Rush, the iconic Canadian rock group, are celebrated for their complex musicianship, thought-provoking lyrics, and enduring appeal. As they geared up for their 40th-anniversary tour, which hinted at being their last major outing of such magnitude, anticipation was high among fans. This tour was seen as a potentially final opportunity to witness their legendary live performances. With excitement building, we asked our readers to cast their votes for their all-time favorite Rush songs. The results are in, and here we present the top 10 Rush tracks that resonate most deeply with their devoted fanbase. These songs showcase the band’s incredible journey through rock history and highlight why Rush remains a beloved music group for generations.
“Subdivisions”
Rush band performing live, Geddy Lee on bass and vocals, Alex Lifeson on guitar, Neil Peart on drums.
In the early 1980s, Rush surprised many by achieving mainstream radio success. “Subdivisions,” the opening track from their 1982 album Signals, became a significant hit, reaching Number Eight on the Mainstream Rock chart. This synth-infused song delves into the theme of social divisions, particularly the feeling of alienation and being an outsider. The accompanying music video, reminiscent of early episodes of Degrassi High, portrays a solitary high school student navigating the social cliques of suburban Toronto while others head to parties. “Subdivisions” has become a staple of Rush’s live performances for over three decades, demonstrating its lasting impact and connection with audiences who identify with its themes of belonging and societal pressures. It perfectly encapsulates Rush’s ability to blend complex musical arrangements with relatable lyrical content, making it a standout track among Rush songs.
“La Villa Strangiato”
Rush band photo from the Hemispheres era, Neil Peart with a large drum kit, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson standing in front.
“La Villa Strangiato (An Exercise in Self-Indulgence)” is a complex and instrumental masterpiece from 1978. This track, divided into 12 distinct sections, concludes the Hemispheres album and marks the culmination of Rush’s progressive rock period. Known for its intricate musical arrangements and virtuosic performances, “La Villa Strangiato” was initially so challenging to play live that the band joked about its difficulty. However, with over 950 live performances to date, they have undeniably mastered this intricate piece. “La Villa Strangiato” stands as a testament to Rush’s musical prowess and their willingness to push boundaries within the rock genre. It served as a bridge to their next era, as the song that followed for Rush fans was the significantly different and more radio-friendly “The Spirit of Radio,” signaling a shift in their musical direction for the 1980s. For fans of instrumental Rush songs, “La Villa Strangiato” remains a pinnacle of their discography.
“The Trees”
Neil Peart playing drums during a Rush concert, focused on his intense and precise drumming style.
Early in his career, Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart was influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, and this influence is evident in some of his lyrics from albums like 2112 and Hemispheres. “The Trees” is one of the most overtly Randian songs in Rush’s catalog, using an allegory of oaks and maples demanding equality to explore themes of collectivism versus individualism. The song narrates the troubles that arise when the trees demand equal sunlight, ultimately leading to a destructive outcome where all trees are cut down to ensure equality.
In a 2012 interview with Rolling Stone, Peart reflected on his earlier libertarian leanings and how his views had evolved. “I was a kid,” he explained. “Libertarianism as I understood it was very good and pure and we’re all going to be successful and generous to the less fortunate and it was, to me, not dark or cynical. But then I soon saw, of course, the way that it gets twisted by the flaws of humanity. And that’s when I evolve now into…a bleeding heart Libertarian.” Despite the philosophical shifts in Peart’s personal views, “The Trees” remains a powerful and thought-provoking song, showcasing Rush’s ability to blend complex lyrical themes with compelling rock music. It’s a standout example of Rush songs that spark discussion and interpretation.
“The Spirit of Radio”
Geddy Lee singing and playing bass during a Rush performance, with his signature Rickenbacker bass guitar.
The early 1980s saw many artists from the previous decade expressing concerns about the commercialization of the music industry. Songs like Billy Joel’s “Still Rock and Roll to Me,” Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock and Roll,” and the Ramones’ “Do You Remember Rock and Roll Radio?” reflected this sentiment. Rush’s contribution to this commentary was “The Spirit of Radio.” This track critiques modern radio for prioritizing “glittering prizes and endless compromises” that “shatter the illusion of integrity.” Ironically, despite its critical lyrics, “The Spirit of Radio” was embraced by radio stations and became a massive hit for Rush. The song’s blend of reggae-infused verses and hard rock choruses, along with its message about artistic integrity versus commercial pressures, resonated widely. It is arguably one of the most iconic Rush songs and a testament to their ability to create hits while staying true to their artistic vision.
“Xanadu”
Alex Lifeson playing guitar on stage with Rush, bathed in stage lighting and showcasing his guitar skills.
The enigmatic Xanadu, a name famously associated with Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane, where it represents a symbol of isolation and lost dreams, also inspired Neil Peart for the lyrics of Rush’s “Xanadu.” The name itself is derived from Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s 18th-century poem “Kubla Khan.” The song “Xanadu” tells the tale of an explorer who seeks immortality by finding the mythical Xanadu. However, upon achieving his goal, he discovers that eternal life is not the blissful paradise he imagined, but rather a miserable existence.
