Rush

A Farewell To Kings

A Hello to keyboards

Review Score:

(6/10)
The problem for `Kings' is that it is sandwiched between two classic concept albums, `2112' and `Hemispheres', so it probably doesn't get the recognition it deserves. But it still holds its own, even more than 20 years later after its release. It was a turning point for the trio as it was the first album to feature keyboards. `Kings' consists of two lengthy tracks, one of which is the classic `Xanadu', featuring 12 string guitars, which still sounds great. The other lengthy track is `Cygnus X1', the beginning of the short Cygnus tale, which is completed on following album `Spheres'. It's not the easiest track to listen to due to the time changes, and the shrieks from Geddy at the end are impossible to make out! `Closer to the Heart' was Rush's first hit in the UK (reaching the top 30) and is a short track, timing at around only 3 and half minutes. It remains a live favourite, especially the elongated ending which the crowd always enjoy. Other tracks are the title track, `Cinderella Man' (with some nice `wah-wah' guitar from Alex and jazz bass from Geddy) and the ballad `Madrigal'; the latter makes me reach for the skip button! A great album however, but not quite as good as its successor and predecessor. 3.5 stars

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