Hemispheres

Rush · 1978

36 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock · hard rock · heavy metal

A sprawling epic that intertwines intricate musicianship with philosophical themes and dynamic shifts in tempo.

Spotify Apple Music YouTube Music

Hemispheres is an album by Rush, released in 1978. A sprawling epic that intertwines intricate musicianship with philosophical themes and dynamic shifts in tempo. 'Hemispheres' is notable for its ambitious length and conceptual storytelling, featuring tracks like 'Cygnus X-1, Book II,' which showcases the band's intricate compositions. The album reached No. 14 on the Billboard 200 chart and has been praised for its influence on subsequent progressive rock acts. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Hemispheres sound like?

A sprawling epic that intertwines intricate musicianship with philosophical themes and dynamic shifts in tempo. Rooted in alternative rock and hard rock.

What makes Hemispheres by Rush notable?

'Hemispheres' is notable for its ambitious length and conceptual storytelling, featuring tracks like 'Cygnus X-1, Book II,' which showcases the band's intricate compositions. The album reached No. 14 on the Billboard 200 chart and has been praised for its influence on subsequent progressive rock acts. Released on October 29, 1978, 'Hemispheres' was Rush's sixth studio album, following the commercial success of 'A Farewell to Kings.' At this point, the band was solidifying its status within the progressive rock scene, pushing their musical boundaries further into complex arrangements and lyrical explorations.

How many songs are on Hemispheres?

Hemispheres has 4 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Tracklist

4 tracks·36:12

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Cygnus X‐1, Book II: Hemispheres: I. Prelude / II. Apollo: Bringer of Wisdom / III. Dionysus: Bringer of Love / IV. Armageddon: The Battle of Heart and Mind / V. Cygnus: Bringer of Balance / VI. The Sphere: A Kind of Dream 18:08
2 Circumstances 3:44
3 The Trees Standout 4:45
4 La Villa Strangiato Standout 9:34