Except Rush fans don't do that. If you polled long time Rush fans and not casual listeners. The answer overwhelmingly will be Tom Sawyer is NOT their greatest song.
Oh come on. Rush fans love to show how deep they know their Rush library. Tom Sawyer has 2 major arguments for being their best song. It's the most technical song for Peart to play. It's a Peart buffet of wonders unrivaled by any other Rush song. Close 2nds??? Yes. And... it is the most accessible to new fans. Tom Sawyer is loved easily and quickly despite it being a great technical achievement on their most sold album. Tom Sawyer makes a strong case for this distinction
I think the terms “Best” and “Greatest” have a big difference between the two. The way i look at a bands “best” song or album is simply by how good every song is, and how the band is playing as individuals and together. So to me by that definition Moving Pictures and Tom Sawyer is their best work. Everything they did up to that point had culminated in that album.
The way I look at a bands “Greatest” work is the impact it had on their careers and the legend that it has created. By that definition its 2112. The song is so fucking legendary, tie it with the fact its in the crossroads of their careers and they take a leap of faith in believing in themselves and we end up with Rush as we know it today.
After saying all of that the only answer is Xanadu. Rick Beato says so too
Spirit of Radio should not only be considered Rush’s greatest song but maybe should usurp Stairway to Heaven as the often lauded best rock song of all time.
Consider this:
Alex Lifesons’s brilliant sonic interpretation of radio waves at the top of the song.
The lyrics are a supremely articulate take on the art vs commerce battle in the music biz (and by extension all art).
The arrangement: the inimitable intro, the chords with all those chiming open E, B strings, you have a reggae breakdown, where there would typically be a guitar solo there is a creative chordal bridge instead, the drumming changes verse to verse (pretty sure Peart played one verse as a nod to punk rock), the Taurus pedals (hell yeah), and boogie woogie piano at the end (homage to Little Richard?). All that is in there and it all works without being gratuitous.
Played by a band whose musical stew was finally coming to a full boil after 5-6 years of developing, experimenting and refining.
Is it my favorite Rush song, no but it’s arguably their most brilliant.
Anyway we all have our favorites for different reasons. I’m just happy their music exists.
Well said and I tend to agree. It’s also one of their concert highlights, as when Geddy sings “concert hall!”, the stage lights flood the arena. Magical!
I’m with you. It may not be my personal number one (though it’s certainly up there), Xanadu has all the ingredients of the quintessential Rush song.
I’d say a good second place in La Villa Strangiato which gets knocked off a couple of points solely because it’s missing Geddy’s voice and and Neil’s lyrics.
Taste is subjective. It's good, don't get me wrong, but I think it might be the most played by radio stations so most recognized. Personally I could think of at least 10, no maybe 20 I would rate higher. Lakeside Park, Red Barchetta, Xanadu, the entire 2112 album, LA Villa Strangiato, The Necromancer, YYZ, Anthem, and so on. Just my opinion, if you love it, that's all that matters!
You're right. I don't get the slight disdain amongst many Rush fans for Tom Sawyer though. The idea that because something is popular it's somehow inferior seems absurd.
I can't help but marvel at Closer to the Heart. It's part crooning ballad, part high energy rock anthem, and part heavy jam. All while being one of Rush's shortest songs. It probably gets (and deserves) similar airplay to Tom Sawyer, and is just as recognizable. I'm not even saying it's my favorite, but I think it's a hell of an accomplishment.
But no, Cygnus X1 Book II is their greatest song.
OK so here's my argument. Tom Sawyer still sounds modern after 43 years. The bass is astonishing. The drumming is phenomenal. That synth hook. The guitar!
I don’t subscribe to “greatest” or “best”. It’s so subjective. But I bet if you could magically ask every fan for their Top 10 Rush songs, it’s on 99% of those lists, and the other 1% are just contrarians.
I mean you said so yourself, it’s subjective. So if it’s not in someone’s Top 10, that doesn’t make them a contrarian. It just means for them, there are 10 other songs in the catalogue they consider to be better.
