Ranking the Studio Albums: Rush

[@geol1936]

Pete, I owe you a beer, simply for talking about Rush albums for half an hour.

[@herbertgrunau4860]

I will second that--where and when?

[@claytonchaney9171]

Keyboard players in hard rock bands learned to respect the 80's Rush.....

[@nickajk1]

How about a couple two or three beers and we'll also talk about Blue oyster cult

[@randyswanson3369]

Cranberry juice for me

[@YinWhoo-zx2sz]

Rush had an identity problem in their 80s output.

[@AudiophileTubes]

'Power Windows' is a masterpiece, and in my top 3! It is the perfect melding of conventional instruments with synths and sound effects, and they complement each other perfectly! The synths are used at just the right moments to convey emotion, dread, joy, concern, etc.! For example, in the song 'Territories', the synths come in just at the right point musically and lyrically to convey a foreboding of what's ahead subject-wise! It's very powerful stuff!

[@Humb7757]

Completely Agree!! It’s a fantastic Album… ❤ it’s simply perfect for me too!! Sounds so perfect with a good hifi system 👌!

[@mck7646]

Agreed. People sleep on PW and don't realize the ambition and innovation. Probably among the best produced albums of all time.

[@chrischilton2245]

I think Neil’s best playing is on PW

[@jeroenb4894]

Agree, one of my favorite albums!

[@funkydozer]

My favourite album. Great production, lyrics, album art, and music. Such life memories from this album.

[@sonnyjim9501]

I’m 23 and I fell in love with rush when I heard La Villa Strangiato last year on KZbin. Been obsessed with them ever since. Still have to listen to all of their albums but have everything from caress of steel to grace under pressure on vinyl. I love them all

[@alexhollins5830]

The problem with ranking Rush albums is that their stuff seems to grow on you over and over. Tracks you used to skip suddenly leap out of the blue. Not really a problem. Went to see them on the Signals tour way back when and can still remember folk saying that this wasn't the 'real' Rush of the concept albums. I like the 70's stuff but for me Signals to Presto represents Rush's zenith. At least today!

[@yauy]

I know! The Signals-HYF era Rush is what got me hooked on them back in 1998. Throughout the years I liked songs from other eras, too, but recently their work from AFTK-MP has been my favorite...at least for now. Liking Rush is like being a fan of several different bands.

[@DinsdalePiranha67]

Picking your favorite Rush album is a little like picking your favorite child. That said, my fave is Hemispheres. :)

[@robbjj1]

Vapor Trails Clockwork Angels Snakes & Arrows Rush Power Windows Counterparts Hold Your Fire A Farewell to Kings Roll the Bones Caress of Steel Fly by Night Grace Under Pressure Presto Permanent Waves 2112 Hemispheres Signals Moving Pictures Test for Echo #1!!!!

[@tna_handyandy5173]

I agree whole-heartedly. Rush albums grow on you over and over. Thought that Test for Echo was lousy. Then listened to it for 5 consecutive days. Wow, this Test for Echo stuff is fantastic!

[@Twotontessie]

So true. The first maybe five times I struggled through Clockwork Angels this summer I thought wow I just don’t get it. It’s the worst album. Steadily creeping up the list …. Listening to it a lot. Keeping me interested.

[@paulwilk6261]

You got me listening to Grace Under Pressure again and I agree with you. It is a great album.

[@lespauldisciple3349]

I wasn't crazy about 'Grace Under Pressure' at first but after seeing them on that tour I had a better appreciation for the tracks. Live 'Red Sector A' was driving hard.

[@WhatsWrongWithTheStreet]

Grace has always been a top 3 fave. 1, 2, and 3 rotate as my actual favorite

[@peggs1]

Grace under pressure 👌 Astonishing / heavy album.

[@darrenandrews6648]

My fave Rush album is also Grace Under Pressure. Very dark lyrically with the best playing ever by Peart and Lifesons best solos. Very melancholy and not very dynamic because the chord sequences are just so stunningly creative. Afterimage is my fave Rush song, Red Sector A is top 5, and Beneath The Wheels is hauntingly beautiful with my fave Lifeson solo ever. A masterpiece done their way.

[@keithhughes3419]

Hello from Ireland! Great job on the ranking! Loving the CD wall you got going on there! 🙂👍

[@cmiller6501]

Power Windows ,...is an unheralded masterpiece !

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

I totally agree !

[@angusrobertson3967]

totally agree. My favourite album - by any band. Good job Pete. Thanks

[@danprice6361]

the album that made me sit up and take notice. marathon is one of my faves

[@GentleGiantFan]

@@danprice6361 Agree. Marathon is one of my favs along with Mystic Rhythms and Territories. I love the live version of Big Money from A Show of Hands.

[@DinsdalePiranha67]

This was actually the first Rush album (okay, cassette) I bought. I was initially introduced to them by a couple of the "nerds" I knew in HS, but Power Windows was where I got hooked.

[@TheOneAboveAll]

All the albums I chose are epic and are all close enough to call my favorites. 1) Hemispheres 2) A Farewell to Kings 3) 2112 - My first Rush album. I used to play along with it about every night of my Freshman year of high school. Definitely helped me with my guitar playing. Kept me enthused 4) Caress of steel 5) Fly by Night

[@jazzandrocknroll3235]

Great ranking Pete! I agree with most of all the rankings, personally I'd put Hemispheres at number one instead of Moving Pictures.

[@seaoftranquilityprog]

Yeah, those top few are so close. I went with Moving Pictures because of how much it's meant to me over the years.

