Ranking ten tracks from a band like Rush can be a challenge. With over 45 years of material, the music can seem endless at times. Even ranking the deep cuts is hard because that’s the vast majority of any bands material. And Rush is certainly no exception. Maybe some of their 70’s material, which is why it’s mostly missing from this list. That’s certainly become the most talked about era of the band as a whole. This list focuses on ‘Moving Pictures’ and onward. Which in my opinion is when the band was at its best. Here’s their most overlooked tracks from past 40 years.
The Camera Eye – Moving Pictures
‘The Camera Eye’ has the unique distinction of being Rush’s final ten minute plus track. As Rush were figuring out how to compact their sound into four to six minute songs that were more accessible, their popularity grew. But they still had a few mega-prog hangover moments on 1980’s ‘Permanent Waves’ and ’81’s ‘Moving Pictures.’ ‘The Camera Eye’ is one of the best Rush long tracks they’ve ever done. It benefits greatly from both Rush’s progressive songwriting and their ability to compose simple, catchy rhythms, riffs and vocal melodies. An ultimate Rush track for ultimate fans.
Chemistry – Signals
Okay, I’m just going to come out a say it. ‘Signals’ is better than ‘Moving Pictures.’ There, fight me! The album is just loaded with excellence, ‘Subdivisions,’ ‘Digital Man,’ ‘Analog Kid’ and ‘New World Man.’ All of which rank among Rush’s best work hands down. And they’ve all gotten their fair share of either radio play or concert play over the years. But the one track on the album that really seems to get overlooked is the excellent ‘Chemistry.’ First off, it’s a great example to show doubters of Alex Lifeson’s guitar heroics. His descending scale runs in the intro are breathtaking. Then the song moves into a very catchy and accessible verse before moving into a spacey, reflective chorus. This is really when Rush found that balance between their technicality and drive to write songs that are more palatable for non fans.
Grand Designs – Power Windows
‘Power Windows’ is without question the peak of Rush’s use of keyboards. Yes, there’s more of a presence of keys on the previous ‘Grace Under Pressure.’ But the album is much less consistent in quality. ‘Power Windows’ is where the keys really work. They add melodies, textures and even grand, hair raising epicness (Manhattan Project). But the real strong tracks on the album get much attention. Particularly as time has moved on. ‘The Big Money’ has become one of Rush’s most iconic songs. ‘Territories’ dominated the ‘Clockwork Angels’ tour from 2013. And it seems to become more and more relevant as each day passes. ‘Manhattan Project’ is screaming with epic, incredible writing. ‘Mystic Rhythms’ got plenty of MTV play. And ‘Marathon’ would be a concert staple for the rest of the decade. But the second track, ‘Grand Designs’ kind of gets lost in the shuffle. Although it did see a resurgence on the ‘Clockwork Angels’ tour. It’s fantastic 80’s Rush track. Neil’s drums drive the band perfectly on this one. His drums sound incredible on ‘Power Windows.’ Hand down one his best records.
Lock & Key – Hold Your Fire
1987’s ‘Hold Your Fire’ is still crawling with Keyboards. But the reduction in them is noticeable. Tracks like ‘Force Ten’ and ‘Time Stand Still’ have a decent amount of key melodies sprinkled about. But it’s the main trio of drums, bass and guitar that dominate and hold down the songs. Much of ‘Hold Your Fire’ is this way. As well as their next two follow up albums. But you can also really hear how Rush have learned melody and mastered four minute pop rock songs. Not that Neil’s lyrics change that much. There are moments that are weakened, in my opinion, by too many keys. ‘Mission’ being the prime example. But a perfect balance between keys and pure Rush is ‘Lock & Key.’ It’s a great example of how keys can really work for a band. It had major hit potential. With a music video and having a strong presence, but not dominating the rest of the instruments. It’s a really strong track that just hasn’t gotten that much attention outside of their 80’s work. And some minor greatest hits attention. It also contains a killer Alex Lifeson guitar solo. Should have been a smash hit. But, ya know, Rush.
Superconductor – Presto
While ‘Presto’ sees an ever further departure from keys, they’re still there. And ‘Presto’ is simply just not the best Rush album. I feel like there’s a lot of filler on the record. But there are some amazing highlights that would signal (no pun intended) where Rush would be heading with ‘Roll the Bones,’ ‘Counterparts’ and ‘Test for Echo.’ But overall the album just doesn’t work. It’s way too adult contempo combined with filler material. Too much acoustic guitar as well. Maybe Rush were burned out. Who knows. But there are some excellent highlights that rank among Rush’s best work. ‘Show Don’t Tell’ is top ten Rush. But that song is renowned and a major fan favorite. ‘The Pass’ is also a hit, but not one of my personal faves. But there is a track just after the halfway point call ‘Superconductor.’ It’s a great, aggressive, Rush rocker. Complete with a heavy, twangy guitar riff and tight as all hell drums. The key changes also add a nice element. A great song that was a part of Rush’s set list for the next three tours. Too bad it’s fallen by the wayside now.
