Official Top 75 Rush songs Thread!!! (Top 2 revealed!!)

[HOF]

Limelight was one of the hardest songs to rank for me. Truly classic Rush, one of their signature songs for sure, probably only second in notoriety to Tom Sawyer. It’s certainly one of the Rush songs I’ve listened to most in my lifetime. It’s a really really great song deserving of a top 10 finish. But when I listen to Rush, I’m just less likely to reach for the radio staples, and I can honestly say I just love other songs more (even among the radio staples). I think I had it up maybe in the 30s or so in one of my initial lists, but it ended up at 61. Not a slight on the song at all, just reflective of how I feel about Rush’s catalog.


Same could be said of Natural Science, which I have at 72. I think it’s a really cool song, and I get why it’s a top tier Rush song for so many. It’s just the side of Rush that I’m less likely to reach for. I think this is one Rush song that you really hear pulled from by other bands. Dream Theater and Fates Warning at least. That riff in the verses is killer and quite metal. It’s got interesting lyrics for sure, and it’s just a musical tour de force. Great stuff by a great band, what else is there to say?

[Stadler]

2112 is my #2 favorite song of all time. Along with my #1, it laid the foundation for the musical journey I've been on for the past 30 years. Part of my ranking at #1 is nostalgia, but I can put that song on any time, anywhere, and will still enthrall me just as it did back in high school when my friend Mike gave me a tape and said "you gotta listen to this song."

I think I can pick 2 of the 3 remaining songs that didn't make everyone's list. The third I am stumped on.

Don't leave us hanging... what's the number 1?

[Stadler]

08 Limelight
Appeared on 25 of 25 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 10
Highest Ranking: 2 (nobloodyname, The Realm, ReaperKK)

This is one I actually did get tired of for a few years, but I have come back around on it to where I can enjoy the hell out of it again.  I think a good argument could be made that this song has Neil's most iconic lyrics, Alex's most recognizable riff, and Alex's most iconic guitar solo.  I had it at 17.


07 Natural Science
Appeared on 24 of 25 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 14
Highest Ranking: 1 (Setlist Scotty, Deadeye21, nick_z)

This was a top 10 Rush song for me for quite a few years, but while I still love it, it finished at 21 for me.  Still love it, but some have snuck past it.  When I first got into this song many, many years ago, a buddy opined that it could be Neil's most awesome song from a drumming standpoint. It's certainly in the conversation.  The whole song is a tour de force of awesomeness.

Limelight is at #38 for me, and Natural Science is at #65.  And I think I wrote earlier on that in hindsight, I would swap Natural Science and Cygnus X-1 (which is at #86).  So by rights, Natural Science shouldn't have made my list. 

[Dream Team]

Limelight was one of the hardest songs to rank for me. Truly classic Rush, one of their signature songs for sure, probably only second in notoriety to Tom Sawyer. It’s certainly one of the Rush songs I’ve listened to most in my lifetime. It’s a really really great song deserving of a top 10 finish. But when I listen to Rush, I’m just less likely to reach for the radio staples, and I can honestly say I just love other songs more (even among the radio staples). I think I had it up maybe in the 30s or so in one of my initial lists, but it ended up at 61. Not a slight on the song at all, just reflective of how I feel about Rush’s catalog.


Same could be said of Natural Science, which I have at 72. I think it’s a really cool song, and I get why it’s a top tier Rush song for so many. It’s just the side of Rush that I’m less likely to reach for. I think this is one Rush song that you really hear pulled from by other bands. Dream Theater and Fates Warning at least. That riff in the verses is killer and quite metal. It’s got interesting lyrics for sure, and it’s just a musical tour de force. Great stuff by a great band, what else is there to say?

I'm genuinely curious; in an effort to try to understand your baffling views of these amazing songs - what are your 5 favorite bands for example?

[Cool Chris]

2112 is my #2 favorite song of all time. Along with my #1, it laid the foundation for the musical journey I've been on for the past 30 years. Part of my ranking at #1 is nostalgia, but I can put that song on any time, anywhere, and will still enthrall me just as it did back in high school when my friend Mike gave me a tape and said "you gotta listen to this song."

