Reviews (page 3 of 14)
I've listened to this many times over the years.
It's still quite extraordinary after all these years that there were only ever three band members. Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart were elite musical technicians, cranking out spectacularly crafted progressive rock songs and then cramming them into their most commercially consumable album that they released to the public. The album doesn't overstay its welcome, and each track shows off their expert musicianship. This is top shelf RUSH and probably their best album from start to finish. Is this review a bit biased? Maybe, but that doesn't take away its validity.
Iconic album. Solid songs and musicianship all the way through. Loved listening to this, so I did so twice.
Awesome. A must listen.
I remember the first time I heard this album. It had a huge impact. I never thought a rock band could sound like this. Everything is very intelligent, creative, and well-played. Neil Peart is a special case. Any arrangement he puts on the drums is like a brushstroke on a painting by a genius of visual arts.
Masterpiece!
Another masterpiece from Rush, these guys really are the GOATs.
i mean it has limelight and tom sawyer so insta-5
Songs 1-4 are an absolutely elite lineup. Hearing YYZ makes me realize I'm right to dish out as many 3s as I do, because that's what musical talent really sounds like.
I am huge fan of a band called Opeth who list Rush among their influences. This was very evident and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this.
A top 10 for me. 5/5 without reviewing. Although I did be listen for the pleasure of it.
There are two kinds of music fans - those that know that Rush is the most talented group of musicians in the last 50 years and everyone else (who are objectively incorrect). I will concede that Geddy Lee’s voice is polarizing (but I’m all in). Moving Pictures is an automatic 5⭐️ for me - not only formative in my high school years for myself and my friends, but clearly a (not the) high water mark in Rush’s long musical journey. It also produced more of the radio-friendly hits that are still staples today, including Tom Sawyer, Limelight, Red Barchetta and YYZ.
The first 4 songs of this album are unreal. What a start to the album. The last three songs are solid. This is a classic. I grew up with these songs and they do not get old. Easy 5 stars.
A classic album from a classic band.
It’s actually really Damm good. I really like witch hunt because it describes today’s world.
Absolute classic. Stellar album. Hits that keep delivering 40 years later. Pop prog rock with sing along lyrics and epic grooves.
man it’s rush of course it’s 5 stars. literally nothing wrong with this album. ever second is amazing. some of my favorite songs ever are here
One of my favorite albums of all time.
The absolute greatest Canadian Prog-rock band ever to exist. This is not my favourite Rush record(Fly By Night and their self-titled debut are both next level masterpieces) Every instrument on this record is genuinely perfect. Sonically, it’s mixed so well that you almost forget it was all recorded analog. Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart are all extremely influential, and I don’t think I know a single Canadian musician who hasn’t been inspired by or looked up to at least one of these three. I was happy to pull out my vinyl copy of this one for a listen. 4.5/5
I think this album has every Rush song on it that I know (thanks Guitar Hero for YYZ) except Free Will, so I had a good time with it. I have to be in the mood for prog rock and this caught me at a good time. Plus, Rush is one of the best in that oeuvre, so this one gets 5 stars from me.
I have listened to this album many times. Rush is my favorite band and Moving Pictures is top 5 for me.
Unique vocals always solid musicians.
Iconic! So so good. Geddy Lee is my hero
heck yeah canada
This is my all time no. 1 - close to perfection.
One of my favorites. An absolute masterpiece in my opinion. Comes out swinging with Tom Sawyer and keeps it going. Limelight is an all time favorite song of mine as well. Beautiful
Easy five stars. Love Rush, and this is among their best.
This is a no-brainer! I first heard this album when I wad 8 years old and when my brother dropped the needle on Tom Sawyer for the first time, my mind was blown and the trajectory of my musical life began.
Absolutely love this one, amazing musicianship, a little less dense than some of the earlier albums (which are also great).
I listened to this record twice before making a review. It's just so damn good. Perhaps the most commercially successful record from Rush. And rightfully so. It has hit after hit. It doesn't stray away from the proggy roots that Rush are known for. Lifeson, Lee, and Peart are firing on all cylinders. I find it fascinating that Rush isn't considered one of the best bands in the world. They are to people who listen to this sort of music... But I honestly feel that there isn't a better band out there. Especially for their time. Rush has stood the test of time too. Say what you want about their more synth heavy 80s catalog, but you can not deny that they took the tools in front of them, moved with the technology that was offered, and created music unlike no one else has. Still think Lifeson is one of the most underrated guitsrists of all time. 10/10
Masterpiece. There's not a single wasted second here. Each song is a banger. I have a lot of great memories of playing this whole album on Rock Band
Love this album. Musically so interesting and catchy. I could listen to YYZ 10 times in a row and not get bored.
Absolutely stellar album by the Canadian prog rock GOATs!!! My favourite of their albums!! Favorite songs: Tom Sawyer, Limelight, YYZ, Red Barchetta Least favorite songs: if forced to pick, Witch Hunt 5/5
4 of Rushs best tracks back to back followed by a few other solid tracks, calling this front loaded would be an understatement. While they certainly have songs on a few other albums that are favourites of mine, it would feel silly to claim anything other than Moving Pictures to be the groups finest hour
Tom Sawyer actually might be a contender for best Side A Track 1 of all time, and this leads into an insanely loaded Side A. Side B is only weak in comparison to the first side, and would be rock solid if it were on any other hard rock album. I don't really consider this to be prog rock, The Camera Eye is probably the only real prog song on this album if only for how self-indulgent it is and whether that's a good thing or not is entirely subjective (much like Geddy Lee's vocals). I happen to like both of those things, good for me and good for this album's rating. We had 2112 last time and I did not enjoy that as an album experience. This however, is thoroughly enjoyable. The album art is sick, each song does something special and different. I can't level a genuine criticism of this album, even the album art is fantastic. An album with great hits and great deep cuts that isn't bloated and keeps things interesting? It's gotta be a 5 unless you were recently diagnosed with a TBI and now go around proudly calling yourself a contrarian because you think you're hard. Highlights: Tom Sawyer, Red Barchetta, YYZ, Limelight
This behemoth. Not much I can say that hasn't already been said but one of several things that have struck me over time with this album, as the name implies, is how cinematic and engaging it is.
One of the most unique albums of the 80s. This one goes down in the lores of nerd rock.
Great Rush album. Transition from early album Rush to new lower voice popular Rush.
Alright, fine. Jeff you win. Rush kicks ass. Listened multiple times. 5 stars.
Peak RUSH - a trio of Canadian legends as ingrained in Rock Culture as any band of the last 50 years. Ultimate Bro Band - probably 80-20 man/woman fan base ratio and this is arguably their apex album. Just to open an album with Tom Sawyer, Red Barchetta, YYZ and Limelight leaves the listener gasping for breath. An in your face, unapologetic, 80s prog masterpiece. No notes and if you don't know this album already, you were born after 1990 or just out of touch with society.
I had an astronomy teacher in high school who loved Rush. He was painfully awkward, but he would always find a way to work Rush into his astronomy lessons. I think I bought 2112 on cassette because of that guy. I hope he’s doing OK.
you can’t listen to this as you. gotta embody someone else. i’m a high school junior in 1981. i’ve got a face full of zits, a wispy strawberry blonde mustache, a shitload of pent-up sexual frustration, and an IROC Z28. with me, i’ve also got my best friends Scooter and Mud Lungs, a pack of Marlboro lights, and a case of Hamm’s. we’re tearing ass down a county road on our way to Susie Greenfield’s, whose parents are out of town and where there’s a party with so many hot chicks. so there’s hope tonight. “yyz” is playing. Mud Lungs just nailed every bit of Peart’s drum part on the dash. it gives way to the righteous opening chords of “limelight”. and it sounds like a 5, baby. then perhaps i’m transported back to my own body. “more a 4?” i think haughtily as i sip coffee, jet-lagged and up too early in a kitchen not my own in copenhagen. “hooky but shallow? low hanging fruit? did it lose some focus and momentum around ‘witch hunt’? a fantasy, but fun while it lasted, right?” but then, lost in my thoughts, i feel the steering wheel in my hands, the summer air pouring in through the t tops, Geddy’s voice streaming behind us like a flag, a banner. i grin at Scooter in the rearview mirror (he’s always had such fucked up teeth), spark a marlboro, and hit that five star button so hard that everyone at the Greenfield place feels it.
