A FAREWELL TO KINGS

At the very least Rush easily matched 2112 with their 1977 follow up A Farewell To Kings. Featuring the first real instance of keyboard playing on a Rush album and much more openly Progressive elements this simply put is yet another perfect record from the Canadian trio. While not particularly sophisticated the synth adds much lush texture to the tension building intro to vast, sweeping Heavy Prog epic Xanadu and Madrigal, a short, almost Baroque style ballad. Fans of the harder edged Rush can hardly be disappointed though, Cygnus X-1, Book I: The Voyage is just as heavy as 2112 and the climatic outro features some of Geddy Lee's most intense vocal work ever. Its status as a fan favourite means little needs to be said to justify Closer To The Heart, a mid-paced rocker that really takes off with Lifeson's staggered guitar solo. Often overlooked Cinderella Man and A Farewell To Kings itself have much to offer especially to bass players; one cannot help but admire Geddy's awesome talent. A Farewell To Kings is yet another Rush album on which they set the bar extremely high for themselves, with hesitation one might even say that this is the ultimate Rush album.