Goose ranks (on?) the 165-Song RUSH Catalog!

[Derek19]

10. Clockwork Angels, song #3/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

11. Working Man, song #8/8, "Rush (1974)"

12. Freewill, song #2/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

13. A Passage to Bangkok, song #2/6, "2112 (1976)"

14. Limelight, song #4/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

15. Subdivisions, song #1/8, "Signals (1982)"

16. the Spirit of Radio, song #1/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

17. the Analog Kid, song #2/8, "Signals (1982)"

18. Yyz, song #3/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

19. Kid Gloves, song #6/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

20. Circumstances, song #2/4, "Hemispheres (1978)"

21. Finding My Way, song #1/8, "Rush (1974)"

22. Red Barchetta, song #2/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

23. Red Sector A, song #3/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

24. What You're Doing, song #5/8, "Rush (1974)"

25. the Main Monkey Business, song #6/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

26. Headlong Flight, song #9/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

27. Here Again, song #4/8, "Rush (1974)"

28. the Necromancer, song #4/5, "Caress of Steel (1975)"

29. By-Tor and the Snow Dog, song #4/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

30. the Trees, song #3/4, "Hemispheres (1978)"

31. Afterimage, song #2/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

32. Before and After, song #7/8, "Rush (1974)"

33. Caravan, song #1/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

34. Secret Touch, song #8/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

35. Malignant Narcissism, song #12/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

36. Red Lenses, song #7/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

37. the Stars Look Down, song #5/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

38. Tom Sawyer, song #1/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

39. the Way the Wind Blows, song #7/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

40. Fly By Night, song #5/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

41. Earthshine, song #9/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

42. Closer to the Heart, song #3/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

43. New World Man, song #6/8, "Signals (1982)"

44. Distant Early Warning, song #1/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

45. the Big Money, song #1/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

46. Test For Echo, song #1/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

47. Dreamline, song #1/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

48. BU2B, song #2/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

49. Chain Lightning, song #2/11, "Presto (1989)"

50. Vital Signs, song #7/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

51. Middletown Dreams, song #6/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

52. Available Light, song #11/11, "Presto (1989)"

53. Lakeside Park, song #3/5, "Caress of Steel (1975)"

54. Sweet Miracle, song #10/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

55. Time and Motion, song #5/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

56. Hope, song #8/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

57. BU2B2, song #10/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

58. Ghost of A Chance, song #8/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

59. Time Stand Still, song #2/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

60. How It Is, song #6/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

61. the Twilight Zone, song #3/6, "2112 (1976)"

62. Need Some Love, song #2/8, "Rush (1974)"

63. Best I Can, song #2/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

64. Digital Man, song #4/8, "Signals (1982)"

65. Carnies, song #5/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

66. Making Memories, song #6/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

67. Roll the Bones, song #3/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

68. Cut to the Chase, song #3/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

69. Turn the Page, song #8/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

70. Take A Friend, song #3/8, "Rush (1974)"

71. Where's My Thing? (Part IV "Gangster of Boats" Trilogy), song #5/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

72. the Enemy Within (Part I of "Fear"), song #4/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

73. Losing It, song #7/8, "Signals (1982)"

74. War Paint, song #4/11, "Presto (1989)"

75. Mystic Rhythms, song #8/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

76. Between Sun & Moon, song #5/8, "Counterparts (1993)"

77. Scars, song #5/11, "Presto (1989)"

78. Alien Shore, song #6/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

79. Workin' Them Angels, song #3/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

80. High Water, song #10/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

81. Freeze (Part IV of "Fear"), song #12/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

82. Witch Hunt (Part III of "Fear"), song #6/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

83. the Pass, song #3/11, "Presto (1989)"

84. Ghost Rider, song #3/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

85. Different Strings, song #5/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

86. Bravado, song #2/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

87. Open Secrets, song #3/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

88. Red Tide, song #9/11, "Presto (1989)"

89. Tears, song #5/6, "2112 (1976)"

90. Cold Fire, song #10/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

91. Dog Years, song #7/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

92. Out of the Cradle, song #13/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

93. I Think I'm Going Bald, song #2/5, "Caress of Steel (1975)"

94. Emotion Detector, song #7/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

95. Lessons, song #4/6, "2112 (1976)"

96. Beneath, Between and Behind, song #3/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

97. Superconductor, song #7/11, "Presto (1989)"

98. Driven, song #2/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

99. Mission, song #7/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

100. Vapor Trail, song #7/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

101. We Hold On, song #13/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

102. Leave that Thing Alone, song #9/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

103. Peaceable Kingdom, song #4/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

104. Lock and Key, song #6/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

105. Grand Designs, song #2/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

106. the Body Electric, song #5/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

107. Heresy, song #7/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

108. Show Don't Tell, song #1/11, "Presto (1989)"

109. Faithless, song #9/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

110. Face Up, song #4/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

111. Limbo, song #9/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

112. Far Cry, song #1/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

113. One Little Victory, song #1/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

114. Prime Mover, song #5/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

115. Armor and Sword, song #2/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

116. Double Agent, song #8/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

117. In the End, song #8/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

118. Something For Nothing, song #6/6, "2112 (1976)"

119. Bastille Day, song #1/5, "Caress of Steel (1975)"

120. Marathon, song #4/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

121. Entre Nous (Between Us), song #4/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

122. Countdown, song #8/8, "Signals (1982)"

123. Presto, song #6/11, "Presto (1989)"

124. In the Mood, song #6/8, "Rush (1974)"

125. Cygnus X-1: Book Two - Hemispheres, song #1/4, "Hemispheres (1978)"

126. A Farewell to Kings, song #1/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

127. Totem, song #6/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

128. Animate, song #1/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

129. the Larger Bowl (A Pantoum), song #4/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

