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

[goose]

48 minutes ago, Nova Carmina said:

 

This is deeply concerning to me. 

Your hairline, my ranking, or both?  

[goose]

Mosher, I used to have Something for Nothing and In the End among my favorites.  Good songs, and it's more my aging than anything else that drops them to the middle.

[blackhawkrush]

16 hours ago, goose said:

 

 

124.  In The Mood - My least favorite off the debut, an album I love.  For some reason I like it's cousin I Think I'm Going Bald much better

 

I think 'Countdown' is the cousin of 'In the Mood'.      

[liquidcrystalcompass]

3 hours ago, Mosher said:

Ok, a lot to look at here.

 

In the Mood holds charm because it's such a common tension break in concert. Simple and fun, nothing to think about. I have it quite low because it's a first album song that I barely see as Rush, but I like it. Like all of the first album songs it drops because to my ears it doesn't belong in the first place. 

 

Presto is a pretty song where nothing musically happens. A perfect in the middle song.

 

Countdown is a song I love. It's low for many people, though. I've learned to accept that. :)

 

Entres Nous  has risen over the years. But it's a middle song for sure.

 

Marathon has also risen, but not very high. Another middle song.

 

Bastille Day has dropped for me as well. And honestly it might be my own fault. I asked for something by Rush for Christmas, it was going to be my first Rush album. I recieved Caress of Steel. It was always the under selling cheapest tape available. But Bastille Day was the first song, and for a long long time it was the best song. I probably overplayed it. 

 

Something for Nothing is the best song off 2112, and I have it very high. I agree, Goose, you should like it more. :)

 

In the End I've always loved and it's never risen it dropped. Always ranked high. It's slow, it's simple, and I love it anyway.

 

Double Agent I'd have lower. The talking just doesn't work.

 

Armor is a Good song off a very weak album. It's fine here.

 

One Little Victory I agree completely on. That opening was a lie. That opening says the song and the album will be a return to greatness. And then it lets you down.

 

Far Cry out performs One Little, because that song is good to the end. The chorus pulls it through the faults. I have it higher. The album though, another disappointment.

 

Prime Mover is a song I love beyond explanation. It's top five for me. I don't think anyone else will have it even top 20.

I would have had One Little Victory in my bottom 10.  Maybe bottom 5.

 

Far Cry,  I would have ranked much higher.

[blackhawkrush]

2 hours ago, liquidcrystalcompass said:

I would have had One Little Victory in my bottom 10.  Maybe bottom 5.

 

 

You got it all the way at the bottom of the home page. 

[goose]

I've reached #111 in the rankings, and from this on I got no complaints about any of these.  Not one note of these tracks is ever skipped by me.  Here's the first ten in descending order of awesomeness.

 

111.  Limbo - RUSH's weakest instrumental, but still a decent listen

110. Face Up - It's derided by many, but I really like the groove

109. Faithless - Love the intro riff, the opening lines, the chorus, and Geddy's vocals.  Killer solo.  Killer.

108. Show Dont Tell - I remember hearing this on the radio for the first time, coming in mid-song and wondering who was ripping off old school RUSH.  It was RUSH, and Alex was BACK!!!!  

107. Heresy - I love the sentiment and the recognition of what was likely lost as a result of prolonged cold war politics.

106. Body Electric - Cool drum pattern, great energy in the chorus

105. Grand Designs - For all its quirky use of electronics, the synth era features some of Geddy's best vocals.

104. Lock and Key - Awesome break at 4:16

103. Peaceable Kingdom - Great lyrics and chorus, wicked bass groove.  Another song with a killer break, this one at 3:20

102. Leave That Thing Alone - A step above Limbo, for sure, but not really up to the standard of their more rocking instrumentals

 

Whew.  This is getting tougher.

 

[Derek19]

From "Vapor Trails (2002)", and "Vapor Trails (Remixed) (2013)", I've had "Peaceable Kingdom" as the lowest.

 

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 November 8, 2023 by Derek19

[Nova Carmina]

23 hours ago, goose said:

Your hairline, my ranking, or both?  

 

To comment upon my hairline, we'd have to borrow a song from Robert Plant and Alison Krauss: "Gone, Gone, Gone"!

 

Specifically, I was commenting on the fact that we've gotten up to #102 and there's still no sight of "ITIGB"!

 

But now I see you've placed "Grand Designs" outside of your top #100, so I have a new greivance to air.

