_hi_water._ ranks all 173 Rush songs

[grep]

8 hours ago, _hi_water._ said:

Sorry I haven't posted daily as I thought I would be - I'm not feeling very well at the moment, hoping to return to daily posts in a few days.

Don't you worry. Take care of you. 

We'll be here.

[Mosher]

Just to keep this alive until Hi_Water returns (be well, Hi_Water!)

I will let you all know, despite not being asked nor noticing any interest in such, my thoughts on the topic at this time.

First. we're now waiting for #123. On my list, 123 is Making Memories. 
My list does not include Feedback, although I actually like Feedback.

My least favorite song not yet to make Hi_Water's list: 
     Tears. It's always bored me without adding any value. I know it's one of their more popular slow songs, but it sure isn't in my book. And Stick it Out is right next to Tears. I can't abide that one. 

My favorite song he's killed thus far- Chain Lightning. Nothing in my top 50 has been attacked yet, but that one was close. 

Don't know everything about your taste, yet, but there are a couple of songs in my top ten that might go a lot earlier than I want based on what I've seen in this group (Kid Gloves and The Anarchist). And a few that might go very soon in my top twenty (Seven Cities of Gold). A lot of people really don't like that one. 

Now, like everyone's my list will see rises and falls as my mood changes. I imagine some songs might rise or fall 10-20 spots on another day. But if a song's in my top 40 I love it, and if it's my bottom 10 it's getting skipped every time. 

Look forward to the real #123 when you return!

 

 

[_hi_water._]

123. “Limbo”, Track 10/11 (5:29), Test For Echo (1996)

Test For Echo - Entry 8 out of 11

 

Our first instrumental entry that doesn't feel like an interlude track. The instrumentation is the best part of Test For Echo; despite the lack of hooks, the songs are heavy and can have some really cool elements. This one uses samples of sounds from "Monster Mash" (which are sadly omitted on the vinyl version). And like most instrumentals, Geddy goes mad on that bass (I can make some better cases for that later, wink wink!). This is definitely the weakest instrumental in comparison to others though, since it is five and a half minutes of straightforward rock with occasional elements. Definitely one of the better tracks from Test For Echo, since it never slaps you with some absurd lyrics.

 

 

 

 

Previously on my list...

131. “The Seeker”, Track 4/8 (3:27) - Entry 6/8, Feedback (2004)
130. “Ceiling Unlimited”, Track 2/13 (5:28) - Entry 4/13, Vapor Trails (2002)
129. “Test For Echo”, Track 1/11 (5:56) - Entry 7/11, Test For Echo (1996)
128. ”Halo Effect”, Track 6/12 (3:14) - Entry 2/12, Clockwork Angels (2012)
127. “Making Memories”, Track 6/8 (2:58) - Entry 2/8, Fly By Night (1975)
126. “The Speed Of Love”, Track 7/11 (5:02) - Entry 3/11, Counterparts (1993)
125. “Nocturne”, Track 11/13 (4:49) - Entry 5/13, Vapor Trails (2002)
124. “Chain Lightning”, Track 2/11 (4:33) - Entry 9/11, Presto (1989)
123. “Limbo”, Track 10/11 (5:29) - Entry 8/11, Test For Echo (1996)

 

How is this album doing?
11. “Half The World”, Track 3/11 (3:43) - #173/173
10. “Virtuality”, Track 8/11 (5:44) - #170/173
9. “Dog Years”, Track 7/11 (4:55) - #169/173
8. “The Color Of Right”, Track 4/11 (4:48) - #152/173
7. “Carve Away The Stone”, Track 11/11 (4:06) - #148/173
6. “Time And Motion”, Track 5/11 (5:01) - #136/173
5. “Test For Echo”, Track 1/11 (5:56) - #129/173
4. “Limbo”, Track 10/11 (5:29) - #123/173

[yyz305]

21 minutes ago, _hi_water._ said:

123. “Limbo”, Track 10/11 (5:29), Test For Echo (1996)

Test For Echo - Entry 8 out of 11

 

Our first instrumental entry that doesn't feel like an interlude track. The instrumentation is the best part of Test For Echo; despite the lack of hooks, the songs are heavy and can have some really cool elements. This one uses samples of sounds from "Monster Mash" (which are sadly omitted on the vinyl version). And like most instrumentals, Geddy goes mad on that bass (I can make some better cases for that later, wink wink!). This is definitely the weakest instrumental in comparison to others though, since it is five and a half minutes of straightforward rock with occasional elements. Definitely one of the better tracks from Test For Echo, since it never slaps you with some absurd lyrics.

 

 

 

 

Previously on my list...