130. Anagram (For Mongo), song #8/11, "Presto (1989)"

131. the Garden, song #12/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

132. Cinderella Man, song #4/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

133. Rivendell, song #7/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

134. Second Nature, song #4/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

135. Resist, song #9/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

136. Hand Over Fist, song #7/11, "Presto (1989)"

137. Nobody's Hero, song #4/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

138. Nocturne, song #11/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

139. the Wreckers, song #8/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

140. Good News First, song #11/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

141. Stick It Out, song #2/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

142. Neurotica, song #9/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

143. Chemistry, song #3/8, "Signals (1982)"

144. Manhattan Project, song #3/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

145. the Weapon (Part II of "Fear"), song #5/8, "Signals (1982)"

146. Between the Wheels, song #8/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

147. Territories, song #5/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

148. Force Ten, song #1/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

149. Tai Shan, song #9/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

150. Cygnus X-1: Book One - the Voyage, song #6/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

151. Ceiling Unlimited, song #2/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

152. Half the World, song #3/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

153. Spindrift, song #5/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

154. the Big Wheel, song #6/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

155. Seven Cities of Gold, song #7/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

156. Bravest Face, song #10/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

157. Halo Effect, song #6/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

158. Wish Them Well, song #11/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

159. Carve Away the Stone, song #11/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

160. You Bet Your Life, song #10/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

161. Everyday Glory, song #11/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

162. Virtuality, song #8/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

163. the Color of Right, song #4/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

164. the Speed of Love, song #7/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

165. Madrigal, song #5/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

Edited December 18, 2023 by Derek19

[goose]

Once again, thank you's go out to Derek for keeping track of things.  Rest assured that contingencies are in place!

 

An aspect I love about RUSH is their artistry, which for me is reflected in how they used music and lyrics to set a mood.  These next three songs are examples of that...songs that transport the listener (me) to another state,.

 

9. The Fountain of Lamneth

8. Jacob's Ladder

7. The Camera Eye

[Mosher]

33 minutes ago, goose said:

Once again, thank you's go out to Derek for keeping track of things.  Rest assured that contingencies are in place!

 

An aspect I love about RUSH is their artistry, which for me is reflected in how they used music and lyrics to set a mood.  These next three songs are examples of that...songs that transport the listener (me) to another state,.

 

9. The Fountain of Lamneth

8. Jacob's Ladder

7. The Camera Eye

I love the ranking of Camera Eye. It has steadily risen over the decades, and it seems to keep rising. It might not be here for me yet, but who knows what the future holds? Great song. 

Jacob's Ladder had an early peak for me, but the initial drop hasn't led to a steady decline. Just an initial modest drop. Great atmosphere, but doesn't go far enough for me to keep it very high. no skipping, though. Still an excellent song.

And Fountain. I've always loved it. And bizarrely it is the very first epic I heard by Rush, because radio wasn't playing the epics and my first Rush was a cassette bought by my parents. I requested Rush, and I received CoS. I guarantee it was the cheapest available (no disrespect, we weren't exactly well off). Fountain blew me away. It was my first epic of any kind, actually, and I wanted more and more and more. 

[goose]

25 minutes ago, Mosher said:

I love the ranking of Camera Eye. It has steadily risen over the decades, and it seems to keep rising. It might not be here for me yet, but who knows what the future holds? Great song. 

Jacob's Ladder had an early peak for me, but the initial drop hasn't led to a steady decline. Just an initial modest drop. Great atmosphere, but doesn't go far enough for me to keep it very high. no skipping, though. Still an excellent song.

And Fountain. I've always loved it. And bizarrely it is the very first epic I heard by Rush, because radio wasn't playing the epics and my first Rush was a cassette bought by my parents. I requested Rush, and I received CoS. I guarantee it was the cheapest available (no disrespect, we weren't exactly well off). Fountain blew me away. It was my first epic of any kind, actually, and I wanted more and more and more. 

Fountain actually took me 20+ years to get into.  The reason being that I had recorded my buddy's copy of Archives onto reel to reel, so by the time I got to it, it seemed like a let down.  It wasn't till two decades later that I  listened to Caress of Steel by itself,  and that's when Lamneth hit me.  

[Derek19]

You are welcome, Goose (Allen).  I'm sure, and would think the two songs missed will be figured out, too.

 

7. the Camera Eye, song #5/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

8. Jacob's Ladder, song #3/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

9. the Fountain of Lamneth, song #5/5, "Caress of Steel (1975)"

10. Clockwork Angels, song #3/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

11. Working Man, song #8/8, "Rush (1974)"

12. Freewill, song #2/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

13. A Passage to Bangkok, song #2/6, "2112 (1976)"

14. Limelight, song #4/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

15. Subdivisions, song #1/8, "Signals (1982)"

16. the Spirit of Radio, song #1/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

17. the Analog Kid, song #2/8, "Signals (1982)"

18. Yyz, song #3/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

19. Kid Gloves, song #6/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

20. Circumstances, song #2/4, "Hemispheres (1978)"

21. Finding My Way, song #1/8, "Rush (1974)"

22. Red Barchetta, song #2/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

23. Red Sector A, song #3/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

24. What You're Doing, song #5/8, "Rush (1974)"

25. the Main Monkey Business, song #6/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

26. Headlong Flight, song #9/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

27. Here Again, song #4/8, "Rush (1974)"

28. the Necromancer, song #4/5, "Caress of Steel (1975)"

29. By-Tor and the Snow Dog, song #4/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

30. the Trees, song #3/4, "Hemispheres (1978)"

31. Afterimage, song #2/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

32. Before and After, song #7/8, "Rush (1974)"

33. Caravan, song #1/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

34. Secret Touch, song #8/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

35. Malignant Narcissism, song #12/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

36. Red Lenses, song #7/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

37. the Stars Look Down, song #5/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

38. Tom Sawyer, song #1/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

39. the Way the Wind Blows, song #7/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