[Mosher]

15 hours ago, goose said:

I've reached #111 in the rankings, and from this on I got no complaints about any of these.  Not one note of these tracks is ever skipped by me.  Here's the first ten in descending order of awesomeness.

 

111.  Limbo - RUSH's weakest instrumental, but still a decent listen

110. Face Up - It's derided by many, but I really like the groove

109. Faithless - Love the intro riff, the opening lines, the chorus, and Geddy's vocals.  Killer solo.  Killer.

108. Show Dont Tell - I remember hearing this on the radio for the first time, coming in mid-song and wondering who was ripping off old school RUSH.  It was RUSH, and Alex was BACK!!!!  

107. Heresy - I love the sentiment and the recognition of what was likely lost as a result of prolonged cold war politics.

106. Body Electric - Cool drum pattern, great energy in the chorus

105. Grand Designs - For all its quirky use of electronics, the synth era features some of Geddy's best vocals.

104. Lock and Key - Awesome break at 4:16

103. Peaceable Kingdom - Great lyrics and chorus, wicked bass groove.  Another song with a killer break, this one at 3:20

102. Leave That Thing Alone - A step above Limbo, for sure, but not really up to the standard of their more rocking instrumentals

 

Whew.  This is getting tougher.

 

As Rush instrumentals go, Limbo is lower echelon. But Rush really has a small bit of musical proficiency, so as rock instrumentals go, Limbo is still very good. Leave that thing Alone- same thing. 

I too love Face UP. More word play affection in this song, but it drives a point and it doesn't overreach. 

Faithless just doesn't work for me. Snakes and Vapor take more listens and more work for me, but I am getting there. I have to listen around what I don't like to hear what's good, and after that the elements I don't like diminish and the song rises. Maybe this will happen with Faithless. BTW- this is why I like lists. You gave me something to focus on. Maybe this killer solo you speak of will be my in. I honestly don't remember it because I already wasn't liking the song. Same thing for Peaceable Kingdom. I'll attend to that break. Others have pushed it as a good song. Maybe I should listen. 

Show Don't Tell was a minor let down for me. It didn't click. I never hated it, but I was disappointed. I wanted great, and for me it was middling. As Rush goes, for me it's mediocre. As music goes I still like the song. I don't skip it. 

Heresy I agree with you on. 

Body Electric has always been a song I love, no apologies. But I'm fine with it here. Everysong I have in this range I like. 

Grand Designs is way over indulgent in special effects, but the song is really good and I have it much higher. 

Lock and Key fluctuates for me. It's never bad, never great, but bounces up and down the middle range constantly. I guess you have it placed pretty accurately. 
 

[blackhawkrush]

'Kid Gloves' is still alive.    

[goose]

Breaking into the Top 100 now, and here's ten-plus-one songs that I like a lot, but that don't approach pinnacle RUSH compositions or performances.  I won't ever skip these, but I won't seek them out, either.  These are a group, and their exact order would depend on my mood.  

 

101. We Hold On - A decent album closer

100. Vapor Trail - A bit too somber for me at times

99. Leave That Thing Alone - Enjoyable enough, but not really that dynamic

98. Mission - Really good live, just OK on HYF

97. Driven - At first I loved it, and like Mission, it's a killer live track.  Horrible video.

96.  Superconductor - Speaking of horrible videos, this more than any other RUSH track is dragged down in video form.  On the disc I enjoy it just fine, minus the stupid "superconductor" echoed vocals.  I love the middle break

95. Beneath Between Behind - Neil's best lyrics on his debut album

94. Lessons - I really like everything about this one, though a better ending than  a fade out would be nice

93. Emotion Detector - One of my top 4 tracks from Power Windows

92. I Think I'm Going Bald - Recycles the In The Mood riff but adds a great groove and better sound.  Alex kills it on this one, and I like the lyrics and sentiment.  "Now, it must be wine!"  I could have this higher, but in the place of what I don't know.

91.  Out of the Cradle - A good closer to the comeback album, and a perfect segue into the list of 90 truly great RUSH songs that is to come.  Endlessly rocking...

 

 

 

[Mosher]

5 hours ago, goose said:

Breaking into the Top 100 now, and here's ten-plus-one songs that I like a lot, but that don't approach pinnacle RUSH compositions or performances.  I won't ever skip these, but I won't seek them out, either.  These are a group, and their exact order would depend on my mood.  