131. “The Seeker”, Track 4/8 (3:27) - Entry 6/8, Feedback (2004)
130. “Ceiling Unlimited”, Track 2/13 (5:28) - Entry 4/13, Vapor Trails (2002)
129. “Test For Echo”, Track 1/11 (5:56) - Entry 7/11, Test For Echo (1996)
128. ”Halo Effect”, Track 6/12 (3:14) - Entry 2/12, Clockwork Angels (2012)
127. “Making Memories”, Track 6/8 (2:58) - Entry 2/8, Fly By Night (1975)
126. “The Speed Of Love”, Track 7/11 (5:02) - Entry 3/11, Counterparts (1993)
125. “Nocturne”, Track 11/13 (4:49) - Entry 5/13, Vapor Trails (2002)
124. “Chain Lightning”, Track 2/11 (4:33) - Entry 9/11, Presto (1989)
123. “Limbo”, Track 10/11 (5:29) - Entry 8/11, Test For Echo (1996)

 

How is this album doing?
11. “Half The World”, Track 3/11 (3:43) - #173/173
10. “Virtuality”, Track 8/11 (5:44) - #170/173
9. “Dog Years”, Track 7/11 (4:55) - #169/173
8. “The Color Of Right”, Track 4/11 (4:48) - #152/173
7. “Carve Away The Stone”, Track 11/11 (4:06) - #148/173
6. “Time And Motion”, Track 5/11 (5:01) - #136/173
5. “Test For Echo”, Track 1/11 (5:56) - #129/173
4. “Limbo”, Track 10/11 (5:29) - #123/173

Welcome back. Although I don't always agree with you, I really enjoy reading your posts/reasoning!

[TheAccountant]

31 minutes ago, _hi_water._ said:

123. “Limbo”, Track 10/11 (5:29), Test For Echo (1996)

Test For Echo - Entry 8 out of 11

 

Our first instrumental entry that doesn't feel like an interlude track. The instrumentation is the best part of Test For Echo; despite the lack of hooks, the songs are heavy and can have some really cool elements. This one uses samples of sounds from "Monster Mash" (which are sadly omitted on the vinyl version). And like most instrumentals, Geddy goes mad on that bass (I can make some better cases for that later, wink wink!). This is definitely the weakest instrumental in comparison to others though, since it is five and a half minutes of straightforward rock with occasional elements. Definitely one of the better tracks from Test For Echo, since it never slaps you with some absurd lyrics.

 

 

 

 

Previously on my list...

131. “The Seeker”, Track 4/8 (3:27) - Entry 6/8, Feedback (2004)
130. “Ceiling Unlimited”, Track 2/13 (5:28) - Entry 4/13, Vapor Trails (2002)
129. “Test For Echo”, Track 1/11 (5:56) - Entry 7/11, Test For Echo (1996)
128. ”Halo Effect”, Track 6/12 (3:14) - Entry 2/12, Clockwork Angels (2012)
127. “Making Memories”, Track 6/8 (2:58) - Entry 2/8, Fly By Night (1975)
126. “The Speed Of Love”, Track 7/11 (5:02) - Entry 3/11, Counterparts (1993)
125. “Nocturne”, Track 11/13 (4:49) - Entry 5/13, Vapor Trails (2002)
124. “Chain Lightning”, Track 2/11 (4:33) - Entry 9/11, Presto (1989)
123. “Limbo”, Track 10/11 (5:29) - Entry 8/11, Test For Echo (1996)

 

How is this album doing?
11. “Half The World”, Track 3/11 (3:43) - #173/173
10. “Virtuality”, Track 8/11 (5:44) - #170/173
9. “Dog Years”, Track 7/11 (4:55) - #169/173
8. “The Color Of Right”, Track 4/11 (4:48) - #152/173
7. “Carve Away The Stone”, Track 11/11 (4:06) - #148/173
6. “Time And Motion”, Track 5/11 (5:01) - #136/173
5. “Test For Echo”, Track 1/11 (5:56) - #129/173
4. “Limbo”, Track 10/11 (5:29) - #123/173

Awesome to have you back!!!  No argument here.  I tend to skip this song.  About where I would rank it.

[grep]

12 hours ago, _hi_water._ said:

123. “Limbo”, Track 10/11 (5:29), Test For Echo (1996)

Test For Echo - Entry 8 out of 11

 

Our first instrumental entry that doesn't feel like an interlude track. The instrumentation is the best part of Test For Echo; despite the lack of hooks, the songs are heavy and can have some really cool elements. This one uses samples of sounds from "Monster Mash" (which are sadly omitted on the vinyl version). And like most instrumentals, Geddy goes mad on that bass (I can make some better cases for that later, wink wink!). This is definitely the weakest instrumental in comparison to others though, since it is five and a half minutes of straightforward rock with occasional elements. Definitely one of the better tracks from Test For Echo, since it never slaps you with some absurd lyrics.

