In the annals of rock music, few bands have left an indelible mark quite like Rush. With their virtuosic musicianship, conceptual lyrics, and captivating performances, the Canadian trio carved their own path and became an icon of progressive rock. Through their four-decade-long career, Rush crafted a discography that transcended boundaries, and within that expansive catalog lie numerous gems that stand the test of time. This article sets out on a journey to uncover the Top 10 Best Rush Songs of All Time, delving into the band’s sonic tapestry and exploring the breathtaking moments that have captivated audiences across generations. From the intricate time signatures and sprawling epics to the infectious hooks and thought-provoking narratives, Rush’s songs have become the soundtrack of countless lives. Drawing from their extensive repertoire, we have carefully curated a list that showcases the band’s prowess, innovation, and undeniable impact on the rock landscape. So join us as we embark on a sonic odyssey, counting down the greatest Rush songs ever created and celebrating the enduring legacy of these visionary musicians. Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Rush’s music, where imagination knows no bounds and musical boundaries are shattered.
1. Freewill
This song by Rush is often considered a masterpiece because of its intricate and complex musicianship. The lyrics delve into the idea of free will, exploring it from multiple angles. The melody is both catchy and challenging, leaving listeners humming it long after the song has ended.
Some of the most interesting aspects of this song are the instrumental sections that showcase each band member's talent. Alex Lifeson’s guitar solo is particularly noteworthy, incorporating elements of hard rock, blues, and even classical music. Neil Peart’s drumming is precise and dynamic, adding an extra layer of intensity to the already powerful music.
Although "Freewill" was released over forty years ago, its themes continue to be relevant today. With lines like "You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice / If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice," the song encourages listeners to take responsibility for their own lives and not rely on outside influences.
Interestingly, "Freewill" was not initially intended as a single but became one due to popular demand. Its success helped cement Rush's place in music history as one of the greatest progressive rock bands of all time.
Even Mother Nature is a Rush fan, as evidenced by The Trees – a song where trees have beef with other trees, because why not?
2. The Trees
With its intricate arrangements and thought-provoking lyrics, 'The Arboreal Life Cycle' is a standout track among Rush's discography. The song tells the story of a conflict between different classes of trees in a forest, offering a fascinating allegory for human societal struggles.
| Album | Year | |
| The Trees | Hemispheres | 1978 |
'The Trees' was released as part of the album Hemispheres in 1978, and quickly became a fan favorite due to its complex instrumental sections and resonant themes. Although many interpret the song as an attack on socialism or communism, drummer Neil Peart has stated that it was motivated primarily by his observations of human behavior towards nature.
Pro Tip: Explore the deeper meanings behind Rush's music by taking your time to analyze their lyrics closely.
Listening to 'Closer to the Heart' is like getting a warm hug from Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart – it's just good for the soul.
3. Closer To The Heart
This iconic track from Rush's 1977 album is a melodic masterpiece that showcases their progressive rock prowess. Its memorable hook and heartfelt lyrics about embracing life's journeys make "The beat of our heart" more than just a song. It truly is a celebration of the human spirit and the power of music to unite us all.
As one of Rush's most beloved songs, "Closer To The Heart" remains a fan favorite for its catchy melody and nuanced lyrics which delve into the nature of existence itself. With Geddy Lee's soaring vocals weaving in and out of Alex Lifeson's intricate guitar lines, this track serves as a testament to Rush's musical chemistry and technical proficiency.
Interestingly, "Closer To The Heart" was not originally intended to be a single, but its popularity among fans led to it being released as such, ultimately becoming one of Rush's biggest hits. Its enduring appeal has only grown over time, cementing its status as an essential entry in the Rush canon.
Pro Tip: For an even richer listening experience, try playing along with the song on your own instrument to really appreciate the interplay between the various elements at play in this classic tune.
Xanadu: It's not just a mediocre musical, it's also one of Rush's greatest masterpieces.