 

101. We Hold On - A decent album closer

100. Vapor Trail - A bit too somber for me at times

99. Leave That Thing Alone - Enjoyable enough, but not really that dynamic

98. Mission - Really good live, just OK on HYF

97. Driven - At first I loved it, and like Mission, it's a killer live track.  Horrible video.

96.  Superconductor - Speaking of horrible videos, this more than any other RUSH track is dragged down in video form.  On the disc I enjoy it just fine, minus the stupid "superconductor" echoed vocals.  I love the middle break

95. Beneath Between Behind - Neil's best lyrics on his debut album

94. Lessons - I really like everything about this one, though a better ending than  a fade out would be nice

93. Emotion Detector - One of my top 4 tracks from Power Windows

92. I Think I'm Going Bald - Recycles the In The Mood riff but adds a great groove and better sound.  Alex kills it on this one, and I like the lyrics and sentiment.  "Now, it must be wine!"  I could have this higher, but in the place of what I don't know.

91.  Out of the Cradle - A good closer to the comeback album, and a perfect segue into the list of 90 truly great RUSH songs that is to come.  Endlessly rocking...

 

 

 

There are no songs here I am needing higher, except maybe Beneath. That's by far the best song here. Agreed, it's a case of Neil showing us what he can do.

 

I'd also have Out of the Cradle a lot lower, it annoys me.

 

I'm glad you have Bald higher than most. It's not seriously intended and it's a much better version of a 'first album' style song. 

 

 

Edited November 12, 2023 by Mosher

[Derek19]

From "Caress of Steel", "2112", and "Power Windows", I've had "I Think I'm Going Bald" as the lowest, and bottom eight, with "Tears", "Lessons" tied as the lowest, and "Emotion Detector" as the lowest.

 

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 November 12, 2023 by Derek19

[goose]

Neil was known for headier lyrics that addressed the human condition.  It was, and continues to be, a big part of RUSH's appeal to fans.  Here's a group of songs that appeal to me because of their themes and lyrics.

 

91. Dog Years - A humorous look at how quickly life moves and how we get caught up in the day-to-day and lose sight of what matters, with our tails between our ears.

90. Cold Fire - My buddy was sure that Neil was headed for divorce.  The look in your eye's as you head for the door.

89.  Tears - Geddy's second best lyrical effort, and a wonderful side 2 ballad of the band's most important album.  What would touch you deeper...?

88. Red Tide - Despite all we have accomplished in terms of progress, too often we can't seem to get out of our own way.  Some new wrinkle we are doomed to repeat...

87.  Open Secrets - Well I guess we all have these feelings...

86. Bravado - If love remains...

85. Different Strings - Geddy's best song, reflecting on the enduring musical collaboration with his lifelong friend.  Nothing to explain, it;s a part of us, to be found within a song...

84. Ghost Rider - Vapor Trails is the album where Neil, in recovery from personal tragedy, finally bears his soul.  Carry all those phantoms...

83.  The Pass - Perhaps more than any other RUSH song, the Pass hits the mark emotionally.  I remember it had just come out when I lost a student to suicide, and the song helped me process those emotions.  Christ, what have you done?!?

82. Witch Hunt - I may have outgrown this one a bit, but its message is as true now as ever.  Ignorance and prejudice and fear walk hand in hand...

 

Edited November 15, 2023 by goose

[Derek19]

From "Test For Echo", I've had "Dog Years" as the lowest, and bottom seven.

 

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 6, 2023 by Derek19

[BastillePark]

On 11/12/2023 at 9:08 AM, goose said:

Breaking into the Top 100 now, and here's ten-plus-one songs that I like a lot, but that don't approach pinnacle RUSH compositions or performances.  I won't ever skip these, but I won't seek them out, either.  These are a group, and their exact order would depend on my mood.  

 

101. We Hold On - A decent album closer

100. Vapor Trail - A bit too somber for me at times

99. Leave That Thing Alone - Enjoyable enough, but not really that dynamic

98. Mission - Really good live, just OK on HYF

97. Driven - At first I loved it, and like Mission, it's a killer live track.  Horrible video.

96.  Superconductor - Speaking of horrible videos, this more than any other RUSH track is dragged down in video form.  On the disc I enjoy it just fine, minus the stupid "superconductor" echoed vocals.  I love the middle break

95. Beneath Between Behind - Neil's best lyrics on his debut album

94. Lessons - I really like everything about this one, though a better ending than  a fade out would be nice

93. Emotion Detector - One of my top 4 tracks from Power Windows

92. I Think I'm Going Bald - Recycles the In The Mood riff but adds a great groove and better sound.  Alex kills it on this one, and I like the lyrics and sentiment.  "Now, it must be wine!"  I could have this higher, but in the place of what I don't know.