 

 

 

 

Previously on my list...

131. “The Seeker”, Track 4/8 (3:27) - Entry 6/8, Feedback (2004)
130. “Ceiling Unlimited”, Track 2/13 (5:28) - Entry 4/13, Vapor Trails (2002)
129. “Test For Echo”, Track 1/11 (5:56) - Entry 7/11, Test For Echo (1996)
128. ”Halo Effect”, Track 6/12 (3:14) - Entry 2/12, Clockwork Angels (2012)
127. “Making Memories”, Track 6/8 (2:58) - Entry 2/8, Fly By Night (1975)
126. “The Speed Of Love”, Track 7/11 (5:02) - Entry 3/11, Counterparts (1993)
125. “Nocturne”, Track 11/13 (4:49) - Entry 5/13, Vapor Trails (2002)
124. “Chain Lightning”, Track 2/11 (4:33) - Entry 9/11, Presto (1989)
123. “Limbo”, Track 10/11 (5:29) - Entry 8/11, Test For Echo (1996)

 

How is this album doing?
11. “Half The World”, Track 3/11 (3:43) - #173/173
10. “Virtuality”, Track 8/11 (5:44) - #170/173
9. “Dog Years”, Track 7/11 (4:55) - #169/173
8. “The Color Of Right”, Track 4/11 (4:48) - #152/173
7. “Carve Away The Stone”, Track 11/11 (4:06) - #148/173
6. “Time And Motion”, Track 5/11 (5:01) - #136/173
5. “Test For Echo”, Track 1/11 (5:56) - #129/173
4. “Limbo”, Track 10/11 (5:29) - #123/173

Limbo, bimbo, whatever.  I'd probably have rated this one lower.  I've even forgotten that it exists..... meh.

Welcome back, BTW!  

[1-0-0-1-0-0-1]

16 hours ago, _hi_water._ said:

123. “Limbo”, Track 10/11 (5:29), Test For Echo (1996)

Test For Echo - Entry 8 out of 11

 

Our first instrumental entry that doesn't feel like an interlude track. The instrumentation is the best part of Test For Echo; despite the lack of hooks, the songs are heavy and can have some really cool elements. This one uses samples of sounds from "Monster Mash" (which are sadly omitted on the vinyl version). And like most instrumentals, Geddy goes mad on that bass (I can make some better cases for that later, wink wink!). This is definitely the weakest instrumental in comparison to others though, since it is five and a half minutes of straightforward rock with occasional elements. Definitely one of the better tracks from Test For Echo, since it never slaps you with some absurd lyrics.

 

 

 

 

Previously on my list...

131. “The Seeker”, Track 4/8 (3:27) - Entry 6/8, Feedback (2004)
130. “Ceiling Unlimited”, Track 2/13 (5:28) - Entry 4/13, Vapor Trails (2002)
129. “Test For Echo”, Track 1/11 (5:56) - Entry 7/11, Test For Echo (1996)
128. ”Halo Effect”, Track 6/12 (3:14) - Entry 2/12, Clockwork Angels (2012)
127. “Making Memories”, Track 6/8 (2:58) - Entry 2/8, Fly By Night (1975)
126. “The Speed Of Love”, Track 7/11 (5:02) - Entry 3/11, Counterparts (1993)
125. “Nocturne”, Track 11/13 (4:49) - Entry 5/13, Vapor Trails (2002)
124. “Chain Lightning”, Track 2/11 (4:33) - Entry 9/11, Presto (1989)
123. “Limbo”, Track 10/11 (5:29) - Entry 8/11, Test For Echo (1996)

 

How is this album doing?
11. “Half The World”, Track 3/11 (3:43) - #173/173
10. “Virtuality”, Track 8/11 (5:44) - #170/173
9. “Dog Years”, Track 7/11 (4:55) - #169/173
8. “The Color Of Right”, Track 4/11 (4:48) - #152/173
7. “Carve Away The Stone”, Track 11/11 (4:06) - #148/173
6. “Time And Motion”, Track 5/11 (5:01) - #136/173
5. “Test For Echo”, Track 1/11 (5l

 

It's a pretty good instrumental that has the misfortune of being written and performed by the same band who did La Villa, YYZ, Leave That Thing Alone, etc.

 

[_hi_water._]

122. “Heresy”, Track 7/10 (5:27), Roll The Bones (1991)

Roll The Bones - Entry 6 out of 10

 

I am most certain most would rank this Roll the Bones power ballad without a guitar solo much lower on their rankings. Amongst all of the gimmicky tracks about taking your big chances at life, this is an uplifting and refreshing number that delves into the newly established Eastern bloc countries. It's a damn nice track that really settles in the fact that even when the new establishment is installed, there will be no way of repairing all of the (very significant) damage from the past. I put this one above "Second Nature" because I love the message a lot more here. 