[@rushbravado1972]

Thanks for doing all these ranking videos Pete. I am sure everyone is asking for a lot of bands for you to do. Thanks for doing the greatest band of all time.

[@AdrasteaOne]

Test for Echo is not considered one of their most loved albums, but there is some excellent music on there. Title track, Driven, Color of Right to name a few. It was my very first Rush album and I saw them on this tour, so it holds a special place in my heart. Great video, Pete. Just subscribed!

[@riceburner32]

Caress of Steel - even though not a monetary success, is easily one of greatest musical sojourns ever recorded.

[@raymondkizer1216]

Here, here!

[@Hamptainment]

Naw, it’s not that great. It’s fun to say it’s underrated, but it’s a rough draft of what’s to come w 2 rockin stand alone songs on it

[@erikberg5363]

@@Hamptainment Personally I would put it in my top 5 Rush albums, I like it better than 2112 or Fly by Night

[@KickflipGnasty]

@@Hamptainment No way. Necromancer and Fountain of Lamneth are undeniably flawless epics. Lakeside Park and Bastille Day are also Rush classics. I Think I'm Going Bald is lyrically stupid, but that song's riffs crush. I reach for that album all the time.

[@Hamptainment]

Cody Wilson hey that’s rad! Rush rules

[@diannecarpenter7718]

Thank you sooooooo much for your ranking the Rush albums/CD'S! I love rush alot! There's so many great albums/CD'S of Rush! I love bands with alot of guitar and drum playing!🎤🎸🎵🥁

[@PitcairnIslander]

Thanks for doing this. I'm 64 years old in Toronto and a RUSH fan since the beginning. I have their first album from the bunch that they made on their own label "MOON" records. You can tell which one it is because it has RUSH written in kind of an orangey-red and when they finally got their contract they released it with RUSH written in pink. I also have the first aired copy of 'a Fairwell To Kings' I got it from a local D.J. that I knew. It was so new that it didn't even have a cover yet. The label just said 'Engineers Pressing' and the songs were written on with a marker and still had the paper inside with the times to play the songs on it. I was also lucky enough to go to the recordings of the first live album at Massey Hall. There were three nights that they recorded so I went to all three shows. Also as far as Caress Of Steel, I could never figure out how that album was crapped all over and became dropped in the deleted pile so soon. I still love that album to this day.

[@guitartyler7923]

My Top 5 1. Hemispheres: Incredible album from front to back. I think the title track is one of the most incredible pieces of music ever, not to mention one of the greatest prog instrumentals ever on side 2. 2. Moving Pictures: Not much has to be said about this album. Every song on this is a rock classic. 3. Power Windows: Not sure why but for years this album has really resonated with me. Love the production, the songwriting, everything. 4. Permanent Waves: Spirit of Radio got me into Rush so this album is very near and dear to me. 5. 2112: When the record company wanted more singles after the commercial failure of CoS, Rush hit them with one of the most epic long songs in history. Not to mention an impressive batch of songs on side 2.

[@markandersen793]

Nice to see Power Windows in your top 5, I always thought it didn't get the love it deserves, I think Alex's solo on Marathon is one of his best.

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

'Power Windows' is my favourite with 'Middletown Dreams' being my favourite song on the album.

[@raymondkizer1216]

@@TheHumbuckerboy I love that song.

[@L3gitYello]

Before watching : good luck with this one, Pete. I don’t think I could EVER rank these albums. Haha! Keep up the awesome videos. You’re doing all my favorite bands as of late!

[@davidjustice4035]

Love the rankings! Here’s my top five 1: Farewell to Kings 2: Moving Pictures 3: Hemispheres 4: 2112 5: Permanent Waves

[@Hamptainment]

Amen. Although in a different order for me. These top 5 are the gold standard for Rush, and in any order can’t really put up an argument

[@MochaDaisy8645]

I second that. Those are also my top 5 but in a different order as well. Cheers, fellow fans

[@lespauldisciple3349]

David: Those are my Top 5 too but in a different order.

[@klozz2080]

Swap MP and Hemispheres and our list is equal

[@pike100]

I like your Top 5 list better than his.

[@itsno1953]

Hey Pete, recently found your channel and instantly subscribed. First saw Rush live on Hemispheres tour and to me, the late '70s is the sweet spot: 1. Farewell to Kings 2. Hemispheres 3. 2112 4. Permanent Waves 5. Caress of Steel If I HAD to pick a favorite Rush song (if possible), it would probably be Permanent Waves' Natural Science

[@TheUltraSaiyanGoku]

My favorite album is Grace under Pressure, but I'd have to say Moving Pictures is their best. A truly perfect album from every aspect. Proggy, poppy, heavy, groovy, melodic, has an all time instrumental. Truly a legendary album. Witch Hunt and The Camera Eye need to be talked about more

[@oldenyz3148]

Becoming my fav band as we speak as I've only heard 4 albums, time to dig deeper.

[@shanewilson398]

B H like you mate, my fav album is the last one I bought. Up to peart’s death I’d only ever listen to Tom Sawyer and spirit of radio. Now I’m a fanatic.

[@Carlos-xz3vi]

I envy you so much. May you have a wonderful journey.

[@marhill77]

Side 1 of Moving Pictures - one of the best sides of a record, ever!

[@lespauldisciple3349]

Marhill77: I have great affection for 'A Farewell To Kings'; my first Rush album but 'Moving Pictures' is PHENOMENAL. I got to see them on that tour, New Orleans' Municipal Auditorium Easter Sunday, 1981. Simply amazing.

