A FAREWELL TO KINGS

On this album Geddy has also started using synthesizers, and Neil's drum set has probably doubled it's physical size with all kinds of percussions, so the sound texture is richer here than on their "2112" album. The opener and the album title song is a fine rock anthem with imaginative rhythms and good compositional parts. The follower "Xanadu" is also a fine composition, but the song has much better treatment on their "Exit...Stage Left" live album. "Closer to The Heart" is also a nice track, but it too works better on the mentioned live album. The true highlight for me on this album is it's closer, "Cygnus X-1". As a small epic it works wonderfully, there are some very fine rhythmic movements in it, and the overall feeling is raw and great! The voyage to the heart of a black hole is truly a rough rollercoaster ride! Recommended highly!