I think I can pick 2 of the 3 remaining songs that didn't make everyone's list. The third I am stumped on.

Don't leave us hanging... what's the number 1?

Nice to see someone cared  Comfortably Numb from Delicate Sound of Thunder.

Natural Scence was one of the two remaining I thiought wouldn`t make someone`s list.

[HOF]

Limelight was one of the hardest songs to rank for me. Truly classic Rush, one of their signature songs for sure, probably only second in notoriety to Tom Sawyer. It’s certainly one of the Rush songs I’ve listened to most in my lifetime. It’s a really really great song deserving of a top 10 finish. But when I listen to Rush, I’m just less likely to reach for the radio staples, and I can honestly say I just love other songs more (even among the radio staples). I think I had it up maybe in the 30s or so in one of my initial lists, but it ended up at 61. Not a slight on the song at all, just reflective of how I feel about Rush’s catalog.


Same could be said of Natural Science, which I have at 72. I think it’s a really cool song, and I get why it’s a top tier Rush song for so many. It’s just the side of Rush that I’m less likely to reach for. I think this is one Rush song that you really hear pulled from by other bands. Dream Theater and Fates Warning at least. That riff in the verses is killer and quite metal. It’s got interesting lyrics for sure, and it’s just a musical tour de force. Great stuff by a great band, what else is there to say?

I'm genuinely curious; in an effort to try to understand your baffling views of these amazing songs - what are your 5 favorite bands for example?

The short answer is I’m not really a metal guy, aside from a few acts that I liked a lot more when I was younger (DT, Queensryche, etc.). Rush are a top 3 band for me (along with Genesis and Marillion if that gives you an idea of my tastes), but I have a definite preference for their material from 1980 onward and especially from Signals through Presto.

[The Letter M]

Moving right along...



08 Limelight
Appeared on 25 of 25 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 10
Highest Ranking: 2 (nobloodyname, The Realm, ReaperKK)

This is one I actually did get tired of for a few years, but I have come back around on it to where I can enjoy the hell out of it again.  I think a good argument could be made that this song has Neil's most iconic lyrics, Alex's most recognizable riff, and Alex's most iconic guitar solo.  I had it at 17.


07 Natural Science
Appeared on 24 of 25 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 14
Highest Ranking: 1 (Setlist Scotty, Deadeye21, nick_z)

This was a top 10 Rush song for me for quite a few years, but while I still love it, it finished at 21 for me.  Still love it, but some have snuck past it.  When I first got into this song many, many years ago, a buddy opined that it could be Neil's most awesome song from a drumming standpoint. It's certainly in the conversation.  The whole song is a tour de force of awesomeness.

Definitely not surprised to see "Limelight" rank so highly for some, it's definitely one of the band's best, but for me, it ended up at 25th. Easily a Top 25 Rush song, and most definitely a Top 75, as all 25 participants have proven. Happy to see it on everyone's list!

As for "Natural Science", I had it at 11. One of the band's best albu closers, and a rousing 'long' song from them. The riffs and speed and intricate parts they play are all so good, and Geddy's voice and bass playing are on fire. Of course, Neil is firing on all cylinders, and Alex provides some top-notch solos throughout. I can definitely see why this would be number 1 for a few folks here.

As we head into the Top 6, I think I have a good idea of what might be number one, but the remaining six songs should be fan-favorites, so I'm curious to see if any of those didn't make anyone's Top 75!

-Marc.

[pg1067]

08 Limelight
Appeared on 25 of 25 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 10
Highest Ranking: 2 (nobloodyname, The Realm, ReaperKK)

This is one I actually did get tired of for a few years, but I have come back around on it to where I can enjoy the hell out of it again.  I think a good argument could be made that this song has Neil's most iconic lyrics, Alex's most recognizable riff, and Alex's most iconic guitar solo.  I had it at 17.

