17.
Steve: Time Stand Still – This songs certainly meets me where I am. After years of 60-70 hour work weeks, life can become a grind. This song reminds us to stop and take it all in. It’s a beautiful reminder, “Time stands still, see more of the people, and the places that surround me now.”
Alan: Animate-Thunder!!!
16.
Steve: Natural Science – This is another Peart gem, discussing what has happened with technology. It reads as a warning that we should return to nature as Mystic Rhythms shows us how. I love the opening; it begins with sounds of nature, both water and bird. And, in typical Rush fashion, this one is a builder.
Alan: Anthem-I read a book because of this song!
15.
Steve: A Farewell to Kings – The song opens with Alex outdoors playing a precise bit of guitar work that sets the tone for the record. SOLD. As with many Peart songs, the lyrics are deep and point to human failings. Here, he uses a medieval sort of setting with kings to show that our problems are age old and we still haven’t learned.
Alan: Finding my Way-Love the intro from All the World’s a Stage
14.
Steve: Closer to the Heart – A beautiful song. I love this one for calling out everyone, that we all play a part. If we all kept things closer to the heart, this would be a much better world. This is also a brilliant song live.
Alan: Subdivisions– This was more high school for me than anything else I have heard
13.
Steve: Limelight – I love this one for many reasons. Yes, it is amazing beautifully, but more than that, it captures the feeling of fame without whining about how hard it is. Sometimes the artists wants you to feel for them. Rush, here, lays out the case and then uses it as strength to tighten up their friendship.
Alan: Witch Hunt – timely…”those who know whats best for us
12.
Steve: Spirit of Radio – The beginning of the radio friendly switch up. Every time I listen, it transports me to the days when we listened to the radio. “Invisible airwaves crackle with life” indeed. Fun nod to the days of traveling with Kiss as well, showing the integrity put into the music they were playing. Tough to beat this one.
Alan: Spirit of Radio-Still resonates from my early concerts….first song!
11.
Steve: Subdivisions – I love the synth in this one, and the rhythm section is really strong here. This one really does justice to the restlessness of youth. Being in education, I see this one all the time. Subdivisions is super catchy and fun to sing along with.
Alan: Working Man-Theme song of The Bonfire on SiriusXM…
10.
Steve: La Villa Strangiato – One of two instrumentals in my top speaks to the unbelievable musicianship of the trio. This one is a builder that pays off in so many ways, especially a bass breakout. Man, you can’t beat a good bass solo can you? I think now.
Alan: Tom Sawyer– 1st song I ever heard by Rush
9.
Steve: Freewill – “If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice”- one of the best lines, simple yet deep. This song has unbelievable depth lyrically and a super radio hook. Just brilliant in every way.
Alan: 2112 – I can play the part where he finds the guitar!!!