4. Xanadu
This selection of the 10 Best Rush Songs of All Time features the epic masterpiece that is Xanadu. An opus stretching over 11 glorious minutes, Xanadu showcases the band's signature blend of progressive rock with great textures, grandiose themes, and intricate musicianship. The song is a true showcase of Geddy Lee's soaring vocals, Alex Lifeson's heavy riffs and progressive melodies, and Neil Peart's complex drumming. The lyrics are inspired by Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem "Kubla Khan," adding an extra layer of depth to the already rich musical arrangement.
Xanadu's unique structure reflects the theme of immortality that runs through it. The song unfolds in several movements, starting with Lifeson's mesmerizing guitar solo before transitioning into Lee's haunting vocal performance. It then builds up to Peart's thunderous drumming climax before transcending into a mellower acoustic section. Finally, it returns to a resounding finale with some of the most memorable keyboard melodies found in Rush songs.
To add more texture to Xanadu, Rush incorporated various instruments throughout the song, such as chimes, gongs, and synthesizers played by Terry Brown. These elements create an ethereal and otherworldly ambiance that fits perfectly with the song's subject matter.
Pro Tip: When listening to Xanadu for the first time, make sure you have enough time to savor each movement fully uninterrupted! If you're not a fan of speeding tickets, maybe don't listen to this ode to a fast car on repeat.
5. Red Barchetta
The song at number five on our list showcases Rush's storytelling prowess with its chronicle of a dystopian future where cars are outlawed.
Listeners can almost feel the wind in their hair as they picture themselves riding in the titular sports car with protagonist and "uncle Jed", evading government authorities with expert skill. The expert musicianship on display here is further proof of Rush's status as one of the all-time great rock bands.
Fun fact: The term "red barchetta" is actually lifted from a short story by sci-fi author Richard Foster called "A Nice Morning Drive."
Limelight: the song that proves even rock stars struggle with imposter syndrome.
6. Limelight
This Rush classic has often been referred to as an anthem for anyone who has ever felt like walking on a tightrope. It is the sixth song on our list and rightly so. 'Limelight' is a dynamic and energetic tune that beautifully showcases Geddy Lee's bass prowess, Alex Lifeson's guitar wizardry and Neil Peart's unmatched drumming skills. The song's hook-laden chorus still gives goosebumps to its dedicated fans.
Continuing with the streak of brilliance, 'Limelight' is a gracefully woven composition featuring intricate structures and emotional themes that leave listeners in awe. The lyrics talk about the challenges and pressures of fame, referencing Charlie Chaplin's pioneering film 'Modern Times'. One cannot help but dance along to this timeless piece.
Interestingly, this song inspired a biographical documentary "Time Stand Still" by Dave Grohl, highlighting Rush's impact on music lovers worldwide.
Source: https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-10-best-rush-songs-of-all-time
Even non-Rush fans can't resist the spirit of radio, unless they're still mourning the loss of their beloved cassette tapes.
7. The Spirit Of Radio
This track is a masterpiece in Rush's discography. It captures the essence of their experimental and progressive rock style while maintaining an air of accessibility. 'The Spirit Of Radio' showcases how the band embraced the radio medium and blended various musical genres together to create a unique sound that resonates with fans to this day. The lyrics, written by drummer Neil Peart, pay homage to the power of music and its ability to inspire and move people.
'The Spirit Of Radio' went on to become one of Rush's most beloved songs and was even included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's list of "500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll". Its popularity is largely due to its impressive musicianship with Geddy Lee's soaring vocals, Alex Lifeson's intricate guitar riffs, and Neil Peart's virtuosic drumming. The song has stood the test of time since its release in 1980, cementing its place among Rush’s greatest hits.
Interestingly, during recording sessions for Permanent Waves album where ‘The Spirit Of Radio’ appears for the first time as a single, Neil Peart wanted to include reggae-inspired tracks which eventually led them to take up a lot more than three months for recording major parts.
Fly By Night may be about escaping reality, but its place on this list is firmly grounded in the realm of awesome Rush songs.
