja see konkreetne album on kindlasti hea näide tervest žanrist. Pole päris Rushi parim väljalask, aga ikka panid sellega pihta.

It just feels like why listen to this when I can listen to Zep? It's all the same cliches and It's hard for me to say this is better. Seems like a bridge from Zep to Queen, and not in a good way. 2 stars would be harsh, but 3 stars doesn't mean I want to listen to this again - What kinda space alien intro is this? - Wait this opening song is 20 minutes? - Dad rock, prove me wrong. Pretty good though. Neil Peart is on it with the drums - Ugh these vocals suck. Why not just sing normal?? - Completely fine, but too many rock cliches. Maybe I would have liked this as a high schooler

70s prog rock at its finest... if you're into that sort of thing. I am, every once in a while.

Not really my type of music but good to be exposed so something I wouldn’t normally listen to.

The rock-operatic first song knocked it down from four for me. I liked the concept and story but the execution and details left me wanting another draft.

Okay so this was pretty kick ass in a lot of places and helped me understand why there are some Rush fanatics out there so I’m giving bonus points for being a hater before, but still - I gave this one three listens and the less attention I pay, the better it sounds and I don’t think that’s really what they were going for.

This record goes some way towards answering the following questions: - What if Led Zeppelin were decent blokes instead of being a shower of gits? - What if prog rock got lean, taut and restrained? Depending on taste, these variables could result in music which sounds either better or worse than Rush's creative peers. Possibly both ideas might even feel true at the same time. Some incredible playing here. Still might not float everyone's collective boat.

Good

Great.

Rushed right past this.

There were enjoyable moments, but overall Rush is just not for me.

20 minute intro was not the vibe

Excelente álbum por parte de Rush. No me di cuenta que el primer track dura 20 minutos (dado que es un conjunto de 7 partes), lo cual habla de la calidad del trabajo en tanto el desarrollo temático y conceptual de la obra, clásico del rock progresivo. Pero al mismo tiempo me sorprendió encontrarme con momentos más "pop", con estribillos pegadizos. Supongo que esto surgió de la necesidad de generar un material más comercial, ante el poco éxito que tuvieron sus dos álbumes anteriores. Al mismo tiempo, no se puede decir que se hayan "vendido" en pos de tener más éxito comercial, conservan su identidad y el resultado es una gran obra de rock progresivo, y la pretenciosidad que puede llegar a contener este estilo. La voz de Geddy Lee puede resultar un poco graciosa por momentos, dado que su registro y timbre me hacen recordar a Alvin y las Ardillas. Sin embargo, es un excelente cantante, y acostumbrándose a dicho timbre el álbum se disfruta mucho.

I don't know how to review this. It's so self explanatory, but and one of the easiest 5s, so I'll just go with few statements a) Title tracks is one of the best things ever existed a2) yes, really b) Does it gets better than this? Yes, but the book only includes 2112 and Moving Pictures. All my favourite Rush albums are within them (A Farewell To Kings, Hemispheres, Permanent Waves. A Farewell To Kings is in my top 5 albums of all time) c) Second side is a bit weaker than first side with title track. But what else compares to that? _) Just on a side note. Some of the people in reviews are hating on Ayn Rand. I don't agree with her on everything. She had some good points and some bad points. Books are art too, you don't have to agree with anything. d) I love Geddy Lee and Neil Peart so much, you won't believe. Yet, I still believe the MVP of the band was Alex Lifeson. He brought it all to life with chaotic but fantastic solos. e) This was the album, that Mercury (their label) intented to be their last. Their previous to that point was Caress Of Steel, which is fantastic, but was commercial flop. The band thought it was going to be their last album at that moment. AND. That means they're intented that "Something For Nothing" was be their last song and last testament. Now we're talking about goodbye words. This song's and its message are so good, they made me feel lazy. Now this whole book lacks more Rush. A Farewell To Kings and Hemispheres y'all

It's all right. Classic, not sure I would choose to listen to it out of all the things out there

I hate Rush soooooooo very much.

Mukavaa metallia aikaansa nähden tutun kuuloista. Olikohan naissolisti kuulostaa ihan aikansa mies solistilta.

Todays album is only 6 songs :) The first song is 20 minutes long :( It's Rush :) It literally has an Ayn Rand writing credit :(

uitgesponnen prog rock... kan het beter? eigenlijk wel, maar toch is dit bijna perfect

I love that they put a 20 minute long song as the opener as a big f-you to the record company. We do what we want. This alone gets you points.

Lite coola ljud ibland men generellt ganska mid

Insta-5 star for me. I love this album and it was my first cassette tape of Rush that I got from a friend. Side A of the cassette was all of 2112 and I would listen to side A all the time and rewind it, skipping side B a lot. Side B is really great as well with Something for Nothing being an amazing song. The whole album is amazing and was my gateway drug to Rush in high-school. To this day I proudly wear my faded black naked-man 2112 T-shirt much to the rolled eyes of my wife and kids.

The album that saved Rush.