 

The list will get even more fun with the next few entries ;)

 

 

 

 

Previously on my list...

131. “The Seeker”, Track 4/8 (3:27) - Entry 6/8, Feedback (2004)
130. “Ceiling Unlimited”, Track 2/13 (5:28) - Entry 4/13, Vapor Trails (2002)
129. “Test For Echo”, Track 1/11 (5:56) - Entry 7/11, Test For Echo (1996)
128. ”Halo Effect”, Track 6/12 (3:14) - Entry 2/12, Clockwork Angels (2012)
127. “Making Memories”, Track 6/8 (2:58) - Entry 2/8, Fly By Night (1975)
126. “The Speed Of Love”, Track 7/11 (5:02) - Entry 3/11, Counterparts (1993)
125. “Nocturne”, Track 11/13 (4:49) - Entry 5/13, Vapor Trails (2002)
124. “Chain Lightning”, Track 2/11 (4:33) - Entry 9/11, Presto (1989)
123. “Limbo”, Track 10/11 (5:29) - Entry 8/11, Test For Echo (1996)
122. “Heresy”, Track 7/10 (5:27) - Entry 6/10, Roll The Bones (1991)

 

How is this album doing?

10. “Face Up”, Track 4/10 (3:54) - #166/173
9. “You Bet Your Life”, Track 10/10 (5:01) - #163/173
8. “Neurotica”, Track 9/10 (4:39) - #159/173
7. “Roll The Bones”, Track 3/10 (5:30) -  #141/173
6. “The Big Wheel”, Track 6/10 (5:13) - #137/173
5. “Heresy”, Track 7/10 (5:27) - #122/173

 

[grep]

29 minutes ago, _hi_water._ said:

122. “Heresy”, Track 7/10 (5:27), Roll The Bones (1991)

Roll The Bones - Entry 6 out of 10

 

I am most certain most would rank this Roll the Bones power ballad without a guitar solo much lower on their rankings. Amongst all of the gimmicky tracks about taking your big chances at life, this is an uplifting and refreshing number that delves into the newly established Eastern bloc countries. It's a damn nice track that really settles in the fact that even when the new establishment is installed, there will be no way of repairing all of the (very significant) damage from the past. I put this one above "Second Nature" because I love the message a lot more here. 

 

The list will get even more fun with the next few entries ;)

 

 

 

 

Previously on my list...

131. “The Seeker”, Track 4/8 (3:27) - Entry 6/8, Feedback (2004)
130. “Ceiling Unlimited”, Track 2/13 (5:28) - Entry 4/13, Vapor Trails (2002)
129. “Test For Echo”, Track 1/11 (5:56) - Entry 7/11, Test For Echo (1996)
128. ”Halo Effect”, Track 6/12 (3:14) - Entry 2/12, Clockwork Angels (2012)
127. “Making Memories”, Track 6/8 (2:58) - Entry 2/8, Fly By Night (1975)
126. “The Speed Of Love”, Track 7/11 (5:02) - Entry 3/11, Counterparts (1993)
125. “Nocturne”, Track 11/13 (4:49) - Entry 5/13, Vapor Trails (2002)
124. “Chain Lightning”, Track 2/11 (4:33) - Entry 9/11, Presto (1989)
123. “Limbo”, Track 10/11 (5:29) - Entry 8/11, Test For Echo (1996)
122. “Heresy”, Track 7/10 (5:27) - Entry 6/10, Roll The Bones (1991)

 

How is this album doing?

10. “Face Up”, Track 4/10 (3:54) - #166/173
9. “You Bet Your Life”, Track 10/10 (5:01) - #163/173
8. “Neurotica”, Track 9/10 (4:39) - #159/173
7. “Roll The Bones”, Track 3/10 (5:30) -  #141/173
6. “The Big Wheel”, Track 6/10 (5:13) - #137/173
5. “Heresy”, Track 7/10 (5:27) - #122/173

 

I get why this is ranked where it is.  I really like the song though - the grey cold war imagery. Definitely a product of it's time.

[goose]

I don't think I've ever heard anyone refer to Heresy as an uplifting song before. I like the song just fine, mind you, but it strikes me as a rather cynical take on the Soviet collapse when compared to, say, Scorpions'  Wind of Change

[Mosher]

I don't think of Heresy as uplifting at all, but I also don't see it as cynical.

 

It's an expression of relief that maybe we can move on from the cold war, while an expression of frustration that we wasted decades preparing for a horror that never happened.