[@davidclark5927]

@@guyboost7311: that is easily one of their most underrated songs EVER, just as great as all of the hit songs on Moving Pictures (actually even better than some of them).

[@ModernDayWarrior2112]

Funny you say that. Nowadays , I tend to listen to side 2 much more. I feel that side one has been played to death on radio. Side 2 is awesome though.

[@levig384]

Side B is still great

[@marinhrabric6162]

True, although Red Barchetta is my least favorite from the album

[@RoyZa]

2112 was my first Rush album. The title track blew my mind and opened the door for the wonderful world of prog. Never heard anything like this before and I instantly became a fan. I've also happened to come across the band when I was at the lowest point in my life. When I was reading their lyrics I've finally felt like there's someone out there that can understand me.

[@markholmes2357]

Great selections! I particularly love side 2 of Moving Pictures! 1) Hemispheres 2) Moving Pictures 3) Permanent Waves 4) A Farewell to Kings 5) 2112

[@joeblow2069]

I can go along with that list.

[@edbrewer5123]

I'm your newest subscriber. I've watched several of your videos and we agree on some and disagree on others. Your knowledge of the material is right up there with my own. Please keep up the good work.

[@JasonSmith-pv1ff]

Totally agree with your thoughts on Caress of Steel but have a hard time seeing Presto at the bottom.

[@Hamptainment]

Jason Smith Presto is my #10, this guy is a fool. Nobody has Presto last

[@TheSighphiguy]

@@Hamptainment i have presto last by a mile. been a huge fan since '78. at the time it came out i could name every song on every album, in order. on presto, i cant name a single song. i have revisited it, and then stored it away for another 2 decades. its just weak.

[@crusheverything4449]

Michael Hampton - Calling someone a fool because their personal taste is different than yours is immature and adds nothing of value to the discussion. Disagree all you want, but do it with respect, otherwise you undermine your own opinion and reveal yourself to be the fool.

[@st.fiacre6685]

@@TheSighphiguy When i first saw the beginning of this video Presto came to mind, and when he said it, i gave him a thumbs up..There are a 'few' good songs,but they did go down hill in the late 80s...

[@galus14436]

@@TheSighphiguy maybe try again. Show me dont tell is a monster. war paint and presto are very good. I even like Available Light. To each it's own.

[@johngreenwell5646]

Thank you, I dig what you're doing!! I appreciate you bro!! music is the universal language!!! God bless.

[@jackkilman8726]

I came to appreciate Vapor Trails a lot more after reading Neil's book Ghost Rider, which details his grieving process after losing his daughter and first wife. The album is basically the book in musical form, and I would recommend both to anyone recovering from a personal tragedy.

[@sonicbob5746]

Thanks for doing your video podcast channel. Man, you touch on so many of my favorite bands and I enjoy your opinions. This Rush cast is spot on. Love it man, keep doing more topics with popular music(and/or selective). My favorite Rush album is Hemispheres by the way.

[@williamlangan5902]

Thanks, Pete! I was hoping you'd do a video. I thought you needed time after the shock to get to it. I'm still in shock. Like you, I will always miss Neil Peart. I also liked your worst to best of Deep Purple and Black Sabbath. In some ways, your video was like a phone conversation with a good friend. "Hey, I know I promised you and I keep my promises, ok?" My top 10 1. Permanent Waves 2. Moving Pictures 3. Hemispheres 4. A Farewell To Kings 5. Fly By Night 6. Caress Of Steel 7. Signals 8. Power Windows 9. Counter Parts 10. Clockwork Angels Have a safe trip! San Antonio is a beautiful city!

[@kevinturchin]

The great part about music is there is always something to discover. I think in the last couple weeks Rush finally clicked with me. Thanks for kicking me off on this journey.

[@axelmcleod8427]

When you said Presto was at the bottom of your list I couldn't help but think, Wow! This guy REALLY likes Rush! Great album! Thanks for sharing! Long live Rush!

[@gregkoch8691]

Great ranking Pete My first rush album was caress of steel. Still hold it very dear to my heart. I loved your comments on it. Thanks!!!

[@dusty3913]

So right about Signals. It really opened me up. The album is so so good that I had to reassess my notion of what a great Rush album could sound like. It really broadened my musical tastes.

[@darrenpellichino2923]

Thanks for the video. I have always been a fan of Rush but there is so much music to listen to that I wan never able to listen to all of their catalog. I always wondered what their other albums were like. I had fly by night moving pictures and 2112 and of course I listened to them alot. I think 2112 or fly by night were my favorites but I can't deny how great moving pictures is. Thanks again, Now I know which albums to try next =)

[@nightboundofficial129]

Perfect!!! Just like to add that Twilight Zone is a very underrated song

[@tombroka3298]

2112 was what got me into RUSH, and still is my favorite

[@WeGachaMetal]

I’ve watched this video 3x over the years, I enjoy it that much!

[@edstangret838]

Going through all the comments, what an amazing mix of views on favorite albums. Just shows how the vast array of tunes appeals to different tastes in music. Myself, I lean towards the earlier albums up to Signals. I used to listen to Anthem off the Fly by Night tape cruising around in my 1977 Trans Am. The sound is forever pierced in my brain. Spotify is a great bit of technology for those who don't own the complete set of CD's. Just listened to Hemispheres. Have to say La Villa Strangiato is some unbelievable instrumentation from just three guys... Wow.