I owe my life to rush, literally. My dad met my mom while running the soundboard at a club in River Grove. My mom was there to see her brother. He was the drummer of a Rush cover band called trance. Both my parents were under age and should not have been in that bar. As for the band in the album, pretty incredible I save this one for later didn’t want to… Rush through it. Usually, when I listen to Rush, I am just focused on the drums but this time I tried to take it all it. This album is like a great book. It flows well and leave you satisfied once you finish it. It’s clean. It’s well fought out and getty lee’s voice becomes less than less annoying as you listen to it.
Classic. Rush gets a bad rap for being nerd music for nerds (also a fair accusation), and Randian associations, but I suspect everyone on the planet gets at least a little fired up when they hear that intro to "Tom Sawyer." "Limelight" is built on on of the best guitar riffs ever, and a call to arms for theatre kids for decades. The merits of the pyrotechnics throughout the rest of the album depend on if you a connoisseur of such. And, looking at him, what did you think Geddy Lee's voice would sound like? Am I being defensive? Such is the lot for a Rush fan.
A powerhouse of an album. The drums and bass are What sets these guys apart. Truly legendary
Although it's an excellent record, I'm not sure if this would be Rush's best album, but it has a peculiar characteristic: released in 1981, it serves as a transitional link between the '70s and '80s sound, encapsulating the best of both. Embora seja um excelente disco, não sei se este seria o melhor álbum do Rush, mas ele tem uma característica peculiar: tendo sido lançado em 1981, é um álbum que serve como um elo de transição entre a sonoridade setentista e oitentista, resumindo o que cada uma tem de melhor.
Rush’s most approachable album but not their best. First 4 songs all hit; riffs can at times feel “tired” from decades of radio play, use in commercials, etc. (opening of Limelight). Tom Sawyer certainly all time top 20 song. Drumming is fantastic and prominent throughout, guitar solos feel loose and soar where they need to (Limelight), and Geddy Lee has finally figured out how to sing (ugh those ‘screamy’ 70s records). This album is in normal rotation for me. It’s not perfect but deserves top category. 5/5
Already better than the last Rush album we had. This one fucks. 5
To many, this is the pinnacle Rush album, and the opener "Tom Sawyer" is the peak Rush song. I would argue that the best era of Rush began on the previous album (Permanent Waves) which audibly shifts from their 70's sound to their 80's sound right before your ears; it is the perfect transition album. It is what prepared the fans for Moving Pictures and made them more willing to greet it with open arms. YYZ is the first Rush song I heard (and its cover is the first Primus song I heard, and Primus opening for Rush is the first concert I attended, and Primus covering Rush's entire Farewall to Kings was the first concert I had tickets for that was postponed due to Covid, and the first post-Covid concert I attended; but I digress). As a 7th-grade drummer taking in the current '80s pop of MTV, it was an eye-opening experience when my sister's then-boyfriend (a high school drummer) showed me a VHS copy of "Exit . . . Stage Left," specifically Rush's performance of YYZ which broke midway into a masterful drum solo by Neil Peart before returning back to the song. "And it's Morse code, man!" Odd timing, drum solo, Morse code (and no singing) . . . my head exploded. I've been a Rush fan since, and this 'underground' band that wasn't on MTV began a lifelong obsession with finding groups that were ignored by the mainstream. Rush is often thought of as a musician's band. The musicianship is excellent, but I can understand that their melodies and experimentation in songwriting is not often easily accessible. Aside from all the odd times and "look at me" showmanship, "Limelight" holds up as a great balance of musicality and accessibility, and it captures the sentimentality for the longing of the stage and the unexpected isolation that can occur in such a public space. "Red Barchetta" feels comforting to me, a nostalgic fast drive in the country, man and machine. "The Camera Eye" took a lot of time for me, but it has become one of my favorites on this album, particularly the groovy 6/4, 5/4, 6/4, 6/4 of the verse. Hahaha. I specifically recall thinking that "Witch Hunt (Part III of 'Fear')" was the most Satanic thing I've heard up to that point. It too has grown on me; the spit and venom in the lyrics. "Vital Signs" is a left turn for Rush. I haven't really heard them do anything like it before or since, which is a shame. That synth-reggae, Edie Brickell-bohemian bounce in the chorus is infectious, and they do it well. This album showcases my biggest concern with this 1001 album-a-day project: some of the greatest albums are not fully appreciated on a first listen. They challenge the listener to think and feel in different ways. They need time and attention to bloom in your mind. Listening back again after years of putting down my Rush albums, I am reminded again how great their work is.
Outstanding album. 4 heavy hitters on the A-side, and an awesome prog suite on the B-side. Incorrigible.
Great album, great band. Listen to this one all the time
Prog Rock mit ordentlich Druck. Ich kannte das Album nicht, trifft voll meinen Geschmack. 5/5
From the first track this album says exactly what it means to be and delivers on that. Very Much enjoyed!
One of my favorite albums. I’ve enjoyed albums from every stage in Rush’s career - incredible musicians and always thoughtful lyrics. Red Barchetta is one of my favorite songs (and lyrical short stories)
Part of me feels Tom Sawyer is such an incredible song that this album should be rated 5 out of 5 just for that, but looking at the rest of the album it may not hit the high point of there best song but they are all solid, except camera eye for being far too long. Special mention to Limelight and vital signs for being great songs, enjoyed the atmosphere in witch hunt as well.
I’m a Rush fan so this is obviously biased. Not ranking Moving Pictures a 5 is a cardinal sin. Masterpiece of prog rock.
This was the first album I have literally not done a single thing during my listening. Just hearing the incompatible talent each member has and the lyrics and everything is pure perfection. 11/10.
Meilleur que ta mère en shorts
Well even if I’m not a giant Rush fan this is totally boffo. Just accept that it is excellent, in it’s lane.
Great album. Used to hate geddy Lee's voice but used to it by now. Will listen again
Banger
A really good album. Everything you think a Rush album will be.
Everyone knows the hits from side A but the tracks on the second side are some of my favorite in their whole catalog.
Amazing album. I don't know if I ever listened to it all the way through before!
Such a good album! Some of my favorite rush songs! Exit the warrior today's Tom Sawyer?! Lol classic album!
Pure Canadian Gold.
Overall a great album. A great balance of instrumental and vocal, making each song feel like a fresh experience. Rush gives me nostalgia from rock band and guitar hero, and it’s great to finally listen to the whole album. 10/10 simple and sweet
Rush was experimenting with what rock music could be at the height of the genres popularity. Other bands nail the formula better in my opinion like The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. But Rush and Moving Pictures takes chances with wacky synth work, unique melodies, and creative chord progressions. Does it always work? No. Sometimes the lyrics feel nonsensical, sometimes too much is going on in one song for it to feel cohesive. All this to say, I don’t think Moving Pictures is a perfect album, but I think the music is brilliant, I think the musicians are brilliant and I’m glad Rush really went for it in a way that not every band was willing to.
I think I would have loved this even more fifteen years ago. All four of the songs on the A side are classics. The B side is proggier, and it's full of experimentation and great solos throughout. I'm less of a die-hard rock listener than I was in my youth, but I still really like it. I have to admit that I'm American, but grew up a casual stroll away from Canada. Any broadcast signals were stronger from across the border than from the USA, so almost all of the music I was exposed to was affected by CanCon. This may color my opinion of Canadian artists, but Rush seems almost as popular in the US as Canada, so I still would have been exposed to them, as opposed to, say, the Tragically Hip.
Masterpiece. Maybe Rush's best album. Truly iconic. "Tom Sawyer," "Red Barchetta," and "Camera Eye" are forever bangers.
Nostalgisk og nice
All bangers!
Very good
I rate Tom Sware a 5 star because its like rook and i like rook and its kinda of metalica and i like metalica. I rate Why Why z a 5 star because its like rook and i like rook and its kinda of metalica and i like metalica and the are good. I rate limelight a 5 star because its like rook and i like rook and its kinda of metalica and i like metalica and the are good.
Incredible record within a short span, masterful combination of the artistry of each member, the deep lyrics and themes of the album are different from their 70s work, yet it remains one of the best of their discography.
Great album
Pretty perfect classic rock album. Every song is a winner.