40. Fly By Night, song #5/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

41. Earthshine, song #9/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

42. Closer to the Heart, song #3/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

43. New World Man, song #6/8, "Signals (1982)"

44. Distant Early Warning, song #1/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

45. the Big Money, song #1/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

46. Test For Echo, song #1/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

47. Dreamline, song #1/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

48. BU2B, song #2/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

49. Chain Lightning, song #2/11, "Presto (1989)"

50. Vital Signs, song #7/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

51. Middletown Dreams, song #6/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

52. Available Light, song #11/11, "Presto (1989)"

53. Lakeside Park, song #3/5, "Caress of Steel (1975)"

54. Sweet Miracle, song #10/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

55. Time and Motion, song #5/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

56. Hope, song #8/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

57. BU2B2, song #10/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

58. Ghost of A Chance, song #8/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

59. Time Stand Still, song #2/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

60. How It Is, song #6/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

61. the Twilight Zone, song #3/6, "2112 (1976)"

62. Need Some Love, song #2/8, "Rush (1974)"

63. Best I Can, song #2/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

64. Digital Man, song #4/8, "Signals (1982)"

65. Carnies, song #5/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

66. Making Memories, song #6/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

67. Roll the Bones, song #3/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

68. Cut to the Chase, song #3/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

69. Turn the Page, song #8/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

70. Take A Friend, song #3/8, "Rush (1974)"

71. Where's My Thing? (Part IV "Gangster of Boats" Trilogy), song #5/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

72. the Enemy Within (Part I of "Fear"), song #4/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

73. Losing It, song #7/8, "Signals (1982)"

74. War Paint, song #4/11, "Presto (1989)"

75. Mystic Rhythms, song #8/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

76. Between Sun & Moon, song #5/8, "Counterparts (1993)"

77. Scars, song #5/11, "Presto (1989)"

78. Alien Shore, song #6/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

79. Workin' Them Angels, song #3/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

80. High Water, song #10/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

81. Freeze (Part IV of "Fear"), song #12/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

82. Witch Hunt (Part III of "Fear"), song #6/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

83. the Pass, song #3/11, "Presto (1989)"

84. Ghost Rider, song #3/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

85. Different Strings, song #5/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

86. Bravado, song #2/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

87. Open Secrets, song #3/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

88. Red Tide, song #9/11, "Presto (1989)"

89. Tears, song #5/6, "2112 (1976)"

90. Cold Fire, song #10/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

91. Dog Years, song #7/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

92. Out of the Cradle, song #13/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

93. I Think I'm Going Bald, song #2/5, "Caress of Steel (1975)"

94. Emotion Detector, song #7/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

95. Lessons, song #4/6, "2112 (1976)"

96. Beneath, Between and Behind, song #3/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

97. Superconductor, song #7/11, "Presto (1989)"

98. Driven, song #2/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

99. Mission, song #7/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

100. Vapor Trail, song #7/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

101. We Hold On, song #13/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

102. Leave that Thing Alone, song #9/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

103. Peaceable Kingdom, song #4/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

104. Lock and Key, song #6/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

105. Grand Designs, song #2/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

106. the Body Electric, song #5/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

107. Heresy, song #7/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

108. Show Don't Tell, song #1/11, "Presto (1989)"

109. Faithless, song #9/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

110. Face Up, song #4/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

111. Limbo, song #9/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

112. Far Cry, song #1/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

113. One Little Victory, song #1/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

114. Prime Mover, song #5/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

115. Armor and Sword, song #2/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

116. Double Agent, song #8/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

117. In the End, song #8/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

118. Something For Nothing, song #6/6, "2112 (1976)"

119. Bastille Day, song #1/5, "Caress of Steel (1975)"

120. Marathon, song #4/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

121. Entre Nous (Between Us), song #4/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

122. Countdown, song #8/8, "Signals (1982)"

123. Presto, song #6/11, "Presto (1989)"

124. In the Mood, song #6/8, "Rush (1974)"

125. Cygnus X-1: Book Two - Hemispheres, song #1/4, "Hemispheres (1978)"

126. A Farewell to Kings, song #1/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

127. Totem, song #6/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

128. Animate, song #1/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

129. the Larger Bowl (A Pantoum), song #4/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

130. Anagram (For Mongo), song #8/11, "Presto (1989)"

131. the Garden, song #12/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

132. Cinderella Man, song #4/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

133. Rivendell, song #7/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

134. Second Nature, song #4/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

135. Resist, song #9/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

136. Hand Over Fist, song #7/11, "Presto (1989)"

137. Nobody's Hero, song #4/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

138. Nocturne, song #11/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

139. the Wreckers, song #8/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

140. Good News First, song #11/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

141. Stick It Out, song #2/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

142. Neurotica, song #9/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

143. Chemistry, song #3/8, "Signals (1982)"

144. Manhattan Project, song #3/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

145. the Weapon (Part II of "Fear"), song #5/8, "Signals (1982)"

146. Between the Wheels, song #8/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

147. Territories, song #5/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

148. Force Ten, song #1/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

149. Tai Shan, song #9/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

150. Cygnus X-1: Book One - the Voyage, song #6/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

151. Ceiling Unlimited, song #2/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

152. Half the World, song #3/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

153. Spindrift, song #5/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

154. the Big Wheel, song #6/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

155. Seven Cities of Gold, song #7/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

156. Bravest Face, song #10/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

157. Halo Effect, song #6/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

158. Wish Them Well, song #11/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

159. Carve Away the Stone, song #11/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

160. You Bet Your Life, song #10/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

161. Everyday Glory, song #11/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

162. Virtuality, song #8/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

163. the Color of Right, song #4/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

164. the Speed of Love, song #7/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

165. Madrigal, song #5/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

Edited December 18, 2023 by Derek19

[goose]

All that remains is the crème de la crème, the pinnacle of RUSH's epic era.  So here it is, my ranking of the band's six greatest songs...