Wow, I liked this way more than I expected! What a fun structure, huge jam and the short guys for when you don’t want to hear 20 minutes of non stop prog rock.

it was fine, there were parts/songs were you could hear their influence on Mars Volta but I probably won't be returning to this record

Очень хороший альбом, прекрасные не особо сложные гитарные рифы соло тоже хороши, к вокалу надо немного привыкнуть, бас партии тоже заслуживают внимания. 4.7

Somewhere between Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, and to be honest I'd rather listen to either of them.

non so ben cosa dire, comunque le instrumental lunghe non si fanno cosi guys

This is a band i inow of but dont know well (beyond a few tracks). All i hear os people banging on about Neil Pert being the greatest drummer ever and I wonder if he is the non-musicians idea of what a good drummer is and whether i will find him too busy? I guess i am about to find out. Lets go. The opening title track name itself makes me think ‘concept album, only 6 tracks but 40 minutes long, ling tracks, this is going to be hard work’. Nice guitar sound. Annoying timing (i blame the drummmer) and yes he is too busy. Drums are beautifully miked. Recording very even though ive not heard the singer even 3 minutes in tk the first track. Vocals at 4.5 minutes in and boy I have to thank them for inspiring Spinal Tap. The second aong that’s in the first song about 12 minutes in isnt bad. The whateverth song 15 minutes in is back to pure Tap. Not a fan of the bass sound in theis recording - too muddy and in the background. Could be my airpods or itunes shitty compression. Lessons and Something for nothing were OK. The rest lack a bit flow for me. Too many fills, breaks, pauses, etc. good players for sure, just trying to ahow it too much maybe? After this i went to the lastest album on itunes which was 2012 Clockwork Angels. Firat song, Caravan, great. Less stops, starts, 50 tom fills, etc. they’d leaned into grunge and hard rock a bit more than prog, it rocked. So this album, must listen before you die? Two stars for me.

Another Rush album that would be four stars with a different vocalist.

I don't know, Rush is just fun.

One my most back-and forth albums with Rush. On one hand, the title track is a blazing epic with a fun story and masterful musicianship. On the other, the B side is noticeably weaker, particularly lyrically. Still a fantastic record, but is more inconsistent than the other contemporary Rush records. Top tracks: 2112, A Passage To Bangkok, Tears

Cuando pense que llevaba casi todo el disco escuchado y entre a ver que iba por la tercera cancion despues de una primera cancion de 20 min, tuve suficiente

I love rush man. This is Geddy Lee at such a cool punk voice time. Can’t ignore the Ayn Rand stuff but musically this is such an achievement, as is everything they make. Title track probably didn’t need to be 20 minutes long but that’s rush. Undefeated drum and bass combo, Alex lifeson is like a 9/10 guitarist too but geddy and Neil are like 15/10. Much bigger fan of Moving Pictures but this is my father in laws favorite album so I hear this thing a lot.

later

Interested to hear a Rush album as I've heard of the band but not any of their music. Good classic rock, I approve.

There might be some bias as I do really like Rush, however this album is a triumph. Of course the 20 minute epic at the start is truly amazing but the remainder of the album stacks up well. Have listened to this album a number of times and will listen through many times more.

A classic. I think this is the first 20+ minute song on the list. Let there be more

This is #day425 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… time to sign off another artist from the list. As unintelligent as it may sound, I can't help but feel prog rock bands like Rush (Yes also comes to mind) are just trying too hard. I think my problem with this band in particular is that I lose focus very quickly and can't follow what's going on. I don't deny their influence, the technicality, and all that; I just can't force myself to like what I'm hearing. This is another 2 out of 5. Looking forward to #day426.

Listened to the album while driving, definitely deserves paying closer attention, solid album. The harmonic entry of the solo at the end of the twilight zone, right after the second "enter this world of imagination" gave me goosebumps, wasn't anticipating that.

It's a great album but I have to deduct a star for Geddy Lee's vocals

I would give this two stars just for Geddy Lee's vocals, but it's worse than that. I find very little to like about this album. The drums are just silly and the kick and toms sound totally dead. The guitar is either braindead riffing or wanky solos. This was a miserable experience.

Un progressive magnifico. A volte rimpiango di non aver conosciuto i rush ben prima... Ah, se al primo ascolto 2112 non piace fanne un secondo e vedi ti piacerà.

This first song being 20 minutes is 🫩crazy, but the rest of the album is okay.

Amazing. Proto Prog Metal at its best. Musicianship - off the charts across the board. This is the album when Rush became Rush.

I think Rush was a fun band, but Something for Nothing - last song - was the only one I liked. This album didn't do it for me. Glad it was only 39 minutes long.

Never did like Rush for some reason. Too much screaming instead of singing. Music is occasionally ok

Very silly boys with a love for charming prog goofiness (fun!) and, unfortunately, Ayn Rand (yuck!)

I like the music but the screaming vocals in most of the songs are annoying. The album generally can't match the quality of "Moving Pictures".

Not my music

Legendary prog album from a legendary prog band. Absolutely worth the listen.

Kind of weird, kind of meh.

It's ok, Neil Peart rips

instrumentally its very good but im not a fan of the vocals

I’m a Rush fan, so I’m going to give this a favourable review. It’s not actually my favourite Rush listen. I prefer Permanent Waves/Moving Pictures. This has a pretty silly rock opera, but it rocks so you just accept it. I suppose the elephant in the room is the Ayn Rand connection. In isolation this might bother me, but this was so long ago. Neil Peart read a book in the early 70s. These guys went on to be some of the nicest guys in rock. No neo conservative shenanigans. They supported diversity and human rights. Given an entire career’s worth of evidence, I would trust them as humans more than I do other supposedly cooler rock musicians.

I'm not sure what to really write for this one, it was pretty forgettable. Some good ideas and arrangements on the opening epic 2112 but it faltered pretty hard after that.

Franchement c'était hyper bien ! Même avec le premier son qui dure 20min j'ai adoré franchement top je recommande

I took an online quiz once that was supposed to reveal my darkest secret. The result I got was: "You like Rush". I guess I do.

Cool Prog. The opener is great. The singles are tight.

This is the nerdiest album from a band full of nerds producing music exclusively for nerds. Is it the best Rush album? Probably not, but it is the most Rush Rush album. When Fry says "It's Saturday night, I have no date, A 2 Liter bottle of Shasta, and my all Rush mixtape" I like to imagine his mixtape was just 2112. Anyway this rules. It's not as truly epic as some other prog rock masterpieces but it's up there, and it has 5 perfectly serviceable Rush radio songs after the real part of the show.

