A FAREWELL TO KINGS

Rush continued to progress with every album they made (even with some of the elements on Caress of Steel. Many of those progressive elements come together here on A Farewell to Kings, and it proves to be one of their most balanced records the trio would ever record. There is a great sense of variety on each of the tracks here, which is really nice to see in a progressive outing such as this one. The opening title track features some of drummer/prime lyricist Neil Peart's best symbolism; musically, it starts with a soft acoustic/moog piece before erupting into a nice rocker with a great instrumental break midway. "Xanadu" is the big gem here, with a great concept and a score that practically takes the listener to such a place. I was one of those who really didn't mind Geddy Lee's vocals that much, and he really brings the lyrics out here and across the entire album, and he is a hell of a rock bassist, giving a new accent to the bottom lines. Rush had their first radio hit since "Fly by Night" with "Closer to the Heart," a short but musically complex piece; Alex Lifeson has some great guitar work on both the lead AND rhythm parts...just try nailing the signature beginning. "Cinderella Man" is okay, with Lee providing the lyrics this time. The romantic "Madrigal" is an excellent number, with Peart showing off his lyrical talents in terms of a "mythical" love song, if you want to call it that. The album closes with the mysterious "Cygnus X-1," a ten minute epic about a spaceship, that would be continued on their next and best (and my personal favorite Rush) album, Hemispheres. The extra synthesizers and expansion of themes add a new dimension for Rush, and A Farewell to Kings helped to bring them further into the spotlight, as they always wanted to do it different from the rest.