I've always loved Limelight, but it made a real jump for me from great song to favorite song on Moving Pictures about 20 years ago.  It's so well constructed.  The unique chord voicings that Alex uses.  The way Geddy's bass lines almost never stop moving across and around chord roots.  Neil's seemless play through sections of 7, 4 and 3.  Alex's guitar solo is wonderful in such an understated way, and I can understand why it's his favorite.  I had this ranked at #6.

07 Natural Science
Appeared on 24 of 25 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 14
Highest Ranking: 1 (Setlist Scotty, Deadeye21, nick_z)

This was a top 10 Rush song for me for quite a few years, but while I still love it, it finished at 21 for me.  Still love it, but some have snuck past it.  When I first got into this song many, many years ago, a buddy opined that it could be Neil's most awesome song from a drumming standpoint. It's certainly in the conversation.  The whole song is a tour de force of awesomeness.

What to say about this?  It's my #2 song (and the only shocking thing about Natural Science coming in at #7 is that it's not the highest ranked PEW song!).  The blend of the sections is so great.  The frenetic Hyperspace section after the easy Tidepools intro.  The fact that the sound of the tidepools was created by taking a tape recorder out to the lake and stirring the water with a stick.  The lyrics of the Permanent Waves section.  Alex and Neil are the stars.  It's almost surprising that I have this song as high as I do given that there's really not a ton of interesting bass playing.  It was so incredible when, on the T4E tour, Rush finally ditched having opening acts and this song returned to the set list.


The Score So Far
- Rush - 1 song of 8 (12.5% or 17.86% of album time):  Working Man - #56)
- Fly by Night - 3 songs of 8 (37.5% or 43.67% of album time):  Fly by Night - #70; By-Tor and the Snow Dog - #38; Anthem - #36
- Caress of Steel - 2 songs of 5 (40% or 38.15% of album time):  The Necromancer - #67; Bastille Day - #59
- 2112 - 3 songs of 6 (50% or 72.57% of album time):  Something for Nothing - #63; A Passage to Bangkok - #58; 2112 - #9
- A Farewell to Kings - 3 songs of 6 (50% or 51.57% of album time):  Closer to the Heart - #43; A Farewell to Kings - #26; Cygnus X-1 Book I: The Voyage - #23
- Hemispheres - 3 songs of 4 (75% or 73.51% of album time):  Circumstances - #45; The Trees - #18; Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres - #14
- Permanent Waves - 5 songs of 6 (83.33% or 86.24% of album time):  Different Strings - #57; Entre Nous - #53; Jacob's Ladder - #15; Freewill - #11; Natural Science - #7
- Moving Pictures - 5 songs of 7 (71.43% or 72.86% of album time):  Vital Signs - #51; Witch Hunt - #38; The Camera Eye - #17; YYZ - #12; Limelight - #8
- Signals - 6 songs of 8 (75% or 75.22% of album time):  Countdown - #68; New World Man - #54; The Weapon - #48; Digital Man - #47; Losing It - #25; The Analog Kid - #16
- Grace Under Pressure - 5 songs of 8 (62.5% or 64.51% of album time):  The Enemy Within - #49; Afterimage - #29; Red Sector A - #21; Distant Early Warning - #20; Between the Wheels - #13
- Power Windows - 8 songs of 8 (100%):  Emotion Detector - #66; Grand Designs - #37; Mystic Rhythms - #35; Middletown Dreams - #31; The Big Money - #30; Territories #24; Manhattan Project - #22; Marathon - #10
- Hold Your Fire - 5 songs of 10 (50% or 40.19% of album time):  Prime Mover - #73; Open Secrets - #72; Force Ten - #50; Mission - #44; Time Stand Still - #34
- Presto - 4 songs of 11 (36.36% or 39.62% of album time):  Presto - #69; Show Don't Tell - #64; The Pass - #33; Available Light - #19
- Roll the Bones - 4 songs of 10 (40% or 41.62% of album time):  Roll the Bones - #75; Ghost of a Chance - #52; Bravado - #41; Dreamline - #32
- Counterparts - 6 songs of 11 (54.55% or 54.24% of album time):  Double Agent - #74; Everyday Glory - #65; Cut to the Chase - #61; Cold Fire - #60; Leave That Thing Alone - #40; Animate - #28
- Test for Echo - 2 songs of 11 (18.18% or 19.41% of album time):  Test for Echo - #71; Driven - #62
- Vapor Trails - NO SONGS (0%)
- Snakes & Arrows - NO SONGS (0%)
- Clockwork Angels - 4 songs of 12 (33.33% or 41.58% of album time):  Clockwork Angels - #55; Headlong Flight - #46; Caravan - #42; The Garden - #27


