2112

Widely regarded as one of the most important progressive rock records ever released, "2112" is also considered as an unparalleled album in the large discography of Rush. The album is divided in two sides: the first one, which contains the epic title track, clocking in at (more or less) 20 minutes, and the second one, which contains five shorter tracks. While I must admit that the title track is indeed a classic, a great great song, I also have to say that, unfortunately, the second half of the record really harms the whole listening experience. All the songs featured on the second side are, so, pretty average and even weak.

Anyways, you can find here great performances of the three musicians (this is Rush, remember that!). Geddy Lee delivers a very varied performance, vocals-wise, sometimes shrieking and screaming like a madman and sometimes singing very melodically and softly. His bass playing is also top notch, as everyone says. There is also an use of keyboards, I think that's he who plays them. They are used mostly on the title track, especially on the beginning of it.

Alex Lifeson, the gifted guitar player, is another essential element of the trio, also delivering a varied performance, as he also uses the acoustic guitar very often, especially on the title track (on some movements like "Discover" and "Soliloquy") and on the more laid-back songs of the second half of the album.

The most important element of the band is Neil Peart, though: what a kick-ass drummer indeed! He is pretty dynamic throughout the record and, most of all, his playing is extremely technical. You can never tell what he's going to do next, he's extremely unpredictable, complex beat after complex beat, fast fill after fast fill, he really delivers a very good performance. He was also responsible for the writing of the lyrics; they are pretty good, especially on the title track. The concept of this tune is also great, even reminding me a bit of Orwell's book, "1984", with its themes of domination of the government over the people. Basically, the story speaks about a guy who lives in a world ruled by the Priests of the temples of Syrinx. Later he discovers an acoustic guitar and begins to express his feelings with it. Unfortunately he presents the instrument to the Priests; they immediately destroy it. The guy, then, dreams of a better world and begins to feel that the Priests are unjust and... I think I have spoiled the story enough.

Musically, this epic piece is also pretty varied and absolutely great. "Overture" is its first movement, being a nice instrumental, preparing the listener to what's next. It's no "YYZ", but far from a filler. After Geddy Lee sings the legendary verse:

"And the meek shall inherit the earth"

The second movement begins, being called "The Temples of Syrinx". Lyrically, it speaks about the Priests that rule those temples. "The Temples" is a very dynamic rocker, featuring one of the most aggressive vocal performances of Geddy Lee. It is a relatively fast movement and the catchiest section of the title track, since the chorus is incredibly addictive. "Discovery" is a slower movement, with Lifeson using his acoustic guitar and Lee singing very gently. "Presentation" is heavier, though, especially during the "dialogue part", where the main character of the concept talks with the Priests about his discovery. "Oracle: the Dream" and "Soliloquy" are, again, calmer. The last movement, "Grand Finale", is another instrumental, pretty similar to "Overture", featuring some nice guitar solos. The song ends with a mysterious outro.

Unfortunately, the second half of the record is a lot worser than the first, some songs are just average and some really weak. "A Passage to Bangkok" is probably the best track of the second side, being a straight-forward hard rock tune. "Tears" is a poor attempt at a emotional ballad and "Twilight Zone" is very annoying, with that stupid interlude ("you have reached the twilight zone"...). "Something for Nothing is another rocker, with a catchy chorus, and "Lessons" another calm (and weak) song. It seems that Rush used all their energies on the composition of the title track and forgout about the other tunes. Unfortunately, because of that, the whole listening experience is harmed.

Anyways, this is a decent Rush record, better get JUST the title track, trust me, it's the only thing about this album worth listening. Better, get the title track, "Tears" and "Something for Nothing". If the album had this tracklist, it would be a lot better.

Best Moments of the CD: -the chorus of "The Temples of Syrinx"; when the main character of the title track is learning how to play the guitar; the outro.