8. Fly By Night
This iconic hit, known as the eighth on the list, is none other than 'Fly By Night' by Rush. With its well-orchestrated tempo, this song has continued to impact the music industry since its release in 1975. The stunning vocals and instrumental prowess of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart make Fly By Night a favorite among rock enthusiasts.
The powerful lyrics highlight moving out of one's comfort zone and earning an identity beyond societal norms. Within the bridge chorus lies an uplifting message that encourages listeners to follow their dreams regardless of opposition. These lyrics give insight into the band's philosophy and emphasize their dedication to producing thought-provoking works of art.
Notably, Fly By Night was released as a single before landing on Rush's album with the same name. It marked their first song after replacing original drummer John Rutsey with Neil Peart. As such, it helped cement their newfound sound and popularity across audiences. Few songs emphasize the power of pursuing one's passions while inspiring others quite like Fly By Night does.
Rush fans consider this track one of their all-time favorites due to its emotional resonance combined with skillfully composed soundscape. In fact, upon hearing crowds chanting "Fly By Night" at concerts, viewers will better appreciate how loved this classic is by fans worldwide.
2112 proves that Rush can create a masterpiece in just 20 minutes, while we struggle to finish a cup of coffee in the same amount of time.
9. 2112
One of Rush’s greatest pieces, presenting a unique fusion of progressive rock with heavy metal and science-fiction themes – the 2112 Suite offers a 20-minute musical odyssey about a dystopian future. The aptly named "Overture" immerses the listener in a flurry of guitar riffs, synthesizer notes, drumbeats, and intricate basslines before journeying deeper into the saga. This epic track captures the band\'s technical and creative prowess while telling a captivating story through music.
Continuing on this sonic tale is “The Temples of Syrinx” – enlisting an iconic riff from Alex Lifeson, snarling vocals from Geddy Lee and pounding drums from Neil Peart. Each section thrusts you forward with its own unique vibe as the story unfolds into an introspective instrumental dubbed "Discovery" whereupon society discovers long-hidden records of creativity and art that had been suppressed by their rulers.
"Presentation" begins with haunting keyboard chords that lead into one of Lifeson's most memorable solos from the suite before heading onto “Oracle: The Dream” – an otherworldly acoustic guitar duet that invokes feeling fuzziness concluding in "Soliloquy/Grand Finale", a climactic heavy metal showdown between heart-pumping rhythms and searing guitar solos leaving audiences enraptured by their emotion-laced performance.
The score was previously deemed too long to include as an LP side, proving the band’s commitment towards musical exploration; today it stands as one of Rush's most celebrated masterpieces. As cited by Granger Mike in his article on Ultimate Guitar, "2112 evokes everything we love about Rush- science fiction storytelling fused with masterful musicianship."
Tom Sawyer may have been a modern day warrior, mean mean stride and all that, but let's be real, we're just here for that funky synth riff.
10. Tom Sawyer
This iconic track from Rush's "Moving Pictures" album is often regarded as one of their most popular and enduring songs. With its driving beat, memorable synthesizer riff, and lyrical themes of individualism and nonconformity, "Tom Sawyer" has become a staple of classic rock radio and live performances.
The song's structure includes intricate guitar work from Alex Lifeson, as well as some of the band's most inspired instrumental interplay. The chorus features Geddy Lee's soaring vocals over Neil Peart's muscular drumming, making it a fan favorite.
However, what sets "Tom Sawyer" apart from other classic rock hits is its deep, philosophical lyrics. From the opening lines "A modern day warrior / Mean mean stride / Today's Tom Sawyer / Mean mean pride," to later verses that reference literary legends like Mark Twain and Voltaire, it showcases the intellectualism and artistic ambition that have made Rush so revered by fans and critics alike.
Overall, "Tom Sawyer" remains a quintessential part of Rush's legacy and a testament to their boundary-pushing approach to rock music. It continues to inspire generations of fans with its potent blend of musicianship, lyricism, and raw energy.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