[@craigburgess7105]

I have been going through the Rush studio albums after watching this post. First thing to say - what a catalogue. Just an amazing body of consistent work. I, like you, lean towards the LP's that I grew up with ( Fly By Night through to Grace Under Pressure - 2112 was my first Rush LP purchase and it amazed me ) but definitely the latter material grows and grows the more ear time one gives it. Counterparts is really good !

[@polarbear2579]

I simply can't list them. They're like picking between your kids. Every time I try to pick one for the bottom, I just can't, when I listen to it again, there's too much there to like. But, I think most would agree with Moving Pictures - if a friend asks you "what's so great about Rush, where should I start?", that would be everyone's answer. Besides, "Red Barchetta" is still the best driving song ever.

[@tepidtooth8539]

I think that Moving Pictures is the best answer for their greatest album. It's got the perfect blend of their late sound, being keyboards and their early hard rock sound. Mostly radio ready songs with one long one. Best place to start. If you are digging the keys than go further, digging everything else, go back

[@DinsdalePiranha67]

For someone who's never heard Rush before, Moving Pictures is probably the best album to introduce them.

[@Carlos-xz3vi]

While Hemispheres is my favorite, I agree. Moving Pictures is the starting point.

[@laurasever3269]

@@tepidtooth8539 I never thought of it that way before; you make a good argument. MP did not draw me in on its own; I had to hear HYF, GUP, and 2112 as well to get a better "feel" for Rush. Their incredible RANGE (i.e. the fact that they take "risks" over the years) is a big part of their appeal to me, and I don't think one album can capture that. MP was the 1st Rush album I owned but it wasn't enough for me to "get" them. Thank God for my friend who introduced me to more of their music ! : )

[@leiferickson9666]

Steve, You do an excellent job of reviewing. I am hooked!!...🍁

[@leiferickson9666]

Caress of Steel, #1 as of forever......🍁

[@shanewilson398]

I’m a new fan. I love heavy metal, since the 80s, and never really heard anything of them. With the emergence of the mp3 I started to put individual songs my first ever iPod, and Tom Sawyer and spirit of radio made the cut, becoming 2 of the 500 mg of songs that I had on it. Then I saw the documentary on Netflix, thought it was really interesting and really dug the friendship between the three of them. Then I found out about peart’s death, and felt really sad. One day, sitting in a mall in Santiago, Chile, red barchetta popped up as a suggestion on you tube. That night I got moving pictures. A week later I got 2112, then moving pictures, then hemispheres... every week I get another one. Funny, Presto is one of my favourites. What blows me away is the versatility. From prog rock to that 80s big synth to the 90s heavier stuff, their versatility is amazing. The changes are organic... nothing calculated. Love em.

[@twatson4887]

Three years ago and I pretty much agree with your selection, particularly agree with your views on Caress of Steel. Great and still relevant review, Thank You, love watching what you’d do and I have used your channel to run with and explore new band. Keep it going!

[@schecter5035]

Just getting into Rush, im gonna listen to them in order. I have to say, I think the debut is brilliant especially considering im a huge led zeppelin fan lol

[@johnmurphy8189]

Great video Pete. Love your channel!! I was in high school in the mid seventies so I caught Rush from their first album. Here are my top 5. #1-2112 #2 Rush #3 Moving Pictures #4 Hemispheres #5 Fly By Night.

[@nJur88]

1. Moving Pictures (amazing album from start to finish. first half is flawless.) 2. Hemispheres (only four songs, but four perfect ones.) 3. Permanent Waves (these top 3 albums could all be the #1. they're all great.) 4. A Farewell to Kings (only an inch below the top three) 5. 2112 (the title track is just the best song Rush ever made.) 6. Signals (cool sounding record, very comfortable to listen to) 7. Fly By Night (classic Rush with a small hit of prog. the last songs drags it down a bit.) 8. Counterparts (man, 'Cold Fire' and 'Alien Shore' are just incredibly underrated.) 9. Caress of Steel (can't say much other than UNDERRATED!) 10. Rush (i wish i could put this one lower but i can't. definitely a classic.) 11. Power Windows (too much synth and reverb but nice songwriting) 12. Grace Under Pressure (this album is slowly going down on my list, i just find it pretty weak) 13. Test for Echo ('Time and Motion', 'Driven' and the title track are top notch. pretty heavy album.) 14. Vapor Trails (i enjoy listening to this album, and i'm talking about the original mix. 'Earthshine' is such a gem.) 15. Hold Your Fire (weak but still a classic) 16. Roll the Bones (why is this here? because it's here. roll the bones.) 17. Presto (this was dead last on my list but it started to grow on me) 18. Clockwork Angels (solid songwriting. not much fan of the sound tho, plus geddy's vocals are a little weird here. i don't play it that much) 19. Snakes & Arrows (there are only 2 songs i really like on this record.) My list changes like everyday, sometimes I just wanna mix it up, idk. And I've been listening to Rush for only 2 years or so, though.

nJur YES! Glad I'm not the only one who actually likes Test For Echo MORE than Roll The Bones! There is a god, after all...…………………………….. (Oh, and I also like the original mix of Vapor Trails, even if I'm in the EXTREME minority).

[@andrewkeats8247]

@ I like the original mix better as well. Same reason I like Metallica's St. Anger. I like the grit.

[@mrshy532]

Snakes and arrows is 2nd

[@journeyintothebible]

I've listening to Rush for almost 40 years and I'd move your 9, 10 and 12 up a little and move yer 5, 6 and 8 down a little, but ya, pretty close!

