here's some thoughts on the next album in my rush journey!
caress of steel has long been a black sheep in their catalog (and in my overall ranking it wouldn't be in the top 10, or even top half, i don't think) but i've always been fond of it let's talk about the musicality of this album. geddy lee's bass work is absolutely killer here. he's like the heartbeat of the whole thing, driving those complex rhythms and adding this deep, rich texture to the songs. and those vocals, man, geddy's voice just keeps getting better and better with each album. his range is incredible, and you can really hear the emotion in his singing. alex lifeson's guitar work is, as always, top-notch. he's such an underrated guitarist, and this album really showcases his skills. the way he weaves those intricate melodies throughout the songs is mind-blowing. and neil peart's drumming, well, what can you say? the man was a genius, and you can hear it in every beat he plays on this album. his lyrics are also something else, so poetic and thought-provoking.
as far as the tunes, "bastille day" kicks things off with a bang. it's such a high-energy track with those killer guitar riffs and geddy's soaring vocals. it's a fantastic opener that sets the tone for the whole album. then we've got "i think i'm going bald." i love the humor in this song, and it's just so catchy. it's a nice change of pace from the more intense tracks. "lakeside park" is a real gem. it's got this laid-back, nostalgic vibe to it that just makes you feel good. it's one of those songs you can listen to on a sunny day with a cold drink in your hand. the epic tracks on this album, "the necromancer" and "the fountain of lamneth" are both masterpieces in their own right. they're long, complex, and take you on a musical journey. "the necromancer" has this dark, mysterious vibe that's just captivating, and "the fountain of lamneth" is like a mini rock opera, with each section telling a different part of the story. it's ambitious, and the band pulls it off beautifully.
i'm probably being a little too positive, admittedly, but like i said i've always thought this record earned more than it was given. it unfortunately lives in the shadow of the band's next album..