Though serving as a solid introduction, Rush's 1974 self-titled effort barely hinted at the band's potential. It wasn't until the follow-up, "Fly By Night," that Rush truly came into their own and shed the constant comparisons to Led Zeppelin. After replacing drummer John Rutsey with Neil Peart (a decision that would set the course for the rest of their storied career), the band developed a new chemistry and started branching off into more experimental directions. The results are an album that is tight in both composition and musicianship and rides a fine line between tunefulness and progression.

Opening appropriately with the Ayn Rand-inspired "Anthem," "Fly By Night" completely blows the doors off of all expectations of what a rock record in the '70s should sound like. Loud, proud and confident, the newly solidified Rush officially arrive in one fell swoop. Later tracks like "Beneath, Between & Behind" and the title track boast similar vibes, with an added dimension thanks to the philosophical musings of Peart, who positions himself not only as the new drummer, but also the new lyricist. The songs in turn are denser in content, but no less rocking than before. "By-Tor & The Snow Dog" serves as the centerpiece of the album and marks the band's inevitable descent into long, proggy numbers. You may not notice or even care what bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee is saying in the song because you'll be so dumbfounded and entertained by the twists and turns the song takes. Somehow the band pulls off the juggling act of cramming so many elements into their music and are the better for it.

While there is an admittedly overwhelming amount of Rush material to sift through, "Fly By Night" is essential listening. Hearing the band evolve seemingly overnight is a marvel in and of itself, but most importantly, the music is incredible. Grounded by top-notch production from Terry Brown that still sounds crisp today, this is one album pushing 40 that still sounds vital even today. In the pantheon of classic Rush releases like "2112" and "Moving Pictures," "Fly By Night" holds a special place as a crucial building block in the band's career.
Though serving as a solid introduction, Rush's 1974 self-titled effort barely hinted at the band's potential. It wasn't until the follow-up, "Fly By Night," that Rush truly came into their own and shed the constant comparisons to Led Zeppelin. After replacing drummer John Rutsey with Neil Peart (a decision that would set the course for the rest of their storied career), the band developed a new chemistry and started branching off into more experimental directions. The results are an album that is tight in both composition and musicianship and rides a fine line between tunefulness and progression. Opening appropriately with the Ayn Rand-inspired "Anthem," "Fly By Night" completely blows the doors off of all expectations of what a rock record in the '70s should sound like. Loud, proud and confident, the newly solidified Rush officially arrive in one fell swoop. Later tracks like "Beneath, Between & Behind" and the title track boast similar vibes, with an added dimension thanks to the philosophical musings of Peart, who positions himself not only as the new drummer, but also the new lyricist. The songs in turn are denser in content, but no less rocking than before. "By-Tor & The Snow Dog" serves as the centerpiece of the album and marks the band's inevitable descent into long, proggy numbers. You may not notice or even care what bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee is saying in the song because you'll be so dumbfounded and entertained by the twists and turns the song takes. Somehow the band pulls off the juggling act of cramming so many elements into their music and are the better for it. While there is an admittedly overwhelming amount of Rush material to sift through, "Fly By Night" is essential listening. Hearing the band evolve seemingly overnight is a marvel in and of itself, but most importantly, the music is incredible. Grounded by top-notch production from Terry Brown that still sounds crisp today, this is one album pushing 40 that still sounds vital even today. In the pantheon of classic Rush releases like "2112" and "Moving Pictures," "Fly By Night" holds a special place as a crucial building block in the band's career.