The Albums 2002-2012

The Albums 2002-2012 celebrates Rush’s enduring legacy as one of the most inventive and compelling groups in rock history, receiving a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2013. The RIAA has certified Rush for having the third-highest number of consecutive gold and platinum studio albums by a rock band. Vapour Trails is Rush’s 17th studio album, released after the band’s longest hiatus of five years ending in 2002. After personal tragedies in the late 1990s, Neil Peart considered himself retired from music. During a 5-year convalescence, traveling America on his motorcycle, Peart was eventually drawn back to his need to create, leading to the creation of Vapour Trails. In an interview for Jam! In 2001, Geddy Lee emphasized that this album was for “the psychological health and welfare of all the people who have gone through a difficult time.” Vapour Trails served as a testament to Rush’s commitment to connecting with fans and propelled the band back onto the charts, reaching No. 3 in Canada and No. 6 in the U.S. – despite being born out of difficult circumstances. Feedback is Rush’s celebration of the band’s success and the 30th anniversary of their debut album Rush (1974). Returning to their roots of 60s garage rock, the album includes covers of influential songs from the band’s early days, including Buffalo Springfield’s “Mr. Soul,” The Who’s “The Seeker,” Cream’s “Crossroads,” with additional covers of works from the Yardbirds, Love, and Blue Cheer. The cover record landed at No. 5 and No. 19 on the Billboard Canadian and U.S. charts. Snakes and Arrows continues Rush’s progressive rock legacy. Acting as their first slew of original material since Vapour Trails, Peart emphasized, “[w]ithout a doubt, this is the best experience I’ve had making an album, ever.” Snakes and Arrows peaked at No. 3 in both Canada and the U.S., gained a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Instrumental Performance, and was named one of Classic Rock Magazine’s Ten Essential Progressive Rock Albums of the decade. Clockwork Angels is the 20th and final studio album from Rush. Chronicling the story of a young man’s quest in an apocalyptic steampunk world, the concept album was later novelized by science fiction writer Kevin J. Anderson. Debuting at No. 1 and No. 2 on Billboard in Canada and the U.S., Clockwork Angels epicly concludes the studio journey of the prog-rock pioneers.