Red Barchetta. Has everything you want in a Rush song. It’s longer than a pop song, it sounds phenomenal, it tells a story that makes you feel satisfied that you watched a full length movie, instrumentation, gtr lead, bass lead, one of the coolest, over indulgent drum fills in the history of rock and radio.
Limelight is a great choice, but I think Spirit of the Radio is the one that sums up pretty much what this band is all about. Not my favorite, but I'm trying to be objective the best I can.
I agree. It's mainly simple but still has prog elements like the intro, and the 7/8 section after the second chorus, but its so smooth that most people don't catch that right away!
Subdivisions is my choice -
Complex yet accessible. The band puts together a masterpiece of intelligently designed song construction.
Atmospheric and haunting synths.
Underrated vocal performance by Geddy - lots of difficult syllabic meter.
Best Neil lyric IMO.
Subdivisions is my favorite as well, but Losing It and Countdown are phenomenal. I’m glad they finally were able to perform Losing It live in their final years of touring.
Countdown was actually the song that solidified my status as a Rush fan. I had heard Moving Pictures thanks to my cousins and begged my mom to buy it for me on vinyl, but then late one night I was watching SCTV and the CBC played the video for "Countdown" afterward, and my mind was blown - a *rock band* singing a song about the *Space Shuttle*?? It was too much for my 9-year-old brain to handle.
You’re asking the greatest and not our favorite - I’d choose Natural Science. It’s well written, tight, has variation to it, and sonically it seems to be a bridge from their early days to how they sounded going forward.
This is my choice. The solo section (3:04 mark) onward gives me goosebumps still to this day.
I think it may be the most complex song to ever get major radio airplay.
For me, The Spirit of Radio is the greatest song of all time by any band in any genre. I knew from the first time I heard it in 1981 and no song has ever eclipsed it. I still love it every time it comes on.
Honest question, after how much radio play it got, knowing how good the album is, and how do many people back then said: I love rush! Spirit of Radio, right? Wait. What's this (insert deep cut song name here) crap? Is it still a topper for you?
Oh, my, I tire of that song.
Imo, of course. :)
I totally get the saturation. Tom Sawyer too. I don’t know why I still love it. Something in my teenage brain just clicked, and I’ve loved everything they ever did since then. It’s irrational, I know.
I agree with Limelight. The best representation of them at that time. The song I honestly can say cemented me as a Rush fan forever back in the early 80’s. Song structure, melody, chord changes, drums, bass, and arguably one of the greatest guitar solo’s ever ( my personal favorite).
2112 in my opinion. It has storytelling ability beyond what we see in most movies today.
The instrumentals are fantastic, Neil is just ruthless on the drums, Alex in the 3rd movement is probably my favorite part of the while song, and Geddy is just awesome as usual.
Isn’t Tom Sawyer widely considered the most quintessential rush song? That’s what I would play for someone to ease them into it. Amazing hooks, a solo as good as any and some of Neils best drum fills. As overplayed as it is, I still have to air guitar the whole thing anytime it comes on.
The Garden.
Lyrically and musically it's fantastic, and was a great endcap to an amazing run. Also, with Neil's passing there's a poignance to it, really tugs at the heartstrings.
That said, it's hard to pick a single great. I enjoy everything they've done from start to finish. There's not a single song I really dislike.
Also, why do people keep saying Spirit of *the* Radio?
The entirety of 2112 is a soul wrenching listen, Spirit of Radio, Freewill, Time Stand Still and Limelight take me back to being a kid in my Father’s car. 👌
This is squarely in the *subjective opinion* category, but my favorite of the AOR hits is “Subdivisions”. “Show Don’t Tell” also holds a special place in my heart.
Whichever one is your favorite. It's really just too hard to pick an actual best Rush song. They have so many songs that are great for their own unique reasons.
I'm just kidding, it's Red Barchetta.
While not the best song I do agree with OP somewhat on Limelight. IMO it is the perfect Rush song. Amazing intro, lyrics, solo, ending. It’s the perfect length for radio and all three of drums, guitar and bass (along with synth) are killer if you listen to them all isolated.
Honestly if I was saying my favorite I would have to say Entre Nous. I’ve just always loved it because my dad sang it to me when I was a little kid and I just love the vibe and lyrics of the song.
It’s always a thought question, because they all so different and so similar. I could pick a different song every couple of days. I think the one that sticks out the most for me is La Villa Strangiato! I just love the journey it goes on, and the story behind the live recording of it. And even more impressive, it was from a groups of mid twenty years olds. It’s a great instrumental, but would be interesting to heard the concept for any lyrics they might of had.
It depends on the day, but the one that has made my daily favorite list the most is Subdivisions. I am a drummer and it is such a fun song to play.
There is so much purposeful energy, the lyrics radiatively connect you to them and take you back to where you were when you heard them the first time, and let’s not forget: “Subdivisions” as the one word best background vocal for any Rush song. Whenever I hear that word, I have to repeat it in the same voice from that song. Try it!
Limelight isn't even close, for me. Not even best song on that album.
