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

[Mosher]

1 hour 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

I love that Take a Friend is high, because musically I love that one. I slam the first album for lyrics, and drop a lot of songs because to me they barely count as Rush. But taking the songs out of the catalog this one is good, and while I have Need Some Love extremely low, it is a fun rocker on it's own.

Best I Can is another pre-Rush Rush song, it just fell to album two. It's mostly forgettable to me. Making Memories I love more all the time. Very simple, but it works really well. 

 

Now on to the fully formed Rush contributions to this group- I love them all. The rap was a fun surprise that got old really quick, and was probably a bad idea as rap outside their actual voice as well. But you are right, it's a great tension break live. 

 

Every other song is strong. 

 

Another great grouping.

 

 

[Derek19]

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 6, 2023 by Derek19

[goose]

We're cracking the 50s now, so I suppose now is a good time to check in how it's going album-wise.  I see that via my last post of songs Counterparts was the first album to be eliminated, with Snakes & Arrows just hanging on by virtue of the instrumentals.  This rounded get rid of the last of the band's adult contemporary music, an exploration that yielded some of the group's most forgettable songs, but also this list of beautifully emotive ones as well.

 

59. Time Stand Still -  one of RUSH'S absolute best thematically, lyrically, and vocally, it suffers from 80s production and a video that spawned hilarious parody.  Goodbye Hold Your Fire.

58.  Ghost Of A Chance - Neil was brilliantly analytical, to a fault, even.  As far as capturing what it's like for a hopeless intellectual to navigate the sea of love, he nails it here.

57. Here Again - Our first exposure to the promise Alex shows as one of rock's most emotive players

56. Hope - Alex in the raw

55. Time & Motion - One of my favorite later career tracks, brilliantly poetic

54. Sweet Miracle - After Neil's tragedy there were doubts about whether the band could rebound.  Did they ever!

53. Lakeside Park - Wonderfully nostalgic

52. Available Light - I love Neil's driving rhythm, and Geddy is at his absolute best as a singer here and on the next few tracks

51.  Middletown Dreams - A perfectly painted picture of the struggle against the mundane

50. Vital Signs - A dramatic musical turning point for the band, only one song has moved up more for me over the years

 

[Mosher]

8 hours ago, goose said:

We're cracking the 50s now, so I suppose now is a good time to check in how it's going album-wise.  I see that via my last post of songs Counterparts was the first album to be eliminated, with Snakes & Arrows just hanging on by virtue of the instrumentals.  This rounded get rid of the last of the band's adult contemporary music, an exploration that yielded some of the group's most forgettable songs, but also this list of beautifully emotive ones as well.

 

59. Time Stand Still -  one of RUSH'S absolute best thematically, lyrically, and vocally, it suffers from 80s production and a video that spawned hilarious parody.  Goodbye Hold Your Fire.

58.  Ghost Of A Chance - Neil was brilliantly analytical, to a fault, even.  As far as capturing what it's like for a hopeless intellectual to navigate the sea of love, he nails it here.

57. Here Again - Our first exposure to the promise Alex shows as one of rock's most emotive players

56. Hope - Alex in the raw

55. Time & Motion - One of my favorite later career tracks, brilliantly poetic

54. Sweet Miracle - After Neil's tragedy there were doubts about whether the band could rebound.  Did they ever!

53. Lakeside Park - Wonderfully nostalgic

52. Available Light - I love Neil's driving rhythm, and Geddy is at his absolute best as a singer here and on the next few tracks

51.  Middletown Dreams - A perfectly painted picture of the struggle against the mundane

50. Vital Signs - A dramatic musical turning point for the band, only one song has moved up more for me over the years

 

A lot of songs here that I would drop quite a bit below so many already eliminated.

Here Again- the horse is dead on that opinion. First album songs need not apply for top 60 status. 

Sweet Miracle I don't like. yet? We'll see. 
Hope is nice, but without the rest of the team it's far too high. 
Lakeside Park has always annoyed me vocally. 

Available, Ghost, Time&Motion are good songs that nevertheless are too high considering what came before. 

Vital, Middle, Time Stand are excellent. 

I really need to make a playlist of a few songs a lot of you keep inflating. I like Finding My Way to liking new songs.