 

It's a bittersweet song. It's great that we might be able to move on, but damn did it really have to take decades of fear and struggle?

 

I guess that could seem cynical if you believe the song is questioning whether the motivations of all those choices weren't sincere. That's not how I take it, but the song does seem to see those choices as being immature reactions and that we finally 'grew up.' Maybe that's the cynicism you detect?

 

I do believe it's a positive song, even hopeful.

I agree that it isn't really uplifting, there's too much sorrow in it for that.

 

 

[TheAccountant]

1 hour ago, _hi_water._ said:

122. “Heresy”, Track 7/10 (5:27), Roll The Bones (1991)

Roll The Bones - Entry 6 out of 10

 

I am most certain most would rank this Roll the Bones power ballad without a guitar solo much lower on their rankings. Amongst all of the gimmicky tracks about taking your big chances at life, this is an uplifting and refreshing number that delves into the newly established Eastern bloc countries. It's a damn nice track that really settles in the fact that even when the new establishment is installed, there will be no way of repairing all of the (very significant) damage from the past. I put this one above "Second Nature" because I love the message a lot more here. 

 

The list will get even more fun with the next few entries ;)

 

 

 

 

Previously on my list...

131. “The Seeker”, Track 4/8 (3:27) - Entry 6/8, Feedback (2004)
130. “Ceiling Unlimited”, Track 2/13 (5:28) - Entry 4/13, Vapor Trails (2002)
129. “Test For Echo”, Track 1/11 (5:56) - Entry 7/11, Test For Echo (1996)
128. ”Halo Effect”, Track 6/12 (3:14) - Entry 2/12, Clockwork Angels (2012)
127. “Making Memories”, Track 6/8 (2:58) - Entry 2/8, Fly By Night (1975)
126. “The Speed Of Love”, Track 7/11 (5:02) - Entry 3/11, Counterparts (1993)
125. “Nocturne”, Track 11/13 (4:49) - Entry 5/13, Vapor Trails (2002)
124. “Chain Lightning”, Track 2/11 (4:33) - Entry 9/11, Presto (1989)
123. “Limbo”, Track 10/11 (5:29) - Entry 8/11, Test For Echo (1996)
122. “Heresy”, Track 7/10 (5:27) - Entry 6/10, Roll The Bones (1991)

 

How is this album doing?

10. “Face Up”, Track 4/10 (3:54) - #166/173
9. “You Bet Your Life”, Track 10/10 (5:01) - #163/173
8. “Neurotica”, Track 9/10 (4:39) - #159/173
7. “Roll The Bones”, Track 3/10 (5:30) -  #141/173
6. “The Big Wheel”, Track 6/10 (5:13) - #137/173
5. “Heresy”, Track 7/10 (5:27) - #122/173

 

No argument with this ranking either.  Not certain if I would consider it uplifting but thats another matter.  Interesting comment about the list getting to be even more fun with the next few entries.  I smell some entries that may be surprises to us.  Possibly entires that the common wisdom might have much higher on the list.  Thats my guess what that comment means.  We will just have to wait and see....

[laughedatbytime]

Too high, but then there's a ton of mediocrity in the 1985-2000 catalog (and Snakes) to get too bothered by this ranking.

[Alex’s Amazing Arpeggios]

On 7/12/2023 at 12:52 AM, Mosher said:

Chain Lightning is the best song off Presto, but I can't quibble with it being third on this list. But overall it's far higher for me. I have it 53rd right now. 

🤔 I consider it to be my 2nd Fav track from Presto

[Alex’s Amazing Arpeggios]

On 7/12/2023 at 1:38 AM, grep said:

No no no. Top 50. 

🤔 around 65-75 for me 

[Alex’s Amazing Arpeggios]

On 7/14/2023 at 9:49 PM, _hi_water._ said:

Sorry I haven't posted daily as I thought I would be - I'm not feeling very well at the moment, hoping to return to daily posts in a few days.

Take it easy & get well soon 

[Alex’s Amazing Arpeggios]

On 7/19/2023 at 1:56 AM, _hi_water._ said:

123. “Limbo”, Track 10/11 (5:29), Test For Echo (1996)

Test For Echo - Entry 8 out of 11

 

Our first instrumental entry that doesn't feel like an interlude track. The instrumentation is the best part of Test For Echo; despite the lack of hooks, the songs are heavy and can have some really cool elements. This one uses samples of sounds from "Monster Mash" (which are sadly omitted on the vinyl version). And like most instrumentals, Geddy goes mad on that bass (I can make some better cases for that later, wink wink!). This is definitely the weakest instrumental in comparison to others though, since it is five and a half minutes of straightforward rock with occasional elements. Definitely one of the better tracks from Test For Echo, since it never slaps you with some absurd lyrics.