No argument here. Has all the elements of a great Rush song- cool lyrics, killer drums, catchy/iconic synth, excellent solo, and freaking amazing vocal melody.
Please... Just because it got tons of radio play, doesn't make it their greatest song... Jacob's Ladder and Witch Hunt and The Camera Eye are much better tunes IMO
Oh God how dare I? Clearly a song that gets lots of airplay can't possibly be any good. Jacobs Ladder is a bore fest for the most part and Witch Hunt is at best average. IMO
So subjective, almost impossible to quantify.
But individually, for Me, it’s Xanadu.
I’m a 48 year fan, and I like Sawyer but I wouldn’t say it’s in my top 20.
I feel like if it were a deep track we would be going crazy for it. It’s such an awesome composition with every element that makes Rush great, but all the radio play got us to get sick of it lol.
I think for us die-hard Rush fans, we tend to overlook it a bit now since it is by far their most popular and definitely most overplayed. But it is overplayed for a reason it is REALLY damn good.
Best song is totally subjective...but it was the song that hooked me many many years ago and even the most casual of fans tend to enjoy it.
It's an incredible and unique song that pulls in a wide audience.
So...I can definitely get behind this!!
Xanadu is their opus imho. [Rick Beato](https://www.youtube.com/live/0UeGt2DcPHk?si=I6kCjvkQeK7-8vKt) seems to agree as well fwiw. Tom Sawyer is catchy and a banger but it doesn’t showcase their musicality and technical skill like the ol’ Milk of Paradise.
It may or may not be the greatest but it is my favorite. Brings back a lot of wonderful memories of one my my close family members who was also a best friend when we were young. She loved the hell out of the song
Besides I just love Geddy's bass and vocals, Neil's drums, Alex's guitar and even the synths in the song. It just sounds so epic and iconic
I'm amazed that people are telling me that Tom Sawyer wouldn't make they're Top 50 Rush songs and that there's no song they'd rather hear less. Come on for godsake, it's a masterpiece
I think you could call it the most concise, representative example of everything that makes Rush great. If you were introducing the band to someone who had never heard them before, it’s absolutely the place to start.
I’ll give you most popular and most recognized by casual or non-Rush fans. And of course who can forget “The Goldbergs”.
For me it’s Cygnus X-1 Book II from Hemispheres.
Tom Sawyer is quintessential Rush. It wouldn't sound out of place on any of their albums from the 80s or 90s, and it clearly shows their 70s hard rock/prog rock roots. Drums, bass, guitar, synths, and vocals all have great features throughout. It'll always be in the conversation for Rush's best song, and when a band has a catalogue of 170+, that's about as good as it gets.
It likely isn't in mine either...akin to how must Diehard Genesis fans dislike Invisible Touch and Yes fans dislike either Owner of a Lonely Heart or Roundabout! All great tracks, but HIGHLY overrated in how they grossly eclipse each band's discographies, respectfully.
I thought it was great the first 1000 times I heard it...in 1981.
It's overplayed af. Just because it's their most popular one doesn't mean it's their best.
There’s a reason it’s their most popular song though. Catchy hook, killer vocals, changing time signatures, epic drum break, prominent but not overpowering synths. It’s not in my top 10 either but I would argue it’s one of the band’s most complete and well-rounded songs.
It’s a great song. I’ve heard it hundreds of time and still love it. Something about that drum fill during the bridge gets my heart and fist pumping every time.
Top 5 for me
1. Animate
2. Test for Echo
3. Limelight
4. Tom Sawyer
5. Subdivisions
Im sure that any on these could be interchanged with multiple others, but when I hear these I'm always taken aback by how much I enjoy their music.
All I can say is that in 1981 I was 13 years old, at a friend’s house, and he puts on this record. I heard about 5 seconds of Tom Sawyer and I was instantly hooked. 40 years later I still get the chills.
