Is A Farewell to Kings a good place to start with Rush?

Yes, A Farewell to Kings is recommended as a starting point for new Rush listeners. Epic melodies intertwine with intricate rhythms, creating a rich tapestry of progressive rock that beckons listeners to explore its depth. Released on September 1, 1977, A Farewell to Kings marked Rush's fifth studio album, following the commercial success of 2112. This album represented a pivotal moment in their evolution, showcasing their growing ambition and complexity as songwriters and musicians.

Who is A Farewell to Kings for?

A Farewell to Kings works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and thought-provoking lyrical themes.

How many songs are on A Farewell to Kings?

A Farewell to Kings has 6 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

A Farewell to Kings

Rush · 1977

37 min · 6 tracks · alternative rock

Epic melodies intertwine with intricate rhythms, creating a rich tapestry of progressive rock that beckons listeners to explore its depth.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
A Farewell to Kings Start here — The title track serves as an introduction to the album's grand themes, combining lush instrumentation with powerful lyrics about change and reflection.
→
Closer to the Heart — This track is emblematic of Rush's ability to craft catchy melodies while delivering thought-provoking lyrics, making it a staple in their live performances.
→
Xanadu — Xanadu showcases the band's signature blend of storytelling and complex musical structures, drawing listeners into a mythical journey through its expansive soundscapes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

76 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and distinct sound, solidifying Rush's identity in progressive rock.

What we noticed

The last track is over eight minutes long and includes a narrative structure, which contributes to the album's epic feel and thematic depth.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
thought-provoking lyrical themes
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Solidified Rush's reputation in progressive rock following the success of 2112.
Themes: mythical journeys· change and reflection
Career context: Released on September 1, 1977, A Farewell to Kings marked Rush's fifth studio album, following the commercial success of 2112. This album represented a pivotal moment in their evolution, showcasing their growing ambition and complexity as songwriters and musicians.
Stylistic neighbors: Yes· King Crimson· Genesis

New to Rush? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Closer to the Heart

The chorus shifts focus from individual struggles to a collective vision for change and understanding among humanity.

This transition emphasizes communal responsibility and unity in pursuit of enlightenment, marking a thematic high point in the song.