Rush

A Farewell To Kings

Moments of wonder...and a few silly moments too

Review Score:

(8/10)
This follow-up to the classic 2112 has a couple of Rush's greatest moments on it, and just a handful of cringe-worthy moments too. I am a huge Rush fan, and I still listen to this album A LOT, but I have to admit it isn't my favorite.

FAREWELL TO KINGS The solid opener for the album kicks off with an extended acoustic guitar lead-in which is quite nice. When all three band members kick in, the song rocks very nicely. Basically the song ponders how our society will be remembered in the future history books.

XANADU One of their greatest songs. Based on the poem we all had to study in high school. The variety of music, the building of mood and atmosphere are wonderful. It is a transcendent song to me, evoking a sense of wonder at first (as the narrator discovers the world of Xanadu, decreed by Kubla Khan). He proclaims with joy that he has "dined on honeydew and drunk the milk of paradise." But the joy turns to bitterness when this now immortal man discovers he cannot leave. The same lyrics are thrown back with bitter irony. Musically the song is very complex and Rush uses keyboards very effectively.

CLOSER TO THE HEART Who doesn't know this song? It's the perfect encapsulation of one of lyricist Neil Peart's great themes, finding a balance between the heart and mind. In less than four minutes, we go from pleasant acoustic guitar to a blazing electric guitar solo. Truly a crowning moment for Rush.

CINDERELLA MAN "Because he was human, because he had goodness, because he was moral, they called him insane...Delusions of grandeur, visions of splendor, this manic-depressive who walks in the rain." I'm sorry, but the lyrics to this song are just awful. Geddy Lee is responsible for them, and I love Geddy, but let's leave lyrics to Neil, except in the case of...

MADRIGAL which is a pretty enough "romantic ballad" (the music is really too simple) but the lyrics don't really come across as sincere. It's as though they wanted to show they could do a "pretty" song, but their heart wasn't in it. Much like TEARS, from the 2112 album, an easily dispensible song.

CYGNUS X-1 A hard song to warm up to, but it actually has an amazing build to it. It takes its time, but unlike FAREWELL TO KINGS, for example, which suddenly switches from acoustic to all-out electric noise, this one builds SO gradually it kinda sneaks up on you. And it evokes a feeling of outer-space mysteriousness. Lyrically, there isn't much here, but it that isn't really critical. It's the music that's so much fun. Many of these musical (and lyrical)themes are followed up on HEMISPHERES, their next album, and if you can, listen to those two together one after another.

Naturally, I recommend the album, but for a casual fan, check out 2112 or HEMISPHERES (although XANADU is awfully good).

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