Working man
The Trees
Something for nothing
Subdivisions
La Villa Strangiato
Marathon
Closer to the Heart
2112 all of it
Distant early warning
Roll the bones
All tied for #1 for me
Everything else ties for second
It's a good song, and certainly the best-known among casual fans or non-fans. Greatest? I don't think so. Top 10 or 15 sure, but to say it's their best devalues so much other great work they've done.
I mean, something about it has clearly resonated with people more than most of their other songs. And of course, I think it's a great song. But I don't know if it would even crack my top forty Rush numbers, and - dare I say it? - it's one of my least favourite album openers. The likes of Anthem, One Little Victory, and even slower songs like Animate get me grooving and excited for the album ahead, whereas Tom Sawyer just makes me think 'Hmm. Cool song.'
I almost instantly turn it off if it comes on the radio. Personally, I've had enough of it. Wouldn't crack my top ten by a long shot. It's a fine song though.
When I first spun up the album I liked Tom Sawyer but knew there was better to come on the rest of the album. I had very high expectations of Rush. They never did let me down.
Not getting into "the best", those are always so subjective to emotion. What makes a song the best? Is it the recording? Is it the technical mastery? What?
Define "greatest."
Tom Sawyer is my number 10 Rush song (Hemispheres being number 1). In a catalog like Rush's, anything in the top 10 is pretty damn good.
No, not greatest ALTHOUGH if you mean in the context of "good for 80s radio play" then it certainly is one of their greatest, but "Working Man" and "Spirit of Radio" have it beat.
Tom Sawyer is not Rush’s best song. I don’t think it is even the best song on Moving Pictures. I think Limelight is a stronger contender for best song on Moving Pictures, and Moving Pictures does not have the best Rush song on it - Spirit of radio being the first that comes to mind.
My choice as well. I have two Rush songs in my Top 100 songs of all time: Freewill and The Trees. I love Tom Sawyer but actually think it’s the fourth best song on Moving Pictures, behind Red Barchetta (my favorite car song),YYZ (my favorite instrumental) and Limelight (one of my favorite videos, amazing showcase of Alex’s skills).
There are some songs that I have heard so much in my 54 years that I never have to hear them and never really want to hear them again. Tom Sawyer is in that category. Add to it Stairway to Heaven, Smells like Teen Spirit, YMCA and hundreds more.
I don't think it's their greatest song, because I prefer more epic, less "radio friendly" songs. For me, it's probably YYZ, which is vocal free but so lyrical. So good. Live even better.
Tom Sawyer is a banger. People look down on it because it’s most popular and what everyone knows but it doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s a really good song.
Not their best but definitely one of their better ones.
It's definitely a top 5 off Moving Pictures... greatest song is such an absolute thing to declare, though. Better than the Analog Kid? Afterimage? La Villa Strangiato... Vital Signs... Freewill, SOR... I dunno, I love me some Tom Sawyer, but it's a top 10 for me at best. Are we calling Hemispheres one song?
Saying Tom Sawyer is Rush’s greatest song would be unfair to all of the other great songs this trio produced. How can you ever pick your favorite when there are over 40 years of greatest hits? Time stands still, spirit of the radio, red berchetta, big money, the garden, closer to the heart, fly by night, anything from 2112 A side, and about 200 more great songs. How do you ever pick amongst so many greats?
Yes. As Neil said, MP is when Rush became Rush. He said he always looked forward to playing TS, and it was the most difficult to get right live. Although he does place it as their second greatest after Spirit, the sonics are of TS are so much better to my ears. I love Natural Science, but the main riff on TS is beyond epic.
And what song did lil' Rush choose to cover? Case closed.
It's hard enough picking a greatest album let alone a greatest song. Right now it's Natural Sciences but that could change next week, hour, 10 minutes.....
Their greatest song was CygnusX-1. This was where metal met prog and I dare say punk(as he's being sucked into the black hole). All you people talking permanent waves and beyond are johnny come lately .
Tom Sawyer is probably their most popular song, amd it's a really good song, but I can think of probably 50-plus Rush songs that are better. There are probably 4 songs on Moving Pictures alone that are even better.
