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The 50 Greatest RUSH songs of all-time (featuring # 1 from the 1970's) (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Ghost Rider
- Start date
Ghost Rider
Footballguy
16. Natural Science (from the 1980 album Permanent Waves)
When I first got into Rush, several friends remarked to me that Natural Science was Neil Peart's most impressive song from a drumming standpoint, a bold statement for sure. It is certainly in the conversation. I sometimes forget how awesome this song is, and then I turn it on and get smacked in the face, by both the greatness of the song and the reminder! LOL I love the flow and arrangement, how we get the soft opening section featuring just Geddy's voice, Alex's acoustic and water effects, before getting to rock out for the remainder of the song about two minutes in. The third section has one of my favorite Alex solos, which unfortunately was omitted (along with the "Art as expression..." verse) when they tweaked the live arrangement starting in 1997. Oh well, it is still there in the original for me to enjoy. Great, great song.
"Living in their pools, they soon forgot about the sea."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7W0Nm8iHwk
When I first got into Rush, several friends remarked to me that Natural Science was Neil Peart's most impressive song from a drumming standpoint, a bold statement for sure. It is certainly in the conversation. I sometimes forget how awesome this song is, and then I turn it on and get smacked in the face, by both the greatness of the song and the reminder! LOL I love the flow and arrangement, how we get the soft opening section featuring just Geddy's voice, Alex's acoustic and water effects, before getting to rock out for the remainder of the song about two minutes in. The third section has one of my favorite Alex solos, which unfortunately was omitted (along with the "Art as expression..." verse) when they tweaked the live arrangement starting in 1997. Oh well, it is still there in the original for me to enjoy. Great, great song.
"Living in their pools, they soon forgot about the sea."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7W0Nm8iHwk
zamboni
Footballguy
Nice selection. Although to me, you can include almost anything from Permanent Waves or A Farewell To Kings and be fine at this juncture.
Grace Under Pressure
Footballguy
Natural Science could be in the top 5. Good pick.
lardonastick
Footballguy
joey
Footballguy
I gave you a "love" on this one. This song is likely top 5 for me. Definitely top 10. I totally agree that this is some of Neil's very best drum work. That fill at 3:53 is just insane and possibly my favorite single piece of drumming that Neil has ever done.
and everything about this song shows Rush heading into their absolute peak form on Moving Pictures.
In this era of Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures, they had some kind of super-powered muse whispering great ideas in their ears cuz the vast majority of their musical output from '80 to '85 is pure magic IMO
Ghost Rider
Footballguy
15. YYZ (from the 1981 album Moving Pictures)
A great strength of the band was always their ability to make something complicated still sound so catchy and accessible, and for a good example of that, look no further than YYZ. When listening to all three instruments isolated, it is mind-boggling how they managed to mesh together and make such a great song, and the main melody is so good that when they played it live in Rio in 2002, the crowd sang it, almost like putting vocals to an instrumental. Plus, you know that an instrumental is awesome when it is the last encore on multiple tours. It takes balls to end a show with an instrumental. YYZ is awesome stuff.
Studio version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdpMpfp-J_I
Live version from Rio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eSlvoO3Vw8
A great strength of the band was always their ability to make something complicated still sound so catchy and accessible, and for a good example of that, look no further than YYZ. When listening to all three instruments isolated, it is mind-boggling how they managed to mesh together and make such a great song, and the main melody is so good that when they played it live in Rio in 2002, the crowd sang it, almost like putting vocals to an instrumental. Plus, you know that an instrumental is awesome when it is the last encore on multiple tours. It takes balls to end a show with an instrumental. YYZ is awesome stuff.
Studio version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdpMpfp-J_I
Live version from Rio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eSlvoO3Vw8
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joey
Footballguy
I was wondering where YYZ would end up in your countdown. I honestly have no clue where it will end up in my list (when I hope to do my own top 10 once you’re done with yours).
I expect this song would be in every Rush fan's top 15. It straight up phenomenal!
Grace Under Pressure
Footballguy
YYZ is obviously one of the greatest songs of all time.
That Rio version gives me goose bumps, those people love themselves some YYZ. And so do I.
Ghost Rider
Footballguy
Definitely get your popcorn, because I suspect number 14 tomorrow morning will surprise some...Gotta be a great band to have a song like YYZ in the lowly teens.