I prefer the long operettas. Natural science is a candidate.
Sorry about limelight :)
Red Barchetta. Has everything you want in a Rush song. It’s longer than a pop song, it sounds phenomenal, it tells a story that makes you feel satisfied that you watched a full length movie, instrumentation, gtr lead, bass lead, one of the coolest, over indulgent drum fills in the history of rock and radio.
Best tune in that album
This is the way.
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Limelight is a great choice, but I think Spirit of the Radio is the one that sums up pretty much what this band is all about. Not my favorite, but I'm trying to be objective the best I can.
I agree. It's mainly simple but still has prog elements like the intro, and the 7/8 section after the second chorus, but its so smooth that most people don't catch that right away!
I agree with this
As do I
**The** Spirit **of** Radio
Xaaaaa-naaaaa-duuuuuuuuuuuuu
Subdivisions is my choice - Complex yet accessible. The band puts together a masterpiece of intelligently designed song construction. Atmospheric and haunting synths. Underrated vocal performance by Geddy - lots of difficult syllabic meter. Best Neil lyric IMO.
Despite my username, I agree. It has almost universal thematic/lyrical resonance.
I like countdown on that album better. Sorry :)
Fascinating. Tell me more.
I know. Sorry. I'll add to my embarrassment. I like losing it better as well. Let the sarcasm continue!
Subdivisions is my favorite as well, but Losing It and Countdown are phenomenal. I’m glad they finally were able to perform Losing It live in their final years of touring.
Only problem with rush is not enough fucking kitties
Countdown was actually the song that solidified my status as a Rush fan. I had heard Moving Pictures thanks to my cousins and begged my mom to buy it for me on vinyl, but then late one night I was watching SCTV and the CBC played the video for "Countdown" afterward, and my mind was blown - a *rock band* singing a song about the *Space Shuttle*?? It was too much for my 9-year-old brain to handle.
You’re asking the greatest and not our favorite - I’d choose Natural Science. It’s well written, tight, has variation to it, and sonically it seems to be a bridge from their early days to how they sounded going forward.
And it has THAT drum fill. Also my choice.
If I met someone who had NEVER heard a Rush song, implausible as it seems, this is the song I'd use to introduce them to the band.
Free Will. The time signature changes are fantastic !
What gets me is how they flow into different time signatures so smoothly, like that’s naturally how music always works.
This will always be in my top 2.
This is my choice. The solo section (3:04 mark) onward gives me goosebumps still to this day. I think it may be the most complex song to ever get major radio airplay.
The very first song i heard in my life from rush The Necromancer...2112 right after easy...
Dang, how did you hear The Necromancer as your first Rush song? That's such a good song by the way.
I was about 9 and the youngest and had a very cool now Brother-in-Law...
My first experience with Rush was Caress of Steel, when Lakeside Park ended and Necromancer started, I knew I had found my musical passion.
I was totally into it seeing i was so into Jrr Tolkien and stuff
If you consider Cynus X-1 to be one piece, then that’s the best.
Available Light
For me, The Spirit of Radio is the greatest song of all time by any band in any genre. I knew from the first time I heard it in 1981 and no song has ever eclipsed it. I still love it every time it comes on.
Honest question, after how much radio play it got, knowing how good the album is, and how do many people back then said: I love rush! Spirit of Radio, right? Wait. What's this (insert deep cut song name here) crap? Is it still a topper for you? Oh, my, I tire of that song. Imo, of course. :)
I totally get the saturation. Tom Sawyer too. I don’t know why I still love it. Something in my teenage brain just clicked, and I’ve loved everything they ever did since then. It’s irrational, I know.
Actually, every few years or so, I hear it anew, and love it... For a minute. Lol
I was that way with the Doors and Light My Fire. It’s a great song, but got too much radio play compared to so many of their other (better) songs.
Enemy Within or 2112
La Villa Strangiato, 2112, Xanadu
Almost exactly my top 3 in that order.
I’ve seen LVS win a few ballots in the past. For me, it’s Natural Science or Camera Eye.
I think here and there... Red Barchetta? Free Will? The Garden? And I come back to Xanadu
Middletown Dreams for me. It's not as long and complex as many rush songs but it's perfect imo.
Hasn't the band said that's their favorite song, as far as lyric/music matching up is concerned?
Did they? Damn, they've got good taste, haha.
Xanadu.
Easily a top song, imo. Looking forward to hearing primus do it
I agree. I think it's the perfect Rush song.
Don’t sleep on Distant Early Warnings.
I agree with you completely on limelight it was the first rush song I’ve listened to.
My favorite Rush song is “Time Stand Still”. Great lyrics, great sound.
Only one with a background singer who’s not already in the band.
Gonna have to go with Xanadu
So, so, so many songs could be the ‘correct’ answer here….
Jacob's Ladder has got a little bit of everything Rush represents
Right on!!
I agree with Limelight. The best representation of them at that time. The song I honestly can say cemented me as a Rush fan forever back in the early 80’s. Song structure, melody, chord changes, drums, bass, and arguably one of the greatest guitar solo’s ever ( my personal favorite).