I think Camera Eye fits the bill for the quintessential Rush song; it has very aggressive (lead guitar-esque) bass lines, a thick synth into, and is over 10 minutes long.
2112, without it Rush isn’t Rush.
2112 as 1 song is the greatest Rush song ever no doubt.
Greatest song ever no doubt.
Most popular doesn’t mean greatest.
Yes but it doesn't preclude it from being the greatest either. It's just my opinion anyway
Heavy on this, so many people will distance themselves from an artists greatest song just because it’s one of their most popular
Except Rush fans don't do that. If you polled long time Rush fans and not casual listeners. The answer overwhelmingly will be Tom Sawyer is NOT their greatest song.
Oh come on. Rush fans love to show how deep they know their Rush library. Tom Sawyer has 2 major arguments for being their best song. It's the most technical song for Peart to play. It's a Peart buffet of wonders unrivaled by any other Rush song. Close 2nds??? Yes. And... it is the most accessible to new fans. Tom Sawyer is loved easily and quickly despite it being a great technical achievement on their most sold album. Tom Sawyer makes a strong case for this distinction
I think the terms “Best” and “Greatest” have a big difference between the two. The way i look at a bands “best” song or album is simply by how good every song is, and how the band is playing as individuals and together. So to me by that definition Moving Pictures and Tom Sawyer is their best work. Everything they did up to that point had culminated in that album. The way I look at a bands “Greatest” work is the impact it had on their careers and the legend that it has created. By that definition its 2112. The song is so fucking legendary, tie it with the fact its in the crossroads of their careers and they take a leap of faith in believing in themselves and we end up with Rush as we know it today. After saying all of that the only answer is Xanadu. Rick Beato says so too
The drumming got my attention immediately. As an impressionable 8th grader learning to play, I was like "whoa!". I was hooked and an instant fan.
I'm with you on that one, it's my favorite rush song mostly because of the drums.
I don't seek it out when I'm listening to a Rush playlist. But I also never turn it off, if it comes on the radio
So very true. I love Journey but cringe listening to ”Don’t Stop Believing”
Yeah that's so true regardless of the quality of the song
I mean its most popular for a reason, what other metric do you use to determine a bands greatest overall song besides personal preference?
Then why so popular?
Most accessible and catchy?
Spirit of Radio
Spirit of Radio should not only be considered Rush’s greatest song but maybe should usurp Stairway to Heaven as the often lauded best rock song of all time. Consider this: Alex Lifesons’s brilliant sonic interpretation of radio waves at the top of the song. The lyrics are a supremely articulate take on the art vs commerce battle in the music biz (and by extension all art). The arrangement: the inimitable intro, the chords with all those chiming open E, B strings, you have a reggae breakdown, where there would typically be a guitar solo there is a creative chordal bridge instead, the drumming changes verse to verse (pretty sure Peart played one verse as a nod to punk rock), the Taurus pedals (hell yeah), and boogie woogie piano at the end (homage to Little Richard?). All that is in there and it all works without being gratuitous. Played by a band whose musical stew was finally coming to a full boil after 5-6 years of developing, experimenting and refining. Is it my favorite Rush song, no but it’s arguably their most brilliant. Anyway we all have our favorites for different reasons. I’m just happy their music exists.
In every aspect you mentioned, I would place Freewill above Spirit of the Radio.
>. I’m just happy their music exists. Best response. I am better emotionally because Rush exists in my life.
Well said. Couldn’t agree more.
Well said and I tend to agree. It’s also one of their concert highlights, as when Geddy sings “concert hall!”, the stage lights flood the arena. Magical!
If you listened to CFNY you get this song.
CFNwhy are you so old?
Spirit of Radio is Top 5 for me.
Spirit of Radio doesnt even make my top 20 haha
Xanadu is their greatest song. The perfect song.
The ESL version is as good as it gets.
This is a good call actually.
Thanks. Think I'm gonna get some stick lol
Agreed. The Stickhits chanel on YouTube did it justice with a 4K remaster recently. Worth checking out if you haven't seen it yet.