[@johnschanzle3593]

First three songs on roll the bones are some of my fav rush songs but after that not sure what they were doing

[@deanmentjes7774]

Rush became my favorite band in 1981 and still are today, 40 years later. Probably always will be. I love them all. My list, if I had to make one, is pretty close to yours, Pete. Thanks for this video.

[@ChrisJCarter]

So many great albums! For me, Hemispheres and Farewell To Kings are tied for #1.

[@theyescapedtheweightofdarkness]

Yeah I can never pick between those two because they're probably my favourite albums ever

[@tosse2011]

Pete I love your channel so much... Can't wait for your new video... You are awesome dude 😁

[@chrislegner4816]

You come away hugely impressed with both the quality and duration of their discography. It's a vast catalog with countless hidden gems. Peart was a vastly underrated songwriter.

[@tonydir5673]

As a drummer Moving Pictures is my favorite rock drumming album of all time

[@NikoMikkonen]

"Grace Under Pressure" is my favorite. A stone cold classic.

[@DannyBoi2112]

Not my favourite but definitely an awesome albums

[@JohnDoe-ym5ly]

Their run of albums from 2112 through Hold Your Fire is incredible; probably the strongest consecutive period of strong material and progression in sound of any band in music.

[@Naiko-teki-Complex422.]

Top 5 for me: 1. Hemispheres 2. Moving Pictures 3. Permanent Waves 4. Farewell to Kings 5. Signals Hemispheres will always be my fave. First Rush album I ever heard. Took it from my sister's record collection and never gave it back.

[@rushrules81]

That is my exact top 5 and Hemispheres was also the 1st Rush album I heard.

[@hayden7062]

SIGNALS AT 5?!?!?!?!

[@bluestate69]

1. Moving Pictures 2. Permanent Waves 3. Farewell to Kings 4. Hemispheres 5. 2112

[@elbowrinkles]

My top five: 1 Hemisphere…… by a mile 2. Farewell to Kings 3. 2112 4. Caress of Steel 5. Fly by night

[@sydhamelin1265]

They just kept getting better.

[@laurensvantzelfde7653]

Geddy said it was his fave too

[@gregusmc2868]

Now THAT’S a ranking I can get behind!

[@michaelbohlman191]

Presto got me through some tough times so I rank that one high.

Michael Bohlman Especially The Pass...…………………..right?

[@lucaanf]

Will be awesome a ranking of ELO or The Alan Parsons Project... by the way nice Rush ranking, Moving Pictures is my favorite too. Greetings from Perú Pete.

[@stephenwebb921]

How can you possibly rank Rush albums. Even their bad ones are like bad pizza or bad sex..They’re still pretty good!

[@patriciaclarke6759]

Rush means alot too me they have helped me through such a dark and sad time recently i lost my baby boy he was only ten days old he was born with a serious condition that left him with no quality of life as his lungs would not transition and we had to let him go he passed away in my arms his name was sunny the song of Power windows has helped me so much middle town dreams what a beautiful song it is so spiritually uplifting infact the whole album is fantastic too me like all their albums thank you rush and pete pardo

[@danprice6361]

i only recently got into Rush, maybe around 7 months ago. Although 2112 was my introduction, it was Moving Pictures that grabbed me, then Power Windows and Grace Under Pressure sealed it. So much fun buying their albums and hearing all the different era's.

[@jeffhadland3705]

Rock on man!

[@lawrencemcstephens308]

Man, Pete, great to see a comprehensive Rush album ranking from ya! I disagree with a lot of your rankings, but that's okay! We're both big Rush fans, and that's the A1 key here! Roll The Bones & 2112 were the first Rush albums I purchased in roughly 2001, then I saw The Big Money music video around that time and loved Geddy's bassline (I was just learning bass at the time). In early 2002 I heard One Little Victory on the radio, and the double-bass drum caught my ear as I was just getting into modern metal due to my brother being in the local music scene with a bunch of hardcore and metal bands that employed 2 bass drums. I'd be hard-pressed to give an accurate ranking without really delving into their catalogue to suss it out, but I'll give an off-the-cuff ranking for its own sake right now: Least - Rush (1974) 19 - Fly By Night (1975-I) 18 - Feedback (2004) 17 - Test For Echo (1996) 16 - Snakes & Arrows (2007) 15 - Hemispheres (1978) 14 - Counterparts (1993) 13 - A Farewell To Kings (1977) 12 - Clockwork Angels (2012) 11 - Roll The Bones (1991) 10 - Presto (1989) 9 - Caress Of Steel (1975-II) 8 - 2112 (1976) 7 - Hold Your Fire (1987) 6 - Moving Pictures (1981) 5 - Permanent Waves (1980) 4 - Vapor Trails (2002) 3 - Grace Under Pressure (1984) 2 - Power Windows (1985) #1 Favorite - Signals (1982) A few of these could switch spots if I really looked into it. PW/MP could be interchangeable/tied, as well as P/RTB, GUP/PW, etc.

[@bobfitzpatrick8952]

I have to agree with most of this, although my favorite of all time is Permanent Waves, and the second is Hemispheres. And I love Caress of Steel. Thanks for sharing this.