Get your
There might be, but I don't do Spotify.
joey
Footballguy
Ghost Rider
Footballguy
14. Territories (from the 1985 album Power Windows)
What a ####### awesome song. That was pretty much my first impression of it, and nearly 30 years after first hearing it, that is still my impression every time I hear it. The drum fill Neil does immediately after the second line listed below is one of my favorites (so simple, yet perfectly placed and executed), and this is arguably his lyrical masterpiece, featuring a topic that is just as relevant today as it was in the mid 80's. I was ecstatic beyond words when I finally got to see them play this when it was brought back on the Clockwork Angels tour. I almost feel like putting it at 14 is underrating it.
"We see so many tribes -- overrun and undermined
While their invaders dream of lands they've left behind
Better people -- better food -- and better beer
Why move around the world when Eden was so near?
The bosses get talking so tough
And if that wasn't evil enough
We get the drunken and passionate pride
Of the citizens along for the ride"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql0ma5X7-P0
What a ####### awesome song. That was pretty much my first impression of it, and nearly 30 years after first hearing it, that is still my impression every time I hear it. The drum fill Neil does immediately after the second line listed below is one of my favorites (so simple, yet perfectly placed and executed), and this is arguably his lyrical masterpiece, featuring a topic that is just as relevant today as it was in the mid 80's. I was ecstatic beyond words when I finally got to see them play this when it was brought back on the Clockwork Angels tour. I almost feel like putting it at 14 is underrating it.
"We see so many tribes -- overrun and undermined
While their invaders dream of lands they've left behind
Better people -- better food -- and better beer
Why move around the world when Eden was so near?
The bosses get talking so tough
And if that wasn't evil enough
We get the drunken and passionate pride
Of the citizens along for the ride"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql0ma5X7-P0
BassNBrew
Footballguy
You got me. So what song is really number 14?14. Territories (from the 1985 album Power Windows)
What a ####### awesome song. That was pretty much my first impression of it, and nearly 30 years after first hearing it, that is still my impression every time I hear it. The drum fill Neil does immediately after the second line listed below is one of my favorites (so simple, yet perfectly placed and executed), and this is arguably his lyrical masterpiece, featuring a topic that is just as relevant today as it was in the mid 80's. I was ecstatic beyond words when I finally got to see them play this when it was brought back on the Clockwork Angels tour. I almost feel like putting it at 14 is underrating it.
"We see so many tribes -- overrun and undermined
While their invaders dream of lands they've left behind
Better people -- better food -- and better beer
Why move around the world when Eden was so near?
The bosses get talking so tough
And if that wasn't evil enough
We get the drunken and passionate pride
Of the citizens along for the ride"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql0ma5X7-P0
Caesar
Footballguy
No surprise here. My favorite song off PW. Just a great tune all around, and somewhat fitting right about now.14. Territories (from the 1985 album Power Windows)
What a ####### awesome song. That was pretty much my first impression of it, and nearly 30 years after first hearing it, that is still my impression every time I hear it. The drum fill Neil does immediately after the second line listed below is one of my favorites (so simple, yet perfectly placed and executed), and this is arguably his lyrical masterpiece, featuring a topic that is just as relevant today as it was in the mid 80's. I was ecstatic beyond words when I finally got to see them play this when it was brought back on the Clockwork Angels tour. I almost feel like putting it at 14 is underrating it.
"We see so many tribes -- overrun and undermined
While their invaders dream of lands they've left behind
Better people -- better food -- and better beer
Why move around the world when Eden was so near?
The bosses get talking so tough
And if that wasn't evil enough
We get the drunken and passionate pride
Of the citizens along for the ride"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql0ma5X7-P0
The whole wide world
An endless universe
Yet we keep looking through
The eyeglass in reverse
Don't feed the people
But we feed the machines
Can't really feel
What international means
In different circles
We keep holding our ground
Indifferent circles
We keep spinning round and round
joey
Footballguy
Surprising indeed. I like this song a lot, but it's probably my 4th or 5th favorite song on PW, but to each their own14. Territories (from the 1985 album Power Windows)
What a ####### awesome song. That was pretty much my first impression of it, and nearly 30 years after first hearing it, that is still my impression every time I hear it. The drum fill Neil does immediately after the second line listed below is one of my favorites (so simple, yet perfectly placed and executed), and this is arguably his lyrical masterpiece, featuring a topic that is just as relevant today as it was in the mid 80's. I was ecstatic beyond words when I finally got to see them play this when it was brought back on the Clockwork Angels tour. I almost feel like putting it at 14 is underrating it.
"We see so many tribes -- overrun and undermined
While their invaders dream of lands they've left behind
Better people -- better food -- and better beer
Why move around the world when Eden was so near?
