So, it has been a number of years since Rush has come out with a new CD. My guess is that of those of you who are reading this you either: have it already and have an opinion; don't care; or, are still gonna buy it one day. Since this is my blog (which I haven't updated in like forever), I'm going to offer my review anyway!
The CD is definitely their best in years. And by years I mean many, many albums. Personally, I have to go back to Moving Pictures and Signals to find an album that resonated so quickly with me. To top it off, we have a new "concept" album or more accurately, a story. The story is the entire CD which, believe it or not, they have never done before. Yeah, you got it, the entire CD. The famous epics like 2112 and Hemispheres were only one side (ok, Hemispheres did start with one song (Cygnus X1) on their previous album but it still was never an entire album towards a story). I think that the story added a lot of weight to the songs when I listened to them. Even Caravan and BU2B, which have been out a while, had a different meaning to me when I listened to them. For the first time in I don't know how long, I found myself sitting on the couch reading the lyrics and liner notes as the songs played on. Now that's quite a rarity in this day of iTunes where it is only about downloading a handful of songs and that's it. I'm thinking that the idea of an "album" is going to one day be obsolete - except in a case like this where they are all connected via concept or story.
The production on many of these songs is exceptional. I found that on many of the songs I was smiling over the use of the various forms of instrumentation they used (most notable were the use of strings). Also, and this is a big one for me, I found that Geddy was more creative in his use of lyrical melodies. Let's face it, you can go as far back as the days of Power Windows where his melodies became much more predictable and cliche. As musicians they are always gonna come up with killer riffs (although sometimes even they would get predictable). However, on this CD the vast majority of songs (though not all) possessed some vocal melodies that were very refreshing.
I have many songs that stuck out to me and I will mention them below. Let's start with the three favorites of mine: Clockwork Angels, The Garden, Headlong Flight:
Clockwork Angels: Loved it when I first heard it. There is nothing about this song that I dislike. It is frequently the case where their songs need to grow on me a little. I loved it the first time I heard it - and still don't get sick of it, even after so many plays! It is so much like the epics that they excel at. I love, love, love the arrangements! Each part flows almost seamlessly to the other. The vocal lines just shine through. And, some cool riffs to boot. Overall, the production of this song is among the highlights. One of my faves of all time, and that is saying alot!
The Garden: Oh my, I can't get enough of this song. You can't say this too much about a Rush tune but this one is absolutely beautiful. It might be because of the challenges I am now facing in my life but this song strikes an emotion in me every time I hear it; especially the section that goes from the piano bridge with Geddy singing to Alex's guitar solo. And the solo fits so perfectly. It is so well written, well produced, and well played. Lyrically, it has some of the best lines Neil has penned:
The future disappears into memory
With only a moment between
Forever dwells in that moment
Hope is what remains to be seen
and
The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect
Headlong Flight: Does this song rock or what! Yeah, the Bastille Day nod is there (Rush even admits it is so) but it really works well! I've already learned this one on guitar and it is so much fun to play! The instrumental break is totally killer (in a good way!). And, here's one for ya, it is nice to hear Geddy hitting some of those high notes but singing more proper! A classic Rush rocker!
Caravan: The song has been out for a couple years already so no need to really review it. However, like I wrote earlier, knowing the story of the song makes a greater impact in listening to the tune. It is the beginning of the story. The start of a person's pursuit of their dreams. I dunno but this whole CD seems to be almost semi-autobiographical about Neil's life. I haven't read all the interviews and reviews but I bet that isn't too far from the truth.
BU2B: A great heavy song that has been out a while too; but I will add that I really liked the added 30 sec intro. It makes for a great transition from Caravan. BU2B2 is a kind of mellow reprise (that comes later in the album) but has to be one of the shortest songs of theirs on record (1:28)!
Seven Cities of Gold: Although not as quickly as some of the others, I liked this song after hearing it a couple times. What was even more cool was the picture to the song in the lyrics book. It was a winter scene of Mesa Arch in Utah, a place I was just at a few weeks earlier! BTW, if you get the CD (or download the digital booklet), you will see some great artwork within the pages.
There were some other songs that did have to grow on me but I am now hooked on listening to them too. The Wreckers has a great arrangement that is a little different for them. I do find myself listening to that one a lot. Wish Them Well is a song that I find plays on that radio in my head! And that's a good thing. Halo Effect is a great acoustic based song.
I'm still trying to get used to The Anarchist and Carnies. There seems to be a little more of that "predictability" about them that I mentioned earlier. However, I will say that Carnies does have some cool heavy riffs. I'm gonna give it a little more time with them.
I only have a couple of criticisms that don't really affect my listening to the CD. There are a few songs where it seems that Ged's vocals are buried a little in the mix. I would like to hear them come out front a bit more. It can sometimes be hard to hear the words he is singing. Also, the entire CD could have had the lows brought up a bit more. A lot of their albums are like that and while it isn't as midrange heavy like the Power Windows/Hold Your Fire days, I wouldn't have minded the bass tones turned up a bit. I'm wondering if that was part of the mastering.
So there you have it. Even if you are a casual Rush listener, at least give some of the songs a listen to. Of course if you don't like them, I can't help you (and seriously wonder why you read this! lol). This was just one man's thoughts and review on a band that I consider my favorite, Rush.
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