 

 

 

 

Previously on my list...

131. “The Seeker”, Track 4/8 (3:27) - Entry 6/8, Feedback (2004)
130. “Ceiling Unlimited”, Track 2/13 (5:28) - Entry 4/13, Vapor Trails (2002)
129. “Test For Echo”, Track 1/11 (5:56) - Entry 7/11, Test For Echo (1996)
128. ”Halo Effect”, Track 6/12 (3:14) - Entry 2/12, Clockwork Angels (2012)
127. “Making Memories”, Track 6/8 (2:58) - Entry 2/8, Fly By Night (1975)
126. “The Speed Of Love”, Track 7/11 (5:02) - Entry 3/11, Counterparts (1993)
125. “Nocturne”, Track 11/13 (4:49) - Entry 5/13, Vapor Trails (2002)
124. “Chain Lightning”, Track 2/11 (4:33) - Entry 9/11, Presto (1989)
123. “Limbo”, Track 10/11 (5:29) - Entry 8/11, Test For Echo (1996)

 

How is this album doing?
11. “Half The World”, Track 3/11 (3:43) - #173/173
10. “Virtuality”, Track 8/11 (5:44) - #170/173
9. “Dog Years”, Track 7/11 (4:55) - #169/173
8. “The Color Of Right”, Track 4/11 (4:48) - #152/173
7. “Carve Away The Stone”, Track 11/11 (4:06) - #148/173
6. “Time And Motion”, Track 5/11 (5:01) - #136/173
5. “Test For Echo”, Track 1/11 (5:56) - #129/173
4. “Limbo”, Track 10/11 (5:29) - #123/173

Good to see you back 

[_hi_water._]

121. “Good News First”, Track 11/13 (4:51), Snakes & Arrows (2007)

Snakes & Arrows - Entry 6 out of 13

 

What seems like a Counterparts rocker is now held up against Snakes & Arrows elements. It is one of the few emotional tracks on the album, and it turns out very well. This could've been one of the album's highlights if it wasn't for some of the album's rather poor mixing choices with Geddy's voice.

 

 

 

How is this album doing?

13. “Bravest Face”, Track 10/13 (5:12) - #171/173

12. “The Way The Wind Blows”, Track 7/13 (6:28) - #160/173

11. “Spindrift”, Track 5/13 (5:24) - #157/173

10. “Hope”, Track 8/13 (2:03) - #150/173

9. “The Larger Bowl (A Pantoum)”, Track 4/13 (4:07) - #133/173

8. “Good News First”, Track 11/13 (4:51)  - #121/173

[_hi_water._]

How is my list shaking out?

