Rush Retrospective: Album 04- 2112

 

Album:  2112

Year Released:   1976

Lineup:  

• Geddy Lee – vocals, bass
• Alex Lifeson – guitar
• Neil Peart – drums, percussion

Overall Thoughts:

After disappointing sales from Caress of Steel, the band's label, Mercury Records, considered dropping the band.  They finally decided to give Rush one more record to prove they could be a commercial success.  Given the criticisms that the previous album was too progressive, and the songs too long... the band doubled down, starting their next album with a 20 minute song with themes from Objectivism and Science Fiction.

And it paid off brilliantly.  

The best way I can describe 2112 as an album is to say the band is more comfortable in their skin, and it shows in their songs.  It's a giant step forward in the progression of the band.

"2112"- an epic song about a dystopian future where music is rediscovered- may not be Rush's best song, or their most famous song.  But I would argue it is the song that is the best example of the band.

Think of it this way- "Working Man" is an awesome song.  But there are other bands that could make that song into their style.  ZZTop, the Rolling Stones- hell, the Who could have made an incredible version of that song (not a cover, but taking that song and remaking it into their sound).   And several prog bands like King Crimson or early Genesis could have redone "The Fountains of Lamneth".  

But no other band could have done "2112".  It's too heavy for most progressive bands, too science fiction and too philosophical for rock bands.  It's a song you can't imagine any other band remaking in their image.  

Geddy Lee manages to switch between the hopeful protagonist and the tyrannical Priests in the same song easily, and the song flows well.  With "The Fountains of Lamneth", it felt like everyone was taking turns in the spotlight.  In "2112", all three members have moments to shine, but it feels more natural and less forced.  The ending is confusing, but the first 13 minutes are a work of art.

The second half of the album is five shorter songs that aren't related to the epic title track.  "A Passage to Bangkok" is a fun drug-addled jaunt, which is a sharp contrast to the philosophical 2112.  "TheTwilight Zone" is a dreamy homage to the TV show.  "Lessons" is a short, sweet song about finding your passion and following it.

Ranking of Rush Albums (adding as more albums are reviewed):

1. 2112
2. Fly By Night
3. Rush
4. Caress of Steel

Top 10 Rush Songs (adding as more albums are reviewed):

1. "Working Man", Rush
2. "2112", 2112
3. "Fly By Night", Fly By Night
4. "Making Memories", Fly By Night
5. "A Passage to Bangkok", 2112
6. "Here Again", Rush
7. "Finding My Way", Rush
8. "Anthem", Fly By Night
9. "Bastille Day", Caress of Steel
10. "Lessons", 2112