 

[Derek19]

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

[liquidcrystalcompass]

On 11/21/2023 at 8:21 AM, goose said:

We're cracking the 50s now, so I suppose now is a good time to check in how it's going album-wise.  I see that via my last post of songs Counterparts was the first album to be eliminated, with Snakes & Arrows just hanging on by virtue of the instrumentals.  This rounded get rid of the last of the band's adult contemporary music, an exploration that yielded some of the group's most forgettable songs, but also this list of beautifully emotive ones as well.

 

59. Time Stand Still -  one of RUSH'S absolute best thematically, lyrically, and vocally, it suffers from 80s production and a video that spawned hilarious parody.  Goodbye Hold Your Fire.

58.  Ghost Of A Chance - Neil was brilliantly analytical, to a fault, even.  As far as capturing what it's like for a hopeless intellectual to navigate the sea of love, he nails it here.

57. Here Again - Our first exposure to the promise Alex shows as one of rock's most emotive players

56. Hope - Alex in the raw

55. Time & Motion - One of my favorite later career tracks, brilliantly poetic

54. Sweet Miracle - After Neil's tragedy there were doubts about whether the band could rebound.  Did they ever!

53. Lakeside Park - Wonderfully nostalgic

52. Available Light - I love Neil's driving rhythm, and Geddy is at his absolute best as a singer here and on the next few tracks

51.  Middletown Dreams - A perfectly painted picture of the struggle against the mundane

50. Vital Signs - A dramatic musical turning point for the band, only one song has moved up more for me over the years

 

Damn.  I probably would have Vital Signs in my top three.  I'd have Middletown Dreams pretty high along with Hope and Lakeside Park.

[chemistry1973]

On 11/1/2023 at 5:28 PM, goose said:

Time to venture into the synth era.  The stretch of Signals thru Hold Your Fire saw the increasing use of synthesizers and keyboards, as well as Neil rejecting fantasy writing in favor of exploring a range of social issues.  The early two synth era albums have aged well for me, the other two not so much, especially HYF.  Each has songs I really like or even love, but each also has a song or two that just doesn't do it for me.  Here's Goose's Not So Magnifi-synth Seven:

 

149. Tai Shan (A bit much, isn't it?)

148. Force Ten  (Too many 80s Casio noises)

147. Territories (Better people, better food, and better beer?)

146. Between the Wheels (Those keyboards are just grating)

145. The Weapon (Too meandering for me, and the lyrics don't do it for me)

144. Manhattan Project (I do love the "Pilot of Enola Gay flying out the shock wave..." moment)

143. Chemistry (Another meandering tune with little dynamics)

!!!!!!

[goose]

5 hours ago, chemistry1973 said:

!!!!!!

I'm guessing your a fan of the Weapon and Chemistry?

[chemistry1973]

On 11/22/2023 at 1:45 PM, goose said:

I'm guessing your a fan of the Weapon and Chemistry?

And Between the Wheels, Annnnnd Force 10!

[goose]

11 hours ago, chemistry1973 said:

And Between the Wheels, Annnnnd Force 10!

Tough times demand tough rankings

[goose]

Speaking of tough rankings, how does one go about ranking the hits?  Personally, I can't, so I'll list them as a group.  Here's a group of RUSH songs, new and old, that seem designed for radio play.  Somehow, a few actually achieved it!

 

49. Chain Lightning - Presto's most radio-friendly song

48. BU2B - As built for radio as anything Clockwork offered.  A bit too heavy, though

47.  Dreamline - When we are young...learning we're only immortal for a limited time  Such a great line 

46.  Test For Echo -  Great  hard-rocking riff

45. The Big Money - A RUSH video that doesn't suck?!?  

44. Distant Early Warning - One of their best album openers

43. New World Man - Their highest charting song! 

42.  Closer to the Heart - The band's theme song, really

41.  Earthshine - As strong as any radio-type song they've written

40.  Fly By Night - The first true RUSH single, and their most enduring  

39. Finding My Way - Kick ass.  This should be better known 

38.  Tom Sawyer - If Fly By Night put the band on the map, this put them on the globe.  Just a killer sounding track  

 

[Derek19]

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

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

45.5 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 December 19, 2023 by Derek19

[Mosher]

12 hours ago, goose said:

Speaking of tough rankings, how does one go about ranking the hits?  Personally, I can't, so I'll list them as a group.  Here's a group of RUSH songs, new and old, that seem designed for radio play.  Somehow, a few actually achieved it!