173. “Half The World”, Track 3/11 (3:43) - Entry 1/11, Test For Echo (1996)
172. “Anagram (For Mongo)”, Track 8/11 (4:00) - Entry 1/11, Presto (1989)
171. “Bravest Face”, Track 10/13 (5:12) - Entry 1/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007)
170. “Virtuality”, Track 8/11 (5:44) - Entry 2/11, Test For Echo (1996)
169. “Dog Years”, Track 7/11 (4:55) - Entry 3/11, Test For Echo (1996)
168. “Seven And Seven Is”, Track 6/8 (2:53) - Entry 1/8, Feedback (2004)
167. “BU2B2”, Track 10/12 (1:28) - Entry 1/12, Clockwork Angels (2012)
166. “Face Up”, Track 4/10 (3:54) - Entry 1/10, Roll The Bones (1991)
165. “Tai Shan”, Track 9/10 (4:17)  - Entry 1/10, Hold Your Fire (1987)
164. “Peaceable Kingdom”, Track 4/13 (5:23) - Entry 1/13, Vapor Trails (2002)
163. “You Bet Your Life”, Track 10/10 (5:01) - Entry 2/10, Roll The Bones (1991)
162. “War Paint”, Track 4/11 (5:24) - Entry 2/11, Presto (1989)
161. “For What It’s Worth”, Track 3/8 (3:30) - Entry 2/8, Feedback (2004)
160. “The Way The Wind Blows”, Track 7/13 (6:28) - Entry 2/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007)
159. “Neurotica”, Track 9/10 (4:39) - Entry 3/10, Roll The Bones (1991)
158. “Hand Over Fist”, Track 10/11 (4:11) - Entry 3/11, Presto (1989)
157. “Spindrift”, 5/13 (5:24) - Entry 3/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007)
156. “Shapes Of Things”, Track 7/8 (3:16) - Entry 3/8, Feedback (2004)
155. “Out Of The Cradle”, Track 13/13 (5:03) - Entry 2/13, Vapor Trails (2002)
154. “Rivendell”, Track 7/8 (4:52) - Entry 1/8, Fly By Night (1975)
153. “Need Some Love”, Track 2/8 (2:16)  - Entry 1/8, Rush (1974)
152. “The Color Of Right”, Track 4/11 (4:48) - Entry 4/11, Test For Echo (1996)
151. “Mr. Soul”, Track 5/8 (3:51) - Entry 4/8, Feedback (2004)
150. “Hope”, Track 8/13 (2:03) - Entry 4/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007)
149. “Superconductor”, Track 7/11 (4:47)  - Entry 4/11, Presto (1989)
148. “Carve Away The Stone”, Track 11/11 (4:06) - Entry 5/11, Test For Echo (1996)
147. “Madrigal”, Track 5/6 (2:35)  - Entry 1/6, A Farewell To Kings (1977)
146. “I Think I’m Going Bald”, Track 2/5 (3:41) - Entry 1/5, Caress Of Steel (1975)
145. “Crossroads”, Track 8/8 (3:27) - Entry 5/8, Feedback (2004)
144. “Available Light”, Track 11 (5:03)  - Entry 5/11, Presto (1989)
143. “Double Agent”, Track 8/11 (4:52) - Entry 1/11, Counterparts (1993)
142. “Scars”, Track 5/11 (4:07)  - Entry 6/11, Presto (1989)
141. “Roll The Bones”, Track 3/10 (5:30) - Entry 4/10, Roll The Bones (1991)
140. “Here Again”, Track 4/8 (7:30) - Entry 2/8, Rush (1974)
139. “Between Sun & Moon”, Track 5/11 (4:37) - Entry 2/11, Counterparts (1993)
138. “The Stars Look Down”, Track 5/13 (4:28) - Entry 3/13, Vapor Trails (2002)
137. “The Big Wheel”, Track 6/10 (5:13)  - Entry 5/10, Roll The Bones (1991)
136. “Time And Motion”, Track 5/11 (5:01) - Entry 6/11, Test For Echo (1996)
135. “Presto”, Track 6/11 (5:45) - Entry 7/11, Presto (1989)
134. “Second Nature”, Track 4/10 (4:36) - Entry 2/10, Hold Your Fire (1987)
133. “The Larger Bowl (A Pantoum)”, Track 4/13 (4:07) - Entry 5/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007)
132. ”Red Tide”, Track 9/11 (4:29) - Entry 8/11, Presto (1989)
131. “The Seeker”, Track 4/8 (3:27) - Entry 6/8, Feedback (2004)
130. “Ceiling Unlimited”, Track 2/13 (5:28) - Entry 4/13, Vapor Trails (2002)
129. “Test For Echo”, Track 1/11 (5:56) - Entry 7/11, Test For Echo (1996)
128. ”Halo Effect”, Track 6/12 (3:14) - Entry 2/12, Clockwork Angels (2012)
127. “Making Memories”, Track 6/8 (2:58) - Entry 2/8, Fly By Night (1975)
126. “The Speed Of Love”, Track 7/11 (5:02) - Entry 3/11, Counterparts (1993)
125. “Nocturne”, Track 11/13 (4:49) - Entry 5/13, Vapor Trails (2002)
124. “Chain Lightning”, Track 2/11 (4:33) - Entry 9/11, Presto (1989)
123. “Limbo”, Track 10/11 (5:29) - Entry 8/11, Test For Echo (1996)
122. “Heresy”, Track 7/10 (5:27) - Entry 6/10, Roll The Bones (1991)
121. “Good News First”, Track 11/13 (4:51)  - Entry 6/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007)

 

How is each album sticking it out?

Rush (Self-titled) - 2/8

Fly By Night - 2/8

Caress Of Steel - 1/5

A Farewell To Kings - 1/6

Hold Your Fire - 2/10

Presto - 9/11

Roll The Bones - 6/10

Counterparts - 3/11

Test For Echo - 8/11

Vapor Trails - 5/13

Feedback - 6/8

Snakes & Arrows - 6/13

Clockwork Angels - 2/12

 

So far, we haven't seen anything from 2112, Hemispheres, Permanent Waves, Moving Pictures, Signals, Grace Under Pressure, or Power Windows.

[TheAccountant]

1 hour ago, _hi_water._ said:

121. “Good News First”, Track 11/13 (4:51), Snakes & Arrows (2007)

Snakes & Arrows - Entry 6 out of 13

 

What seems like a Counterparts rocker is now held up against Snakes & Arrows elements. It is one of the few emotional tracks on the album, and it turns out very well. This could've been one of the album's highlights if it wasn't for some of the album's rather poor mixing choices with Geddy's voice.

