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After the unbelievable
2112, RUSH followed up with A Farewell to
Kings. This album solidified RUSH as a platinum selling
artist. The title track to A Farewell to Kings begins with
an intimate classical guitar, bringing back themes of medieval chamber
music. One minute into the song, RUSH blasts through with an
electric version of this chamber theme, and instantly this song is
transformed into a RUSH hit.
By now the Canadian trio has learned to
seamlessly work together, each instrument playing off and complementing
each other. Additionally, the lyrics of A Farewell to Kings evoke
feelings of what leaders should be and what our world is like. “Cities
full of hatred fear and lied. Withered hearts and cruel tormented eyes;
scheming demons dressed in kingly guise, beating down the multitude and
scoffing at the wise. Can’t we raise our eyes and make a start?”
Quietly Xanadu builds before RUSH’s
aural delight begins. This song is nothing short of incredible, and
completely destroys all known song format…again. It is now clear that rush
views songs as compositions with a life of their own, much like a
symphony. Synthesizers play a larger role in Xanadu, showing how
RUSH is changing with the times and technology. Ultimately, the first
five minutes of this song is an instrumental prelude. While the remainder
of the song takes on a lyrical storyteller quality. Truly an amazing work.
Closer to the Heart is perhaps the most
beloved of all RUSH songs. Keeping with the theme of leadership
began in the first track; lyrics of Closer are perhaps the most
memorable. “And the men who hold high places must be the ones to start, to
mold a new reality closer to the heart.” This catchy 2:53 song is nothing
compared to the extended live version. In rock and roll terms, this is a
defining song for RUSH musically. This song tells listeners RUSH
isn’t only about long self-indulgent musical endeavors.
Cinderella Man is another good tune,
and is a great example of RUSH dynamics and Geddy Lee’s bass
ability. Noticeably, most of the music on this record is especially
written with the lyrics and phrasing in mind. The music in this song
certainly compliments the lyrics. This was the only song Lee penned the
lyrics for.
Madrigal
is a slower tune that washes over you if you let it. Surrounded by upbeat,
incredibly composed numbers, Madrigal can seem out of place. If you
let it, this can be a gem on the album.
Cygnus X-1 is a return to the epic
songs RUSH loves so much. Astral and bizarre Cygnus is
narrated by a similar voice as in the Nectromancer. The true song
begins with the most memorable of RUSH bass lines. Peart’s drumming
precision enters followed by Lifeson’s rich guitar. It is constantly
amazing that RUSH is a three piece rock band. This song is very
similar in feel and texture to 2112, and every bit as strong. The
song’s dizzying finale is an incredible piece of work, and the liner notes
whet the appetite for more with a simple: To be continued…
A Farewell to Kings is a true
album. A work unto itself, filled with a spirit all its own and not just a
collection of songs. This album also seemed a showcase for Neil Peart’s
writing ability, as he penned all but Cinderella Man.
2112 helped RUSH
grow and made people take notice, A Farewell to Kings helped
them conquer the world. |