 

49. Chain Lightning - Presto's most radio-friendly song

48. BU2B - As built for radio as anything Clockwork offered.  A bit too heavy, though

47.  Dreamline - When we are young...learning we're only immortal for a limited time  Such a great line 

46.  Test For Echo -  Great  hard-rocking riff

45. The Big Money - A RUSH video that doesn't suck?!?  

44. Distant Early Warning - One of their best album openers

43. New World Man - Their highest charting song! 

42.  Closer to the Heart - The band's theme song, really

41.  Earthshine - As strong as any radio-type song they've written

40.  Fly By Night - The first true RUSH single, and their most enduring  

39. Finding My Way - Kick ass.  This should be better known 

38.  Tom Sawyer - If Fly By Night put the band on the map, this put them on the globe.  Just a killer sounding track  

 

Chain Lightning is by far my favorite off Presto. I relate to that song so much. Nice to see it top 50.
BU2B is great as most Clockwork songs are. Is it the most radio friendly? I don't know that any of them are. 
Dreamline was, to me, a necessary course correction song. It didn't prove to be the course correction I expected, but when I first heard it I was so sure. Great song.
Test For Echo is better every time I hear it, but this is too high for me. 
Big Money has one of their best outros, I love this one live. 
Distant Early Warning- interestingly I really liked that video when I was young. I remember falling for that song while watching videos late night at a friends house on weekends. It's dropped for me since then, but still a great song. 
New World Man was the first Rush song I owned. K-Tel! Thank you, mom. Memorized this one early. 
Closer was always great but it has dropped by a lot. Overexposure dropped it below a lot of songs for me. 
Earthshine, hands down best on Vapor, although several tracks there are finally climbing the ladder. 
Fly By Night- so radio friendly, yet so good. It has the best of the debut with the creativity of their prog combining into a great rock song. 
Finding My Way. Oh Well. Can't agree on everything. Great music, though. 
Tom Sawyer. What can I say. People new to the Rush community would be surprised to see how often it missed the top 20 among fans. We all love it, though. I wonder if it is the most down-graded song because we like the overall catalog so much and Tom Sawyer will always get it's due? It's never threatens my top 20, but I never ever ever would skip it. Essential live. 

[chemistry1973]

14 hours ago, goose said:

Tough times demand tough rankings

Why can’t I laugh and also like a post?!

[Nova Carmina]

3 hours ago, Mosher said:

Big Money has one of their best outros, I love this one live. 
Distant Early Warning- interestingly I really liked that video when I was young. I remember falling for that song while watching videos late night at a friends house on weekends. It's dropped for me since then, but still a great song. 
New World Man was the first Rush song I owned. K-Tel! Thank you, mom. Memorized this one early. 

 

Hey, we might be the same person . . . 

[blackhawkrush]

On 11/25/2023 at 6:40 PM, goose said:

 

 

 

38.  Tom Sawyer - If Fly By Night put the band on the map, this put them on the globe.  Just a killer sounding track  

 

But at 38, it will disappoint many reaction youtubers.    

[goose]

It was a busy week, and as a result I've been neglectful of my ranking duties.  It works out though, because it frames the theme for  this next group of songs.  Imagine getting hung up at work on the night of the big concert, enduring the hassle of finding a late-arrival parking spot, waiting in line to get in as the echo of the opening song's notes reverberate from the venue, making your way through the crowd to your seats only to find them filled.  That's how about 50 of the songs already posted in my ranking feel toward these two.  I present to you, the "Excuse me, I think you're in my seat" songs.

 

37.  Stars Look Down:  I love the lyrics, the music, the vocals, Alex's simple but blistering solo. But better than Tom Sawyer and Distant Early Warning?  

36.  Red Lenses:  Uniquely experimental, a turning point for the band, fantastically groovy break!  Still, at #36, I'm gonna need to see your ticket.

 

[Derek19]

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

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

45.5 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 December 19, 2023 by Derek19

[Mosher]

4 hours ago, goose said:

It was a busy week, and as a result I've been neglectful of my ranking duties.  It works out though, because it frames the theme for  this next group of songs.  Imagine getting hung up at work on the night of the big concert, enduring the hassle of finding a late-arrival parking spot, waiting in line to get in as the echo of the opening song's notes reverberate from the venue, making your way through the crowd to your seats only to find them filled.  That's how about 50 of the songs already posted in my ranking feel toward these two.  I present to you, the "Excuse me, I think you're in my seat" songs.