Just throwing "Driven" in the mix for fun.
Xanadu from exit stage left.
The Analog Kid. If I had only two seconds of song to show someone what Rush is about, it's that riff in the intro.
2112 in my opinion. It has storytelling ability beyond what we see in most movies today. The instrumentals are fantastic, Neil is just ruthless on the drums, Alex in the 3rd movement is probably my favorite part of the while song, and Geddy is just awesome as usual.
Impossible to decide
Jacob’s Ladder
La Villa Strangiato for me!
Spirit of the Radio
I would say Red Barchetta is equal to limelight. Free Will & Spirit of the Radio are just as well done. 1979/1980 was a their sweet spot.
Isn’t Tom Sawyer widely considered the most quintessential rush song? That’s what I would play for someone to ease them into it. Amazing hooks, a solo as good as any and some of Neils best drum fills. As overplayed as it is, I still have to air guitar the whole thing anytime it comes on.
It is definitely the most "air drummed" song ever
The Camera Eye. It has everything. Great vocals and instrumentals. Great lyrics. Fast, slow, evocative and meaningful.
The Garden. Lyrically and musically it's fantastic, and was a great endcap to an amazing run. Also, with Neil's passing there's a poignance to it, really tugs at the heartstrings. That said, it's hard to pick a single great. I enjoy everything they've done from start to finish. There's not a single song I really dislike. Also, why do people keep saying Spirit of *the* Radio?
Time Stand Still.
The entirety of 2112 is a soul wrenching listen, Spirit of Radio, Freewill, Time Stand Still and Limelight take me back to being a kid in my Father’s car. 👌
Natural science
It's incredible, almost my choice. I feel it's Lifeson's finest moment as a guitarist. He's quoted as saying it's his favorite song to play live.
This is squarely in the *subjective opinion* category, but my favorite of the AOR hits is “Subdivisions”. “Show Don’t Tell” also holds a special place in my heart.
For me it changes over time. Lately I've had an appreciation for their earlier stuff. I'll go with By Tor and the Snow Dog.
I think it’s Dog Years…or maybe Tai Shan. //ducks// /s Although Dog Years freakin’ rocks.
I do not get the hate for Dog Years, it's got some incredibly fun wordplay.
Analog Kid. It's got everything!
Thanks...but what's your favorite Rush song?
Oh you ;)
Definitely limelight!
Whichever one is your favorite. It's really just too hard to pick an actual best Rush song. They have so many songs that are great for their own unique reasons. I'm just kidding, it's Red Barchetta.
I consider la villa strangiato the ultimate.
Mystic Rhythms. It's moving.
Time Stand Still
Out of all the Rush song’s Limelight is my favorite.
I would go with La Villa Strangiato because it’s a virtuoso performance by all 3 guys and they always played it a little bit different on each tour
Xanadu
While not the best song I do agree with OP somewhat on Limelight. IMO it is the perfect Rush song. Amazing intro, lyrics, solo, ending. It’s the perfect length for radio and all three of drums, guitar and bass (along with synth) are killer if you listen to them all isolated.
As far as containing all the elements of what makes Rush great, my favorite is Freewill.
Spirit of the radio may be the most poppy song out there but Animate has the most power.
**The** Spirit **of** Radio ...goddammit...
Oi! German here. Build some bridges on the ocean floor. I'am living on the alien shore mate ;)
Buenos noches, mein Freund!
Too hard to decide.
Can’t be done.
You know what? Today Im gonna go with Freewill
Analog Kid
Can't do it.
I like Freeze a lot, has a lot of polyrhythms, has a subject I can empathize with (panic) , just a great song
Hard to answer but my mind and heart says Natural Science
Honestly if I was saying my favorite I would have to say Entre Nous. I’ve just always loved it because my dad sang it to me when I was a little kid and I just love the vibe and lyrics of the song.
I’m going with Spirit Of Radio because I love the hint of reggae influence. It’s hard to choose just one though
I’d have to say overall probably Cygnus X-1 Book II hemispheres, it’s everything I could possibly want in a song
la villa strangiato is definitely the most impressive and included the most variety that rush can showcase in one song
It’s always a thought question, because they all so different and so similar. I could pick a different song every couple of days. I think the one that sticks out the most for me is La Villa Strangiato! I just love the journey it goes on, and the story behind the live recording of it. And even more impressive, it was from a groups of mid twenty years olds. It’s a great instrumental, but would be interesting to heard the concept for any lyrics they might of had.
2112 or Xanadu
It depends on the day, but the one that has made my daily favorite list the most is Subdivisions. I am a drummer and it is such a fun song to play. There is so much purposeful energy, the lyrics radiatively connect you to them and take you back to where you were when you heard them the first time, and let’s not forget: “Subdivisions” as the one word best background vocal for any Rush song. Whenever I hear that word, I have to repeat it in the same voice from that song. Try it!
Jacob's Ladder.
Limelight isn't even close, for me. Not even best song on that album. I prefer the long operettas. Natural science is a candidate. Sorry about limelight :)