[@ELEVATETHESKY]

Great picks Pete!!! My least fave to fave are: 19. Vapor Trails (not bad, but not listened to often) 18. Snakes & Arrows (good album) 17. Clockwork Angels (pretty good album) 16. Test For Echo (nice solid album) 15. Counter Parts (rocks so good!) 14. Roll The Bones (love the combo of experimental with the last breath of their 80s sound) 13. Rush (super solid debut) 12. Caress Of Steel (great underrated album that rocks so good) 11. Presto (i use to not like this album but oddly grew on me and I love the uplifting feel of it) 10. Fly By Night (Solid album with some superb singles) 9. 2112 (a true prog classic, not as high because although I love it, I lean towards the more Commercial song oriented Rush) 8. A Farewell To Kings (Incredible album with a more solid prog vibe than 2112 imho) 7. Hemispheres (a perfect album, some of my fave 70s Rush songs are on here) 6. Hold Your Fire (Another album that took time to grow on me, but when it did, it just moved me spiritually) 5. Grace Under Pressure (What an amazing album full of some of my fave Rush songs) 4. Permanent Waves (A great hybrid of the old Rush moving into the new Rush sound. So many classics on here) 3. Signals (Subdivisions alone gets this album in the top 5 lol. I love this album so much. Simple but yet complex in a unique way) 2. Power Windows ( A perfect album blending well written synth pop music that still maintains an epic and complex oriented backdrop) 1. Moving Picture (Ah the classic! What can I say? It is just a perfect album. The perfect balance of Rush in any era. This is perfection.)

[@markrushton1516]

Moving pictures for me. Just so complete. 2112 was where I got into them and bought the import live album. Farewell....because of the tour I saw them on. Stunning. Hemispheres was great, Waves if only for spirit of radio. A band that will be influencing players for years in the way Floyd or Yes did

[@millfred123]

Blows my mind all the folks who say MP was too "commercial" ... BULLSHIT

[@APCSW19]

I love that you've got Hemispheres at No.2. I love that album. It was my introduction to Rush. I loved that the sound and inside album photos were slightly difficult and remote. This was an album to listen to carefully and really enjoy the ride of getting to know it better.

[@MrDevtun]

'Hold Your Fire' isn't generally considered among Rush's best work, but it's their one album more than others that consistently gets spin time on road trips. Kind of a hypnotic & soothing vibe. Especially like 'Open Secrets', 'Second Nature', and 'High Water'.

[@michaelellsworth8072]

I love your shows Pete. So cool!

[@Ifoughtpiranhas]

My favorite thing about Rush's 'Test For Echo' album was the tour......it was the only time they actually performed the song '2112' in it's entirety. I played the CD quite a bit from '97-'99 as well.

[@ingroundpool]

RIP Neil Peart, as a 25 year old Canadian, Rush was my favourite band growing up, had the chance to see them in Toronto in 07-08 on the Snakes and Arrows Tour when I was 12, happy I got the chance to see Peart live and Rush, I’m a new follower to your channel too Pete, your a cool cat for sure and love your reviews and insight on music. Lakeside park as a song holds a special place in my heart, is about a place called Port Dalhousie which is a part of St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada where Peart grew up, only 20 minutes from where I live! Go fishing there quite often, nice place to visit in the summer.

[@drummer78]

For me personally, their sweet spot was 1979-1984 (Permanent Waves to Grace Under Pressure). I loved how they began to incorporate the sounds of the New Wave (The Police, etc.) and yet retained some prog elements (tricky times signatures and great instrumentation).

[@LarsBjerregaard]

Agree, except I would say Hemispheres -> Grace under pressure. Their golden age for me.

[@drummer78]

Lars Bjerregaard True...I agree.

[@SoundlabStudios63]

I would actually extend that period from 2112

[@gildenstorf]

Pete, did you go to my high school? You sound like an intelligent version of so many guys who couldn't get enough of Rush. Seriously, thanks for all your enthusiasm and thought you put into your passions for heavy rock.

[@gildenstorf]

...and all the best with the new tires!

[@tenplex]

I’m happy caress of steel is getting love. I feel fans are predetermined to hate it because it wasn’t successful and the band didn’t like it but they really shouldn’t. It’s one of their best.

[@747panos]

Who says they didnt love it . . . They have stated the opposite .

[@andrewrobinson427]

Love your enthusiasm and honesty. Great stuff pete.

[@neugey]

Instead of doing a rank of them all, I will give a personal favorite from each decade. RIP Mr. Peart. 70's - Fly 80's - Grace 90's - Counterparts 00's - Feedback (yes it's a covers album, but hearing Rush do Mr Soul and Crossroad is bliss!) 10's - Clockwork

[@raymondkizer1216]

I can agree with that. Good choices.

[@SeansCruiseVideos]

Good idea to rank by decade! My picks: 70s: Hemispheres 80s: Signals 90s: Counterparts 00s: Snakes 10s: Clockwork

[@DannyBoi2112]

70s: A Farewell to Kings 80s: Signals 90s: Counterparts 00s: Snakes and Arrows 10s: Clockwork Angels

[@AviationLBA]

‘70s - A Farewell To Kings ‘80s - Moving Pictures ‘90s - Roll The Bones ‘00s - Snakes & Arrows ‘10s - Clockwork Angels

[@jimandjulia8261]

Pete, great comments. Especially agree with your take on Signals. We are the same age and followed the band in a similar fashion. When the local radio station, KY-102 told us in a few days they would play the new single, we couldn’t wait! Got to the radio at the appointed time and heard New World Man and thought it was short and too synth focused. Saw the tour in KC and was blown away. Something many folks have failed to note-and perhaps one of the reasons many like the band’s output pre-GUP was the producing of Terry Brown. I always felt he got the fullest sound for the trio-esp. Neil’s old Slingerlands and well as the Tama’s . Keep up the good work!

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

'Power Windows' is a very under-rated album IMO.

[@treffbennett6534]

YES! Mystic Rhythms simply glorious! Great mention!