91.  Out of the Cradle - A good closer to the comeback album, and a perfect segue into the list of 90 truly great RUSH songs that is to come.  Endlessly rocking...

 

 

 

I rue the day I ever saw the video for "Driven." It's so terrible and when I hear the song, that I like pretty well, all I can see is those freaky looking dudes in their go-karts. AHHHH!

[Mosher]

17 hours ago, goose said:

 

 

91. Dog Years - A humorous look at how quickly life moves and how we get caught up in the day-to-day and lose sight of what matters, with our tails between our ears.

90. Cold Fire - My buddy was sure that Neil was headed for divorce.  The look in your eye's as you head for the door.

89.  Tears - Geddy's second best lyrical effort, and a wonderful side 2 ballad of the band's most important album.  What would touch you deeper...?

88. Red Tide - Despite all we have accomplished in terms of progress, too often we can't seem to get out of our own way.  Some new wrinkle we are doomed to repeat...

87.  Open Secrets - Well I guess we all have these feelings...

86. Bravado - If love remains...

85. Different Strings - Geddy's best song, reflecting on the enduring musical collaboration with his lifelong friend.  Nothing to explain, it;s a part of us, to be found within a song...

84. Ghost Rider - Vapor Trails is the album where Neil, in recovery from personal tragedy, finally bears his soul.  Carry all those phantoms...

83.  The Pass - Perhaps more than any other RUSH song, the Pass hits the mark emotionally.  I remember it had just come out when I lost a student to suicide, and the song helped me process those emotions.  Christ, what have you done?!?

82. Witch Hunt - I may have outgrown this one a bit, but its message is as true now as ever.  Ignorance and prejudice and fear walk hand in hand...

 

I never hated Dog Years even while acknowledging that the lyrics are a forced metaphor. And I too like the sentiment. It's a middling song for me lyrically, though. But that's as Rush goes, so better than most bands. Musically it's pretty damn good. 

Cold Fire has improved for me, and it's got the word play that Neil likes and I too enjoy. But it's a middle song for me. 

Tears bores me to tears, more than any other song Rush has made.

Red Tide I like, it could tone down the synth blasts and replace with anything Alex wants, though.

Open Secrets and Bravado have both improved for me, but I have them lower.

Different Strings is also my favorite Geddy song (with Rush)- I do like his solo album.

Ghost Rider has risen a lot for me off VT, it's an excellent song. It probably will keep climbing higher. 

The Pass never did for me what it does for most, but Rush's sparing use of curses makes "Christ, what have you done" punch hard as hell.

Witch Hunt is a song that resonates really well with me and is probably by far my favorite of this group. Interestingly it seems to speak to people of many beliefs. I've had debates with people that see the song as backing their beliefs while I see it as backing mine. To the point we both think the other must be wrong. 
That might be the strength of the song- that it can make me feel it is on my side when it's actually criticizing thinking in dichotomies. I hope that's the case. That makes a smart song even smarter. 

 

[goose]

7 hours ago, Derek19 said:

From "Test For Echo", I've had "Dog Years" as the lowest, and bottom seven.

 

 

There aren't many of us that would have it in their top 100, but I've always liked it.  Puns like "People look to Sirius" make me smile.

 

Once again, thanks for the work on the final list!

[goose]

When it comes to Neil's lyrics, I've found I'm somewhat of an outlier here on TRF.  I generally prefer Neil's writing when it's less literal and more...lyrical.  But though Neil leaned toward the pedantic as a writer, he had his moments as a poet.  The following songs reflect that for me.

 

81. Freeze - the city crouches, steaming, in the early morning half-light

80. High Water - streaming down beyond our memory, streaming down inside our veins

79. Working Them Angels - memory humming at the heart of a factory town

78. Alien Shore - the silence between whisper and shout, the space between wonder and doubt

77. Scars - hungry child in the desert, and the flies that cloud her eyes

76. Between Sun and Moon - those bonfire lights in the mirror of sky, the space between wonder and why

75. Mystic Rhythms - nature seems to spin a supernatural way

74. War Paint - pound the drums with marshal beat, pound the streets with marching feet

73. Losing It - the writer stares with glassy eyes, defies the empty page

72. Enemy Within - things crawl in the darkness that imagination spins

 

Heading into the Top 70...