I love everything about this album. Tom Sawyer is such a banger, and YYZ is amazing!!! I’ve actually under appreciated camera eye.
liked songs: all Nearly perfect. 0.1 off because the love version of YYZ is that much better. 4.9
Not my favourite Rush album, I still prefer the 1970s longform madness, but still a very good, and highly influential record. The songs are relatively shorter, some of the time signatures complex. You can hear the beginnings of progressive metal, Tool and Dream Theater, but Rush themselves are taking on influences from the likes of the Police, in particular, and the production is akin to New Wave albums of the time, early ‘80s.
Soooo goood. Prog at its finest. Took too long to this listen to this one in full as well. Glad this popped up. Time for a deep dive.
Fabulous album with a ton of their best songs!
Absolutely outstanding. Even better live !
EPIC!
Didn’t even need to listen to this one, but I did anyway since it’s one of the greatest albums recorded.
Mathematical gold
Awesome!
It’s just a good album. Starts really strong and has a unique sound that also isn’t overplayed. I generally think you get a better sound and more creativity when you don’t have a rhythm guitar. It both forces and allows the bass to be way more involved. Rush is a very solid band and even the songs I didn’t remember from last time around I enjoyed and found new love for.
Id heard off them, but had never actually heard them. Great music, good vocalist, great drums. It carried a nice fantasy-esque ring while still being hard rock proper. Going into my regular listening list for sure
So great.
Always thought Rush was for nerds, but I loved this album for the drumming alone. So many subtle little touches, combined with big grandiose drum rolls and double bass kicking. This whole album is insanely tight, and though I know what some people mean when they say the technical focus leaves them cold, in the case of most of these songs, I think the virtuosity actually serves the song and lifts it to another plane. There’s a cheesiness to rush, and Id never say they are great songwriters or anything like that, but their utter mastery of their form lifts this album out of 80s schlock and makes it something special. Even the weirdo time signatures don’t feel indulgent to me; they make each song a more engaging listening experience. Was air drumming through the neighborhood while walking the dog.
This album is overflowing with prog rock greatness. The wiki made it clear that the band was super tight after 10 months of touring Throw out Tom Sawyer, Limelight and YYZ (the radio hits) and youre still left with an incredible album Red Barchetta was amazing. Peart’s fills and constantly changing beats are so fun to focus in on. Lifeson had some super rockin tone on this track. New track for me Vital signs is probably the weakest on the album - sounds like a Police song. Surprised they wanted to make that a single 4.9 out of 5 😂
The prog daddies :)
Yes
Generational album right here. Maybe a little front loaded, but I’ll be damned if it’s not got one of the best 3 songs to open an album with. The vibe is so clear here throughout, a total time capsule of an album. Red Barchetta is so clearly a song about a car even without knowing the title or hearing any lyrics. It’s got the Splash Wave from Outrun thing where it’s almost got a countdown built in to it as you start driving & then the core of the song hits right as you turn into a beautiful view. Iconic is a word I’ve been trying not to use much here, but if there’s an album to drop it on this is the one.
Rush is a polarizing band but it was this era that I think was the most accessible to anyone, not just those of us that like a lot of technical musicianship and men with high pitched voices. The first 4 tracks are all classic Rush songs, staples of classic rock radio, and ultimate Dad Rock anthems. Not even the mangling of the pronunciation of "barchetta" by Geddy Lee can make me annoyed by any of it. I love that that song in particular is unashamedly nerdy. It's based on some random work of sci fi writing about a future where gas engines are eliminated and the cops chase you around in flying cars to stop you from polluting. Just pure dork shit. The last three tracks are less in your face, and "The Camera Eye" in particular is one of those songs where the three of them just give in to progressive rock moves and keep playing on and on and on. Not a bad thing when you're this talented, but not for everyone. This might be my favorite Rush album but I wouldn't put all the tracks on my personal greatest hits collection. That's one of the great things about Rush - their sound evolved without too much deviation from themselves, so you get the various eras of the band throughout their insanely long career while knowing that it couldn't possibly be anyone else. Anyway I obviously liked this. If I could give a 4.75 I would, but I'll round up.
Hells yeah, I have been looking forward to this. I am a fan of tool but I know Rush is like the grand-daddy of prog-rock
Classic progressive rock album. No skip album. A lot of people may claim bias, but honestly I never grew up with rush. But if you like progressive rock, this album has it all. It’s got my two of my most important aspects of an album, it’s relatively short, and most importantly, it’s got variety. If someone had never heard of rush or progressive music, this would be the album I would give them.
An optimal example of the proficiency of Neil Pert, the hard hitting drums drive this album. Also Geddy Lee's best vocal display (in my opinion). This truly is the quintessential Ruush album.
Previously rated: 2112 (4/5) ********************** It's got several radio hits and some good deep cuts. It's hard not to like unless you hate Geddy Lee's voice (understandable) or the Libertarian-ish lyrics.
The thing I admire most about Rush is that they were never afraid to try new stuff. You get such a fresh twist on typical dad-rock music with all the added synth textures, guitar effects, genre infusions, and incredible technical songwriting. I think that's what really makes this record shine. You get these three amazing musicians, all pushing the boundaries, and creating something far greater than the sum of its parts. It feels new, and ultimately timeless. Did anybody else ever play All-Pro Football 2K8? No? That's where I first heard Rush. Tom Sawyer has been one of the greatest songs of all time since then. It's a rite of passage for all 10-year-olds in my book. Listening to this, I was just absolutely captivated once again when that first synth stab hits. I've heard most of these songs before, and they still were so fun to revisit. 10/10
Pristine prog rock from the undisputed Kings of the genre. What else is there to say about this one?
Like meticulous cinematographers, Rush frames each track on Moving Pictures with impeccable technique and artistic vision to create an album where technical wizardry serves storytelling, and seven distinct compositions form a singular, cohesive masterwork.
I love this albumm! all the songs are good my favs are limelight, the camera eye but theyre all good
Tom Sawyer is such an upbeat yet calming song. Truly perfect for all situations. 10/10 Red Barchetta is a fun dancing song, I can totally see it being played at school dances in the 80s. 10/10. YYZ is definitely one of those songs you “air drum” to. And I am SO here for it! 10/10 I don’t know how to explain it but Limelight gives off Surender x Under Pressure vibes. I am LOVING this man’s vocals. 10/10 The Camera Eye is slow at first but picks up BIG TIME. Worth the ten minutes 10/10 Witch Hunt gave cool magic vibes and I was here for it 10/10 Vital signs had a techno beat and it reminded me of a song that would be in TTG. Lowkey digging it. 10/10 5/5
Fantastic from start to finish
One of my favorites ever. Perched in the perfect place between long-form artistic ‘70s and pithy, synthesized ‘80s, this masterpiece never gets old. I won’t lie, it took me a long time to get Rush, but once I did I realized that I had been transformed forever.
Absolute banger. I can't really say anything bad about this album in all honesty. The guitar tone is good - sounds a lot like Dream Theater - the bass is absolutely fantastic and the riffs and solos are even better. His vocals are decent too - one of my favourite prog rock albums for sure. Standout tracks are Tom Sawyer and YYZ
Come on man
Great and historic
Awesome album, moving pictures is iconic and has tons of great songs
This is genuinely one of my favourite albums ever, and I don't care if that makes me biased - these guys are Canadian royalty for a reason! Some great arena prog rock, with offbeat storytelling and sheer technical mastery on each instrument, what's not to love?
a childhood favourite band...
Love it.
IRON CLAWWWWW
This is a very good album, not a single dud though I am reminded of Johnny Akins from the goldbergs 5/5
Like a fine wine (nod to Gary/Geddy), this fine piece of craftsmanship only improves with time. All 3 musicians continue to improve and expand, it’s hard to believe 3 guys can create and replicate this live! The writing is solid, incredible bass lines, amazing guitar, and unimaginably sophisticated drums. Neil’s lyrics just keep getting better, how do they do it? Highlights for me have always been: Red Barchetta, Tom Sawyer, and YYZ (Toronto’ airport call letters) just blow me away.
Love me some Rush (Slappa da bass, mon!). I'm pretty sure this is the only album of theirs I've given a listen to before though it's been a while. The first side of this album is fantastic. All the songs are 5/5's, even YYZ which is just them jamming for almost 5 minutes. I feel like I don't need to expand on that further. The 2nd side lacks the punch that the 1st side had, but the songs here are still good. Witch Hunt was easily the best of the 3 songs. I felt pretty confident this would be a 5 heading into it and my expectations were met. Pound-for-pound, I'd put Rush up there with the best classic rock bands. Easily top-10 and maybe top-5 if I had to think about it. It's pretty incredible what these 3 men could create between them. This is a great record.
