Clockwork Angels
Rush · 2012
66 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A sprawling narrative set to intricate melodies and dynamic shifts, blending progressive rock with poignant storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Caravan Start here — Opening with an electrifying energy, this track sets the thematic tone for the album's exploration of adventure and fate. Its complex time signatures and soaring guitar solos encapsulate Rush's hallmark sound.
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The Anarchist — This song illustrates the internal conflict within a chaotic world, blending lyrical depth with heavy instrumentation. It showcases the band's ability to fuse philosophical themes with intricate musical arrangements.
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The Garden — As the closing track, it offers a reflective conclusion to the album's narrative journey. The poignant lyrics combined with a delicate melody highlight themes of beauty and closure, emphasizing emotional resonance.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Clockwork Angels combines intricate compositions with a cohesive narrative, reflecting Rush's enduring artistry.
What we noticed
- The album features a continuous narrative that unfolds across its twelve tracks, with thematic connections linking each song.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- dynamic journey with resolution
- intricate melodies that unfold slowly
- engaging storytelling through music
- wave-like pacing for deep focus
Maybe skip if you
- seeking quick, standalone tracks
- prefer predictable, consistent rhythms
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Represents an ambitious narrative and musical complexity in their late career.
- Themes
- mechanical dystopia· philosophical rebellion· journey through chaos
- Career context
- Released in 2012, Clockwork Angels is Rush's 19th studio album and marks their first concept album since 2112. At this point in their career, the band was celebrating over four decades of music-making, showcasing their enduring evolution while still appealing to long-time fans.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Yes· King Crimson· Genesis
Tracklist
- 1 Caravan Start here 5:39
- 2 BU2B 5:10
- 3 Clockwork Angels 7:31
- 4 The Anarchist 6:51
- 5 Carnies 4:51
- 6 Halo Effect 3:13
- 7 Seven Cities of Gold 6:34
- 8 The Wreckers 5:00
- 9 Headlong Flight 7:20
- 10 BU2B2 1:27
- 11 Wish Them Well 5:25
- 12 The Garden 6:59
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Fear of a Blank Planet
Porcupine Tree
Explores similar themes of dystopia and personal struggle with intricate compositions and dynamic shifts.
Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory
Dream Theater
Features an elaborate narrative structure with progressive rock elements and emotional storytelling.
Heritage
Opeth
Merges complex musical arrangements with philosophical themes, creating a rich sonic landscape.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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