 

6. Natural Science:  Brilliant lyrically, it is perhaps the most refined and best sounding of the epics.  IMO, lyrically much, much better than those that came before it (minus the intro lyrics, which I would have left out).  For me what keeps it out of a top 5 spot is its recycling of the musical themes of its predecessors, and above all things, with RUSH it is the music that matters most

 

5. Xanadu:  The first 5:00 are incredible.  Probably the best hockey arena music ever composed.  But the retelling of Coleridge's Xanadu, a poem I enjoyed long before I came to know RUSH, isn't as interesting to me as it seems to be to others.  

4. Cygnus Book I: Prologue:  The song came in a #150 in my ranking, but... I concede that the song's prologue contains four minutes of musical brilliance that deserve proper recognition.  Skip the unnecessary 70 second noodling and spoken intro and, starting with that infamous bass lick,  you get four minutes of stone cold classic RUSH that falls in at #4 overall among RUSH's all-time musical achievements.  

3. Cygnus Book II: Prelude:  Book II came in at #125, but, like its companion piece, its introduction is an undeniable achievement and deserves recognition as such.  

2. 2112:  From the first synth sounds of the Overture, I knew at first listening that I was in for something special.  A perfect 4:24, with no note out of place, followed by an absolutely brilliant transition into the story, "And the meek shall inherit the Earth".  No silly spoken introduction needed to set the scene.  And then, enter the Priests!  Even before Geddy lets loose with the impassioned vocals, we feel their presence through the music.  Part III is equally brilliant.  I remember playing the album, and my mother walked in the room and knew exactly what was going on:  Someone had found a guitar and was discovering what it could do.  That was before the lyrics kicked in.  With Presentation any doubt of what where things were headed is removed.  That's maybe why parts V and VI never quite hit me like parts I thru IV, which keeps 2112 out of the top spot.  Still, the piece reigns #1 among RUSH's songs with lyrics, and #2 overall.

 

And the top RUSH track of all time is...

 

1. La Villa Strangiato:  I'll let it speak for itself...

 

[Derek19]

Thank you, for all the work you put into your list, and finishing it, Goose (Allen).  I figured out the rest, and remaining songs, and did finish it.

 

1. Limelight, song #4/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

2. Tom Sawyer, song #1/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

3. La Villa Strangiato (An Exercise In Self-Indulgence), song #4/4, "Hemispheres (1978)"

4. 2112, song #1/6, "2112 (1976)"

5. Xanadu, song #2/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

6. Natural Science, song #6/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

7. the Camera Eye, song #5/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

8. Jacob's Ladder, song #3/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

9. the Fountain of Lamneth, song #5/5, "Caress of Steel (1975)"

10. Clockwork Angels, song #3/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

11. Working Man, song #8/8, "Rush (1974)"

12. Freewill, song #2/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

13. A Passage to Bangkok, song #2/6, "2112 (1976)"

14. Subdivisions, song #1/8, "Signals (1982)"

15. the Spirit of Radio, song #1/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

16. the Analog Kid, song #2/8, "Signals (1982)"

17. Yyz, song #3/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

18. Kid Gloves, song #6/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

19. Circumstances, song #2/4, "Hemispheres (1978)"

20. Finding My Way, song #1/8, "Rush (1974)"

21. Red Barchetta, song #2/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

22. Red Sector A, song #3/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

23. What You're Doing, song #5/8, "Rush (1974)"

24. the Main Monkey Business, song #6/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

25. Headlong Flight, song #9/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

26. Here Again, song #4/8, "Rush (1974)"

27. the Necromancer, song #4/5, "Caress of Steel (1975)"

28. By-Tor and the Snow Dog, song #4/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

29. the Trees, song #3/4, "Hemispheres (1978)"

30. Afterimage, song #2/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

31. Before and After, song #7/8, "Rush (1974)"

32. Caravan, song #1/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

33. Secret Touch, song #8/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

34. Malignant Narcissism, song #12/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

35. Red Lenses, song #7/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

36. the Stars Look Down, song #5/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

37. the Way the Wind Blows, song #7/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

38. Fly By Night, song #5/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

39. Earthshine, song #9/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

40. Closer to the Heart, song #3/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

41. New World Man, song #6/8, "Signals (1982)"

42. Distant Early Warning, song #1/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

43. Anthem, song #1/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

44. the Big Money, song #1/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

45. the Anarchist, song #4/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

46. Test For Echo, song #1/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

47. Dreamline, song #1/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

48. BU2B, song #2/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

49. Chain Lightning, song #2/11, "Presto (1989)"

50. Vital Signs, song #7/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

51. Middletown Dreams, song #6/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

52. Available Light, song #11/11, "Presto (1989)"

53. Lakeside Park, song #3/5, "Caress of Steel (1975)"

54. Sweet Miracle, song #10/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

55. Time and Motion, song #5/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

56. Hope, song #8/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

57. BU2B2, song #10/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

58. Ghost of A Chance, song #8/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

59. Time Stand Still, song #2/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

60. How It Is, song #6/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

61. the Twilight Zone, song #3/6, "2112 (1976)"

62. Need Some Love, song #2/8, "Rush (1974)"

63. Best I Can, song #2/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

64. Digital Man, song #4/8, "Signals (1982)"

65. Carnies, song #5/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

66. Making Memories, song #6/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

67. Roll the Bones, song #3/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

68. Cut to the Chase, song #3/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

69. Turn the Page, song #8/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

70. Take A Friend, song #3/8, "Rush (1974)"

71. Where's My Thing? (Part IV "Gangster of Boats" Trilogy), song #5/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

72. the Enemy Within (Part I of "Fear"), song #4/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

73. Losing It, song #7/8, "Signals (1982)"

74. War Paint, song #4/11, "Presto (1989)"

75. Mystic Rhythms, song #8/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

76. Between Sun & Moon, song #5/8, "Counterparts (1993)"

77. Scars, song #5/11, "Presto (1989)"

78. Alien Shore, song #6/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

79. Workin' Them Angels, song #3/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

80. High Water, song #10/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

81. Freeze (Part IV of "Fear"), song #12/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

82. Witch Hunt (Part III of "Fear"), song #6/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

83. the Pass, song #3/11, "Presto (1989)"