 

 

 

How is this album doing?

13. “Bravest Face”, Track 10/13 (5:12) - #171/173

12. “The Way The Wind Blows”, Track 7/13 (6:28) - #160/173

11. “Spindrift”, Track 5/13 (5:24) - #157/173

10. “Hope”, Track 8/13 (2:03) - #150/173

9. “The Larger Bowl (A Pantoum)”, Track 4/13 (4:07) - #133/173

8. “Good News First”, Track 11/13 (4:51)  - #121/173

Not a song I go wild for so the ranking is not terrible.  Mind you, I have The Way The Wind Blows, Spindrift, Hope &The Larger Bowl all in my top 100 so I don't really agree with your thoughts about the album but for this song you won't get any significant disagreement from me. 

[1-0-0-1-0-0-1]

1 hour ago, _hi_water._ said:

121. “Good News First”, Track 11/13 (4:51), Snakes & Arrows (2007)

Snakes & Arrows - Entry 6 out of 13

 

What seems like a Counterparts rocker is now held up against Snakes & Arrows elements. It is one of the few emotional tracks on the album, and it turns out very well. This could've been one of the album's highlights if it wasn't for some of the album's rather poor mixing choices with Geddy's voice.

 

 

 

How is this album doing?

13. “Bravest Face”, Track 10/13 (5:12) - #171/173

12. “The Way The Wind Blows”, Track 7/13 (6:28) - #160/173

11. “Spindrift”, Track 5/13 (5:24) - #157/173

10. “Hope”, Track 8/13 (2:03) - #150/173

9. “The Larger Bowl (A Pantoum)”, Track 4/13 (4:07) - #133/173

8. “Good News First”, Track 11/13 (4:51)  - #121/173

 

There's potential for a decent song here. The choruses are pretty good, but the verses are downright abysmal, dragged down by Geddy's inexplicable  caterwauling -- I have no idea what he was thinking adopting that singing style. If you think the verses need that type of vocal treatment then it's time to completely rethink the music. I'd have ranked this lower.

[Mosher]

There are only 11 songs I ranked lower than Good News First. So, no. I do not like this song. 

Geddy's vocal choices on many Snakes songs really irritated me. I'm not crazy about his approach to Vapor Trails either, on the whole. 

Not an age thing, though. Clockwork is one of my favorite Rush albums. 

 

His vocal choices weren't about age. They were choices. I guess the band liked the idea. 

 

[grep]

15 hours ago, _hi_water._ said:

121. “Good News First”, Track 11/13 (4:51), Snakes & Arrows (2007)

Snakes & Arrows - Entry 6 out of 13

 

What seems like a Counterparts rocker is now held up against Snakes & Arrows elements. It is one of the few emotional tracks on the album, and it turns out very well. This could've been one of the album's highlights if it wasn't for some of the album's rather poor mixing choices with Geddy's voice.

 

 

 

How is this album doing?

13. “Bravest Face”, Track 10/13 (5:12) - #171/173

12. “The Way The Wind Blows”, Track 7/13 (6:28) - #160/173

11. “Spindrift”, Track 5/13 (5:24) - #157/173

10. “Hope”, Track 8/13 (2:03) - #150/173

9. “The Larger Bowl (A Pantoum)”, Track 4/13 (4:07) - #133/173

8. “Good News First”, Track 11/13 (4:51)  - #121/173

Bad news sooner.  On to better stuff.

[_hi_water._]

5 hours ago, grep said:

Bad news sooner.  On to better stuff.

heh heh heh...

[_hi_water._]

120. “Lakeside Park”, Track 3/5 (4:07), Caress Of Steel (1975)

Caress Of Steel - Entry 2 out of 5

 

One of the rare mellow tunes that we hardly ever get from Rush. Something about this one really has always seemed odd to me. However, I am not the biggest fan of how Geddy's voice bounces off the the somewhat lackluster instrumentation that does not blend all too well. It does have some amazing drum fills, so it's not completely lackluster - that's for sure. I don't much mind Peart's nostalgic lyrics about his past carnival jobs, but maybe this could've been saved for a much different album...? I hate to say this, but this feels so out of place on an album like Caress Of Steel, especially right before a song like "The Necromancer" (but "I Think I'm Going Bald" justifies its placement, right?).

 

 

 

Previously on my list...

121. “Good News First”, Track 11/13 (4:51)  - Entry 6/13, Snakes & Arrows (2007)

120. “Lakeside Park”, Track 3/5 (4:07) - Entry 2/5, Caress Of Steel (1975)

 

How is this album doing?

5. “I Think I’m Going Bald”, Track 2/5 (3:41) - #146/173

4. “Lakeside Park”, Track 3/5 (4:07) - #120/173