A Rush album other than Moving Pictures? Rush is pretty good and as long as you never look at pictures of Geddy Lee you'll be ok.

I'm just not a big fan of Rush. There's like maybe 10 total songs by Rush that I enjoy, and none of them are on this album.

Love "Side 1" of the album. The song "2112" is really cool as a story done as a song with multiple movements. Progressive rock at its best. Side 2 starts out with "A Passage To Bangkok" which has such a great riff. "Lessons" and "Something for Nothing" are very strong as well. Very good album. .

I like some Rush but this isn't it.

What can you say about this album other than - One of the best. Classic Rush, this album has to be in the top of anyone's rock album list.

I’m not sure I would listen to it all the time or play it at parties, but this is definitely an album that would blow your mind while listening alone on some high-quality headphones and reading the liner notes. This is an objectively amazing album and I completely understand why there are so many obsessed Rush fans.

Cool mais 100% mon truc mais agréable

Hated this sorry

I get the musicianship and skill but this is just not my style of rock

Quite nice background listening.

An amazing album that is very under appreciated compared many of their other later works

I don't know what else I can hand to the discussion of this album. It's pretty highly regarded and literally saved the band from extinction. I loved playing the title track on Rock Band 3

Pretty good

2112 is some accessible progressive rock. Rush had a good time with their jam session as they expand upon chords and tempo and play solos. But Rush staying so close to classic rock is what makes this album super easy to listen to. I also found it to be well-rounded, a good balance between their instruments. I'm surprised this is the first Rush album in 950 albums, though I hope it's not the last. I hear the beginning of Rush's well-known sound, particularly on the last song, but I know that Rush evolved past what's on 2112.

I'm not always the biggest progressive rock fan, but Rush is often an exception, and "2112" in particular is a standout! It is very approachable and goes heavy for those of us that enjoy hard rock and metal. Similarly, Rush has also always struck me as a band that is very good at balancing sounding both as if they're doing a really good jam session and as if they're playing the most intricately crafted composition, and this album also highlights that. It's hard to believe this is first Rush album I'm receiving this far into the project, but better late than never! 3.5!

A 20 minute opening track is definitely a choice, but hey, it's still Rush.

This music is rock for nerds, and I mean that in a good way. Given a close listen, the album takes you on a narrative and musical trip. The skill of these musicians is top notch. In an alternate universe where rock music played the role of classical in the 1800s, Rush would be as well known as Beethoven.

Always like Rush and prog rock. 2112 is a classic, Rush are at their best. Extremely tight instrumentals, good songwriting, can't ask for more. The rest of the album is decent as well but 2112 is the obvious focus and highlight.

Niet aan

eat the frog - 21 minute song to start with... (This wont be self indulgent AT ALL) talented dudes, excellent production. not my thing tho.

Zepplin from Canada. Amazing album great songs.

Solid album, Rush is great. Passage to Bangkok is one of my favorite tracks by them. Not my favorite album though.

It's interesting enough but not really for me

Rush always amazing

This was alright. Rush is great but there only some parts of this that I could listen to a lot of. 3.5 goin down.

I really like that first track and given that it's half the album I think it's fair to carry it to a 4. Everything else is pretty okay too!

An all-time classic - the album that really saw Rush coming into their own, and defining their sound for years to come. Opening with a 20-minute sci-fi epic about the oppressive Priests of the Temples of Syrinx, this is pure hard rock goodness.

I like this more and more with every listen. It may end up being a 5 soon.

Plenty of strong riffs and cool ideas here, and I respect the ambition of opening with a 20min sci-fi epic… at least in concept. In execution, it's too heavy on the cheesy arena/dad rock sound. That's not a knock on their talent -- they're clearly great -- but it's not something I see myself returning to often. Standouts: The Twilight Zone • Tears

An album that is less than the sum of its parts for me. The 20 minute piece is amazing, but the songs other than The Twilight Zone (and maybe even including that one) are not nearly as good and drag it down. My main problem with Rush is that I feel they are uneven and this is a big example.

One of my favorite albums of all time, glad they didnt cave to their record label and just made the album they wanted to.

his album is like being handed a sword by a wizard in a dystopian sci-fi library and being told, “Go fix art.” What it is: A 20-minute prog-rock epic about a guitar and a totalitarian future (and then some bonus tracks that honestly just want to be loved too). Neil Peart writes a whole Ayn Rand-inspired novella, and Geddy Lee sings it like he’s trying to summon the moon. Rating: 4.5/5 Short Review: This is not an album—it’s a rebellion set to drums. Favorite Track: “2112” (duh) – a 7-part suite that goes from meditative plucks to absolute face-melting glory. It’s the kind of music that makes you want to punch a robot priest.

One of the best Rush albums, the start with the Overture and all its parts is one of the best album starters, then comes A Passage To Bangkok and The Twilight Zone, which give the album its attitude and makes the listener experience different places, whether it be physical and mentally ethereal. The second half of the record with Lessons and then Tears take the listener to an introspective journey and bring the music to a slower pace, deep lyrics and sounds of another world; finally, the album ends with Something For Nothing which concludes with a release of everything you've felt through the record and lets it go with a final whisper. Love that it doesn't take that long to listen and it doesn't feel rushed, so it encapsulates everything it needs with these 6 songs.

I must say, this is some pretty nice symphonic rock music.

