A FAREWELL TO KINGS

The opening title track is excellent, and would give a formula that they would use for a few songs on future albums (Freewill comes to mind in terms of structrure). I find it intersting that Rush can use the verse - chorus - verse - chorus - bridge - solo - chorus format so successfully. After all, it is something of a pop music format. In any case, this is a great song.

Zanadu is, of course, one of the best Rush songs ever. A fantastic beginning with excellent volume swells by Lifeson. The dramatic dynamics, the wonderful playing by all, the fantastic arrangements. Simply one of the best songs in all of prog without a doubt.

Then comes the hit single. Not a bad song really, with uplifting lyrics by Peart. But nothing special either. At the end it sounds like they are just getting going on a wild jam, then it fades out. A song I've heard to many times to really like much anymore (a radio favorite, mostly because of its' short length and simplistic structure). But not a bad song really.

Cinderalla Man is a pretty good song about a man who is wealthy and gives much of his wealth to those in need. A good lyric and a decent song, though nothing outstanding.

Madrigal is a short, sweet, classical sounding song. A simple love song type of track with a bit of a medival sound to it. Not bad.

Finally, Cygnus X-1 Book 1. A fantastic track. Very complex and moody, and one of Rush's crazier songs. This is much better in it's place as the middle of Book II (confusing, I know.........but try this: on a cassette or with digital editing software, place this song after Part IV Armageddon and before Part V Cygnus......if you can do fade out and fade in it works perfectly.......listen in to the beginning of Cygnus, the quiet part, and you will hear bits of Book 1 fade in and out). Then it makes a 28 minute masterpiece. But even by itself this song is quite good.

Overall, one of Rush's best albums. A solid 4.5 stars for me, rounded down to 4 because this is not quite a masterpiece but certainly an excellent addition to any prog rock collection.

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