Classic Album Reviews: Rush’s 2112 Album: A Journey of Rebellion and Freedom

April 10, 2023 rocknews

Today, we’re diving into the classic album 2112 by Rush, released in 1976. Now, I must admit that I’m not a big fan of prog rock, but this album is the exception. It has stood the test of time and is still considered the greatest concept album ever created. It’s not just a musical masterpiece, it’s a story that takes you on a journey.

The album’s storyline is set in a dystopian future controlled by a totalitarian government that suppresses individuality and creativity. The protagonist, known as “The Dreamer,” discovers an ancient guitar and uses it to create music that inspires rebellion and freedom. The music of 2112 is a fusion of progressive rock, heavy metal, and classical influences that features complex rhythms, virtuosic solos, and intricate arrangements.

This is defiantly a product of its time, with a story that reflects the science fiction and dystopian themes popular in the 1970s, a theme that can be seen in movies of that era such as “Logan’s Run” and “Planet of the Apes.”

The History of Rush’s 2112 Album

Released in 1976, 2112 marked a turning point in the career of Rush. After struggling to find their identity and audience with their first three albums, the band decided to take a bold step and create a concept album that would showcase their musical and lyrical prowess. The result was a masterpiece that has stood the test of time and influenced generations of musicians.

The rest of the album features shorter but equally impressive tracks, such as “A Passage to Bangkok,” “The Twilight Zone,” and “Something for Nothing.”

The lyrics of 2112 are equally impressive, with themes of individualism, free will, and the power of music to inspire and unite people. The album’s iconic opening lines, “I lie awake, staring out at the bleakness of Megadon. City and sky become one, merging into a single plane, a vast sea of unbroken grey. The Twin Moons, just two pale orbs as they trace their way across the steely sky…” set the tone for the rest of the story.

The Legacy of Rush’s 2112 Album

2112 was a critical and commercial success for Rush, and it cemented their reputation as one of the most innovative and talented bands of the era. The album has sold over three million copies worldwide and has been certified triple platinum in the United States. It also inspired countless musicians to pursue careers in progressive rock and heavy metal, and its influence can still be heard in modern music.

Ready Player One

In the book “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline, the album “2112” plays a significant role in the story. The protagonist, Wade Watts, is a big fan of the band and their music, and “2112” is mentioned multiple times throughout the book.

In the novel, Wade lives in a dystopian future where society has largely collapsed, and people spend most of their time in a virtual reality world called the OASIS. One of the challenges in the book involves finding three keys that will unlock a hidden Easter egg in the OASIS, and Wade believes that Rush’s music holds the key to solving the puzzle.

The album “2112” is particularly important because it tells a story that parallels the book’s themes of individuality and rebellion against a repressive society.

Wade sees parallels between the story of “2112” and his own situation, as he and his fellow gunters (people searching for the Easter egg) are struggling against a corporation that seeks to control the OASIS and the real world. He believes that the key to solving the puzzle lies in understanding the messages contained within Rush’s music, particularly “2112.”

Conclusion

Overall, 2112 is an album that any self-respecting music fan should have in their collection. It’s a masterpiece that tells a story and inspires rebellion and freedom through the power of music.