3.5

I gasped. Literally lost breath. It’s Monday morning, but I can probably score some acid, right? I mean, I work from home, so when I believe my Microsoft Teams to be a sage oracle in the shape of a gummy bear, nobody will be able to tell. Drugs are bad, kids, and you certainly don’t need them to enjoy this record. Here we go. 2112 - YEAH! WOOOOOOO. ALRIGHT!! I still remember the first time I heard this song. Blew my 12 year old mind, and it now dances across my ravaged cerebellum (or wherever music is processed) like a beautiful memory with vibrant currency. Yes, it’s theatrical and on the nose with the “the dystopian rulers hate music, but we’re going to rise up and have FUN again!!!” The vocals on the sections where the priests are talking are god damn amazing and the guitar solos are insane. Ugh. This is one of the greatest songs ever. A Passage to Bangkok - There is more to this album? RACIALLY MOTIVATED GUITAR RIFF SPOTTED. The non-racially insensitive guitar riff is disgusting and this song is so heavy because of it. 2 for 2. The Twilight Zone - More scintillating vocals, but I can’t help but imagine a female singer in a smoky club singing this for some reason. Oh god I didn’t ask for the whispers. Ah man. More solid, dark sounding riffing, with impassioned performances. This thing doesn’t slow down. Lessons - The first track where I wasn’t enthralled the entire time, but there is still enough here to say it’s an enjoyable song. The vocals remain so good and I can’t help barely believe that there are only 3 of them. Tears - A real ballad has entered the track listing and I wish it wasn’t here. We were in a perfect album. Something for Nothing - These dang kids always wanting something for nothing. Nobody wants to do slave labour anymore. Good song. Well, it happened. 2112 has now came and went, and I am deeply satisfied. I have to now dread tomorrow, but that’s a problem for future me to handle. If I’ve made it through several U2 and Bruce Springsteen albums, I think I can handle a random Tuesday in September’s offering. This record is pure Canadiana that has enough spellbinding musicianship and creativity to transcend our rocky borders. This is so incredibly camp, yet so cool and powerful. Despite minor moments of filler, this one has gone down in history as a prog rock staple. This is the voice of the Canadian nerds, we have assumed control, we have assumed control. 4.5 HIGHLIGHTS: 2112, A Passage To Bangkok, Something for Nothing

Pretty cool.

6.4

Please rise for the Canadian national anthem. And.. stay there for 20 minutes. Some of the later tracks are hot or miss but it don't matter because the title track is 2112 outta ten. Space opera prog sensation??? Yes fucking please

Look, I like Rush a lot, and this album is getting a high rating because it's fun to listen to. Once in a while, like once every 5 years. It's not something you can just rock out to in your car. I like it though and understand why it's on this list. 4/5 stars

I've always enjoyed Rush, but I've avoided really diving into their catalog because it feels like too much work. That applies singularly to 2112 as well. I only had time for one listen, and I liked it quite a bit, but this is the sort of album that requires multiple listens over multiple days to truly understand how you feel about it. I can make an educated guess, though. I was inclined to go 3, but because I feel like I've probably been sleeping on Rush over the course of my life - to a criminal degree - I'll bump it up.

Ahhh... Fourteen year-old me is very, very happy that fifty-three year-old me still loves this album. Three thumbs up!

Not something I’d listen to on my own but not bad

I rounded up because I appreciate ambition in art, but this is not my thing. I think I prefer Rush when they sell out and are more economical.

I've listened to the first two tracks a billion times, and look forward to the next billion. When #2 kicks in after "...inherit the Earth" is one of my favorite moments in music. The rest of the concept album is pretty good too. Second side falls off a bit, but "Something for Nothing" is a powerhouse finish. So, even though it's probably Paul Ryan's favorite album, I love it.

3/5 - I don’t know how many Rush albums are on this list, but they are a band that should have exactly one on the list. I enjoy the music more than a 3, but between Lee’s vocal quality and whatever nonsense lyrics he’s singing, I’m often left thinking that their albums would be better as full instrumentals.

Another banger 5 stars

I give this album 5 pentagrams of 5 pentagrams

I like Rush a lot but this album didn’t do it for me. 2

I liked this album generally but I’m just not the biggest fan of prog rock. The futuristic theme was cool and I thought this album was like the perfect length. Fav song: the first track starting at minute 16 (idk which song it is 😭)

The title track is one of the greatest things in music history, but that also means that the rest of the album pretty much doesn't compare, even if it's still pretty good.

It wasn't bad but not much stood out to me about it. Although it's kind of wild that it was released in 1976, I didn't realize just how long Rush had been around. So they were pretty mold-breaking when they started.

Mind blowing

Epic album.

A classic

We love a triumphant concept album forged in the fires of outside pressures to do commercial material!! snap snap snap, great album!

Meh

not bad tbh maybe i like prog rock or whatever that is

A decent prog rock album. It offers a lot of different ideas, some of which I really liked, particularly the start and end of the song '2112'. The rest of them... I felt very indifferent about. I still appreciate the variety. Thanks to it, the record doesn't end up feeling derivative. I also enjoyed a lot how technical the performances are and how good the production is. What I wasn't a fan of are the vocals. I found them to be a bit irritating, but they manage to be tolerable . In summary, I liked it but I don't have strong feelings about it.

I always find Side B a bit of a letdown compared to the epic title track. But 2112 is one of, if not the greatest piece of prog rock so it doesn't really matter. So great.

Stopped listening on the second song with the same lyrics about a train ride to bangkok. First song was 20 mins long.

The first side of this album is phenomenal, especially the "Temples of Syrinx" portion of the medley. The second half of the album is a little weak in comparison, but "A Passage to Bangkok" was another highlight of the album.

6.5/10 not my cuppa

This is a really great album. The label was going to drop them if they couldn’t make a commercially viable record. They said fuck it and put everything into this. This is the album that gained their following. Standouts include Passage To Bangkok, Twilight Zone and Something For Nothing

★★★★★★★

I appreciate the audacious experimentation of the opening track, it’s a fun album overall. It seems like this is really the beginning of their Prog-rock adventures that the band became known for. Definitely need to be in the mood for it, but it’s a solid album when that mood strikes.