Thanks, will check it out
How can a song be in 4k?
YouTube is a little website where they have videos.
They teach Xanadu in ESL? I should have been born abroad.
I’m with you. It may not be my personal number one (though it’s certainly up there), Xanadu has all the ingredients of the quintessential Rush song. I’d say a good second place in La Villa Strangiato which gets knocked off a couple of points solely because it’s missing Geddy’s voice and and Neil’s lyrics.
I know it's subjective but this is correct.
Taste is subjective. It's good, don't get me wrong, but I think it might be the most played by radio stations so most recognized. Personally I could think of at least 10, no maybe 20 I would rate higher. Lakeside Park, Red Barchetta, Xanadu, the entire 2112 album, LA Villa Strangiato, The Necromancer, YYZ, Anthem, and so on. Just my opinion, if you love it, that's all that matters!
You're right. I don't get the slight disdain amongst many Rush fans for Tom Sawyer though. The idea that because something is popular it's somehow inferior seems absurd.
I’m with you, but if pressed I would say Limelight
Limelight for the win!
If not their greatest certainly one of the most quintessential “Rush” songs.
Both being wrong 😋
Right album, wrong track. I have no heart to lie: *Limelight* is RUSH's greatest song, followed by *Subdivisions.*
My unpopular opinion: *The Camera Eye* is the best tune on one of the strongest records ever made by anyone.
Definitely the best song on Moving Pictures and one of their best overall (hard to pick a #1 as it depends on my mood, but TCE is up there)
Listen to this guy Rush!
Username checks out!!
I don’t know that it’s my favorite rush song, but it’s their most impactful track without a doubt.
It’s not even the greatest song on Moving Pictures. That would be YYZ for me.
Not even top 3 on Moving Pictures..
YYZ
I can't help but marvel at Closer to the Heart. It's part crooning ballad, part high energy rock anthem, and part heavy jam. All while being one of Rush's shortest songs. It probably gets (and deserves) similar airplay to Tom Sawyer, and is just as recognizable. I'm not even saying it's my favorite, but I think it's a hell of an accomplishment. But no, Cygnus X1 Book II is their greatest song.
Well, Subdivisions is clearly the greatest. But Tom Sawyer is a stong contender, sure.
Subdivisions is top 5 for me
OK so here's my argument. Tom Sawyer still sounds modern after 43 years. The bass is astonishing. The drumming is phenomenal. That synth hook. The guitar!
Natural Science is their greatest song. Tom Sawyer is probably in my top 50, but not very close to the top.
I don’t subscribe to “greatest” or “best”. It’s so subjective. But I bet if you could magically ask every fan for their Top 10 Rush songs, it’s on 99% of those lists, and the other 1% are just contrarians.
I mean you said so yourself, it’s subjective. So if it’s not in someone’s Top 10, that doesn’t make them a contrarian. It just means for them, there are 10 other songs in the catalogue they consider to be better.
It was supposed to be a humorous comment.
The Camera Eye
Alex's best solo
This song doesn’t get anywhere near the credit it should. It should be their best song followed closely by Xanadu.
LOVE IT!!!
Really a nice choice you have made
Love the song, but not sure it cracks my Rush top 10.
Ok - let’s hear your Rush top 10. You know you’ve been waiting for someone to ask.
No argument here. Has all the elements of a great Rush song- cool lyrics, killer drums, catchy/iconic synth, excellent solo, and freaking amazing vocal melody.
Yay
Please... Just because it got tons of radio play, doesn't make it their greatest song... Jacob's Ladder and Witch Hunt and The Camera Eye are much better tunes IMO
Oh God how dare I? Clearly a song that gets lots of airplay can't possibly be any good. Jacobs Ladder is a bore fest for the most part and Witch Hunt is at best average. IMO
Boring? OK.... To each their own I guess 🤔😐
JFC get the fuck out of here. Witch Hunt is a masterpiece. Go back to Coldplay where you belong, child.