“Xanadu” is notable for its atmospheric and progressive sound, featuring extended instrumental passages and complex time signatures. The song’s lyrical exploration of the pitfalls of immortality and the disillusionment with achieving seemingly ultimate desires makes it one of the more conceptually rich Rush songs. Its blend of literary inspiration and musical innovation solidifies its place as a fan favorite and a key track in Rush’s progressive repertoire.
“Red Barchetta”
Rush often explored dystopian themes in their music, and “Red Barchetta” from the 1981 album Moving Pictures is a prime example. The song paints a picture of a future where restrictive “motor laws” have banned most cars. In this bleak setting, a rebel secretly maintains a classic sports car, a “Red Barchetta,” for fifty years. The narrative unfolds as he takes the car for a forbidden drive, leading to a thrilling and dangerous chase with authorities.
Despite never being released as a single, “Red Barchetta” has become a beloved track among Rush fans. Its dynamic storytelling, coupled with its energetic and driving musical arrangement, makes it a standout on Moving Pictures and in Rush’s overall discography. The song’s themes of rebellion, freedom, and nostalgia for a past era resonate with listeners, making “Red Barchetta” a enduringly popular choice among Rush songs.
“Working Man”
Back in 1974, a Cleveland rock radio station, WMMS, began playing a song by a relatively unknown Canadian rock band. The song, “Working Man,” generated significant listener response, even though many were unfamiliar with Rush and noted their Led Zeppelin-esque sound. It is believed that “Working Man” struck a chord with the large blue-collar workforce in Cleveland, becoming an anthem for their daily struggles and aspirations. This unexpected radio play provided Rush with a crucial breakthrough in the United States, launching their career onto a larger stage.
“Working Man” is distinct for its raw, hard-rocking energy and its relatable lyrics about the working class experience. Notably, this track features Rush’s original drummer, John Rutsey. Just months after its recording and initial success, Neil Peart joined the band, marking a significant turning point in Rush’s history and solidifying the lineup that would define their legendary career. “Working Man” remains a powerful reminder of Rush’s early, more straightforward rock roots and its importance as one of the foundational Rush songs.
“Limelight”
Neil Peart, known for his introverted personality, grappled with Rush’s burgeoning fame in the early 1980s. His discomfort with the intense scrutiny of public life and the pressures of celebrity found expression in the song “Limelight.” The lyrics, “Living in a fish eye lens, caught in the camera eye / I have no heart to lie, I can’t pretend a stranger is a long-awaited friend,” poignantly capture his feelings of being constantly observed and the challenges of maintaining genuine connections under the spotlight.
Ironically, “Limelight,” intended as a personal reflection on the downsides of fame, became one of Rush’s biggest hits. This success further amplified the very “gilded cage” Peart described in his lyrics. “Limelight” is celebrated not only for its insightful lyrics but also for its dynamic and memorable musical composition. It remains one of the most introspective and relatable Rush songs, resonating with anyone who has experienced the pressures of public attention or the struggle to maintain authenticity in the face of external expectations.
“2112”
Rush performing 2112 on stage, with imagery from the 2112 album cover projected in the background.
Following the commercial underperformance of their 1975 albums, Fly By Night and Caress of Steel, Rush faced pressure from their record label to create more commercially viable music. In a bold move that could have defined their future, Rush chose to double down on their progressive sound and create the ambitious 2112. The album’s 20-minute title track is a conceptual masterpiece, set in a dystopian future in the year 2112 where music is banned following an interplanetary war.
“2112” is undeniably one of the most cherished compositions in the history of progressive rock. Its epic scope, intricate musical sections, and compelling narrative have made it a cornerstone of Rush’s live performances. The band rarely leaves the stage without playing at least a segment of “2112,” a testament to its enduring popularity and significance. When Rush was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they performed the first segment of “2112” with members of the Foo Fighters, who playfully dressed as Rush from that era, highlighting the song’s iconic status and impact. For many, “2112” is the quintessential Rush song, embodying their progressive spirit and musical ambition.
“Tom Sawyer”
Rush in concert performing Tom Sawyer, spotlight on Geddy Lee singing the iconic opening lines of the song.
While Neil Peart primarily wrote Rush’s lyrics, their most famous song, “Tom Sawyer,” was a collaborative effort. Canadian poet Pye Dubois initially penned a poem about a modern-day rebellious spirit reminiscent of Mark Twain’s classic character, Tom Sawyer. Peart then expanded on this poem, shaping it into the complete song that became “Tom Sawyer.” Released as the second single from Moving Pictures, it reached Number 44 on the Hot 100.
Despite its moderate chart success, “Tom Sawyer” has become Rush’s signature song, played countless times on classic rock radio and instantly recognizable to even casual listeners. Its distinctive synthesizer riff, Geddy Lee’s powerful vocals, and Neil Peart’s complex drumming make it a quintessential Rush track. “Tom Sawyer” perfectly encapsulates Rush’s ability to blend literary themes with accessible rock music, securing its place as the most iconic and widely recognized of all Rush songs.
These top 10 Rush songs represent just a fraction of their extensive and impressive catalog. Each track showcases different facets of Rush’s musical genius, lyrical depth, and enduring appeal. From progressive epics to radio hits, these fan-voted favorites provide a perfect starting point for anyone looking to explore the rich musical world of Rush. Dive in and discover why Rush remains one of the most respected and beloved music groups in rock history.