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

@ Treff Bennett ... Yes, it's a great track. The whole album sounds glorious from start to finish and I personally also love 'Middletown Dreams'.

[@treffbennett6534]

@@TheHumbuckerboy sublime track! Listening to it right now-awesome shout out, amigo! RIP Neil Peart ("The Professor" on the drum kit!) we won't see another one like him!

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

Agreed !

[@TheMentalblockrock]

It was certainly a LOT better than the awful "Hold your fire"!

[@mrichards6795]

My ranking is somewhat similar. I have 2112 as my number one Rush album. Really enjoy the channel! Thank you for this.

[@marcustmachado]

Moving Pictures, Hemispheres and 2112. My favorites.

[@tylerpatterson4787]

5. Permanent Waves 4. A Farewell to Kings 3. Hemispheres 2. Moving Pictures 1. 2112

[@tombroka3298]

@@tylerpatterson4787 your is very close to mine, and the epic 2112 is what got me hooked and still is my favorite

[@michaltejmar5841]

Pete, I enjoy your videos and the way you do it... Thanks for your Rush ranking, I respect that. Here is my top 10 list: 10. Hemispheres 9. Clockworks Angels 8. A Farewell To Kings 7. Rush 6. Counterparts 5. 2112 4. Signals 3. Fly By Night 2. Moving Pictures 1. Permanent Waves

[@brettengland192]

I dismissed "Signals" for 15 or 20 years because it was such a huge departure from "Moving Pictures." Now, it's in my top 5. "Losing It," without a doubt, is one of the greatest songs they've ever written.

[@CBT5777]

Signals is underrated for sure.

[@stuarthopkins1308]

I love all your videos; thank you! I've only recently got properly into Rush and decided to use Spotify to listen to all their albums (I'm up to Counterparts so far) and I've fallen for them big time (the first 8 in my list are becoming very close to my heart). Apart from the albums 2112 and Roll the Bones, and the song Time Stand Still, I've got no particular history with them as many people have to affect my rankings. Also, I've got no particular flag to wave for prog or metal so my rankings aren't reflecting a genre bias. Therefore, my ranking is simply based on how much I enjoy each album and looking at other comments is quite unusual. I look forward to adding the last four albums to my ranking in time but so far: 1) Roll the Bones 2) Grace Under Pressure 3) Moving Pictures 4) Permanent Waves 5) 2112 6) A Farewell to Kings 7) Counterparts 8) Power Windows 9) Presto 10) Signals 11) Rush 12) Hemispheres 13) Hold Your Fire 14) Caress of Steel 15) Fly by Night

[@kentmains7763]

I totally agree about the number of tracks on the later albums. The beautiful thing about the Iconic Rush albums was that they always left you wanting more.

[@jeffhadland3705]

Agreed!!

[@Jay87539]

We love Rush so much here in Canada,the post office issued a Rush postage stamp!Great Video.

[@paulfun8720]

Fly By Night second and Caress of Steel almost a tie...2112 and A Fairwell to Kings ....oh screw it this is too hard.

[@davin6175]

Moving Pictures was the first I heard and I loved it. It was so refreshingly different to the AOR radio that was popular at the time. I next went back to the beginning and got Archives with the first three albums. I was impressed with such a solid debut, but even more impressed with the progression and growth from album to album. Each was leaps and bounds better than the last. By the time I listened to Caress of Steel it was done. This was the album that Moving Pictures was for you Pete. This was the one that took me from an excited fan, hungry to explore their catalog to a committed fan for life! There were a few stumbles here and there, but every new album was an enjoyable surprise that required time to digest and process the change. And there were always half or more an album's worth of solid, awesome music to really appreciate even on their worst efforts.

[@sadusattack2628]

I'm probably the only person but Rush's self-titled debut album is my favorite.

[@franciskocher200]

No Brian,you are not the only one.😀🤘🤘

[@bengan998]

Brian, you're not alone!

[@johnnycashlives316]

Thank you for this. Been waiting for this.

[@jamesreed8641]

I agree with you Pete Power Windows has grown on me over that last year

[@RodneyAllanPoe]

Utterly fantastic. I love prog/jazz rock. I just ordered MOVING PICTURES and HEMISPHERES remastered on CD after seeing your ranking, then sampling them on KZbin. 👍

[@cbFIN]

Counterparts is amazing. It is clearly of its time, some of it is even a bit 80's sounding still in 1993. But I've really learned to appreciate the songs over the years. Also represents Geddy's last absolute best vocals.

[@timothywills7709]

Such a deep discography Pete. Still thinking of a ranking. Love your lists. Just wanted to remind you that Chicago 2 is 50 years old today. Such a great album. Ballet, 25 or 6 to 4, It Better End Soon. Lamm, Kath, Cetera, Pankow, Parazaider, Loughnane and Seraphine. Know you are a big fan. So am I!!!!

[@axelmcleod8427]

And a CLAP CLAP to Hugh Syme and some of the greatest and most iconic album covers ever!

[@axelmcleod8427]

@Martin Kulkarni I can only imagine! He's a talented guy!

[@WhatsWrongWithTheStreet]

Love Hugh Syme's work. Presto is my fave cover but least favorite album.