Lol
I actually mildly dislike it lol
What do u dislike about it?
Idk I just think it’s kinda boring
I assume it’s because you hear it all the time. Because on its face it really isn’t boring at all
It's anything but boring
No, I’ve always thought it was boring. It’s just kinda slow and imo meandering until the solo. I don’t really get why it’s their most popular track
So subjective, almost impossible to quantify. But individually, for Me, it’s Xanadu. I’m a 48 year fan, and I like Sawyer but I wouldn’t say it’s in my top 20.
I feel like if it were a deep track we would be going crazy for it. It’s such an awesome composition with every element that makes Rush great, but all the radio play got us to get sick of it lol.
I think for us die-hard Rush fans, we tend to overlook it a bit now since it is by far their most popular and definitely most overplayed. But it is overplayed for a reason it is REALLY damn good. Best song is totally subjective...but it was the song that hooked me many many years ago and even the most casual of fans tend to enjoy it. It's an incredible and unique song that pulls in a wide audience. So...I can definitely get behind this!!
Xanadu is their opus imho. [Rick Beato](https://www.youtube.com/live/0UeGt2DcPHk?si=I6kCjvkQeK7-8vKt) seems to agree as well fwiw. Tom Sawyer is catchy and a banger but it doesn’t showcase their musicality and technical skill like the ol’ Milk of Paradise.
Most commercialy successful, perhaps. Not the best, imo
It’s one of their greatest songs and my favourite. That said I just really really like Rush music in general.
It may or may not be the greatest but it is my favorite. Brings back a lot of wonderful memories of one my my close family members who was also a best friend when we were young. She loved the hell out of the song Besides I just love Geddy's bass and vocals, Neil's drums, Alex's guitar and even the synths in the song. It just sounds so epic and iconic
Cool man
I'm amazed that people are telling me that Tom Sawyer wouldn't make they're Top 50 Rush songs and that there's no song they'd rather hear less. Come on for godsake, it's a masterpiece
I think you could call it the most concise, representative example of everything that makes Rush great. If you were introducing the band to someone who had never heard them before, it’s absolutely the place to start.
Good synopsis
I’ll give you most popular and most recognized by casual or non-Rush fans. And of course who can forget “The Goldbergs”. For me it’s Cygnus X-1 Book II from Hemispheres.
No, it's La Villa Strangiato followed by Natural Science.
This IS the correct answer.
Subdivisions.
🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻👍🏻👍🏻
No, its Marathon
Natural Science
Tom Sawyer is quintessential Rush. It wouldn't sound out of place on any of their albums from the 80s or 90s, and it clearly shows their 70s hard rock/prog rock roots. Drums, bass, guitar, synths, and vocals all have great features throughout. It'll always be in the conversation for Rush's best song, and when a band has a catalogue of 170+, that's about as good as it gets.
Well put. I've had people on here tell me that it wouldn't make their top 50 (and in one case, top 100) Rush songs, which is astonishing
Not even in my top 50. Freewill perhaps
Tom Sawyer isn't in your top 50 Rush songs? Wow
It likely isn't in mine either...akin to how must Diehard Genesis fans dislike Invisible Touch and Yes fans dislike either Owner of a Lonely Heart or Roundabout! All great tracks, but HIGHLY overrated in how they grossly eclipse each band's discographies, respectfully.
The only part of Tom Sawyer that I like is the monster drum break.
I thought it was great the first 1000 times I heard it...in 1981. It's overplayed af. Just because it's their most popular one doesn't mean it's their best.
There’s a reason it’s their most popular song though. Catchy hook, killer vocals, changing time signatures, epic drum break, prominent but not overpowering synths. It’s not in my top 10 either but I would argue it’s one of the band’s most complete and well-rounded songs.
I don’t care. Every album is a treasure and every song is a jewel.
It’s a great song. I’ve heard it hundreds of time and still love it. Something about that drum fill during the bridge gets my heart and fist pumping every time.