My favorite Rush album. A bit front loaded but so good overall. Side 1 is basically all hits. YYZ and Tom Sawyer plus Limelight and Red Barchetta.
superb. epic game changer. the first record I bought with my own money in 1981. rode my bike 2 miles to buy it at peer records. iconic instant classic.
Three virtuoso musicians at their creative peak. "The Camera Eye" goes on a little longer than necessary, but other than that, there is not much to criticize.
this is peak and if you disagree you are no fun
Every track is a classic
What a classic
Solid from start to finish with a few of their best in between.
I loved it in the 80s and it hasn't faded a touch in the two score years since.
The album that put them on the map. Side A is probably one of the five best album sides ever.
Love the first song, excited to hear more on my drive. absolute bangers all the way, for sure a relisten.
Side A might be the greatest album side of all time. Side B ain't too shabby either. If you don't like Rush, you're suspect.
Amazing album a classic rock must listen. Rush lays down iconic vocals strong instrumentals and creative writing in a masterpiece of work 9/10
"Moving Pictures" is the eighth studio album by Canadian rock band Rush. The album was produced by Rush and Tony Brown who was also involved in the songwriter. The resultant songs had music with a more radio-friendy sound and more concise and direct lyrics. Rush is Geddy Lee (bass, synths, vocals), Alex Lifeson (guitars, synths) and Neil Peart (drums, percussion, lyricist). The album had positive reviews and commercially did well hitting #3 in both the US and UK. Drums and a synth drone open the album on their signature song "Tom Sawyer." A deep bass, Peart's drums and a great guitar riff come next. There's a guitar solo, a fast-slow dynamic and a Peart drum onslaught for the outro. Peart took the literary rebel Tom Sawyer character motif and translated it to the purpose of the lyrics which is that there is a difference between what you see and what you really are. Alex Lifeson's high pitched guitar keys start "Red Barchetta." A melodic bass and guitar. They use that fast-slow dynamic in a song based on a short story about drving a fast red barchetta car and getting chased by the police. Nice detail in making the music sound like a car in spots. "YYZ" is an instrumental song named after the Toronto airport designation. This is a good song just to check out the dynamics of Neil Peart on the drums. The first side ends with "Limelight." A terrific guitar riff. It's melodic, catchy and definitely their most radio-friendly song. Peart wrote this about himself and his dissatisfaction with fame. Lots of little detailed references about Rush. "The Camera Eye" opens side two. The longest song at 10 minutes and split into two parts. The first part is mostly instrumental. The second part sounds a lot like "Red Barchetta." The lyrics simply talk about walking through NYC and London. Bells, an ominous synth and a heavy guitar start "The Witch Hunt." This is the third part of the Rush Fear series of songs with the the other songs on different Rush albums. A fantasy-like story about manipulating a mass of people by fear (Salem witch trials). The album closes with one of their more underrated songs in "Vital Signs." A synth sequencer and a slight reggae-sounding guitar. Well, the Police were big at the time. Lee with wobbly bass slaps and his most impassioned singing on the album. Sometimes you need to deviate from your norm. The first side of this album is one of my alltime favorite rock album sides. Even though I've listened a lot to this album, by doing the background research and ensuing listen, i have a much better appreciation of the second side specifically "Vital Signs." The band never sounded better. For the most part, the songs are tight with no excess. The drumming and bass are spectacular. Lifeson's guitar riffs are the best of his career. They continue their expansion into synths and it works. This is also my favorite Rush period with "Signals," "Moving Pictures" and "Grace Under Pressure" with this particular album being the apex. A classic rock album.
So many bangers on this album. I don't know the B-side of this well, but I'll likely give this a few more spins to remedy that soon. 4.5/5
Great album I've heard many times. They are unfuckwithable here. 4.5/5
An easy no skip album, Canadian royalty and always interesting to listen to
Finally a Rush record and this one is easy. 5 stars can’t wait to listen to this gem as a whole collection again. Alex Lifeson is probably one of the most under appreciated guitar players. Love this record. Love this band. Wish I saw them live more than I did.
Brilliant album, the first 4 songs are straight out masterpieces
Some classic key tracks
Obvious 5 star!
Drums go brrrr
This album is often hailed as one of the band’s finest works, and after giving it a listen from start to finish, it's easy to see why. This album captures the pinnacle of Rush’s progressive rock evolution, offering a perfect blend of complex musicianship, thought-provoking lyrics, and rich, immersive soundscapes that make it a timeless classic. From the very first track, "Tom Sawyer," it’s clear that Rush is firing on all cylinders. Geddy Lee’s commanding vocals and impeccable bass work are front and centre, with the song’s instantly recognisable synth line setting the tone for the rest of the album. Lyrically, "Tom Sawyer" is a meditation on individuality and defiance, themes that resonate even more in the modern world. It’s an anthem for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, and it’s a track that truly encapsulates the spirit of Rush. But let’s be honest, hasn’t it been played to death? It’s everywhere: on classic rock radio, in movies, in adverts. As brilliant as it is, I sometimes feel like it overshadows other songs on the album, which is a shame because there’s so much more to love beyond the obvious hit. “YYZ” is a technical marvel. As someone who appreciates musicianship, this track is an absolute joy to listen to. The interplay between Neil Peart’s drumming and Geddy’s bass is mind-blowing, and Alex Lifeson’s guitar work ties it all together perfectly. Even though it’s an instrumental, it never feels like it’s just showing off—it’s pure energy and emotion, told entirely through sound. Every time I listen to it, I’m in awe of how tight and precise the band is. “Limelight” might be my personal favourite on the album. The lyrics are so introspective and honest, reflecting on the challenges of fame in a way that’s both relatable and deeply moving. Geddy’s vocal delivery feels raw and genuine, and Alex’s guitar solo is absolutely stunning. It’s a track that balances vulnerability and power, and it gets me every time. it might feel a bit niche compared to their usual epic, adventurous themes. If you’re drawn to Rush for the escapism, this one might feel a little too grounded, even though it’s a fantastic track. What I love most about Moving Pictures is how cohesive it feels. Even with all the variety—anthemic rockers, introspective moments, instrumental showcases—it all flows together so seamlessly. The production is incredibly polished, which lets every instrument shine, but it never feels sterile or overproduced. Rush managed to strike the perfect balance between technical brilliance and emotional resonance. Sure, there are minor things you could nitpick. “Tom Sawyer” might feel overplayed to some, and “The Camera Eye” could test the patience of listeners who aren’t into longer tracks. But honestly, those aren’t flaws in my eyes—they’re just part of what makes the album uniquely Rush. Every song has its own identity, and together, they form a body of work that’s as engaging today as it was all those years ago At its core, Moving Pictures is a perfect blend of technical skill, emotional depth, and storytelling. It’s one of those albums that rewards you more with each listen, and for me, it’s one of the greatest works of progressive rock ever created.
Rush at their peak and the peak of prog rock for many, maybe even myself. Accessible yet challenging at the same time. Anthemic riffs, stellar production, and standout performances create a timeless masterpiece of rock. I luvs it Best tracks: All of them Worst tracks: The ones not on this album
Stunning. An absolute masterpiece. Also nostalgic for me and my buds during middle school.
enjoyable listen from start to finish
Classic, progressive, one of my first introductions to technical hard rock. Excellent listen.
Tom sawyer! Damn, what an awesome way to start an album
I'm not sure what everyone's problem is with this. Great album of two halves.
Rush, nooit van gehoord dacht ik. Totdat ik de eerste klanken hoor. Ow...maar dat kennen we! Tom Sawyer heb ik zelf al duizenden keren opgezet. Super sterk nummer in het geheel, maar met extra pluspunten voor de eerste 10 seconden. Zonder al te gek te knallen, zit daar zoveel belofte in. De zang valt in die seconden heel erg op. Maar toch moet het album het niet daar van hebben. Natuurlijk, het werkt vaak versterkend. Maar de instrumentele delen luisteren vaak net zo fijn weg. Er is dus meer. Wat maakt dan wel het verschil? Dit album heeft dé middenweg gevonden tussen een makkelijk te luisteren concept en creativiteit. Ik kon het album makkelijk drie maal luisteren. Er wordt volop voor afwisseling gezorgd. Niet alleen tussen delen van de nummers. Maar ook de individuele instrumenten binnen een deel huppelen er vaak op los. Zelfs jaren '80 klanken die vanuit de ruimte lijken te komen worden omarmd en zo verwerkt, dat het warempel het geheel versterkt. In The Camera Eye past de zanger ook nog eens zijn zang erop aan. En het blijft prima klinken. Een van de beste en meest creatieve albums in het genre. Dat scoort makkelijk 5 sterren.