The bosses get talking so tough
And if that wasn't evil enough
We get the drunken and passionate pride
Of the citizens along for the ride"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql0ma5X7-P0
but, yes, the drum part in this song is so inventive and unique. His pattern in the chorus....normal people don’t write drum parts like that in choruses of rock songs.PW came out a month into my freshman year in college, so it’s an album near and dear to my heart. I think I might’ve seen them twice on this tour since they actually made a stop at my college's hockey field house that held only 5000 people. Such a great, intimate venue compared to seeing them at MSG.
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Klimtology
Footballguy
As much as I try I just cannot get into the newer RUSH stuff.14. Territories (from the 1985 album Power Windows)
What a ####### awesome song. That was pretty much my first impression of it, and nearly 30 years after first hearing it, that is still my impression every time I hear it. The drum fill Neil does immediately after the second line listed below is one of my favorites (so simple, yet perfectly placed and executed), and this is arguably his lyrical masterpiece, featuring a topic that is just as relevant today as it was in the mid 80's. I was ecstatic beyond words when I finally got to see them play this when it was brought back on the Clockwork Angels tour. I almost feel like putting it at 14 is underrating it.
"We see so many tribes -- overrun and undermined
While their invaders dream of lands they've left behind
Better people -- better food -- and better beer
Why move around the world when Eden was so near?
The bosses get talking so tough
And if that wasn't evil enough
We get the drunken and passionate pride
Of the citizens along for the ride"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql0ma5X7-P0
:(
joey
Footballguy
Guessing it’s a generational thing. I’ll guess you were born before 1965?
i was born in 67, so PermWaves through HYF we’re right in the sweet spot of high school and college. Love that period (HYF least for that bunch, since PermWaves through PowerWindows are perfection to me)
I still love all of their older stuff though
but I will say the same thing about Test For Echo through their last album: As much as I try I just cannot get into the newer RUSH stuff
some really good songs on their newer albums here and there but not consistent enough for my tastes.
Klimtology
Footballguy
Born in 72. Signals was the the first record that I basically wore out the grooves in the vinyl from playing it so much.Guessing it’s a generational thing. I’ll guess you were born before 1965?
i was born in 67, so PermWaves through HYF we’re right in the sweet spot of high school and college. Love that period (HYF least for that bunch, since PermWaves through PowerWindows are perfection to me)
I still love all of their older stuff though
but I will say the same thing about Test For Echo through their last album: As much as I try I just cannot get into the newer RUSH stuff
some really good songs on their newer albums here and there but not consistent enough for my tastes.
LOL
Despite not liking the newer stuff RUSH is still probably my fav band.
BassNBrew
Footballguy
Guessing it’s a generational thing. I’ll guess you were born before 1965?
i was born in 67, so PermWaves through HYF we’re right in the sweet spot of high school and college. Love that period (HYF least for that bunch, since PermWaves through PowerWindows are perfection to me)
I still love all of their older stuff though
but I will say the same thing about Test For Echo through their last album: As much as I try I just cannot get into the newer RUSH stuff
some really good songs on their newer albums here and there but not consistent enough for my tastes.
1966 here. Everything before Signals was a 10 of 10, Signals and GUP were alright, and I never could get into anything after that. So glad GR is doing this as I've heard some songs that I actually like from the later days. I heard Roll the Bones when it first came out and didn't listen to another song on that album.Born in 72. Signals was the the first record that I basically wore out the grooves in the vinyl from playing it so much.
LOL
Despite not liking the newer stuff RUSH is still probably my fav band.
Fiddles
Footballguy
now were talking! great song and great writeup! im so on board with all of this14. Territories (from the 1985 album Power Windows)
What a ####### awesome song. That was pretty much my first impression of it, and nearly 30 years after first hearing it, that is still my impression every time I hear it. The drum fill Neil does immediately after the second line listed below is one of my favorites (so simple, yet perfectly placed and executed), and this is arguably his lyrical masterpiece, featuring a topic that is just as relevant today as it was in the mid 80's. I was ecstatic beyond words when I finally got to see them play this when it was brought back on the Clockwork Angels tour. I almost feel like putting it at 14 is underrating it.
"We see so many tribes -- overrun and undermined
While their invaders dream of lands they've left behind
Better people -- better food -- and better beer
Why move around the world when Eden was so near?
The bosses get talking so tough
And if that wasn't evil enough
We get the drunken and passionate pride
Of the citizens along for the ride"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql0ma5X7-P0
Apple Jack
Footballguy
Interesting to consider PW "new" but not Signals. Personally, Counterparts is the beginning of new Rush for me. Rush>MP (primal), Signals>RTB (mid), Counterparts> (new).Born in 72. Signals was the the first record that I basically wore out the grooves in the vinyl from playing it so much.
