Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 05/06/1997
Run Time: 36:14
While such albums as 1980's
Permanent Waves and 1981's
Moving Pictures are usually considered
Rush's masterpieces (and with good reason), 1978's
Hemispheres is just as deserving. Maybe the fact that the album consists of only four compositions (half are lengthy pieces) was a bit too intimidating for some, but the near 20-minute-long
"Cygnus X-1 Book II - Hemispheres" is arguably the band's finest extended track. While the story line isn't as comprehensible as
"2112" was, it's much more consistent musically, twisting and turning through five different sections which contrast heavy
rock sections against more sedate pieces.
Neil Peart had become one of
rock's most accomplished lyricists by this point, as evidenced by
"The Trees," which deals with racism and inequality in a unique way (set in a forest!). And as always, the trio prove to be experts at their instruments, this time on the complex instrumental
"La Villa Strangiato." Geddy Lee's shrieking vocals on the otherwise solid
"Circumstances" may border on the irritating, but
Hemispheres remains one of
Rush's greatest releases.
~Greg Prato, All Music Guide
;)
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