84. Ghost Rider, song #3/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

85. Different Strings, song #5/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

86. Bravado, song #2/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

87. Open Secrets, song #3/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

88. Red Tide, song #9/11, "Presto (1989)"

89. Tears, song #5/6, "2112 (1976)"

90. Cold Fire, song #10/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

91. Dog Years, song #7/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

92. Out of the Cradle, song #13/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

93. I Think I'm Going Bald, song #2/5, "Caress of Steel (1975)"

94. Emotion Detector, song #7/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

95. Lessons, song #4/6, "2112 (1976)"

96. Beneath, Between and Behind, song #3/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

97. Superconductor, song #7/11, "Presto (1989)"

98. Driven, song #2/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

99. Mission, song #7/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

100. Vapor Trail, song #7/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

101. We Hold On, song #13/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

102. Leave that Thing Alone, song #9/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

103. Peaceable Kingdom, song #4/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

104. Lock and Key, song #6/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

105. Grand Designs, song #2/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

106. the Body Electric, song #5/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

107. Heresy, song #7/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

108. Show Don't Tell, song #1/11, "Presto (1989)"

109. Faithless, song #9/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

110. Face Up, song #4/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

111. Limbo, song #9/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

112. Far Cry, song #1/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

113. One Little Victory, song #1/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

114. Prime Mover, song #5/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

115. Armor and Sword, song #2/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

116. Double Agent, song #8/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

117. In the End, song #8/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

118. Something For Nothing, song #6/6, "2112 (1976)"

119. Bastille Day, song #1/5, "Caress of Steel (1975)"

120. Marathon, song #4/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

121. Entre Nous (Between Us), song #4/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

122. Countdown, song #8/8, "Signals (1982)"

123. Presto, song #6/11, "Presto (1989)"

124. In the Mood, song #6/8, "Rush (1974)"

125. Cygnus X-1: Book Two - Hemispheres, song #1/4, "Hemispheres (1978)"

126. A Farewell to Kings, song #1/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

127. Totem, song #6/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

128. Animate, song #1/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

129. the Larger Bowl (A Pantoum), song #4/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

130. Anagram (For Mongo), song #8/11, "Presto (1989)"

131. the Garden, song #12/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

132. Cinderella Man, song #4/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

133. Rivendell, song #7/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

134. Second Nature, song #4/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

135. Resist, song #9/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

136. Hand Over Fist, song #7/11, "Presto (1989)"

137. Nobody's Hero, song #4/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

138. Nocturne, song #11/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

139. the Wreckers, song #8/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

140. Good News First, song #11/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

141. Stick It Out, song #2/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

142. Neurotica, song #9/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

143. Chemistry, song #3/8, "Signals (1982)"

144. Manhattan Project, song #3/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

145. the Weapon (Part II of "Fear"), song #5/8, "Signals (1982)"

146. Between the Wheels, song #8/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

147. Territories, song #5/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

148. Force Ten, song #1/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

149. Tai Shan, song #9/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

150. Cygnus X-1: Book One - the Voyage, song #6/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

151. Ceiling Unlimited, song #2/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

152. Half the World, song #3/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

153. Spindrift, song #5/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

154. the Big Wheel, song #6/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

155. Seven Cities of Gold, song #7/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

156. Bravest Face, song #10/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

157. Halo Effect, song #6/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

158. Wish Them Well, song #11/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

159. Carve Away the Stone, song #11/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

160. You Bet Your Life, song #10/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

161. Everyday Glory, song #11/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

162. Virtuality, song #8/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

163. the Color of Right, song #4/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

164. the Speed of Love, song #7/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

165. Madrigal, song #5/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

Edited just now by Derek19

 

Edited December 20, 2023 by Derek19

[goose]

8 hours ago, Derek19 said:

Thank you, for all the work you put into your list, and finishing it, Goose (Allen).  I figured out the rest, and remaining songs, and did finish it.

 

1. La Villa Strangiato (An Exercise In Self-Indulgence), song #4/4, "Hemispheres (1978)"

2. 2112, song #1/6, "2112 (1976)"

3. the Anarchist, song #4/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

4. Anthem, song #1/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

5. Xanadu, song #2/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

6. Natural Science, song #6/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

7. the Camera Eye, song #5/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

8. Jacob's Ladder, song #3/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

9. the Fountain of Lamneth, song #5/5, "Caress of Steel (1975)"

10. Clockwork Angels, song #3/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

11. Working Man, song #8/8, "Rush (1974)"

12. Freewill, song #2/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

13. A Passage to Bangkok, song #2/6, "2112 (1976)"

14. Limelight, song #4/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

15. Subdivisions, song #1/8, "Signals (1982)"

16. the Spirit of Radio, song #1/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

17. the Analog Kid, song #2/8, "Signals (1982)"

18. Yyz, song #3/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

19. Kid Gloves, song #6/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

20. Circumstances, song #2/4, "Hemispheres (1978)"

21. Finding My Way, song #1/8, "Rush (1974)"

22. Red Barchetta, song #2/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

23. Red Sector A, song #3/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

24. What You're Doing, song #5/8, "Rush (1974)"

25. the Main Monkey Business, song #6/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

26. Headlong Flight, song #9/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

27. Here Again, song #4/8, "Rush (1974)"

28. the Necromancer, song #4/5, "Caress of Steel (1975)"

29. By-Tor and the Snow Dog, song #4/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

30. the Trees, song #3/4, "Hemispheres (1978)"

31. Afterimage, song #2/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

32. Before and After, song #7/8, "Rush (1974)"

33. Caravan, song #1/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

34. Secret Touch, song #8/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

35. Malignant Narcissism, song #12/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

36. Red Lenses, song #7/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

37. the Stars Look Down, song #5/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

38. Tom Sawyer, song #1/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

39. the Way the Wind Blows, song #7/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

