VAPOR TRAILS

In 2002, the good news was that Rush was back, after a six year absence. But after the personal tragedies that Neil Peart had to endure, who could blame them. The bad news was that they had all but forsaken their progressive roots on this album. But "roots" seemed to be the word of the day for this album. Despite an overlying air of modern hard rock, there is a constant reminder of Rush's beginning from the start to the finish of the album. I hear echoes of Led Zeppelin, The Who and other hard rock pioneers. For example, How It Is with it's jangly guitar, sounds like it was inspired by The Byrds.

There are some very good songs, but nothing astounding musically (although Peart does write some of his best, and most personal lyrics). One Little Victory and Secret Touch are my favorites on the album. And Freeze (Part IV of Fear) approaches prog.

All in all, it was good to have Rush back.