Hemispheres (studio album) by Rush (CA)

From Squonk007 05/06/2023 16:07

A disappointing album, the stand out is La Villa Strangiato by a long way.

An excellent prog album that acts as a brilliant discography filler as it shows they make consistently great albums outside of their huge releases. For me this is on a similar level to A Farewell To Kings with both of them sharing similar styles, tones and songs. What edges this one slightly for me is the amazing quality of the final track and I also have a soft spot for Circumstances which always makes me excited to revisit this record. In terms of the music itself it is complex and multi layered providing us with lots to be able to explore and look into with future listens. The instrumental diversity also adds an extra flourish on here that some prog bands lack with these added extras making the sound more unique and interesting. Overall, another great album from Rush which is a little weaker than their better releases but is still worth a listen as its full of amazing moments to enjoy.

Great record

Similar in quality to Farewell To Kings, but I think it's a little better because of last track.

This is a step back compared to AFTK. Especially because one side is filled with 18 minutes of Cygnus II that frankly doesn't bring what the first chapter did. The second side of the album starts off not much better. The album is saved by the closing two tracks.

Every track is an improvement to the one before. The album starts off rather disappointingly but ends with a blast.

From IlMala 01/23/2022 17:53

Slightly my favourite Rush album, little bit more than Moving Pictures. Never never get tired to hear instrumental parts.

As a prog fan I expected to like Rush more than I do. Even in this (supposedly the proggiest) album I am not too fond of side 1, and side 2 is OK, technically great, but it doesn't get to my heart.

Excellent progressive rock album, a natural follow on to A Farewell to Kings although for me AFTK's is the stronger album.
La Villa Strangiato is the standout track.

90/100

Lee on bass is brilliant, powerful progressive rock , very good album overall

From anandrajan 02/14/2019 03:50

I never really liked this album even though I'm a Rush fan. Love side 2 (Circumstances, The Trees, La Villa) but really dislike Cygnux X Part 2. Repeated listens don't do anything to help me like the song. The album is rated really highly by prog reviewers and I think that's mainly because of side 1 and La Villa but I have to confess that I don't get it. Oh well.