The problem for `Kings' is that it is sandwiched between two classic  concept albums, `2112' and `Hemispheres', so it probably doesn't get the  recognition it deserves.  But it still holds its own, even more than 20  years later after its release.  It was a turning point for the trio as it  was the first album to feature keyboards. `Kings' consists of two lengthy  tracks, one of which is the classic `Xanadu', featuring 12 string guitars,  which still sounds great.  The other lengthy track is `Cygnus X1', the  beginning of the short Cygnus tale, which is completed on following album  `Spheres'. It's not the easiest track to listen to due to the time changes,  and the shrieks from Geddy at the end are impossible to make out! `Closer  to the Heart' was Rush's first hit in the UK (reaching the top 30) and is a  short track, timing at around only 3 and half minutes.  It remains a live  favourite, especially the elongated ending which the crowd always enjoy.  Other tracks are the title track, `Cinderella Man' (with some nice  `wah-wah' guitar from Alex and jazz bass from Geddy) and the ballad  `Madrigal'; the latter makes me reach for the skip button!  A great album  however, but not quite as good as its successor and predecessor. 3.5 stars
The problem for `Kings' is that it is sandwiched between two classic  concept albums, `2112' and `Hemispheres', so it probably doesn't get the  recognition it deserves. But it still holds its own, even more than 20  years later after its release. It was a turning point for the trio as it  was the first album to feature keyboards. `Kings' consists of two lengthy  tracks, one of which is the classic `Xanadu', featuring 12 string guitars,  which still sounds great. The other lengthy track is `Cygnus X1', the  beginning of the short Cygnus tale, which is completed on following album  `Spheres'. It's not the easiest track to listen to due to the time changes,  and the shrieks from Geddy at the end are impossible to make out! `Closer  to the Heart' was Rush's first hit in the UK (reaching the top 30) and is a  short track, timing at around only 3 and half minutes. It remains a live  favourite, especially the elongated ending which the crowd always enjoy. Other tracks are the title track, `Cinderella Man' (with some nice  `wah-wah' guitar from Alex and jazz bass from Geddy) and the ballad  `Madrigal'; the latter makes me reach for the skip button! A great album  however, but not quite as good as its successor and predecessor. 3. 5 stars