We hebben de jaren 80 in zijn volledige "glorie" gehad de afgelopen maand zo ongeveer, maar dit album komt dus ook uit de jaren 80. Onvervalste progrock in optima forma. Met een formidabele drummer, die verschrikkelijk moeilijke dingen doet, van tempo's wisselt etc. En toch klinkt het lekker. Je hebt wel eens als drummers een ongewone maat drummen, dat het niet lekker luistert, omdat je de tel kwijtraakt. Maar dat heb ik hier dus niet. Het fascineert juist om naar de drums te luisteren. Want nondeju, die zijn goed hoor. Dit zijn de snobplaten die je wel wil horen.
Fucking Neil Peart, man. This was always a 5.
Love Rush and I also have all but one of these songs on a playlist somewhere (sorry Red Barchetta, not sure why you didn't make the cut). Tom Sawyer, YYZ, and Limelight are all incredible songs. The rest of the album is a solid 4 if we were to exclude those songs. I am amazed at how much I like all of the components of Rush. Geddy Lee's vocals are great, though I could see how someone would not like them. Neil Peart really shows off why he is arguably the best drummer in the world (RIP). Honestly I thought this was going to be a slam dunk 5, but I did deliberate giving this a 4 toward the end of the album because it starts to sound a bit samey. Then I listened to the first couple songs again and remembered the highs.
A top 5 album for me of all time and probably one of my most listened to albums ever. Can't possibly give this an unbiased review. All I will say is that I know that Geddy Lee's singing may not be for everyone, but the absolute musical genius that they play on the instruments in this album is unmatched. Every single song on this album is a 5/5 in my opinion. Best part about this is that after it ended on Spotify it jumped into another Rush song, Leave That Thing Alone, that I have never heard before and it is an absolute banger so I instantly added it to my snowboarding playlist. More Rush plz
From one of the greatest "nerd rock" acts of all time, this might be Rush's magnum opus. Including catchier hits like "Limelight" and "Tom Sawyer" in addition to more technical instrumental sections and full tracks, this record is Rush to a tee. Universally revered while also being underrated, this trio belongs in the conversation of best band of all time. Notable Tracks: - Tom Sawyer - YYZ - Limelight - The Camera Eye 9/10
Slap da bass. I love Rush, and though this is not my favourite album by them (2112 or Caress of Steel) it's definitely a great album. Geddy is an incredible multi-instrumentalist, and Alex and Neil are both some of the best at what they do. Kicks off strong with Tom Sawyer, probably one of their most well known songs, and continues on strong. YYZ is a great instrumental piece. I don't think there's a song on this album I don't at least have a strong like for, if not full out love.
Such a brilliant album
Easy 5/5, it’s Rush! What a great classic album, playing is immaculate and interesting. Always enjoyable!
I used to live in rural Montana. I grew up in the 90s and 2000s, before you could just look up whatever music you wanted on spotify or youtube. When I was in high school, I came across Rush. I was immediately smitten. Nobody I had ever met had ever talked about them. I had never heard them on the radio. Tight percussion, grooving basslines, lightly philosophical lyrics (with topics like, authoritarianism is bad) and packaged in a synthy, jazzy, hard rock box. I loved it so much. I had no idea that Rush was even talked about. When I got to college I was shocked at how many people hated Rush. Shocked at how many people wouldn't even give the music a chance because "Ew Geddy Lee's voice" or "this music is trying to be too smart". Just shocked. Anyway, this music inspired me to be a better person, a better musician and a better friend. I'm sorry some of you can't see what I did.
Neil Peart.
It usually takes a full listen to an album until a prog rock band clicks for you. Well, now I can finally say I get Rush.
Album Ben curto com 40 minutos mas já começa com Tom Sawyer, um clássico absoluto e segue nessa mesma visão. Adorei conhecer também Rush, já que sempre ouvi falar mas nunca parei pra escutar
This is simply and easily one of the top 10 greatest rock albums ever recorded. Its perfection on vinyl.
One of my favourites. Still remember the day I bought it.
Bangers
Classic - 40th Anniversary edition was great
4.5/5. BEST: YYZ LEAST FAVOURITE: THE CAMERA EYE
I've listened to Exit...Stage Left, live recording which I own and came out after this one, and R30, so lots of the tracks are familiar. Out of their albums I've heard some here and there, but haven't real idea how their style has evolved from one decade to another. I mean, this album is basically mostly classics, for me anyway.
Best Rush album
Already love a ton of these songs, bangers. Drummer is fire, very neat album. Would (and already have) add to my playlists
Just as epic as the first time i heard it
Uma absoluta Banger YYZ musica de nerd Red Barchetta musica de nerd automobilismo Eu amo esse album
Love it. Seminal record.
I never fully appreciated Rush until they became a staple in Rock Band/Guitar Hero. I always liked them when they came on the radio when I was a kid, but I didn't seek them out during high school and college, so I'm glad I got back into them afterwards. I'm also glad that I was fortunate enough to see them live once; seeing Neil Peart in person was pretty cool. I think they're probably the most impressive 3-piece band for my money. The vocals are fine-not-great, but damn near everything else they do regularly hits 10/10. Great composition and great musicianship leading to a bunch of great songs. This album in particular is the easiest 5 since Dark Side of the Moon. 5.0
I love Rush, musically. Lyrically I am left wanting much more, but their musicality easily bolsters their score.
Classic, one of my favourite Rush albums. As a Canadian I’m obliged to rate it 5
I mean when you open with "Tom Sawyer" it's gonna be a solid album. I struggled with whether a 4 or a 5 on this and I think imma go with a 5. Peart was just a master on the drums. I quite like Getty's voice it's very distinctive and reminds me of middle school (which isn't necessarily a good thing but it doesn't remind me of anything bad). "YYZ" I really liked. The whole band sounds really good, really talented group. Iconic and the first Rush album I have every listened to.
yes
It’s stayed in my head all weekend long.
Classic.
Oh yea
An album I can pretty well play from memory in my head. I feel they never pulled off a flawless album - the whole of 2112 side two is pretty weak, maybe this and Farewell to Kings gets closest. The drum solo in YYZ is inessential on record (and on tour when I saw them on this tour). It's 4.75 really as Tom Sawyer, Limelight and Camera Eye are timeless bangers.
So good. Pulls you in and doesn’t let you go.
Not my favourite rush album. But everyone else’s. First proper album I bought when it was released.
This was the first Rush album I owned (Vital Signs was the first single.) I bought it on cassette in March 1982 with saved spending money from a school trip to Italy. A few years later, when I had a Saturday job, I bought the vinyl. When it cam eout on CD I bought the CD. I then bought the remastered CD. Next was the version in the Sector 3 box set. I regret not buying the Moving Pictures Live vinyl album and hope one day to find an affordable copy. Even though I do own the exact same two sides of vinyl within the Time Travel live vinyl box set. I also have never bought the 2015 remaster on 24/192 download. Although I do own that on the 40th Anniversary deluxe box set. Again, I'llprobably buy the 3 CD non-deluxe version of the 40th anniversary when I see it for under £30. Am I missing anything? Don't think so. The songs are good too.
Never a fan of prog-rock, but do have a soft spot for these guys.
I know I just got Supertramp two days ago, but prog rock is still a genre that I need more albums from, so getting Rush today was a very welcome treat, especially to ease the tensions of election day here in the US. Anyways, this album's awesome. I love prog rock, and this is one of the all time great prog rock albums for a reason. All three of Rush's members bring something special to the table. Geddy Lee is a solid frontman. His vocals are an acquired taste, but his bass and keyboard work is undeniably phenomenal. I love Alex Lifeson's guitar playing as well. The solos on songs like "Limelight" really appeal to me. And of course, there's a reason why Neil Peart was considered the heart of Rush. His drum work is excellent. There's a reason why he's considered one of the greatest drummers of all time. His songwriting is also great. It's kind of weird that "Tom Sawyer," the one song Neil Peart didn't write, became the most popular one from the album. I'm not going to say this song doesn't deserve the popularity though. It's great. I love it. All of the songs here are amazing. "YYZ" is one of my favorite instrumental pieces of all time. It really shows the talents of every member at their absolute best. This album absolutely belongs on here. It is a strong showing of some exceptional music talent that you don't see very often. Rush is cool as hell, and this album is apparently one of their best. Light 5/5.