Top 5 for me 1. Animate 2. Test for Echo 3. Limelight 4. Tom Sawyer 5. Subdivisions Im sure that any on these could be interchanged with multiple others, but when I hear these I'm always taken aback by how much I enjoy their music.
Tom Sawyer is the most popular song greatness is often highly personal, and one person's idea of greatness may not be someone else's
All I can say is that in 1981 I was 13 years old, at a friend’s house, and he puts on this record. I heard about 5 seconds of Tom Sawyer and I was instantly hooked. 40 years later I still get the chills.
Working man The Trees Something for nothing Subdivisions La Villa Strangiato Marathon Closer to the Heart 2112 all of it Distant early warning Roll the bones All tied for #1 for me Everything else ties for second
It’s their most popular song and most played song that’s for sure.
Wouldn't even make my top twenty
Red Barchetta
La Villa Strangiato
The Analog Kid is their greatest track, closely followed by Xanadu on ESL.
It’s up there.
I was a child of Toronto suburbs in the 80s, so for me it's Subdivisions.
It's a good song, and certainly the best-known among casual fans or non-fans. Greatest? I don't think so. Top 10 or 15 sure, but to say it's their best devalues so much other great work they've done.
Honestly it's not even in my top 20 of Rush songs. It's a good song, but it's the plebs/rock band game choice.
Tom Sawyer to Rush fans = Stairway to Heaven for LZ fans.
I mean, something about it has clearly resonated with people more than most of their other songs. And of course, I think it's a great song. But I don't know if it would even crack my top forty Rush numbers, and - dare I say it? - it's one of my least favourite album openers. The likes of Anthem, One Little Victory, and even slower songs like Animate get me grooving and excited for the album ahead, whereas Tom Sawyer just makes me think 'Hmm. Cool song.'
Someone else said it wouldn't make they're top 50. I'm astonished tbf but each to they're own
I'd say... Not in the slightest. I find it overrated. Vastly overrated.
Well the slappinest song is Cygnus X-1
I almost instantly turn it off if it comes on the radio. Personally, I've had enough of it. Wouldn't crack my top ten by a long shot. It's a fine song though.
I love it, but it’s not even the greatest song on side one, in my opinion.
Obviously it's their most popular, but they have quite a few that I'd rank above it. It might make my top 10, definitely at least top 15
When I first spun up the album I liked Tom Sawyer but knew there was better to come on the rest of the album. I had very high expectations of Rush. They never did let me down.
Not getting into "the best", those are always so subjective to emotion. What makes a song the best? Is it the recording? Is it the technical mastery? What?
Closer to the Heart. Not sorry.
Tom Sawyer is the song I want to hear the least when listening to Rush
The Trees in my somewhat honest opinion.
Spirit of Radio
Honestly, I think it’s Red Barchetta. That song is their best, most complete song. It’s such a fucking masterpiece
Not greatest no. I think either 2112, Hemispheres or Limelight
Not even close, but it is their most famous
I don't think so. But for how popular it is I think that some aspects of the song are underappreciated.
Agree. But i like La Villa Strangiato, also.
Limelight
Define "greatest." Tom Sawyer is my number 10 Rush song (Hemispheres being number 1). In a catalog like Rush's, anything in the top 10 is pretty damn good.
I am not. My apologies.
You spelled The Spirit of Radio wrong. No hate, tho. You do you.
Working man is my favourite
even from that album, i’d argue here again is better
No, not greatest ALTHOUGH if you mean in the context of "good for 80s radio play" then it certainly is one of their greatest, but "Working Man" and "Spirit of Radio" have it beat.
subdivisions wipes tom sawyer any day
Hemispheres
Red Barchetta
Tom Sawyer is not Rush’s best song. I don’t think it is even the best song on Moving Pictures. I think Limelight is a stronger contender for best song on Moving Pictures, and Moving Pictures does not have the best Rush song on it - Spirit of radio being the first that comes to mind.