[Mosher]

1 hour ago, goose said:

When it comes to Neil's lyrics, I've found I'm somewhat of an outlier here on TRF.  I generally prefer Neil's writing when it's less literal and more...lyrical.  But though Neil leaned toward the pedantic as a writer, he had his moments as a poet.  The following songs reflect that for me.

 

81. Freeze - the city crouches, steaming, in the early morning half-light

80. High Water - streaming down beyond our memory, streaming down inside our veins

79. Working Them Angels - memory humming at the heart of a factory town

78. Alien Shore - the silence between whisper and shout, the space between wonder and doubt

77. Scars - hungry child in the desert, and the flies that cloud her eyes

76. Between Sun and Moon - those bonfire lights in the mirror of sky, the space between wonder and why

75. Mystic Rhythms - nature seems to spin a supernatural way

74. War Paint - pound the drums with marshal beat, pound the streets with marching feet

73. Losing It - the writer stares with glassy eyes, defies the empty page

72. Enemy Within - things crawl in the darkness that imagination spins

 

Heading into the Top 70...

Still not into Freeze. Musically I should be- it's got a complexity and dissonance I often love in music. But in this case it's the music that halts me. I'll keep at it. 

High Water, Enemy Within, and Between Sun and Moon are favorites of mine, so I have them much higher. 

I agree on the others. All fine songs, indeed.

 

[goose]

5 hours ago, Mosher said:

 

High Water, Enemy Within, and Between Sun and Moon are favorites of mine, so I have them much higher.

 

You know, I do, too, I think.  But they fit into the theme of the group.  As I've gotten beyond the songs I DONT much enjoy, ranking the songs has become more difficult, more fluid.  Depending on my mood, and the recency of having listened to a given song, I think a song listed here in the 70s could find a spot in the 20s.  Those three are perfect examples.  Mystic Rhythms and Losing It as well.

[Mosher]

2 hours ago, goose said:

You know, I do, too, I think.  But they fit into the theme of the group.  As I've gotten beyond the songs I DONT much enjoy, ranking the songs has become more difficult, more fluid.  Depending on my mood, and the recency of having listened to a given song, I think a song listed here in the 70s could find a spot in the 20s.  Those three are perfect examples.  Mystic Rhythms and Losing It as well.

Actually you're right for me on that as well. Mystic Rhythms once was a top 20 for me. The world music effects started sounding like more mature versions of A Passage to Bangkok's. (Compare the stereotypical Passage Intro to the sound in Mystic after "African Sun." That's unfair, just my brain over used to them.  But I still love the song.

 

Losing It you're also right on. Those lyrics I loved from day one. On the same album with Subdivisions and Analog Kid it was a nice look at the other end of life. I probably should have it higher, too.

 

 

 

 

[Derek19]

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 6, 2023 by Derek19

[goose]

The next batch of songs mirrors the energy that Enemy Within has.  Reflecting a lighter side of RUSH music, these  all have an upbeat feel to them that never fails to bring a smile to my face.  

 

71.  Where's My Thing - Best game show music ever

70. Take A Friend - 

69. Turn the Page - 

68. Cut To The Chase - What a groove!

67. Roll The Bones - Somehow RUSH turned a ridiculous rap into a great concert crowd moment

66. Making Memories - Despite the tedium, maybe (road) life's not so bad

65. Carnies 

64. Digital Man - one of my favorite drum lead-ins

63. Best I Can 

62. Need Some Love - 

61. Twilight Zone - Amazing vocals accompany an appreciated nod to one of my favorite childhood tv memories

60. How It Is - I love how the musical feel of this one works to counter despair expressed in the lyrics

[Nova Carmina]

25 minutes ago, goose said:

The next batch of songs mirrors the energy that Enemy Within has.  Reflecting a lighter side of RUSH music, these  all have an upbeat feel to them that never fails to bring a smile to my face.  

 

71.  Where's My Thing - Best game show music ever

70. Take A Friend - 

69. Turn the Page - 

68. Cut To The Chase - What a groove!

67. Roll The Bones - Somehow RUSH turned a ridiculous rap into a great concert crowd moment

66. Making Memories - Despite the tedium, maybe (road) life's not so bad

65. Carnies 

64. Digital Man - one of my favorite drum lead-ins

63. Best I Can 

62. Need Some Love - 

61. Twilight Zone - Amazing vocals accompany an appreciated nod to one of my favorite childhood tv memories

60. How It Is - I love how the musical feel of this one works to counter despair expressed in the lyrics