Ooh, first time with a full Rush album. Before my time, and not a big prog fan. Can't help but admire the musicianship even if the songs are a bit wank.

Love the experimental vibe of the album, a pillar of prog rock. I like the idea of a 20 min epic song followed by 5 more standard length songs, but in practice I find the balanced a bit skewed for my liking. The 5 other songs feel like filler, I lost my interest in the album after the 20 min story. Apart from that, it's clear these are very talented musicians and songwriters and that this album is a defining piece of 70's art

Great prog rock but not my favorite Rush. Im not the biggest fan, but I feel this is a laughing pad to thier Prog masterpieces

Rockzin?

2112 is a great song but then it just goes downhill from there

J'aime ça Rush, mais cet album est contournable comme un cone orange sur une piste cyclable.

Ça me dérangerait pas que ça joue chez quelqu'un d'autre.

2112 – Rush (1976) | Progressive Rock / Hard Rock | Avg: 8.14 | Favorite Song: “2112” (Title Track) 2112 is Rush at their most unapologetically ambitious, and it works way more often than it should. The title track, the full 20-minute opener, is the clear highlight for me. It’s ridiculous, overblown, and completely locked in. Every movement of that suite feels intentional, whether it’s the whispered sci-fi drama or the explosive instrumental breaks. It’s a prog rock odyssey that somehow doesn’t overstay its welcome, which is no small feat for a track that long. The rest of the album plays backup to the title track, and while nothing quite reaches those heights, it all still holds its own. Songs like “A Passage to Bangkok” and “Something for Nothing” keep the energy high and the musicianship sharp. From a reviewer’s lens, this is the album where Rush truly became Rush. They're nerdy, technical, philosophical, and totally unafraid to lean into excess. But the difference is, they make it fun. 2112 isn’t just a prog milestone, it’s a blueprint for how to go big without losing your grip.

I liked about half of the album. Some of it was pretty boring and I think the first half of the album would have benefitted from some keys. Also what is Geddy Lee’s deal, you can’t understand half of what the guy is saying and they takes away from what seemed like interesting lyrics.

goated duhhhh

Standard classic prog rock without any popular singles to latch onto.

Rush was my first concert and I have liked them ever since. Love the riffs and the vocals.

Enjoyed it. But that first song really had me thinking I was listening to 7 different songs.

Big fan

Nice, pretty nice!

Never been a big fan of Rush. Don’t really like his voice, too much guitar.

very nice

- músicos muito bons, conseguem tocar o que as bandas da época tocavam e mais - muitos estilos, parece que colheram de vários frutos e não tinham um som próprio - eu prefiro “moving pictures”

I appreciate their sincerity.

Pretty cool guitar solos, but nothing too special imo

Grundsätzlich gut, aber zu episch

Yet another artist I have heard zilch about. If I'm to guess, I'm in for another arena rock affair similar to that of Boston's self-titled album. Guess I've nothing else to do but get into this one. Yep. More or less what I was expecting, though there's a surprising psychedelic influence and I must admit that I wasn't ready for those pipsqueak vocals after five minutes of build-up. This isn't really my thing and opening your album with a twenty-minute snoozefest doesn't do much to assuage my doubts but yeah. It's fine. There's a simple pleasure in listening to an album with some punchy guitar hooks and a rocking atmosphere. "The Twilight Zone" has a neat, soaring atmosphere. I enjoy how the guitar riffs jolt life into the piece and transition it between different moods. "Tears" has a great, pensive atmosphere. I dig the acoustic sound, along with how it pairs with the strings during the latter half of the track. Book time. "Biggest cult band in the world". Released during a period of friction for the band. Well received by fans, but garnered a lukewarm response from critics - those albums are always interesting. Wikipedia reveals that this album was the band's commercial breakthrough and ranked second in a Rolling Stone poll for best progressive rock albums. I can't claim to be a prog rock authority and I'm generally one for variety on this list, so I think this is a decent pick. I cosign the inclusion.