I'm guessing that the two remaining songs that didn't show up on everyone's list are the two biggest "radio hits."

[pg1067]

08 Limelight
Appeared on 25 of 25 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 10
Highest Ranking: 2 (nobloodyname, The Realm, ReaperKK)

This is one I actually did get tired of for a few years, but I have come back around on it to where I can enjoy the hell out of it again.  I think a good argument could be made that this song has Neil's most iconic lyrics, Alex's most recognizable riff, and Alex's most iconic guitar solo.  I had it at 17.

I just noticed this...has this always said "entrees"?   

[Stadler]

Limelight was one of the hardest songs to rank for me. Truly classic Rush, one of their signature songs for sure, probably only second in notoriety to Tom Sawyer. It’s certainly one of the Rush songs I’ve listened to most in my lifetime. It’s a really really great song deserving of a top 10 finish. But when I listen to Rush, I’m just less likely to reach for the radio staples, and I can honestly say I just love other songs more (even among the radio staples). I think I had it up maybe in the 30s or so in one of my initial lists, but it ended up at 61. Not a slight on the song at all, just reflective of how I feel about Rush’s catalog.


Same could be said of Natural Science, which I have at 72. I think it’s a really cool song, and I get why it’s a top tier Rush song for so many. It’s just the side of Rush that I’m less likely to reach for. I think this is one Rush song that you really hear pulled from by other bands. Dream Theater and Fates Warning at least. That riff in the verses is killer and quite metal. It’s got interesting lyrics for sure, and it’s just a musical tour de force. Great stuff by a great band, what else is there to say?

I'm genuinely curious; in an effort to try to understand your baffling views of these amazing songs - what are your 5 favorite bands for example?

The short answer is I’m not really a metal guy, aside from a few acts that I liked a lot more when I was younger (DT, Queensryche, etc.). Rush are a top 3 band for me (along with Genesis and Marillion if that gives you an idea of my tastes), but I have a definite preference for their material from 1980 onward and especially from Signals through Presto.

But I'm going to stick my nose in here, HOF.  I'm with you; I feel like you do about these songs and I AM a metal guy.  I think Natural Science is sort of a mess.  I really like the intro, but the rest of the song is sort of how I feel about Permanent Waves in general: it's sort of a transition. It's not prog, it's not in the same league as AFTK or Hemispheres, but it's not made the full leap to the synth era... it's sort of in my view the lead-in to Moving Pictures, which is to me the far superior record, and the sort of "realization" of what PeWa should have been.

[Stadler]

As we head into the Top 6, I think I have a good idea of what might be number one, but the remaining six songs should be fan-favorites, so I'm curious to see if any of those didn't make anyone's Top 75!

-Marc.

I don't want to spotlight, or ruin anything, but one song that is almost a SHOO-IN for the Top 6 is at #123 on my list.  Make of that what you will.

[romdrums]

08 Limelight
Appeared on 25 of 25 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 10
Highest Ranking: 2 (nobloodyname, The Realm, ReaperKK)

This is one I actually did get tired of for a few years, but I have come back around on it to where I can enjoy the hell out of it again.  I think a good argument could be made that this song has Neil's most iconic lyrics, Alex's most recognizable riff, and Alex's most iconic guitar solo.  I had it at 17.

I just noticed this...has this always said "entrees"?   