[@jamesgwarrior1981]

Wow. Just noticed you said you were going to my hometown on this one. Born and raised. Awesome ✊🏿🤎🤘🏾🖤

[@AviationLBA]

There is no doubt in my mind that Rush are the number one power trio of all time, incredible talent! I am definitely more drawn to their earlier material, but a lot of the albums later on in their catalogue have some good stuff on them. Here’s my ranking: 1. Permanent Waves 2. A Farewell To Kings 3. Hemispheres 4. Caress Of Steel 5. 2112 6. Moving Pictures 7. Rush / self-titled 8. Fly By Night 9. Power Windows 10. Signals 11. Grace Under Pressure 12. Clockwork Angels 13. Counterparts 14. Test For Echo 15. Vapor Trails 16. Presto 17. Snakes & Arrows 18. Roll The Bones 19. Hold Your Fire

[@ozonebaby5161]

If you move 2112 to the Top we are SAME but I really need to listen to Power Windows apparently I own it and I have never listened to it once

[@AviationLBA]

@@ozonebaby5161 It’s a great album, despite it being very synth-driven.

[@davidziff4416]

This is perfect... I have seen Rush at least a dozen times over the years.. .going back to the 70s .. but this countdown s making me want to revisit so many albums.. especially the later ones...

[@pauldunsmoor6051]

Here's my list: 1) Hemispheres (So many great memories listening to this with my dad on hunting and fishing trips. Such a perfect album top to bottom) 2) Permanent Waves (Every single song is a masterpiece. Different Strings and Natural Science get me each time.) 3) Moving Pictures (They were firing on all cylinders at this point. "Witch Hunt" is my favorite off this album. This song sure applies today doesn't it?) 4) A Farewell to Kings (I love how much they changed on this album from their sound on 2112.) 5) Fly by Night (The first Rush album I ever listened to. It was in the truck's CD player on each hunting and fishing trip along with Fragile by Yes and Leftoverture from Kansas) 6) Signals (I really like the use of synths on this album. I have always appreciated for Rush for never trying to make the same album twice. This was a good transition from Moving Pictures) 7) Power Windows (Manhattan Project is one of my favorite songs of all time; the lyrics are just so powerful. Territories and Middletown Dreams are the 2 others that really stand out to me on this album) 8) Grace Under Pressure (Alex's guitar sound is so aggressive on this album!) 9) Hold Your Fire (This album may be a little more mellow, but it's really hard to beat "Force Ten," "Time Stand Still," "Mission," and "Turn the Page." The instrumental section in "Mission" is top tier Rush.) 10) 2112 (This is a great album, but I think that some of the tracks bring it down a little bit on my list. I'm talking about "Twilight Zone," "Tears," and "Lessons.") 11) Caress of Steel (A very strong start to their prog era. "I Think I'm Going Bald" is still one of the best worst songs ever.) 12) Presto (I know this lands at the bottom of a lot of lists, but the bass playing in "Show Don't Tell" is some of Geddy's best. "The Pass," "Scars," "Red Tide," "Hand Over Fist," and "Available Light" are all underrated gems on this album in my opinion.) 13) Counterparts (Great return to a hard rock sound from these guys.) 14) Clockwork Angels (Some awesome tracks on this album. Every time I hear "The Garden" I tear up. One of there best. My appreciation for this album increased a lot when I saw them on this tour. Some of the riffing they did in "Carnies," and "7 Cities of Gold" was awesome!) 15) Snakes and Arrows (The instrumentals on this album are fantastic! Some of the tracks I could do without, but there are some that are so poignant. "Faithless," "The Larger Bowl," "The Way the Wind Blows." 16) Test for Echo (Production is great with some great tunes. Some of the tunes are not very memorable. The video that Neil put out at this time with the drum parts for many of these songs really helped me to appreciate the intricacies of this album more. 17) Roll the Bones (There are good songs, but I think this album sounds thin.) 18) Rush (Some good songs, and I'm not denying Alex's playing, but I don't feel it stands out from a lot of the other hard rock stuff from the 70's.) 19) Vapor Trails (Probably the only album that I somewhat dislike. There isn't a single guitar solo on the album, and moving from 1 track to the next everything sounds the same.)

[@StephenPeoplePerson]

I totally get you on The Garden. I like putting all of Rush's studio discography on shuffle, and when it comes up it's just kinda sad to know that it is their last song. Along with the emotional impact of it, it really hits hard.

[@SurfingTheSoundwaves]

First music I ever bought with my own money was A Farewell To Kings. On cassette. Probably wore it out playing Cygnus X-1 over and over again. It was life-changing for this 9 year old kid in 1979. Have to say 2112 is my favourite. But Farewell has a very special place in my heart.

[@TheWarbirdzGaming]

I haven't listen to all the rush albums, but I can give a top 10. 1. 2112 2. Caress of Steel 3. A Farewell to Kings 4. Hemispheres 5. Moving Pictures 6. Permanent Waves 7. Grace Under Pressure 8. Signals 9. Fly By Night 10. Rush And yes I do like them all.

[@inthedream9127]

I’m glad your showing some love for Caress of Steel. It’s so underrated all the way through

[@blender1188]

For me Permanent Waves is their best album. Love the songs and the sound. 2. Hemispheres 3. Moving Pictures 4. 2112 5. A farewell to kings

[@fabioolmos4731]

1) HEMISPHERES, 2) 2112, 3)A FAREWELL TO KINGS, 4) PERMANENT WAVES, 5) MOVING PICTURES.

[@emceesmith6665]

Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures are the strongest transition albums from any classic prog act moving into the 1980s without completely reinventing the group.

[@blender1188]

Update: I started listening to Caress of Steel a lot. And I really like it. Back in the day I didn’t really get it.

[@thomastaipliadis8533]

I was pleasantly surprised to see that the 80s albums gained positions in your playlist. Lately I myself became more and more appreciative of this era, truly a lot of amazing music lies there too!