Niet mijn ding Het is ook niet te verstaan De gitaren zijn wel vet

Not only have I heard this album before but my last listen was actually very recent, within the last month or so. This is not an album that has ever particularly clicked with me despite multiple listens over the years (I bought, and still have, a CD copy of this album when I was still in school, so at least 15 years ago). I would very loosely, and perhaps incorrectly, group Rush fans in two camps, 2112 Fans and Moving Pictures fans. I would place myself in the Moving Pictures camp, and quite firmly at that. Moving Pictures is a 9.5/10 for me, and sometimes a 10/10 depending on which day you're asking. 2112 on the other hand is somewhere around a 5 or 6/10. So why have I listened to it so often? The 2112 suite is by far the star of the show here, and is conveniently the first track of the album, making it a good place to start. It isn't my favourite piece of music by any means, I've never been a huge fan of this style of songwriting, but I'm the sort of person who takes musicality over lyrics any day of the week, so when it comes to Rush it is usually quite easy to overlook the lyrics that can feel a bit dated, or even worse, cr*nge. The quieter, more story driven movements therefore fall a little bit flat for me, although Discovery does do a good enough job of conveying the plot in itself that I don't necessarily hate it. Soliloquy on the other hand, despite being the payoff to the story (and therefore possibly the entire point for some listeners) does nothing for me sadly. I do readily accept this is a flaw in my preferences rather than a fault with the music itself! The movements that do contain "actual" music are, however, very strong and up there with some of my favourite moments on Moving Pictures. The way it all kicks in again once Presentation starts is always incredibly satisfying, building up intensity through the movement until the explosive payoff of a guitar solo. My favourite movements (as redundant as it feels to separate them from their context in the suite) would be Overture, The Temples of Syrinx (seriously priests, you "hate music" so much yet write tunes this catchy?), Prsentation and Grand Finale. It's a great piece of music overall despite my own issues with it, and that's why I listen to it relatively often for an album I'm not too in love with. Why don't I love it so much, I hear you ask? I just can't really get on with any of the other five tracks, ranging from incredibly average to downright horrible. A Passage to Bangkok never fails to get my blood pumping when that oriental riff kicks in right near the start. That is, get the blood pumping right into my cheeks as I turn bright red from second hand embarassment. And although I just said I'm not a lyrics person, it's too hard to ignore the far-too-on the nose , which nowadays just remind you of "that one guy" everyone knows who make smoking weed their whole personality and constantly drop little references like 420 everywhere. Again maybe this is just me but as this is an entire song rather than a whole suite, I can't forgive it like I forgive 2112. The Twilight Zone has my least favourite Geddy Lee vocal (his voice is quite divisive but I usually side with enjoying it), and while the instrumental parts are *fine*, they're quite bland by Rush standards. It's just not one that I ever willingly return to outside of the context of a full album listen. Having said that, it was chosen as an A-side single so what do I know eh? Tears is the worst song for me personally. It's just really not my cup of tea at all, far too sappy/sentimental for me when I primarily go to Rush for their more instrumentally technical songs. I'd get that fill from elsewhere. To end on a less negative note, Lessons and Something for Nothing are two that I would give a pass to - both of these songs actually sound (at least musically) like they could fit into the main 2112 suite, and are at least playable outside of a full album listen (although I can't remember ever actively seeking to listen to these songs on demand). Overall, I really do want to like 2112 as a whole, and I have been trying to do so for a surprisingly long time compared to how quickly I give up on other artists/albums, but the absolute stinkers on here really do drag down my overall score of it. Ironically enough for one of the few albums I have on CD, if I'd waited until I was more into vinyl, I might have had a stronger opinion of this album - all the clankers are on side B so I might have never bothered to listen to them at all! Rating as a 2/5 (but I might have been generous with a 2.5 if we were allowed half-ratings)

I just do not like Geddy Lees voice. Terrific drumming! Unbelievable guitar. I hate his voice.

The first side is pure orgasm. Second side is pretty decent too.

Excellent

Want to listen to more rush, good album

The first side of this album is amazing. It looses steam a little in the second half but that doesn’t take away too much from my enjoyment of it. The production and mix, at least on the 2012 reissue I listened, was great. A really good sounding album

Why did no one tell me Rush was Led Zeppelin with jet packs… but like not quite as good some how

i can't decide between 3 and 4, enjoyable album but some bits were a little boring.

First track is one of the greatest prog songs ever but the second side other than Bangkok is a bit underwhelming compared to some of their later albums that are great front to back (permanent waves, moving pictures, hemispheres)

what is this Chinese-stereotype ass song 😭. Rest is good

Pretty entertaining stuff, but thats about it, pretty easily forgotten, except for the goddamn 'asian country' chime lol

Nicer sound aber ein bisschen lange lieder lol

Lasted about 5 minutes. Prog seems like a parody nowadays

With no shoes was my favorite, i also liked youre a big girl now, overall a cool album i liked it, it does have a feeling of freedom to it

You would expect an album like 2112 by Rush to be just the title track and the rest to be mediocre b sides(see: In A Gadda Da Vida), but A Passage to Bangkok starts off a B side that would be the A side of a lesser bands album. 2112 is rush firing on all cylinders.

Un bombazo del progresivo. La voz de este hombre es espectacular

La intro de 20 min es lo mejor

Really good album

Every song was just slightly above bland and boring. Love the storyline to the opening song though. 5/10

Some Rush fans would argue that 2112 is the best Rush album ever. I would argue it is one of the best albums ever by any artist. A perfect combination of prog rock and hard rock, 2112 has the incredible, sweeping, expansive title suite (which took up the whole first half of the original album) that is then bolstered by an array of brilliant songs. My favorite is the adventurous and drug-oriented Passage to Bangkok. The Twilight Zone is more contemplative, Lessons Zepplinesque, Tears is sad and slow, while Something for Nothing is just classic Rush. Rush was always tight and incredibly talented but, on 2112, they were inspired. That said, 2112 is still firmly in their more prog rock style. That style carried over for the next few years into A Farewell to Kings and, the apotheosis of that era, Hemispheres. After that, the long suites such as 2112, Xanadu, and Trees disappeared in favor of the shorter hard rock pieces of Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures which came to dominate their albums, though not their concerts. If you came to Rush in the 1980s, 2112 will seem very different than what you're used to. So be it! It's still one of their finest albums and a truly great rock album.

No

Not my thing

Super cool album really liked it

5 - mastapiece even though side B doesn’t come close to matching side A

I've found a lot of albums that I don't mind having on in the background, but I'd never actively seek out listening to it again. This album falls squarely into that category.

Pretty neat

Ok this was kinda a banger it was a mix of so many good parts of song. Good rock, gentle parts, really good lyrics, but weird album composition. First song is 20 minutes and a combo of like 6 songs, then there are like 5 shorter songs after? This is like a 3.8 if I could. I really enjoyed!

No usually a big fan of Rush based on radio play but this was decent.

Never been a Rush fan. Have heard this album many times, and my opinion did not change after listening to this album in full yet again.

Hugely formative album for me.

Great album!!!

Iconic and legendary album.

I first heard this album in 1977 when I was in the Air Force. I only say that because if I had not been in the Air Force, I never would’ve heard it. I love it. I know very little about prog music so I’m not going to discuss the musicality or any of that. The 20 minute overture is the meat of the album and pretty much everything else is derived from that except Tears the required slow song.

