Right away you can hear the contribution that Neil Peart makes as he enters the drummer's seat on Rush's second album.  Gone is the mediocre typical rock drummer John Rutsey.  Here to stay is the lyricist/drummer that would help to make Rush one of the greatest rock bands of all time.  Thanks to Neil the lyrics move away from the Ooh Baby mentality of their debut album into newer, more thought-provoking directions.  Let's take a look at the songs, shall we?

Anthem -  Straight up rocker with very cool lyrics.  Geddy wails and the groove is laid down.  Tight, short, pumping.  One of the great old Rush tunes.

Best I Can - A leftover from the first Rush album?  Maybe.  This was written by Geddy alone.  It rocks, but it misses Neil's literate touch.

Beneath, Between & Behind - A great song written by Alex and Neil.  Alex throws in all the licks here.  Geddy belts out the lyrics with passion.

By-Tor & The Snow Dog -  The first of many multi-part songs.  This is the first glimpse of things to come.  This song grooves so f*cking much!  An all-time Rush great.

Fly By Night - A signature Rush song of the first order.  This, along with Finding My Way, In The Mood, and Working Man would remain Rush staples for a long time to come.  Excellent!

Making Memories - One of the first songs I ever learned on acoustic guitar.  This song is killer.  Kick out the jams.

Rivendell - The soft spot on the album.  The nod to Tolkein is cool but this song drags.

In The End - This is a good song but it, like Rivendell, drags.  Another Geddy/Alex penned tune that could be a holdover from the first album.

Overall, as the band is adapting to the inclusion of Neil Peart very well, the Zeppelin-influenced sound would fall to the wayside for the Rush signature sound.  Even though their next album would blow up in their faces, Rush would continue to grow by leaps and bounds in the following years.  Fly By Night is a great stepping stone album.  A definite must for old fans!  Newer Rush fans might want to start a little up the line at 2112 or Permanent Waves.

Dig it!
Right away you can hear the contribution that Neil Peart makes as he enters the drummer's seat on Rush's second album. Gone is the mediocre typical rock drummer John Rutsey. Here to stay is the lyricist/drummer that would help to make Rush one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Thanks to Neil the lyrics move away from the Ooh Baby mentality of their debut album into newer, more thought-provoking directions. Let's take a look at the songs, shall we? Anthem -  Straight up rocker with very cool lyrics. Geddy wails and the groove is laid down. Tight, short, pumping. One of the great old Rush tunes. Best I Can - A leftover from the first Rush album? Maybe. This was written by Geddy alone. It rocks, but it misses Neil's literate touch. Beneath, Between & Behind - A great song written by Alex and Neil. Alex throws in all the licks here. Geddy belts out the lyrics with passion. By-Tor & The Snow Dog -  The first of many multi-part songs. This is the first glimpse of things to come. This song grooves so f*cking much! An all-time Rush great. Fly By Night - A signature Rush song of the first order. This, along with Finding My Way, In The Mood, and Working Man would remain Rush staples for a long time to come. Excellent! Making Memories - One of the first songs I ever learned on acoustic guitar. This song is killer. Kick out the jams. Rivendell - The soft spot on the album. The nod to Tolkein is cool but this song drags. In The End - This is a good song but it, like Rivendell, drags. Another Geddy/Alex penned tune that could be a holdover from the first album. Overall, as the band is adapting to the inclusion of Neil Peart very well, the Zeppelin-influenced sound would fall to the wayside for the Rush signature sound. Even though their next album would blow up in their faces, Rush would continue to grow by leaps and bounds in the following years. Fly By Night is a great stepping stone album. A definite must for old fans! Newer Rush fans might want to start a little up the line at 2112 or Permanent Waves. Dig it!