That's funny, because Limelight sounds more like a dessert. 

[pg1067]

Key Limelight Pie?

[Stadler]

For what I presume are the remaining songs for me they are ranked 2,3,4,5,6,7,12 and 18.

Yeah...just to be clear, I have no inside info, but I think it's awfully obvious what's left.

Same here...given that assumption, the remaining songs are my 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9.

Looking at my top 10:

My #8 song came in at 28 (Animate)
My #10 song came in at 31 (Middletown Dreams)

...and the two in the aggregate top 10 that didn't make mine:

Marathon (#10 aggregate, my ranking #11)
2112 (#9 aggregate, my ranking #17)

As I read the tea leaves, my guess is that the remaining songs are my 1, 3, 4, 11, 16, and 123.

[devieira73]

08 Limelight (#12) - It's really one of their masterpieces and, like Spirit of Radio and Tom Sawyer, is the perfect blend of quality, acessibility and complexity in their music - althogh there's still another great examples of that in 80's Rush, I think it's hard to top those 3 songs in that aspect. Gorgeous chorus and maybe only Lifenson's solo on La Villa Strangiatto can be better than the one in this song.

07 Natural Science (#7) - My favorite 10 minute epic by the band, really incredibly perfect - rocking and very engaging from start to finish.

[HOF]

Limelight was one of the hardest songs to rank for me. Truly classic Rush, one of their signature songs for sure, probably only second in notoriety to Tom Sawyer. It’s certainly one of the Rush songs I’ve listened to most in my lifetime. It’s a really really great song deserving of a top 10 finish. But when I listen to Rush, I’m just less likely to reach for the radio staples, and I can honestly say I just love other songs more (even among the radio staples). I think I had it up maybe in the 30s or so in one of my initial lists, but it ended up at 61. Not a slight on the song at all, just reflective of how I feel about Rush’s catalog.


Same could be said of Natural Science, which I have at 72. I think it’s a really cool song, and I get why it’s a top tier Rush song for so many. It’s just the side of Rush that I’m less likely to reach for. I think this is one Rush song that you really hear pulled from by other bands. Dream Theater and Fates Warning at least. That riff in the verses is killer and quite metal. It’s got interesting lyrics for sure, and it’s just a musical tour de force. Great stuff by a great band, what else is there to say?

I'm genuinely curious; in an effort to try to understand your baffling views of these amazing songs - what are your 5 favorite bands for example?

The short answer is I’m not really a metal guy, aside from a few acts that I liked a lot more when I was younger (DT, Queensryche, etc.). Rush are a top 3 band for me (along with Genesis and Marillion if that gives you an idea of my tastes), but I have a definite preference for their material from 1980 onward and especially from Signals through Presto.

But I'm going to stick my nose in here, HOF.  I'm with you; I feel like you do about these songs and I AM a metal guy.  I think Natural Science is sort of a mess.  I really like the intro, but the rest of the song is sort of how I feel about Permanent Waves in general: it's sort of a transition. It's not prog, it's not in the same league as AFTK or Hemispheres, but it's not made the full leap to the synth era... it's sort of in my view the lead-in to Moving Pictures, which is to me the far superior record, and the sort of "realization" of what PeWa should have been.

It’s weird though, and this is maybe kind of like our discussion of TWD in the MP thread. I prefer Permanent Waves to Moving Pictures as an album. I feel like there is a really fresh approach to prog on it, more streamlined and tight, and more melodically pleasing than their 70s stuff. And it has one of my top 5 tracks on it that was probably my earliest positive memory of listening to Rush.

In contrast, Moving Pictures has always been sort of an overlooked album for me. I only bought a copy about 5 years ago, and it’s still one of my least played Rush albums as a whole. I had Tom Sawyer, Red Barchetta, and Limelight from the Retrospective set that was my first Rush purchase back in 2001 I think. As I made my way through the catalog, I’d look at the track listing and think “do I really need that one?” My brother had the album, and I heard it enough to know I didn’t love YYZ, and Witch Hunt and Vital Signs did nothing for me. The one gem on there that I’ve kicked myself for passing on all those years was The Camera Eye. Now I can look at the album a bit differently and acknowledge that it is one of the great Rush albums for sure. I just never really experienced it that way as a listener if that makes sense. I didn’t experience it when it was first released, and it wasn’t a gateway to my Rush fandom like it was for so many other Rush fans.