Lots of guitar, drums and high pitch wailing. Spinal Tap.

I liked several of the songs on the album

Rush es una banda la mondaa, pero en este album siento que todo el album está en la primerita canción, los demas temas estan meh La del tren de Bangkok es una canción medio racista y colonizadora jajaja, nombrar a Bogotá, chevere, pero disque solo para ir al campo; seguramente por coca, porque asi es colombiana, cierto yankees de mierda?

Album did not play

Something for Nothing was like 6/10, a bit of a bop. Otherwise generic 70s hairmetal, but without bang.

4.5 Excellent introduction to 1001albumsgenerator!

I liked the album a lot. It felt like a mix of Iron Maiden and Slade. I liked the vocals and the guitar solos - all incredible and unique. I didn't know about this band at all and I feel I will come back to it for sure. The first 20-minute track was a banger but alsoThe Twilight Zone was great.

Overlong songs, whether prog rock or avant-garde, annoy me so much. I am not interested in a song that lasts 8+ minutes, except Stairway to Heaven.

Maybe 2112 was a career defining moment for the band but I did not find anything special about this album.

3 // I mean, it's Rush. Not the most popular songs, it's just kinda okay for me

Possible the best album of the tail-end era of Progressive Rock. The title track is the main event here. A full-on space opera with an easy to follow narrative and memorable recurring motifs, that make the 20-minute track go by in a flash. The rest of the album isn't bad either, but of course isn't the reason the album is on this list. Key tracks: 2112 A Passage to Bangkok Something for Nothing

Pretty solid for a 70s hard rock album, could’ve trimmed that first track, 10+ min of mostly instrumental was a bit much.

I’ve heard this one before! I sought it out because I heard the title track in an episode of American Dad

This was how my friend in high school tried to get me into Rush. It was not effective, and while I respect their music I don’t particularly love it

Love it!!!

Great music, but inspired by A*n R*nd

I feel like I should like Rush - I like prog, after all. But, aside from a few tracks (that aren’t here) they just don’t really gel with me. This is not shit, but it’s just average rock music, with a little bit of tasteless cultural appropriation in A Passage To Bangkok and a weird section where Alex Liefson spends a minute or two just tuning up. I’ve tried, but I can’t love this.

How much you enjoy Prog Rock will depend on whether you consider it ambitious or self-indulgent. But ultimately, 2112 is one of the best Prog Rock albums ever made, and captures the sound of a band at the peak of their powers. From the sprawling 2112 sequence to sharper, more concise cuts near the end of the album, Rush's elite musicianship is on full display, and the album production is fantastic.

Muy rock, no es mi estilo. Tears es más tranquila y me gustó más

Quite a good album, I liked the 20 minute prog epic more than the more radio friendly side. Good to see Rush showing what they’re capable of

Very good musicians. I very liked some passages but some songs are too long and habe too many different themes within the song.

Favorite: Something from Nothing and 2112: Overture/The temples of syrinx/discovery

😛

I really liked it and I’ll probably listen to it many more times. I liked the lyrics, the vocals, and the instrumental. It’s a five.

The entire first side of the album is the piece, "2112"... in seven movements, they play the heck out of their instruments... and rock and groove in their inimitable way... you are either a fan of Geddy Lee's voice... or you are not... no in between... and some of the lyrics are a bit out there... "we are the priests... of the temple... of Syrinx"... what???? but, when you are playing complex music, it needs some, um, profound (?) lyrics i guess... anyway... this piece goes all over the place... and all the places are good... the bass playing the guitar, and yes, the drums... are epic... dare i say it... Zappa like... i bet Frank, might've been a fan... i don't know... "A Passage To Bangkok" starts side two... some great riffs by Alex Lifeson... rapid fire fills by Neil Peart, of course... the next songs are more of the same... then comes "Tears" a tender ballad sung well by Lee... his solo composition... sounding a lot like a Supertramp song and Roger Hodgson... the record ends with "Something For Nothing"... which starts out sweetly, and erupts into an epic closer... if you simply can't take Geddy's voice, you might not understand the reason... i give this record... Five Stars... despite the corny lyrics and goofy album cover...

Incredible album from this trio!!! The title track is an epic journey of sci-fi prog and instrumental mastery!! The other songs are more that filler and rock deliciously in their own right. A turning point in Rush's history. Must listen!!

Great album. I don't feel like I need to talk about it. Just really solid. Musically amazing, vocals fit perfectly. Just so good.

Why isn’t the first song divided into the multiple songs within it? I liked one at the mid way point but I have no way of listening to it individually. The rest of it was kinda meh.

It feels so uncool to like Rush, but honestly I do.

Good prog rock

I really love Rush, but this one didn't quite stand out to me. I think I liked the opener, but at 20 minutes, it's so damn hard to keep track of. And, the tracks afterward feel sort of simple, or maybe sedated, for what Rush is capable of. What I will say, is Geddy Lee's voice has never sounded better to me. Jesus he can get up there. All in all, not one I'll likely return to that often. Fave songs: - There were lots of moments in here that rocked, but I just can't be asked to go back and hunt for what they were. It was good though. - The Twilight Zone - Lessons - Something For Nothing Edit: I must atone for my sins. What the fuck was past Brian on? Was he braindead? Please forgive me, Rush. I was young and naïve, and I didn't understand your level of ball. Fucking awesome prog rock happening here all around. How is this just 3 Canadian dudes?

The aliens would love this

I hate the vocals, and the instrumentals, while good, don’t make up for it.

cada música é uma vibe diferente eu gostei

Its good

A low 4. And mostly for the title track.