Neurotica – Roll the Bones
It was challenging to choose a deep cut from the ’91 masterpiece ‘Roll the Bones.’ There’s just so many: ‘The Big Wheel,’ ‘Ghost Of A Chance,’ ‘You Bet Your Life’ and ‘Where’s My Thing.’ The album is just stacked. And it’s the first of the final six Rush albums. All of which accomplish the same amount of quality throughout. Making them, in my opinion, the best work of Rush’s storied catalog. The track I chose from ‘Roll the Bones’ is the amazingly catchy ‘Neurotica.’ It’s got a great blues based groove to it. Something not terribly common in the Rush world of music. Plus, at this point, Geddy’s banshee vocals have gone by the wayside. And you can hear the direction Rush were going to head into. It’s tracks like ‘Neurotica’ that brought back a ton of Rush fans that may have jumped ship in the 80’s. A perfect combo of feel and technicality that would sustain Rush for the rest of their career.
Alien Shore – Counterparts
Again, such a tough choice on choosing a deep cut. There’s so many great tracks: ‘Between Sun & Moon,’ ‘Cut to the Chase,’ ‘Cold Fire’ and ‘Everyday Glory.’ But the deep cut that triumphs them all is ‘Alien Shore.’ An amazing jam from Rush. With lyrics that are ahead of their time by about 25 years. Neil Peart’s drums sound incredible. ‘Counterparts’ is probably the best produced album of Peart’s drums. ‘Alien Shore’ displays that in full. The main tracks of the album are amazing as well: ‘Animate,’ ‘Stick it Out’ and ‘Leave that Thing Alone.’ The latter being one of their best instrumentals. ‘Alien Shore’ did see some rotation during the ‘Counterparts’ tour. But it fell by the wayside quickly. One of the most underrated tracks from Rush.
Virtuality – Test For Echo
‘Test For Echo’ kicks ass. It might be my favorite Rush album. It’s the perfect combination of their heavier sound mixed with prog and a seamless, palatable song structure. The title track and ‘Driven’ are Rush staples. ‘Half the World’ brings in a global consciousness combined with excellent song writing. ‘The Color of Right’ follows the same path. ‘Time and Motion’ is a clear display on bands like Dream Theater influencing the prog metal pioneers. ‘Limbo’ is a killer instrumental. But it’s the deep cut ‘Virtuality’ that claims a spot on this list. Heavy, demonic, mixed with a 90’s pop alternative chorus and you’ve got a winning Rush song. It’s one of those tracks that really makes you think, ‘why didn’t this get more recognition?’ It got a little love on the tour. However, it’s been largely overlooked since then. But ‘Virtuality’ remains one of the greatest Rush tracks.
Peaceable Kingdom – Vapor Trails
‘Vapor Trails’ is without a doubt one of the greatest comeback albums of all time. It’s chock full of epic, concert staple Rush tracks: ‘One Little Victory,’ ‘Ghost Rider,’ ‘Secret Touch, ‘Earthshine’ and the title track. But there’s also many overlooked songs that don’t get nearly enough credit: ‘Ceiling Unlimited,’ ‘Sweet Miracle’ and ‘The Stars Look Down’ rank among the most reflective songs from Rush’s entire discography. The lyrics, coming off of lyricist Neil Peart’s life altering tragedy of losing his wife and daughter within the same year are prominent. And one of the strongest songs on the album, ‘Peaceable Kingdom’ is no exception. It’s deep, overlooked. It rocks. Not only is the influence of tragedy prominent, but the influence of bands like Soundgarden make their mark. And it’s certainly for the better when it comes to this era of Rush. Depth and kick ass riffs are at the forefront here.
BU2B – Clockwork Angels
While ‘BU2B’ is the second track on Rush’s final magnum opus ‘Clockwork Angels,’ it remains a deep cut. It doesn’t make an appearance on the tours live album from 2013. Maybe it’s because it kicks just too much ass. It’s the heaviest song Rush has ever written. It drops like a Tool track. But keeps its Rush purity. It works perfectly within the concept of the album. ‘BU2B’ doesn’t just work well within the record, it also has its own message. It calls out socially conscious situations that effects everyday people. Which is what makes ‘Clockwork Angels’ one of Rush’s best albums. It rocks, has the concept and sounds fresh for the 21st century.
So there it is folks. My top ten Rush deep cuts. I know the 70’s material may be missing to some fans. But I feel that the material from the 70’s period is covered well in the Rush legacy. This list is the tracks that may have been overlooked. What are some of your favorite Rush deep cuts? Sound off in the comment section!!