40. Fly By Night, song #5/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

41. Earthshine, song #9/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

42. Closer to the Heart, song #3/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

43. New World Man, song #6/8, "Signals (1982)"

44. Distant Early Warning, song #1/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

44.5 Anthem

45. the Big Money, song #1/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

45.5 Anarchist

46. Test For Echo, song #1/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

47. Dreamline, song #1/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

48. BU2B, song #2/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

49. Chain Lightning, song #2/11, "Presto (1989)"

50. Vital Signs, song #7/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

51. Middletown Dreams, song #6/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

52. Available Light, song #11/11, "Presto (1989)"

53. Lakeside Park, song #3/5, "Caress of Steel (1975)"

54. Sweet Miracle, song #10/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

55. Time and Motion, song #5/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

56. Hope, song #8/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

57. BU2B2, song #10/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

58. Ghost of A Chance, song #8/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

59. Time Stand Still, song #2/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

60. How It Is, song #6/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

61. the Twilight Zone, song #3/6, "2112 (1976)"

62. Need Some Love, song #2/8, "Rush (1974)"

63. Best I Can, song #2/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

64. Digital Man, song #4/8, "Signals (1982)"

65. Carnies, song #5/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

66. Making Memories, song #6/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

67. Roll the Bones, song #3/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

68. Cut to the Chase, song #3/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

69. Turn the Page, song #8/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

70. Take A Friend, song #3/8, "Rush (1974)"

71. Where's My Thing? (Part IV "Gangster of Boats" Trilogy), song #5/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

72. the Enemy Within (Part I of "Fear"), song #4/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

73. Losing It, song #7/8, "Signals (1982)"

74. War Paint, song #4/11, "Presto (1989)"

75. Mystic Rhythms, song #8/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

76. Between Sun & Moon, song #5/8, "Counterparts (1993)"

77. Scars, song #5/11, "Presto (1989)"

78. Alien Shore, song #6/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

79. Workin' Them Angels, song #3/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

80. High Water, song #10/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

81. Freeze (Part IV of "Fear"), song #12/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

82. Witch Hunt (Part III of "Fear"), song #6/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

83. the Pass, song #3/11, "Presto (1989)"

84. Ghost Rider, song #3/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

85. Different Strings, song #5/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

86. Bravado, song #2/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

87. Open Secrets, song #3/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

88. Red Tide, song #9/11, "Presto (1989)"

89. Tears, song #5/6, "2112 (1976)"

90. Cold Fire, song #10/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

91. Dog Years, song #7/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

92. Out of the Cradle, song #13/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

93. I Think I'm Going Bald, song #2/5, "Caress of Steel (1975)"

94. Emotion Detector, song #7/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

95. Lessons, song #4/6, "2112 (1976)"

96. Beneath, Between and Behind, song #3/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

97. Superconductor, song #7/11, "Presto (1989)"

98. Driven, song #2/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

99. Mission, song #7/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

100. Vapor Trail, song #7/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

101. We Hold On, song #13/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

102. Leave that Thing Alone, song #9/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

103. Peaceable Kingdom, song #4/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

104. Lock and Key, song #6/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

105. Grand Designs, song #2/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

106. the Body Electric, song #5/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

107. Heresy, song #7/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

108. Show Don't Tell, song #1/11, "Presto (1989)"

109. Faithless, song #9/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

110. Face Up, song #4/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

111. Limbo, song #9/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

112. Far Cry, song #1/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

113. One Little Victory, song #1/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

114. Prime Mover, song #5/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

115. Armor and Sword, song #2/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

116. Double Agent, song #8/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

117. In the End, song #8/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

118. Something For Nothing, song #6/6, "2112 (1976)"

119. Bastille Day, song #1/5, "Caress of Steel (1975)"

120. Marathon, song #4/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

121. Entre Nous (Between Us), song #4/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

122. Countdown, song #8/8, "Signals (1982)"

123. Presto, song #6/11, "Presto (1989)"

124. In the Mood, song #6/8, "Rush (1974)"

125. Cygnus X-1: Book Two - Hemispheres, song #1/4, "Hemispheres (1978)"

126. A Farewell to Kings, song #1/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

127. Totem, song #6/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

128. Animate, song #1/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

129. the Larger Bowl (A Pantoum), song #4/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

130. Anagram (For Mongo), song #8/11, "Presto (1989)"

131. the Garden, song #12/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

132. Cinderella Man, song #4/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

133. Rivendell, song #7/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

134. Second Nature, song #4/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

135. Resist, song #9/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

136. Hand Over Fist, song #7/11, "Presto (1989)"

137. Nobody's Hero, song #4/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

138. Nocturne, song #11/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

139. the Wreckers, song #8/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

140. Good News First, song #11/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

141. Stick It Out, song #2/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

142. Neurotica, song #9/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

143. Chemistry, song #3/8, "Signals (1982)"

144. Manhattan Project, song #3/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

145. the Weapon (Part II of "Fear"), song #5/8, "Signals (1982)"

146. Between the Wheels, song #8/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

147. Territories, song #5/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

148. Force Ten, song #1/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

149. Tai Shan, song #9/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

150. Cygnus X-1: Book One - the Voyage, song #6/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

151. Ceiling Unlimited, song #2/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

152. Half the World, song #3/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

153. Spindrift, song #5/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

154. the Big Wheel, song #6/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

155. Seven Cities of Gold, song #7/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

156. Bravest Face, song #10/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

157. Halo Effect, song #6/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

158. Wish Them Well, song #11/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

159. Carve Away the Stone, song #11/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

160. You Bet Your Life, song #10/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

161. Everyday Glory, song #11/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

162. Virtuality, song #8/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

163. the Color of Right, song #4/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

164. the Speed of Love, song #7/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

165. Madrigal, song #5/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

Edited just now by Derek19

 

Thanks for all your help throughout this whole endeavor, Derek.  Somehow Anarchist and Anthem got lost in the mix along the way as I readjusted my rankings midprocess.  They definitely fall top 40 or 50, but not top five.  I've inserted them at 45.5 and 44.5, respectively, to leave two vacant spots at the top for a final comment to end my ranking  :)

[Mosher]

Great job Goose.