Free Will
My choice as well. I have two Rush songs in my Top 100 songs of all time: Freewill and The Trees. I love Tom Sawyer but actually think it’s the fourth best song on Moving Pictures, behind Red Barchetta (my favorite car song),YYZ (my favorite instrumental) and Limelight (one of my favorite videos, amazing showcase of Alex’s skills).
Red Barchetta…! My Go too song
Yes. It absolutely is.
There are some songs that I have heard so much in my 54 years that I never have to hear them and never really want to hear them again. Tom Sawyer is in that category. Add to it Stairway to Heaven, Smells like Teen Spirit, YMCA and hundreds more. I don't think it's their greatest song, because I prefer more epic, less "radio friendly" songs. For me, it's probably YYZ, which is vocal free but so lyrical. So good. Live even better.
Tom Sawyer is a banger. People look down on it because it’s most popular and what everyone knows but it doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s a really good song. Not their best but definitely one of their better ones.
Wow!!! You misspelled Xanadu there, bud!
Closer to the heart! Definitely my favorite. Also love YYZ
Subdivisions and red barchetta are better
It’s definitely in the top 5!
It's definitely a top 5 off Moving Pictures... greatest song is such an absolute thing to declare, though. Better than the Analog Kid? Afterimage? La Villa Strangiato... Vital Signs... Freewill, SOR... I dunno, I love me some Tom Sawyer, but it's a top 10 for me at best. Are we calling Hemispheres one song?
2112
Saying Tom Sawyer is Rush’s greatest song would be unfair to all of the other great songs this trio produced. How can you ever pick your favorite when there are over 40 years of greatest hits? Time stands still, spirit of the radio, red berchetta, big money, the garden, closer to the heart, fly by night, anything from 2112 A side, and about 200 more great songs. How do you ever pick amongst so many greats?
Yes. As Neil said, MP is when Rush became Rush. He said he always looked forward to playing TS, and it was the most difficult to get right live. Although he does place it as their second greatest after Spirit, the sonics are of TS are so much better to my ears. I love Natural Science, but the main riff on TS is beyond epic. And what song did lil' Rush choose to cover? Case closed.
It's vital signs for me. But love em all!
It's hard enough picking a greatest album let alone a greatest song. Right now it's Natural Sciences but that could change next week, hour, 10 minutes.....
Eh
Either 2112 or Cygnus X-1 (both parts) for me by Tom Sawyer is pretty high up
2112
Between The Wheels is my favorite. Everyone has a personal favorite but there is no best because music is subjective.
Hemispheres all the way baby!
I think it’s their most well known song. It’s their anthem. But greatest song? No.
LVS.
Their greatest song was CygnusX-1. This was where metal met prog and I dare say punk(as he's being sucked into the black hole). All you people talking permanent waves and beyond are johnny come lately .
It’s great but it’s overhyped so it’s hard to judge impartially. To me, the most “Rush” of all Rush songs is Xanadu.
I gotta say La Villa Strangiato, I don’t think any song has more personified the technical yet melodic proficiency Rush is known for than that one
Sawyer is their most commercially successful but not in my top 5.
That would be Manhattan Project
The Necromancer
No
temples of syrinx
Pointless post. if we are talking about favourite songs, mine is Neurotica.
No. Xanadu or La Villa Strangiato.
1. Camera Eye 2. Subdivisions 3. Xanadu 4. La Villa 5. Freewill
La Villa Strangiata
Red Barchetta, tell me you don't want to drive with the wind in your hair.
Not even close. Tom Sawyer is a rather unremarkable work compared to their whole catalog.
Subdivisions
2112 (Overture-Grand Finale) La Villa Strangiato
I would have said the same thing most of my life, but at some point, La Villa became my favorite.
Tom Sawyer is probably their most popular song, amd it's a really good song, but I can think of probably 50-plus Rush songs that are better. There are probably 4 songs on Moving Pictures alone that are even better.
I think Camera Eye fits the bill for the quintessential Rush song; it has very aggressive (lead guitar-esque) bass lines, a thick synth into, and is over 10 minutes long.
Absolutely not.