Their best bar none.
I was introduced to Rush by school friends around Hold Your Fire in 1987. I was hooked and have listened to this album countless times. When I saw it on the list I still shrieked with joy. One of their near perfect albums. Love this album so much.
Classic Rush, classic rock, classic for you.
this is day three in a row that I've found myself playing a bit of a game with this 1001 Albums challenge. I'm calling it "Cool, But I Already Know That One!" in elementary school, one of the only resources I was aware of for discovering new music was the radio. since I grew up on Long Island, that meant a lot of my first music discoveries came from 102.3 WBAB, Long Island's Only Classic Rock Station. while I've bemoaned my frustrations with the omnipresence of classic rock radio and the classic rock canon quite a lot in my adult years (and even once or twice in this list already), I have to credit WBAB (and Guitar Hero, of course) for starting me on this long journey we call Being A Total Music Dork as a kid in my mom's car. since it was always the more experimental or progressive stuff that piqued my interest, Rush's radio hits, especially the ones from the A-side of this album, left a huge impression. this some of the most delicately constructed rock music of its kind! all the best aspects of Rush's prior work as progressive juggernauts are present here, but even at their most ambitious, they always have one foot on the ground, and that's in the form of some tremendous pop songwriting. lyricist Neil Peart delivers some of his best, most evocative stanzas here, which Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee match with some stupendous music. fun time signature changes, astute riffing, and tons of great melodies from Lee. did I mention the synths? too cool. oh, and Peart's drumming is pretty good, too, I guess. "Tom Sawyer", "Witch Hunt" and "Vital Signs" speak to non-conformity, prejudice, and people that deviate from the norm. these are common tropes in Peart's writing which I can definitely get behind, unlike the Objectivist stuff! "Red Barchetta" and "The Camera Eye" share a focus on the sensual experiences of being in a sports car and a bustling city, respectively. they're easily the album's two loftiest songs compositionally, so I like that their lyrics are less abstract to balance it out. "Limelight" is an ode to the barriers artists often have to put up around themselves to keep doing their jobs, particularly as they accumulate fame. Lifeson's solo on this one is deeply moving; to this day, it's probably my favorite Rush song. and "YYZ" is about planes or something. the first five tracks here are one of the most legendary runs in the entire canon! i really like the last two songs, don't get me wrong, but the A-side and "The Camera Eye" could be the entire album and I'd probably still call it one of my favorites of this era. decent 9/10.
Their best. Absolute classic. Only 7 songs and they're all bangers (ok Witch Hunt doesn't really standout but I'll let them off)
5/5 no questions. This is ultimate air drums album
Masterpiece. Possibly the greatest musicians of all time. Everything is so clean and technically insane. 10/10
I love Rush. This album is awesome the B side is very rush which people don't enjoy as much but I still love it. Also this is the last album from Rush's golden period and I'll die on the hill, the sound of the 80's and the way Rush changed there sound to fit in sucks.
Side 1 is near perfect, side 2 is pretty good pokemon music
This record is a gateway drug. They reel you in with Tom Sawyer, then almost immediately rewire your brain with YYZ. Rush are a tough band to get into. ~30 albums spanning almost five decades, but this is absolutely where to start. Even if prog isn't your scene, this album deserves a fighting chance because it's just so unapolagetic in what it sets out to achieve. If you don't like it, maybe you're right and prog just isn't for you. At any rate, this is a top-shelf effort and I would encourage anyone who even liked this album a little bit to give 2112 a spin too.
Will always hold a special place in my heart as it was the album thay Bennett flipped over to the first time to
This album exemplifies what it means to be an all-time great. Innovative and well-produced with superb musicianship. This is what I expect from a must-listen albums list.
Just a monster of an album. Crazy talent from all three musicians. I've seen most of this album performed live, and it's just unbelievable that this much sound can come from only three dudes. I find myself humming one of the tracks from this album quite frequently. Some people are going to hate on Geddy's voice, and I get it, but...it just wouldn't be Rush without it. One of the best albums of all time, period.
My favorite prog rock album. Every song is a classic.
5 mastapiece
Fantastic musicians with some of their most iconic tunes. I always want to like RUSH more than I do. Still a 5
This might be Rush at their leanest, most straight-ahead rock and roll. I love Rush at all stages of their career. Easy fiver for me.
Bangers all the way through. Full volume bangers.
Masterpiece
Sensational. A magical classic from one of my all time favourite bands. Love it
Took me a ling time to come around to Rush but this is pretty awesome.
Slow start to a phenomenal album. Quintessential 80s rock.
Come on! the best.
I really enjoyed this. There’s a hardcore Rush fan hidden somewhere inside me. Fave Tracks: Tom Sawyer, Limelight, The Camera Eye 4.5/5
This is one of my absolute favourite albums ever, and it probably has been since I bought it on CD at 13 years old! Now, 15 years on, I am amazed at every nuance that comes through on each new listen. As an example, I only recently started listening seriously to the lyrics (cause the music contains more than enough food for thought). And my god, Neil Peart is a brilliant writer, in addition to be one of the most complete drummers in popular music history. Geddy Lee masters every his three roles with ease. While someone critics his voice, I find it is so clear that the lyrics don't get muffled (as they often do in music with this thick of a sound). And once again, that serves the music well. And come on — just his bass playing and ability to make bass lines that are as virtuosic as they are a perfect fit for everything else going on. And then there is Alex Lifeson. As a guitar player myself, I owe so much to this canadian baby-faced man. His amazingly unique chordal playing, solos that are everything experimental rock bands have tried to be ever since, and still manages to restrain himself in service of the bigger picture. For the album itself — three huge radio hits, one of the most virtuosic unison pieces in all of prog, lyrics that still ring eerily true today and one of the most clever album covers of all time. WHY IS THIS NOT IN THE TOP TEN ON HERE???
My favorite RUSH album. This is the first album that I listened to back in 1981 when I was 14 years old. I have seen RUSH several times in concert and they remain one of my favorite bands.
I don't think there is a single person who dislikes Tom Sawyer, such a cool song. It's been such a long time sense I've listened to this album I forgot how good the album Is as a whole. Red barchetta is really solid song. YYZ is one of the best instrumentals ever recorded. There are so many great parts throughout like when the synths come in, the chicka chicka guitar part halfway through, or just that main riff. I've never been the biggest fan of limelight, but it's a good rush song and i like the chorus. I think Witch Hunt is the most underrated songs on the album. I just love that main riff, and when the synths come in *chef's kiss*. Vital signs is the only song I don't really have an opinion on. It is fine. Somehow I wrote all of this without praising the excellent drum work. RIP Niel. I like the three way pun on the album cover (you can only understand the 3rd if you can see the back sleeve). Low 5.
The first half goes so hard
Greatest trio. Welcome prog rock?
I'm not a big Rush fan. I think of Rush as a band whose lyrics have little meaning to me because I have never played Dungeons and Dragons nor do I understand much about the Lord of the Rings movies. I appreciate their great playing, Geddy Lee's voice does not bother me and they do have some good songs. I am very Rush Neutral. I can appreciate them in the same breath I make fun of them. For me, this is their best album because it removes a lot of the long masturbatory solos and excess that I feel plagues some of their other albums. I'm glad you can play your instruments well, but no, I am not interested in hearing a song about medieval times. In fact, this album is on my personal list of albums that must be heard before I die. I think the first four songs are so strong and though Vital Signs does include the word "shape shifter" which should turn me off, I think this is really great. Recommend for those who don't hate Rush. Even if you do hate Rush, I get it, but gives this album a try anyway.