 

37.  Stars Look Down:  I love the lyrics, the music, the vocals, Alex's simple but blistering solo. But better than Tom Sawyer and Distant Early Warning?  

36.  Red Lenses:  Uniquely experimental, a turning point for the band, fantastically groovy break!  Still, at #36, I'm gonna need to see your ticket.

 

Critical error? 
I do not hear what you hear. 

I agree on Sweet Miracle lyrically, but not yet capable of liking the song. 

Red Lenses musically is excellent. But lyrically, or at least the quasi-comical delivery of the lyrics, hurts me. When Geddy says, 'not blue' I feel blue. Why oh why make a great song and sing it like ...this? I actually only skip it if I'm really listening- if it's just on for my background it always plays through- the music is great fun. Sweet Miracle I used to always skip but lately I don't, I'm still waiting for it to click.

[Mosher]

By the way, I love your analogy. I need to use that for my super-inflated picks- like Prime Mover. 

[Mosher]

12 hours ago, Mosher said:

Critical error? 
I do not hear what you hear. 

I agree on Sweet Miracle lyrically, but not yet capable of liking the song. 

Red Lenses musically is excellent. But lyrically, or at least the quasi-comical delivery of the lyrics, hurts me. When Geddy says, 'not blue' I feel blue. Why oh why make a great song and sing it like ...this? I actually only skip it if I'm really listening- if it's just on for my background it always plays through- the music is great fun. Sweet Miracle I used to always skip but lately I don't, I'm still waiting for it to click.

And here I am commenting on Sweet Miracle, when you clearly wrote "Stars Look Down"

Stars Look Down is is a great song, the only reason it suffers is Geddy's vocals right directly before the first "Stars Look Down"---
'What is the meaning of this?' The meaning of this complaint is that you sing that part way too high.

The rest of the song is brilliant.

[goose]

7 hours ago, Mosher said:

And here I am commenting on Sweet Miracle, when you clearly wrote "Stars Look Down"

Stars Look Down is is a great song, the only reason it suffers is Geddy's vocals right directly before the first "Stars Look Down"---
'What is the meaning of this?' The meaning of this complaint is that you sing that part way too high.

The rest of the song is brilliant.

Agreed on all accounts.  Great song, but not a fan of Geddy's late career yodeling

[goose]

So, we're down to the pure gold at this point, RUSH at their rockin' best.  I'll get things started with three late-career tracks, one a quick-hitting instrumental, and the other two extended hard-edged jam fests.

 

35.  Malignant Narcissism:  Geddy and Neil layin' it down as rock's best rhythm section.  So good...

34. Secret Touch: Man, they were back with a vengeance on this one.  I love the Jesus Christ Pose inspired break.

33. Caravan:  The track that opened up what many consider their magnum opus.  I can't stop thinking big...

[Derek19]

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

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

45.5 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 December 19, 2023 by Derek19

[goose]

Pretty sure I rank the debut album higher than most, but, after All the World's a Stage, it's the album that really turned me on to the band.  I still love those songs and enjoy the energy and creativity that Alex brought to the guitar parts.  Geddy's bass chops are evident as well, and Rutsey does a fine job as a pocket drummer.  So there are a full five songs from the album that I've placed in the top 32, the most of any album.  Hemispheres, PWaves and Pictures come in with four each, Clockwork, FBN, Caress, Kings, Signals and GUP with one or two.  Nothing beyond GUP makes it this far.

 

32.  Before & After:  With a dreamy intro that gives way to a driving rocker, this may be the band's first hint at the epics that would come.  

31.  Afterimage:  One of the band's most poignant songs lyrically, it's also an up tempo 80s jam.   

30.  The Trees:  A bit silly lyrically, but its musical genius carries the day.  Could any other band make something like this a hit?

29.  By-Tor & The Snowdog:  The first epic!  The Geddy-Alex battle is classic, and few songs beat it live.

28. The Necromancer:  The heavier follow up to ByTor, and the better of the two, imo.  Alex slays it.

 

 

Edited December 7, 2023 by goose