LOL
Despite not liking the newer stuff RUSH is still probably my fav band.
Apple Jack
Footballguy
There a good song to be edited down from Roll the Bones. But it is as cringeworthy as anything they ever did, imo.
BassNBrew
Footballguy
Why are we here?
Because we're here
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
Why does it happen?
Because it happens
Roll the bones
Roll the bones
:X
Ghost Rider
Footballguy
Even though it barely missed making my top 50, I am a big fan of Roll the Bones, rap and all. Just a fun little song, and I still know every word of the rap every time I hear it. 
Fiddles
Footballguy
the live version is excellent. funny video also. love the big jam send up they do at the end of the tune. can totally see how people cant deal with it though.Even though it barely missed making my top 50, I am a big fan of Roll the Bones, rap and all. Just a fun little song, and I still know every word of the rap every time I hear it.
Mr. Ected
Footballguy
Grace Under Pressure
Footballguy
I like Territories.
BassNBrew
Footballguy
By barely you mean as close as the next galaxy and by top 50 you mean top 150?Ghost Rider said:Even though it barely missed making my top 50, I am a big fan of Roll the Bones, rap and all. Just a fun little song, and I still know every word of the rap every time I hear it.
joey
Footballguy
I gotta say that what some people think are cringe-worthy lyrics, others might see as a simple, poetic statement that perfectly sums up the seeming randomness of our human existence. As a songwriter, I dig those lyrics and find myself singing them in my head whenever something random, or sad, happens in the world. It’s all a freakin' roll of the dice.BassNBrew said:
Ghost Rider
Footballguy
Eh, I cannot promise I will remember to do that so close to the end.Mr. Ected said:
I am giving a YT link for every featured song. No, I mean top 50.
Yep, I like the lyrics to Roll the Bones a lot. Sure, if you isolate the chorus, they appear simplistic, but looking at the song as a whole, they are really good. Shoot, the whole album is chock full of really good ones.
Mr. Ected
Footballguy
I'll bug you!Eh, I cannot promise I will remember to do that so close to the end.
Ghost Rider
Footballguy
13. Subdivisions (from the 1982 album Signals)
I have lost track at how many times I have seen someone say how much the lyrics to this spoke to them about their high school life. I know I have gushed a lot about Neil's lyrics, but for me, the 80's are when Neil was at his best lyrically, and this is one of the most notable ones. And not only are the lyrics great, but it's awesome musically as well. The opening synth is so warm and inviting, and then the band really shows how much they were looking to change things as the 80's moved forward. This is probably their most popular post-Moving Pictures song, and it is one of my favorite post-MP songs as well (but not my number 1 favorite
).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYYdQB0mkEU
I have lost track at how many times I have seen someone say how much the lyrics to this spoke to them about their high school life. I know I have gushed a lot about Neil's lyrics, but for me, the 80's are when Neil was at his best lyrically, and this is one of the most notable ones. And not only are the lyrics great, but it's awesome musically as well. The opening synth is so warm and inviting, and then the band really shows how much they were looking to change things as the 80's moved forward. This is probably their most popular post-Moving Pictures song, and it is one of my favorite post-MP songs as well (but not my number 1 favorite
).https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYYdQB0mkEU
joey
Footballguy
love me some Subdivisions. They kinda started their "synth era" at the top, and went down from there, relatively speaking. The 7/8 time signature in the intro and peppered throughout, yet still able to make recognizable hooks that are easy to hum along to. The choruses have Neil's signature ride cymbal drum pattern that any drummer fan of Rush learns right off the bat (ding d-d-ding ding. d-d-ding-d.d13. Subdivisions (from the 1982 album Signals)
I have lost track at how many times I have seen someone say how much the lyrics to this spoke to them about their high school life. I know I have gushed a lot about Neil's lyrics, but for me, the 80's are when Neil was at his best lyrically, and this is one of the most notable ones. And not only are the lyrics great, but it's awesome musically as well. The opening synth is so warm and inviting, and then the band really shows how much they were looking to change things as the 80's moved forward. This is probably their most popular post-Moving Pictures song, and it is one of my favorite post-MP songs as well (but not my number 1 favorite
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYYdQB0mkEU
) We get a super catchy synth lead line that might make you initially think, "oh man, are these synth lines going to push Alex to the sidelines" but NO, Alex comes tearing in with a great, melodic solo, as always. And Geddy bouncing from great bass lines (as always) to synth and back again. Virtuoso.I'll see where this song ends up in my own personal top 15 after GR is done, but this seems close to the perfect slot imo.