Tom Sawyer, YYZ, Limelight are all timeless classics 10/10 album
Amazing
One of the best albums of all time. Song ranking: Red Barchetta, Limelight, YYZ, Camera Eye, Tom Sawyer, Vital Signs, Witch Hunt Truly every song is great.
gamers rise up
Good prog rock. Update: I fell in love with Rush, they are just brilliant. Professor Peart's drumming, Lifeson's wild guitar work, and Lee's crisp bass tone and unique voice are incredible. Fav track - Red Barchetta
Gear: Fostex TH610 Artwork: 🖼️🏛️🎩 Mix (2011 Remaster): 🎧😘🤌 Musik: 🇾🇾🇿❗ Wertung: 🖼️🖼️🖼️🖼️🖼️/5
Neil Peart is one of my favorite drummers, if not my favorite. The way he sets the tone for the band with Geddy Lee's voice is fantastic. This album has some real top songs from them as well, Tom Sawyer and Limelight being the standouts, but the rest of the album is also worth listening to. Definitely an album and a band I will be coming back to.
There is a part of me that would honestly give this album 4 stars, because even though the songs are all great and there are so many classics, I actually feel it should be longer and should have more to fill it out. As it is, though, it is quick, to the point, and then it leaves. But, due to the classic songs and influence, and the fact I can listen to it at any time, I have to give it 5 stars.
The first half of this album is nearly perfect.
Rush isn’t everyone’s “cup of tea”. But they are fantastic musicians and this is a fantastic album
Now that’s a real beauty, eh? Top-shelf stuff!
Love these goofy hosers.
What a winner.
Holy shit. I for real cannot believe I never gave these guys an honest chance. I was today years old when I discovered the glory of YYZ (8/20/2024). If you read any of my other reviews, it should be pretty obvious I'm a giant old metal head. And yet... Seriously, this was so good I listened to it a second time straight away, still bummed when it was over. Rush is unbelievable.
Alright have a seat everyone, THE PROFESSOR is here to show us how it's done! RIP Neil you absolute legend.
One of the easiest 5-star ratings I've ever given. Absolute classic! I don't have much to say. Tom Sawyer was one of the anthems of my adolescence, XYZ is one of my favorite instrumental songs and Limelight is beautiful! In fact, all 7 songs are absolute classics. Probably one of the best albums in history.
Must listen if you're into Prog. Even though by this point Rush wasn't writing the long epics, this is still must listen.
Growing up I had relegated Rush to prof-rock fodder for D&D kids without ever really giving them a chance. But what I realized later in life is some music takes time to mature. For me, I would not have appreciated Rush when I was younger, and this album is perfect evidence of that. It has long been thought to be their best album, and as their official “best of” pulls heavily from this album it’s pretty accurate. Tom Sawyer is a masterful piece of art that showcases each of their skill. YYZ is a musical madness that has left musicians salivating for more; Limelight is one of my favorite songs they did. But I also loved Camera Eye and Red Barchetta, two songs that don’t get credit I imagine solely because of their radio-unfriendly length. This album is both a journey, a masterpiece, and a gift to the world.
Work of art, set the bar for 80s rock
this is one of my favorite albums ever. god i love rush
This was the first Rush album I ever heard in full and it made me stop and go "oh huh I guess these guys are more than just Tom Sawyer"
H*ck yeah
Unbelieveable, ive heard most of these songs before but had no idea all these bangers were on the same album and the album was so short and sweet. Such a clear no brainer 5 star album!
Masterpiece- My favorite Rush album
One of the best albums on this list to me. Every song on here is great and I've been a big fan of this one for a long time. 5/5
Tom Sawyer Limelight
Tom Sawyer is classic Red Barchetta is adventurous YYZ is virtuosic Limelight is challenging Camera Eye is expansive Witch Hunt is thought provoking Vital Signs
All the things a lot of listeners abjectly hate about Rush, I love. Too many notes? Check! Geddy Lee's voice? Check! Bombastic overreaching themes? Check! "It's prog oh my!" or "It's nothing like the beautiful precious prog of the 70's oh my!" CHECK AND MATE! To the haters: let people enjoy things. Maybe it's not your taste, maybe the Rush fans you've met are weird, maybe you have a belief system about Rock® that Rush doesn't quite fit into. Let it go and move on to the next thing. Rush play with their hearts. Yes, it's really technical, which can be a turn-off for a lot of people. You don't listen to classical or jazz either then, probably. Who cares. Let it go. Let us have our fun! This was (kind of) the last album in Rush's golden era starting with 2112. It has the most popular hooky material they ever did, without a weak spot across the entire disc. "Vital Signs" is the harbinger of what was to come, a turning point for band and fans alike, as the music moved away from the spacey prog-like shenanigans they feasted on for so long toward more personal, simpler compositions. Very straightforward lyrically, unlike much of the earlier catalog, replete with metaphors and sci-fi as it was (not that we don't have metaphors here, but their meaning are very clear this time around). There's no long-form time-signature changing vulgar display of chops like "La Villa Strangiato" here. Cool moment in the sun for a band who really created their own path, and did so without hurting anyone or themselves along the way.
Top 3 of Rush albums and the best mix of prog and rock that has ever been released.
This is Rush at their best. Every song on here is amazing. Great, cohesive album. No notes.
iconic album
What can be said about this album? It's iconic. A masterpiece from start to finish. I wonder if these guys had any idea of what they were creating when they were writing and recording this album. Can you imagine?
This album has to have one of the most if not the most recognizable sounds for an album to kick off with. Neal's drums are the throughline of this album for me. They elevate every song to another level. Geddy's bass groove that he lays down on YYZ is just stellar. Alex's opening guitar riff on Limelight is just as iconic as Neal's drum opening on Tom Sawyer to me. I guess I've never listened to this album all the way through before since I don't recall ever hearing Witch Hunt or Vital Signs before but I've heard every other song on the album. As a kid I ignored Rush and would change the radio station every time it came on the classic rock station. What the heck was wrong with me?? Now I gotta go get this on vinyl.
Excellent prog rock record. I feel like the sequencing is weird as hell but songs are hard to argue. The drums! This 🪨 s
Could this be the best album ever? Why do I feel so empowered listening to it? I need more of a RUSH every day
Excellent album
Canadian legends, words cannot express how much I love this band. Perhaps the most talented trio in the history of music.
What a treat to get this on Canada Day. I mean, it'd be a treat to get this any day, but on Canada Day, specifically? Man, oh man. 'Cuz simply, this is one of the best Canadian albums ever released. Seriously, from the crashing opening synth of "Tom Sawyer"—damn thing's a jump scare if you're not paying attention—it's Rush at the top of their game, right on down. Like, 2112 the song is a masterpice, but as an album? Really feels like "2112 and five other songs," as good as those other five are. But MOVING PICTURES here, it's the whole package. You got your radio-ready songs like "Red Bachretta", and you got your proggier stuff like "Witch Hunt", but neither side is any more or less important than the other, y'know? It's rock damn solid. And to touch on the radio-ready material—like that's a bad thing? Hell if a prog band has some songs with hooks and that're catchy. Sorry they're not writing neo-jazz classical epics about By-Tor and honewdew, y'know? Like, my apologies, but it really stings me that the top-rated review of this album—which, I'll be up front, I didn't read in full because I come here for reviews, not creative writing exercizes—seems to be saying that Rush killed prog going into the 80's. At least that's what I gleam from the paragraph where Geddy Lee stabs prog rog to death—prog rock, who used to be about jazzy suites or whatever. Truthfully, I haven't heard enough 80's prog rock to comment on how it fared or has aged, but just talking about this album—no. No. Hard no. This might be Rush's greatest album, far as I'm concerned. This or 2112, but either way, MOVING PICTURES is a landmark album. It's simply incredible. I don't know how someone can hear "YYZ" or "Lifelight" and think this album's so bad they hafta write a whole fairy tale to express how much they don't like it. I mean, maybe I'm just mad at the form of the review. The fairy tale thing. Really, if they dislike the album that much, fine. In fact, I'd love to know **why** someone dislikes those songs as much as they do. But in the way they chose to present it... I'unno. It just strikes me as incredibly pretentious; like they think they're **so smart** for not liking this album and saying so in this way. And, y'know, apologies as well for ranting on so long about that. MOVING PICTURES has the kind of reputation where it doesn't need defending—by anyone, let alone me—but as someone who cares about hearing people's opinions, wether I disagree with them or not... It just frustrates me. So, lemme bring this back around: without any spite, I meant what I said about this album. It really is that good all around. Now, sure, I might return to the 70's hard rock sounds of 2112 a bit more than this album's synth thing, but that's not to undermine it. It's a classic from my home country, plain and simple. At the end of the day, that's really all that needs to be said. (And, hey, this album doesn't have influence from Ayn Rand, so that's another positive.)
