Rush would never release another album like this one. Neal Peart had not yet joined the band. The songs are propelled by Alex Lifeson's gargantuan guitar riffs. There is nothing particularly remarkable about the songs, but they did establish Rush in the US and set the stage for later greatness. Rush still performs songs from this album to this day. But you are not going to find the lyrical depth or instrumental musicianship found on later albums - in fact beginning with the very next one. This is "just" straight ahead hard rock that features great guitar work and is a great album if you just want to rock out, dude! If you take it for what it is, and not judge it on what came after, you will be satisfied.

I first heard this album being played at a local pool and arcade hangout. I enjoyed it so much that I asked the guy at the desk what it was, then literally went next door to the record store and bought it. That began many years of buying each Rush album in succession, up to and including Moving Pictures. For some reason I lost track of Rush and moved on. But I still enjoy listening to those records today. (BTW - Caress of Steel is my favorite!)
Rush would never release another album like this one. Neal Peart had not yet joined the band. The songs are propelled by Alex Lifeson's gargantuan guitar riffs. There is nothing particularly remarkable about the songs, but they did establish Rush in the US and set the stage for later greatness. Rush still performs songs from this album to this day. But you are not going to find the lyrical depth or instrumental musicianship found on later albums - in fact beginning with the very next one. This is "just" straight ahead hard rock that features great guitar work and is a great album if you just want to rock out, dude! If you take it for what it is, and not judge it on what came after, you will be satisfied. I first heard this album being played at a local pool and arcade hangout. I enjoyed it so much that I asked the guy at the desk what it was, then literally went next door to the record store and bought it. That began many years of buying each Rush album in succession, up to and including Moving Pictures. For some reason I lost track of Rush and moved on. But I still enjoy listening to those records today. (BTW - Caress of Steel is my favorite! )