[Stadler]

Limelight was one of the hardest songs to rank for me. Truly classic Rush, one of their signature songs for sure, probably only second in notoriety to Tom Sawyer. It’s certainly one of the Rush songs I’ve listened to most in my lifetime. It’s a really really great song deserving of a top 10 finish. But when I listen to Rush, I’m just less likely to reach for the radio staples, and I can honestly say I just love other songs more (even among the radio staples). I think I had it up maybe in the 30s or so in one of my initial lists, but it ended up at 61. Not a slight on the song at all, just reflective of how I feel about Rush’s catalog.


Same could be said of Natural Science, which I have at 72. I think it’s a really cool song, and I get why it’s a top tier Rush song for so many. It’s just the side of Rush that I’m less likely to reach for. I think this is one Rush song that you really hear pulled from by other bands. Dream Theater and Fates Warning at least. That riff in the verses is killer and quite metal. It’s got interesting lyrics for sure, and it’s just a musical tour de force. Great stuff by a great band, what else is there to say?

I'm genuinely curious; in an effort to try to understand your baffling views of these amazing songs - what are your 5 favorite bands for example?

The short answer is I’m not really a metal guy, aside from a few acts that I liked a lot more when I was younger (DT, Queensryche, etc.). Rush are a top 3 band for me (along with Genesis and Marillion if that gives you an idea of my tastes), but I have a definite preference for their material from 1980 onward and especially from Signals through Presto.

But I'm going to stick my nose in here, HOF.  I'm with you; I feel like you do about these songs and I AM a metal guy.  I think Natural Science is sort of a mess.  I really like the intro, but the rest of the song is sort of how I feel about Permanent Waves in general: it's sort of a transition. It's not prog, it's not in the same league as AFTK or Hemispheres, but it's not made the full leap to the synth era... it's sort of in my view the lead-in to Moving Pictures, which is to me the far superior record, and the sort of "realization" of what PeWa should have been.

It’s weird though, and this is maybe kind of like our discussion of TWD in the MP thread. I prefer Permanent Waves to Moving Pictures as an album. I feel like there is a really fresh approach to prog on it, more streamlined and tight, and more melodically pleasing than their 70s stuff. And it has one of my top 5 tracks on it that was probably my earliest positive memory of listening to Rush.

In contrast, Moving Pictures has always been sort of an overlooked album for me. I only bought a copy about 5 years ago, and it’s still one of my least played Rush albums as a whole. I had Tom Sawyer, Red Barchetta, and Limelight from the Retrospective set that was my first Rush purchase back in 2001 I think. As I made my way through the catalog, I’d look at the track listing and think “do I really need that one?” My brother had the album, and I heard it enough to know I didn’t love YYZ, and Witch Hunt and Vital Signs did nothing for me. The one gem on there that I’ve kicked myself for passing on all those years was The Camera Eye. Now I can look at the album a bit differently and acknowledge that it is one of the great Rush albums for sure. I just never really experienced it that way as a listener if that makes sense. I didn’t experience it when it was first released, and it wasn’t a gateway to my Rush fandom like it was for so many other Rush fans.

See, I REALLY don't like "Spirit Of Radio", so it was the opposite for me.  I got Moving Pictures early and listened to it a lot, even before I sort of considered myself a "Rush fan". 

[HOF]

See, I REALLY don't like "Spirit Of Radio", so it was the opposite for me.  I got Moving Pictures early and listened to it a lot, even before I sort of considered myself a "Rush fan".

Ha! That’s the one I was talking about. Probably my earliest memory of really liking a Rush song, and the first time I was introduced to the concept of progressive rock. I remember asking my older brother, “why does it change so much?” And he explained, “that’s because it’s progressive rock.”