Some of the best rock tunes of the 80s, plus it's got Tom Sawyer and Limelight, so it's an easy 5 for me.
Yeah, I’m at another 5. I honestly think that was a more complete top to bottom album than 2112, which is crazy for me to even consider, but I liked it that much. I think the synth work here is off the charts. I think the instrumentation that underlines all of that synth work has a ridiculously infectious energy to it. Lyrically, there’s some great stuff here – Limelight and Witch Hunt, in particular, have aged remarkably well. Even in terms of the vocals, which do feel a little high pitched and out of place at times… I think there’s a super strong performance here all-around. The percussion deserves its own spotlight; Neil Peart deserves more flowers than there are stars in the solar system. I’ve got not a singular complaint; that was 40 minutes of rock music that hits on every single one of my musical sensibilities – I think it’s catchy as hell, it’s fun to listen to, and if you can’t enjoy hearing people shred on a guitar while percussion goes at 100 miles per hour, then you just don’t know how to have a good time with music. Very easy 5. Spectacular album.
Such great musicianship
One of Rush's beat
a gallery of evocative and immense prog rock from the early 1980s, beefy guitars and even beefier synthesizers create a sound that almost feels... i dunno, it's a very great sound. it's not flamboyant... i guess it's just dramatic. really really dramatic. i pictured a mighty wizard shredding a guitar on a cliff as lightning strikes in the background. it's a very creative feat for the genre, a different taste compared to previous dives.
5/5
One of my top 5 albums. Not a bad song on the release.
A classic album that I have heard a bunch of times. I still like it after so many years. The beginning of Tom Sawyer is still so mind blowing even after so many listens.
5/5 that was great
Rush's last great album. Easy 5 stars.
Oooh, that was good! I was familiar with several Rush songs, but I had never listened to a full album. I liked this very much. 4.5 stars.
You can't go wrong with some classic Rush. One of my favourite albums of there, with many of my favourite songs. Was great to see them on the list.
I know Rush and some of their songs, but this was the first time I really sat down to Experience Rush. Now I’m hooked.
I love getting Rush-ified!!!
An all time favorite!
“Moving Pictures” is an album I grew up listening to, so I’ve heard it a million times. Moving forward to the stage of life I’m in at the moment, I’m really going through a phase of appreciating prog rock, and Rush is a band I’ve found new respect and appreciation for. This particular album is the perfect blend of hard rock and synth rock. I really enjoy the way Rush uses synthesizers. They had a very clean, polished approach that gave it a futuristic sound for its time. Although I’ve already heard this album more than enough times, it’s one I’ll always go back to in the future.
Another absolute monster of a prog rock album. I loved it. Weird and over the top in all the best ways.
Such a good album! Rush is a good sort of progressive rock.
An almost perfect album in my opinion but in the scheme of my rating scale on this list definitely deserves a perfect score. Prog rock masters.
I <3 Rush
A favourite album by a favourite band.
Here we have a band that's clearly excited to get their hands on some fancy synths. But unusually, they have the musical genius to make it sound interesting and the audience awareness to make it sound darn good. All seven tracks here are near flawless. One could make the argument that The Camera Eye's instrumental sections drag on too long (I agree) or that Vital Signs is a bit incongruous and hard to latch onto (I agree). But as for everything else, well... there's so much to love. Peart's drumming is killer here, particularly in the instrumental YYZ, the enormous single Tom Sawyer, and the soaring rocker Red Barchetta. The mixing is very clean and makes way for the percussion at all times, giving Peart plenty of space to spew out lightning-fast triplets and fills. And yet Peart is completely in sync with the rest of the band. Lee's bass playing is often a little further back in the mix, but it has a vibrant, synthy tone that really distinguishes the Rush sound. And, like the drums, the bass is extremely volatile, often playing its own melody alongside the guitar and vocals. Speaking of which: Lee's vocal is fun, confident, and (for lack of a better descriptor) nerdy. (Much like his fans.) Add Lifeson's on-point, precise, energetic, melodic guitar playing, and you have a near-unbeatable trio. And then there's the synth experimentation in every track, giving the album a kind of cinematic feel. For 1981, this would've been pretty groundbreaking stuff. Then there are the individual tracks. Tom Sawyer, a sassy, catchy pop track with some intense harmonic play. Red Barchetta, with its indecisive, memorable melody and adventurous feel. YYZ, the ultimate condensed rock instrumental. The Camera Eye, with its cinematic juxtaposition of two completely different atmospheres. Witch Hunt, a dark, foreboding track that is surely underrated. And Vital Signs, which has a retro video game sound that's hard to place but I seriously love. If you're still not convinced, listen to YYZ Live in Rio. That audience is freakin' convinced. 5/5 Key tracks: Tom Sawyer, Red Barchetta, YYZ, Limelight, The Camera Eye, Witch Hunt, Vital Signs
May 26, 2024 HL: “Tom Sawyer”, “YYZ”, “Limelight”, “The Camera Eye” Roll out the red/white carpet, we got some more CanCon today 🇨🇦 While I’d hate to rate it highly just because of an allegiance to some cloth 🇨🇦, it’s both my favourite and most consistent Rush album I’ve heard (so far), so I think it deserves its flowers. Unlike some other proggers on this list, I prefer this band’s 80s AOR era.
she rush on my tom til i sawyer
The past 6 years of my life have been dedicated to learning the first side of this album on each instrument....and I dunno why Tom Sawyer isn't the Canadian National Anthem yet.
One of the absolute GOATS!!!
So good! 5/5
Canadian essential album. Has a lot of highlights throughout the album. Not necessarily my favourite from Rush but they have a lot stuff I like. Will I listen to again: 100%
Awesome
great album, great vocals, drums and gutar, best songs are Tom Sawyer and limelight
Fantastic album despite that most of the songs are played out for me. One of my first ever concerts. Their best work along with permanent waves.
Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background After being introduced to Rush on the local hard rock station in the early 90s and liking it (Especially Dreamline) I bought this album next...it blew my mind at the time. Always loved the interplay between everyone in the trio. So many great songs on this album. Tom Sawyer is quintessential Rush to me, and YYZ is perfection.
A prog rock staple, and Rush at full form. It's accessible but feels rewarding on multiple listens. I especially appreciated the bass on this listen.
I get the hype. No skips on this one.
Great! It's Rush, nothing more needs to be said.
Every song a banger. The best is "YYZ" (pronounced "why why zed", of course).
Everybody got to evelate from the norm.
Love this album
Great album. I loved how consistent it was. Loved the instrumental song. Loved the other genres blending in every now and then.
Iconic rock album. Definitely had some familiar ones.
An all time album for me. I 'borrowed' this lp from a friend in '83 or '84 and never gave it back. I still have it. Side 1 is perfect. Side 2 is just as great. Great album cover. Just a classic for me.
I have never turned the volume down on Limelight. I still skip the weirder ones, but I like the rest of it too much go below 5.
Excellent album. It starts out with Tom Sawyer and holds that level for the next several songs. It flags a slight bit in the last couple songs which, because the songs are ten minutes long, is a substantial bit of the album! They're not bad songs, they're just not to the level of the first few. But saying a song doesn't hold up to Tom Sawyer is nothing to be ashamed of. I find Rush, overall, to be uneven. Some of their songs are all time bangers, and some are just kind of there. I listen to a ton of metalcore and progressive rock, and Rush are the godfathers of those genres. But, overall, it's like I *want* to like Rush more than I actually do. Happily, this album lives up to the hype. Still slightly uneven at the back end, but an overall 4 star record.
Blew my mind. The musical equivilent of subverting expectations, they just so happen to sound amazing as well. Very rare to find a band that are all amazingly talented, and gel super well together.
5/5. I am biased, Rush is my favorite band. Surprised they don't have more than 2 albums on here but it's not surprising considering every critic review of Rush. Side one of this album is a classic, hard to argue that each song offers a little something for everybody. And side two has their unique and proggy sound that is oh so sweet and the other two songs are great in their right. RIP Neil, this is a wonderful album and this supergroup will always need to be recognized. Best Song: Limelight, YYZ, Witch Hunt
Any album that makes you involuntarily air guitar and air drum should have five stars. End of conversation.
Easily Rush's best album. I don't even like Rush that much but this album is fantastic.
If I could give this more than 5 stars I would.