This iconic song showcases Rush's evolving sound, blending their intricate progressive rock sensibilities with a more direct, song-oriented approach. "Closer to the Heart" features Geddy Lee's distinct vocals, Alex Lifeson's memorable guitar lines, and Neil Peart's typically precise drumming, all contributing to its timeless quality and radio-friendly appeal within the progressive rock genre.

With lyrics penned by Neil Peart and guest Peter Talbot, "Closer to the Heart" calls for craftsmanship and contribution from all societal roles, from the blacksmith to the artist. Its positive message and captivating melody made it one of Rush’s first songs to achieve significant airplay, marking a pivotal moment in their career.

SONG MEANING: "Closer to the Heart" advocates for people in positions of power and creation—the "Blacksmith," "Artist," "Ploughman," and "Cartwright"—to shape a better world. It suggests that those who have the ability to mold and design society should do so with care and consideration for everyone, bringing their creations "closer to the heart" of the people they serve.

This Grammy-nominated instrumental rock tour de force seamlessly blends progressive rock complexity with the power of heavy metal. "YYZ" is famous for its main riff, which rhythmically represents the letters "Y-Y-Z" in Morse code, a nod to Toronto Pearson International Airport's identification code, the band's hometown airport.

Each member of Rush shines on "YYZ": Geddy Lee's intricate bass lines, Alex Lifeson's dynamic guitar work, and Neil Peart's incredibly complex and precise drumming. The track stands as a testament to their instrumental prowess and innovative approach to composition within the realms of progressive rock and heavy metal.

SONG MEANING: As an instrumental piece, "YYZ" doesn't have lyrics to convey a traditional story or message. Its meaning is derived from its inspiration: "YYZ" is the IATA airport identification code for Toronto Pearson International Airport. The main rhythm of the song (5/4 time signature) is based on the Morse code for Y-Y-Z (-.-- / -.-- / --..), representing the band's excitement and anticipation of returning to their home city of Toronto.

This quintessential Rush song masterfully blends intricate progressive rock arrangements with the driving force of hard rock. "Tom Sawyer" is celebrated for Neil Peart's profound lyrics and intricate drumming, Geddy Lee's soaring vocals and signature bass lines, and Alex Lifeson's dynamic guitar work, including a memorable solo, making it a staple of classic rock.

Inspired by Mark Twain's character but reimagined as a modern-day warrior, "Tom Sawyer" explores themes of individualism and rebellion. Its innovative sound, featuring prominent synthesizers alongside traditional rock instrumentation, solidified Rush's place at the forefront of progressive rock while achieving widespread appeal and commercial success.

SONG MEANING: "Tom Sawyer" is about a modern-day rebel, an individualist who navigates the world with a reserved but determined spirit. The lyrics, co-written by Neil Peart and Pye Dubois, portray a "modern-day warrior" whose mind is "not for rent to any god or government." It speaks to the spirit of independence, self-reliance, and the quiet resolve of an outsider.

This classic track masterfully blends progressive rock intricacy with hard rock energy, perfectly suited for the arena rock stage. "Limelight" is celebrated for Neil Peart's thoughtful lyrics exploring discomfort with celebrity, Geddy Lee's compelling vocals and bass, and Alex Lifeson's emotionally resonant and great guitar solo, a highlight of the song.

"Limelight" stands as a testament to Rush's unique ability to combine complex musical ideas with relatable lyrical themes. Its sophisticated arrangement, coupled with its raw honesty about the alienation that can accompany success, and Lifeson's incredible guitar work, solidifies its place as a timeless piece in rock history.

SONG MEANING: "Limelight" reflects drummer and lyricist Neil Peart's feelings about fame and the loss of privacy that comes with being in the public eye. The lyrics convey his discomfort with stardom ("Living in a fisheye lens, caught in the camera eye") and the difficulty of maintaining a personal life while being a public figure, expressing a desire for understanding rather than adulation.

This classic track perfectly blends hard rock energy with intricate progressive rock arrangements, a hallmark of Rush's sound. "Red Barchetta" is admired for Geddy Lee's distinctive vocals and intricate bass lines, Neil Peart's complex drumming and evocative lyrics, and Alex Lifeson's soaring guitar work, creating a rich, cinematic auditory experience.

Inspired by a futuristic short story, "Red Barchetta" paints a picture of a dystopian future where certain cars are outlawed. The song's shifting tempos and complex instrumentation capture the excitement of a clandestine joyride, making it a fan favorite and a staple of classic rock radio, embodying Rush's unique musical vision.

SONG MEANING: "Red Barchetta" tells the story of a young man in a future where the "Motor Law" has banned most cars. He secretly drives his uncle's preserved red Barchetta sports car through the countryside on his weekly "Sunday drive." The song captures the thrill of this rebellious act of freedom and the exhilaration of outrunning the "gleaming alloy air-cars" that try to apprehend him.

This iconic track showcases Rush's early hard rock prowess, heavily influenced by bands like Led Zeppelin and Cream. "Working Man" features an extended and memorable guitar solo by Alex Lifeson, highlighting his burgeoning talent. The song's straightforward structure and relatable theme of daily grind struck a chord, becoming a signature piece from their initial period.

Before Neil Peart joined and steered the band towards more progressive rock landscapes, "Working Man" defined Rush's early, grittier identity. Its heavy, blues-rock foundation and depiction of everyday labor cemented it as a classic rock staple, showcasing the raw energy and musical ambition of the original Rush lineup.

SONG MEANING: "Working Man" depicts the daily life and frustrations of a blue-collar worker. The lyrics portray a man who toils through his days, finding little joy or variation in his routine ("I get up at seven, yeah, and I go to work at nine"). It's a straightforward lament about the monotony and weariness of a demanding, unfulfilling job.

This iconic song marked a stylistic shift for Rush, incorporating elements of new wave and even a reggae-tinged bridge, alongside their signature progressive rock and art rock complexities. "The Spirit of Radio" is known for Alex Lifeson's vibrant guitar work, Geddy Lee's driving bass and vocals, and Neil Peart's insightful lyrics and precise drumming, with some even noting its power pop appeal.

"The Spirit of Radio" captures the excitement of discovering new music through the airwaves, inspired by Toronto radio station CFNY-FM. Its critique of the music industry's trend towards conformity ("Of salesmen") adds a layer of depth to this otherwise upbeat and musically adventurous track, showcasing Rush's versatility.

SONG MEANING: "The Spirit of Radio" is a tribute to the ideal of free and eclectic radio programming, inspired by Toronto's CFNY-FM, whose slogan was "the spirit of radio." The song celebrates the joy of hearing diverse music but also laments the increasing commercial pressures and homogenization of radio, where "all the busy salesmen" try to dictate tastes.