First track awful. Like a kids first recording. Track 2 better, except that awful "oriental" riff which was weirdly out of place. twice.3rd track was dreadful. 4th started well, but from the chorus onwards it sucked. It all sounds like a bunch of kids who have heard a few prog rock albums and thought they'd have a go. It contains a naivety which looks to a lack of understanding of what makes this stuff good. It's full of naff cliche, like the awful section in the first track that had a guitar being tuned bit in it. Ick. But actually it's a signed band's 4th album. I've no idea how this was the one that was successful. I hope their previous albums don't come up to listen to if this was considered the big improvement.

The wiki explanation for the "2112" title track is great! ""2112" tells a story set in the city of Megadon in the year 2112, after an intergalactic war in 2062 forces many of the planets to be ruled by the Solar Federation (symbolized by the Red Star on the cover artwork), where individualism and creativity are outlawed. The population is controlled by a cabal of priests living in the temples of Syrinx, who take orders from giant banks of computers that control all aspects of life ("The Temples of Syrinx"). An unnamed protagonist finds a guitar inside a cave and rediscovers the lost art of music ("Discovery"). Upon playing the guitar to the priests, they destroy it and declare music a waste of time and against the computers' plan ("Presentation"). In a dream, an oracle shows him a planet established simultaneously with the Solar Federation, where an elder race flourish in creativity and individuality ("Oracle: The Dream"). He awakens, depressed that music is part of such a society that he can never be part of and kills himself ("Soliloquy"). The song ends with an ambiguous spoken ending: "Attention all planets of the Solar Federation: We have assumed control" ("Grand Finale"). Peart clarified that after the protagonist took his own life, another planetary war begins and the elder race successfully take down the Solar Federation in an ending he described as a "double surprise ... a real Hitchcock killer".

My god, Rush sucks. I'd say they should never give nerds bands, but Led Zeppelin rules. One twenty minute side and then a normal B-side. Geddy Lee has the worst voice I've ever heard. This might be the worst album that people actually listen to on the list. Prog rock is terrible. At least this album is short. Ayn Rand is both long-winded and pedantic. Two words you probably don't want associated with your rock and roll album. That being said, I appreciate the desire for freedom and the line "You don't get something for nothing/You don't get freedom for free" is true and maybe they should have stuck with that one lyric on a song on an album with different song rather than a 20 minute space fantasy story based on Atlas Shrugged. One of the worst albums by one of the worst bands.

My mom’s favorite album

nah.. dont like

Bored me

I’ve yet to hear a bad song by Rush. I bought this album on CD after reading Ready Player One, so had it playing on loop for a good while in my car. The opening epic is such a banger, and travels through so many movements. Everything here, as far as I’m concerned, is fantastic. I’ve said it before, but Rush is as good as prog gets.

Solid Rush representative, long songs, acute and strong vocals, crazy tempos, beautiful musical background.

Awesom

Great musicians and incredible lyrics. When I was in college, those who weren't constantly playing Waiting for Columbus or Rumors, were playing this album

I'm realizing I love Rush

Technical proficiency doesn’t make a band great.

loved it, the vocals were not my taste but as she put passion in her voice it’s still very good

41/1001 :: RUSH - 2112 Heard before? ❌ Would I revisit? ❌ Rating: 6 Fav Tracks: A Passage To Bangkok Being that the Discogs community started on Twitter (X) you already know that “Rush Twitter” is a serious thing. A thing that I never understood. And frankly I still don’t understand. After listening to 2112 it helps. This album is features amazing musicianship but I don’t really like the singing. And I think that’s always been the case for me. The singing is too Lord of the Rings or some shit. If you lie it, I get it but it’s not my bag. That’s it. That’s all.

I love their sound, prog rock gatekeeper dickheads can fuck off. These Canucks rock. 4/5

I don't mind a bit of Rush, but Gaddy's vocals are a bit much after a while. Musicianship is pretty good overall. Doesn't blow me away though.

ook

A seminal prog rock album with a standout opener, that said the second side falls off in consistency but does not mean the music is any less impressive, just not as cohesive thematically

It’s Rush ofc it’s fantastic

epic. Fun. I liked the first half better perhaps.

fuck yeah

Rush is always decent. The 20 minute opener was more engaging than I would have expected from a freaking 20 minute song.

Not a fan of that dude's voice. 2/5

I HATE the vocals. Good lord. Musically, it's nice. Very meandering/prog, which I'm not too fond of, but they make it work most of the time.

I like this album but i feel its somewhat overrated, they have several better records!

Rock music that may have been popular at time, but it is a little generic. Also, the first song being 20 minutes is ridiculous.

The opening title track is all you need, get on and strap the fuck in. There is no height limitation to get on this Rush ride but there is a bitch scale you need to pass. You gonna bitch about a 20 minute track? No? Ok good because this track rips, strap in and enjoy. 4 stars

A good album, I liked Overture and Tears the most.

THis album was good, but i am not sure what i was expecting. I think i need to listen again to appreciate it more but it just didn’t grab me like i thought it would.

I felt like I already finished listening to the album and then found out I'm not even close to finishing the first track (was their intention to make you not want to listen to the rest of the album?). after that, the album was nice, the guitars are cool but the vocals area bit annoying.

Overall quite good. I felt like the Genesis album a few days ago was like Rush without the best parts of Rush. This was an improvement, in my opinion.

Brilliant

👍😁

I enjoyed the music but not the vocals! Overall wasn't really my style.

randian bs aside, i don’t like the vocals at all deserves to be one of the 1001? maybe but i’m cool with just Moving Pictures tbh

> The Beatles

Honestly couldn't really tell you what the 20 minute long opening track was about. Musically it's fine. It doesn't really sound super revolutionary - but maybe that's because I'm coming to this later. I will say that I find the lead vocalist's voice super grating which made the second half of the album a much tougher hang.