There's a decent pool of contributors, now. 

I'd love to see more, of course. 

The Anarchist, by the way, can easily be a top 5 song. :)

[goose]

3 hours ago, Mosher said:

The Anarchist, by the way, can easily be a top 5 song. :)

For any other band 

[Nova Carmina]

On 12/17/2023 at 8:05 PM, goose said:

All that remains is the crème de la crème, the pinnacle of RUSH's epic era.  So here it is, my ranking of the band's six greatest songs...

 

6. Natural Science:  Brilliant lyrically, it is perhaps the most refined and best sounding of the epics.  IMO, lyrically much, much better than those that came before it (minus the intro lyrics, which I would have left out).  For me what keeps it out of a top 5 spot is its recycling of the musical themes of its predecessors, and above all things, with RUSH it is the music that matters most

 

5. Xanadu:  The first 5:00 are incredible.  Probably the best hockey arena music ever composed.  But the retelling of Coleridge's Xanadu, a poem I enjoyed long before I came to know RUSH, isn't as interesting to me as it seems to be to others.  

4. Cygnus Book I: Prologue:  The song came in a #150 in my ranking, but... I concede that the song's prologue contains four minutes of musical brilliance that deserve proper recognition.  Skip the unnecessary 70 second noodling and spoken intro and, starting with that infamous bass lick,  you get four minutes of stone cold classic RUSH that falls in at #4 overall among RUSH's all-time musical achievements.  

3. Cygnus Book II: Prelude:  Book II came in at #125, but, like its companion piece, its introduction is an undeniable achievement and deserves recognition as such.  

2. 2112:  From the first synth sounds of the Overture, I knew at first listening that I was in for something special.  A perfect 4:24, with no note out of place, followed by an absolutely brilliant transition into the story, "And the meek shall inherit the Earth".  No silly spoken introduction needed to set the scene.  And then, enter the Priests!  Even before Geddy lets loose with the impassioned vocals, we feel their presence through the music.  Part III is equally brilliant.  I remember playing the album, and my mother walked in the room and knew exactly what was going on:  Someone had found a guitar and was discovering what it could do.  That was before the lyrics kicked in.  With Presentation any doubt of what where things were headed is removed.  That's maybe why parts V and VI never quite hit me like parts I thru IV, which keeps 2112 out of the top spot.  Still, the piece reigns #1 among RUSH's songs with lyrics, and #2 overall.

 

And the top RUSH track of all time is...

 

1. La Villa Strangiato:  I'll let it speak for itself...

 

 

 

So that's a very good Top 6 (8?) -- but then how could it be otherwise, eh!?! (Excepting, I suppose, the True Fan who has "Half The World" at No. 1).  The Cygni are a little high for me, both feel more indulgent that "La Villa," and that one's got it baked into the title, but it's not the sort of thing one shouts at strangers on the internet about.

 

Good list! Maybe I'll pull myself together and post one of my own, since lord knows I've done enough sniping. 

 

Thanks for the effort and the discussion.

 

 

[goose]

On 12/17/2023 at 10:03 PM, Derek19 said:

1. Limelight

2. Tom Sawyer

 

3. La Villa Strangiato (An Exercise In Self-Indulgence), song #4/4, "Hemispheres (1978)"

4. 2112, song #1/6, "2112 (1976)"

5. Xanadu, song #2/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

6. Natural Science, song #6/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

7. the Camera Eye, song #5/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

8. Jacob's Ladder, song #3/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

9. the Fountain of Lamneth, song #5/5, "Caress of Steel (1975)"

10. Clockwork Angels, song #3/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

11. Working Man, song #8/8, "Rush (1974)"

12. Freewill, song #2/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

13. A Passage to Bangkok, song #2/6, "2112 (1976)"

14. Subdivisions, song #1/8, "Signals (1982)"

15. the Spirit of Radio, song #1/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

16. the Analog Kid, song #2/8, "Signals (1982)"

17. Yyz, song #3/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

18. Kid Gloves, song #6/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

19. Circumstances, song #2/4, "Hemispheres (1978)"

20. Finding My Way, song #1/8, "Rush (1974)"

21. Red Barchetta, song #2/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

22. Red Sector A, song #3/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

23. What You're Doing, song #5/8, "Rush (1974)"

24. the Main Monkey Business, song #6/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

25. Headlong Flight, song #9/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

26. Here Again, song #4/8, "Rush (1974)"

27. the Necromancer, song #4/5, "Caress of Steel (1975)"

28. By-Tor and the Snow Dog, song #4/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

29. the Trees, song #3/4, "Hemispheres (1978)"

30. Afterimage, song #2/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

31. Before and After, song #7/8, "Rush (1974)"

32. Caravan, song #1/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

33. Secret Touch, song #8/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

34. Malignant Narcissism, song #12/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

35. Red Lenses, song #7/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

36. the Stars Look Down, song #5/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

37. the Way the Wind Blows, song #7/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

38. Fly By Night, song #5/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

39. Earthshine, song #9/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

40. Closer to the Heart, song #3/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

41. New World Man, song #6/8, "Signals (1982)"

42. Distant Early Warning, song #1/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

43. Anthem, song #1/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

44. the Big Money, song #1/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

45. the Anarchist, song #4/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

46. Test For Echo, song #1/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

47. Dreamline, song #1/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

48. BU2B, song #2/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

49. Chain Lightning, song #2/11, "Presto (1989)"

50. Vital Signs, song #7/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

51. Middletown Dreams, song #6/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

52. Available Light, song #11/11, "Presto (1989)"

53. Lakeside Park, song #3/5, "Caress of Steel (1975)"

54. Sweet Miracle, song #10/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

55. Time and Motion, song #5/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

56. Hope, song #8/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

57. BU2B2, song #10/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

58. Ghost of A Chance, song #8/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

59. Time Stand Still, song #2/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

60. How It Is, song #6/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

61. the Twilight Zone, song #3/6, "2112 (1976)"