In contrast, I’ve always kind of struggled with Tom Sawyer (“Catch the spit? Ew!”).

[King Postwhore]

See, I REALLY don't like "Spirit Of Radio", so it was the opposite for me.  I got Moving Pictures early and listened to it a lot, even before I sort of considered myself a "Rush fan".

Ha! That’s the one I was talking about. Probably my earliest memory of really liking a Rush song, and the first time I was introduced to the concept of progressive rock. I remember asking my older brother, “why does it change so much?” And he explained, “that’s because it’s progressive rock.”

In contrast, I’ve always kind of struggled with Tom Sawyer (“Catch the spit? Ew!”).

If you listen to the song it's like Rush is changing the dial on the radio with different style in the song.

[TAC]

08 Limelight
Appeared on 25 of 25 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 10
Highest Ranking: 2 (nobloodyname, The Realm, ReaperKK)

07 Natural Science
Appeared on 24 of 25 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 14
Highest Ranking: 1 (Setlist Scotty, Deadeye21, nick_z)

I had Limelight at #8. On point!
Great tune. Classic.

I had Natural Science at #4. Such a sophisticated classic. Great tune and all parts are great.

[SoundscapeMN]

08 Limelight
Appeared on 25 of 25 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 10
Highest Ranking: 2 (nobloodyname, The Realm, ReaperKK)

This is one I actually did get tired of for a few years, but I have come back around on it to where I can enjoy the hell out of it again.  I think a good argument could be made that this song has Neil's most iconic lyrics, Alex's most recognizable riff, and Alex's most iconic guitar solo.  I had it at 17.

I just noticed this...has this always said "entrees"?   

entree nous

[pg1067]

08 Limelight
Appeared on 25 of 25 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 10
Highest Ranking: 2 (nobloodyname, The Realm, ReaperKK)

This is one I actually did get tired of for a few years, but I have come back around on it to where I can enjoy the hell out of it again.  I think a good argument could be made that this song has Neil's most iconic lyrics, Alex's most recognizable riff, and Alex's most iconic guitar solo.  I had it at 17.

I just noticed this...has this always said "entrees"?   

entree nous

And for the entree nous, my wife and I will be splitting a tomahawk steak.   

[TAC]

tomahawk steak.   

That's an offensive term. Don'tcha know?

[The Realm]

08 Limelight
Appeared on 25 of 25 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 10
Highest Ranking: 2 (nobloodyname, The Realm, ReaperKK)

07 Natural Science
Appeared on 24 of 25 entrees
Top 10 finishes: 14
Highest Ranking: 1 (Setlist Scotty, Deadeye21, nick_z)

I have read through everyone's comments so far on the above two songs and my first response is wow! I am floored with some of the thoughts on these 2 classic songs, it really is fascinating to me. Nothing wrong with it of course, each to their own and everything.

Limelight - yes this is my number 2. I don't understand knocking a song down because it has been overplayed and you have heard it a million times, there is actually a reason for that - because it is awesome. As time goes on this song should be appreciated more, not dismissed. This is probably the definitive Rush song, musically and lyrically.

Natural Science - number 4 for me however, it could easily have been number 1. A classic that takes you on an epic journey and the heavy parts are just awesome. I could easily have ranked this number 1.

[pg1067]

tomahawk steak.   

That's an offensive term. Don'tcha know?

[KevShmev]

Thinking about how iconic Limelight is, it is wild to think that it was only played sporadically on their 2nd to last tour and then not at all on their last tour.

[nick_z]

Limelight (ranked #9)

An awesome song. Rocking, uplifting and melancholic, all at the same time, Alex's progression in the chorus is phenomenal, and the solo is a thing of beauty. I'll reserve some comments on my own experience with the "radio staples" when, um, a certain other one (or two?) is revealed. For now, I'll just say no matter how much this gets played, it's a pleasure every time, and it's absolutely a top 10 Rush song for me.