BassNBrew
Footballguy
Agree on all counts. Maybe my favorite Geddy vocals.love me some Subdivisions. They kinda started their "synth era" at the top, and went down from there, relatively speaking. The 7/8 time signature in the intro and peppered throughout, yet still able to make recognizable hooks that are easy to hum along to. The choruses have Neil's signature ride cymbal drum pattern that any drummer fan of Rush learns right off the bat (ding d-d-ding ding. d-d-ding-d.d13. Subdivisions (from the 1982 album Signals)
I have lost track at how many times I have seen someone say how much the lyrics to this spoke to them about their high school life. I know I have gushed a lot about Neil's lyrics, but for me, the 80's are when Neil was at his best lyrically, and this is one of the most notable ones. And not only are the lyrics great, but it's awesome musically as well. The opening synth is so warm and inviting, and then the band really shows how much they were looking to change things as the 80's moved forward. This is probably their most popular post-Moving Pictures song, and it is one of my favorite post-MP songs as well (but not my number 1 favorite
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYYdQB0mkEU
I'll see where this song ends up in my own personal top 15 after GR is done, but this seems close to the perfect slot imo.
Grace Under Pressure
Footballguy
Definitely a classic and worthy of its spot.
Conform or be cast out.
Conform or be cast out.
Mr. Ected
Footballguy
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Ghost Rider
Footballguy
Cool, I added it to the OP.
Ghost Rider
Footballguy
12. Freewill (from the 1980 album Permanent Waves)
There were certain things that were always guaranteed to get a huge applause at every Rush concert, and the instrumental section in this song was on that list. At the end of it, right when Alex goes from it back into the main lead, the crowd would always go nuts, almost like a "we're not worthy" cheer after an instrumental section that features all three guys soloing and killing it. And when you think, Geddy's vocals leading into the last chorus were really the end of his "screaming like a banshee" voice that he used a lot in the 70's. The 80's were here and he was putting it to bed, but busted it out one last time... Classic tune.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnxkfLe4G74
There were certain things that were always guaranteed to get a huge applause at every Rush concert, and the instrumental section in this song was on that list. At the end of it, right when Alex goes from it back into the main lead, the crowd would always go nuts, almost like a "we're not worthy" cheer after an instrumental section that features all three guys soloing and killing it. And when you think, Geddy's vocals leading into the last chorus were really the end of his "screaming like a banshee" voice that he used a lot in the 70's. The 80's were here and he was putting it to bed, but busted it out one last time... Classic tune.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnxkfLe4G74
Ghost Rider
Footballguy
Note: Barring any delays, I will do number 11 tomorrow morning, and then tomorrow afternoon I will do a write-up for the four albums that are not featured in this countdown, as my way of giving them some acknowledgement as well as giving some thoughts and letting others discuss as well.
Mr. Ected
Footballguy
Great song, awesome live. Probably in my top 10.
Not to get political, but I bet we will see a posting or two on Social Media referring to 'If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice" and voting this fall.
joey
Footballguy
What can any Rush fan say about this song that isn’t gushing praise?
this song can be anywhere from this slot to #1 in any list and it makes sense.
BassNBrew
Footballguy
Not to offend anyone, but this was about the time that I told my parents my choice was NFL on Sunday rather than other options.
I could say that it is such a good song that it gets a ton of radio play and so I don’t choose to listen to it when I choose to listen to Rush.
Todem
Footballguy
Freewill is a gem. An absolute gem. Live it was always one I looked forward to seeing and hearing and everytime they played it they always....always nailed it. Certain songs live they could play with their eyes closed. Tome Sawyer, YYZ, The Spirit of Radio, Closer To The Heart and of course Freewill. That middle bridge and solo section is probably the best section of music as a band they have ever performed. Tight, compact, punchy, majestic.....I can’t use enough adjectives to describe it.
The last tour they performed Freewill was on the Time Machine Tour 2010/2011. After that is was retired from concert performance. And Geddy still was always able to hit the “Each of us a cell of awareness, imperfect and incomplete” to a high good degree and pull it off.
Exit Stage Left is my go to version.
The last tour they performed Freewill was on the Time Machine Tour 2010/2011. After that is was retired from concert performance. And Geddy still was always able to hit the “Each of us a cell of awareness, imperfect and incomplete” to a high good degree and pull it off.
Exit Stage Left is my go to version.
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