A FAREWELL TO KINGS

Rush going really progressive. I mean we can call previous albums progressive rock but it was mostly hard rock just combined into long suites. On this release synthesizers play major role, well at least in two longest tracks. Opening baroqueish theme for the title song is really amazing. But the song itself is pretty obvious happy hard rock tune. Nothing special but very optimistic and I like it. Xanadu is my favorite song on this album. First time I heard that song it was in Exit Stage Left version. There it was a bit slower. Long intro filled with synthesizers takes us to Paradise. Lyrics appear after 5 minutes and the song is compilation of soft proggy tunes and thrilling hard rock. This one is a true masterpiece in Rush's cataloque. Closer To The Heart was the most popular song of this album and the biggest Rush hit at the time. It doesn't move me at all but I can understand why lots of people like it. It's such pop song. Cinderella Man is interesting variation on Making Memories tune of Fly By Night album. Geddy wrote the lyrics which was something unusual since Neil Peart was always responsible for band's texture side. Madrigal is very quiet short piece of music. Typical filler. Cygnus X-1 is second after Xanadu progressive piece on this album. But this time it's more chaotic and not such good. Of course I can't say it's a bad song. In fact it's interesting experiment and the greater extension of that idea was presented on the next Rush album. A Farewell To Kings is solid progressive rock release. I think Rush in 70's were the best progressive band and they started working on original sound at the time. So this release isn't waste of time. It's brilliant.