1001 Albums Summary

Tom Sawyer- A CLASSIC. That opening synth tickles the brain. Great drum line. Red Barchetta YYZ- Didn't previously know this song but it's epic, full instrumental/no vocals. Syncopation and time change (?) at the start (possibly throughout?) gives so much movement. Newfound respect for the drummer of this band. Neil Peart. Limelight - Another classic, a great sing along. "All the world's indeed a stage / And we are merely players / Performers and portrayers..." The Camera Eye - This 10+ minute song is a journey. I think being in my dance music girl era, I'm noticing a lot more of the synths that tickle my brain (reminding me rn of Chris Lake/Sammy Virji 925). Witch Hunt - story telling. Vital Signs - Had to relisten bc I realize I wasn't paying attention. Not sure if it was my attention span or just the song was not memorable. Overall: I know of Rush, and loved 'Tom Sawyer' and 'Limelight'. Can't say I ever listened to this album through beginning to end, but glad I did. YYZ was solid, and almost made the following song ('Limelight') seem basic. Definitely renewed my respect for the drummer and why he's considered one of the greatest drummers of all time. Newfound noticings of synths that tickle my brain. Some songs fell flat compared to others imo (like Vital Signs and Red Barchetta felt unmemorable to me). 72/100 (3.6)

The hits are hits. I found it difficult to be objective about each song given how well known they are. I remember feeling underwhelmed by the album overall because aside from the hits (Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel, Smooth Criminal) I didn't enjoy many of the songs (Liberian Girl, I Just Can't Stop Loving You were low on my list). 3.5/5