62. Need Some Love, song #2/8, "Rush (1974)"

63. Best I Can, song #2/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

64. Digital Man, song #4/8, "Signals (1982)"

65. Carnies, song #5/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

66. Making Memories, song #6/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

67. Roll the Bones, song #3/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

68. Cut to the Chase, song #3/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

69. Turn the Page, song #8/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

70. Take A Friend, song #3/8, "Rush (1974)"

71. Where's My Thing? (Part IV "Gangster of Boats" Trilogy), song #5/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

72. the Enemy Within (Part I of "Fear"), song #4/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

73. Losing It, song #7/8, "Signals (1982)"

74. War Paint, song #4/11, "Presto (1989)"

75. Mystic Rhythms, song #8/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

76. Between Sun & Moon, song #5/8, "Counterparts (1993)"

77. Scars, song #5/11, "Presto (1989)"

78. Alien Shore, song #6/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

79. Workin' Them Angels, song #3/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

80. High Water, song #10/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

81. Freeze (Part IV of "Fear"), song #12/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

82. Witch Hunt (Part III of "Fear"), song #6/7, "Moving Pictures (1981)"

83. the Pass, song #3/11, "Presto (1989)"

84. Ghost Rider, song #3/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

85. Different Strings, song #5/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

86. Bravado, song #2/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

87. Open Secrets, song #3/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

88. Red Tide, song #9/11, "Presto (1989)"

89. Tears, song #5/6, "2112 (1976)"

90. Cold Fire, song #10/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

91. Dog Years, song #7/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

92. Out of the Cradle, song #13/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

93. I Think I'm Going Bald, song #2/5, "Caress of Steel (1975)"

94. Emotion Detector, song #7/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

95. Lessons, song #4/6, "2112 (1976)"

96. Beneath, Between and Behind, song #3/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

97. Superconductor, song #7/11, "Presto (1989)"

98. Driven, song #2/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

99. Mission, song #7/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

100. Vapor Trail, song #7/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

101. We Hold On, song #13/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

102. Leave that Thing Alone, song #9/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

103. Peaceable Kingdom, song #4/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

104. Lock and Key, song #6/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

105. Grand Designs, song #2/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

106. the Body Electric, song #5/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

107. Heresy, song #7/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

108. Show Don't Tell, song #1/11, "Presto (1989)"

109. Faithless, song #9/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

110. Face Up, song #4/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

111. Limbo, song #9/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

112. Far Cry, song #1/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

113. One Little Victory, song #1/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

114. Prime Mover, song #5/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

115. Armor and Sword, song #2/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

116. Double Agent, song #8/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

117. In the End, song #8/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

118. Something For Nothing, song #6/6, "2112 (1976)"

119. Bastille Day, song #1/5, "Caress of Steel (1975)"

120. Marathon, song #4/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

121. Entre Nous (Between Us), song #4/6, "Permanent Waves (1980)"

122. Countdown, song #8/8, "Signals (1982)"

123. Presto, song #6/11, "Presto (1989)"

124. In the Mood, song #6/8, "Rush (1974)"

125. Cygnus X-1: Book Two - Hemispheres, song #1/4, "Hemispheres (1978)"

126. A Farewell to Kings, song #1/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

127. Totem, song #6/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

128. Animate, song #1/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

129. the Larger Bowl (A Pantoum), song #4/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

130. Anagram (For Mongo), song #8/11, "Presto (1989)"

131. the Garden, song #12/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

132. Cinderella Man, song #4/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

133. Rivendell, song #7/8, "Fly By Night (1975)"

134. Second Nature, song #4/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

135. Resist, song #9/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

136. Hand Over Fist, song #7/11, "Presto (1989)"

137. Nobody's Hero, song #4/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

138. Nocturne, song #11/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

139. the Wreckers, song #8/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

140. Good News First, song #11/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

141. Stick It Out, song #2/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

142. Neurotica, song #9/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

143. Chemistry, song #3/8, "Signals (1982)"

144. Manhattan Project, song #3/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

145. the Weapon (Part II of "Fear"), song #5/8, "Signals (1982)"

146. Between the Wheels, song #8/8, "Grace Under Pressure (1984)"

147. Territories, song #5/8, "Power Windows (1985)"

148. Force Ten, song #1/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

149. Tai Shan, song #9/10, "Hold Your Fire (1987)"

150. Cygnus X-1: Book One - the Voyage, song #6/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

151. Ceiling Unlimited, song #2/13, "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)"

152. Half the World, song #3/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

153. Spindrift, song #5/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

154. the Big Wheel, song #6/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

155. Seven Cities of Gold, song #7/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

156. Bravest Face, song #10/13, "Snakes & Arrows (2007)"

157. Halo Effect, song #6/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

158. Wish Them Well, song #11/12, "Clockwork Angels (2012)"

159. Carve Away the Stone, song #11/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

160. You Bet Your Life, song #10/10, "Roll the Bones (1991)"

161. Everyday Glory, song #11/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

162. Virtuality, song #8/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

163. the Color of Right, song #4/11, "Test For Echo (1996)"

164. the Speed of Love, song #7/11, "Counterparts (1993)"

165. Madrigal, song #5/6, "A Farewell to Kings (1977)"

Edited just now by Derek19

 

You're the best, Derek!  With the list done, I can add a final note.  Those two spots, #2 & #1, if I'm truly honest, Cygnus II and La Villa don't own them.  In good conscience they've got to be filled by Tom Sawyer and Limelight, as they justifiably mark the pinnacle of the band as musicians and song writers.

 

So there you have it.

[blackhawkrush]

Kid Gloves at no.19. Can't go wrong with Toews, I guess.