Rush: The Complete Album-by-Album Guide

RUSH (1974)
Key Tracks: "Working Man," "Finding My Way"
Quick Take: Rush pumps out a more approachable brand of sci-fi fusionoid pomposity than, say, sophisticated prog-rock practitioners such as Pink Floyd or King Crimson. The vaguely populist bent suits this musicianly Canadian power trio, while hinting at its preconceptual roots as dull, perennially second-billed metal plotzers. Drummer Neil Peart, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and bassist Geddy Lee have developed fearsome chops over the years, though they're clearly still finding their way on their self-titled debut — likely because Peart doesn't play on this album (original drummer John Rutsey suffered from diabetes and left the band after this LP's release because he didn't want to go on long tours). Rush wears the group's Led Zeppelin influence on their sleeve, making this a workmanlike debut that laid the groundwork for what Rush would become.

Rush (Mercury)