Natural Science (ranked #1)

My number one!!! Such a masterpiece, incapsulating so many things that make Rush, "Rush". I remember the first time listening to Permanent Waves - again, not knowing a single note. As I get to Natural Science, I think - well, this is a pretty great album so far...let's hope the closer lives up to the high standards they set. Talk about smashing expectations! The "Wheel within wheels" part...then THAT riff...it just sounds so "modern" (in the best possible way)...an inspiration for so many metal bands. Then the progression with the synths, Geddy's fantastic bass work and Neil doing his (wonderful) thing. Then the Permanent Waves section and the brilliant ending...what can I say? To be honest, when I look at my top 5, it's almost silly to try and rank the songs but, yes, I'm ok with this taking the top spot...

[nick_z]

...and the updated aggregate album ranking:

1   Power Windows   353
2   Moving Pictures   253
3   Grace Under Pressure   248
4   Permanent Waves   237
5   Signals   198
6   Hemispheres   151
7   A Farewell to Kings   136
8   Clockwork Angels   134
9   Counterparts   128
10   Presto   119
11   Hold Your Fire   107
12   Roll the Bones   104
13   2112   98
14   Fly By Night   84
15   Caress of Steel   26
16   Rush   20
17   Test for Echo   19
18   Vapor Trails   0
19   Snake and Arrows   0

[DragonAttack]

08. Limelight (#7) since I always listen to the two songs together, and ‘YYZ’ was my #6, it only made sense that this would be my #7, since ties were not allowed. 

07. Natural Science (#33)  a great closer on a great album.  Guess my ‘low’ rating here is because I listen to side one so much more.  That’s why I had ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ at #15

Limelight - yes this is my number 2. I don't understand knocking a song down because it has been overplayed and you have heard it a million times, there is actually a reason for that - because it is awesome. As time goes on this song should be appreciated more, not dismissed. This is probably the definitive Rush song, musically and lyrically.

Welcome to DTF   "I know it's a good song, but I don't like it because so many others do" resulted in so many songs being placed 20-50 spots lower (or not at all) on this and the DT Countdown. 

'Working Man'...baffled me, not because of where it placed, but that half the respondents didn't rate it at all.  "C'mon guys, deep down, you know you like it, you really do.  Admit it

[The Realm]

08. Limelight (#7) since I always listen to the two songs together, and ‘YYZ’ was my #6, it only made sense that this would be my #7, since ties were not allowed. 

07. Natural Science (#33)  a great closer on a great album.  Guess my ‘low’ rating here is because I listen to side one so much more.  That’s why I had ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ at #15

Limelight - yes this is my number 2. I don't understand knocking a song down because it has been overplayed and you have heard it a million times, there is actually a reason for that - because it is awesome. As time goes on this song should be appreciated more, not dismissed. This is probably the definitive Rush song, musically and lyrically.

Welcome to DTF   "I know it's a good song, but I don't like it because so many others do" resulted in so many songs being placed 20-50 spots lower (or not at all) on this and the DT Countdown. 

'Working Man'...baffled me, not because of where it placed, but that half the respondents didn't rate it at all.  "C'mon guys, deep down, you know you like it, you really do.  Admit it

Yeah, I do find it pretty hard to comprehend this but I guess it is what it is. It makes me think that if an Iron Maiden countdown is ever done, Hallowed be Thy Name will be really low or not appear based on this rational.

[TAC]

We need an Iron Maiden countdown next!

[Cool Chris]

Not to go too far forward but Maiden is about the only other band for which I could realistically participate in a thread like this.

Is it wrong that this thread is the first web page I open when I wake up in the morning?

[HOF]

If we did Iron Maiden the only song I know well enough to even give you a title is Run To The Hills (and I had to look that up to verify the title).

[The Realm]

We need an Iron Maiden countdown next!

Agree!

[Deadeye21]

I was actually thinking of running one of these myself for Iron Maiden songs. I just kinda want KevShmev’s key to accumulating all the data so it can be as good as this has been.