Rush is one of the most iconic rock bands of all time. Over the past 40 years, they’ve released 19 studio albums. After listening to each album several times this past year, here are my top 5 Rush albums in order:
- Vapor Trails — It was my first Rush album, and I think it’s one of the best albums of all time. Neil Peart’s drumming skills had peaked, and more importantly, he was dealing with the deaths of his daughter and wife. While I wish that tragedy on no one, the combination of raw emotion and expert musicianship created an exceptional album.
- Test for Echo — This to me is the unofficial prequel to Vapor Trails. It’s so close to exceptional, yet it’s just shy of what would come. It contains some of their best songs including their very best, “Driven.” It was also their best arranged album to date. Not quite a masterpiece, but still worth hearing.
- Moving Pictures — This album was a landmark for Rush. Almost every song became a hit on its own, especially “Tom Sawyer,” and every song is incredible. However, I see it as a compilation of great songs by a band that had more skill to gain. I think it lacks that conceptual glue and masterful skill needed for an exceptional album.
- Grace Under Pressure — This album is underrated and underplayed. Granted, not even I liked it the first time. The sound was different from anything else they had done. Looking at it now, it sounds like it belongs later in their discography, maybe right behind Presto or Counterparts. It has good music, interesting lyrics, and themes worth exploring.
- Presto — This was a tough pick between Roll the Bones and Presto. Both were great concept albums made around the same time. It’s really a matter of taste. Presto’s songs are catchier but the songs from RTB are better made. I think that RTB has too many unmemorable songs. However, the first three songs are better than anything from Presto.
Honorable mentions: Roll the Bones, Counterparts, Fly By Night
I release a new ranking list every other Tuesday. Let me know your favorite Rush albums and what other rankings you’d like me to do!