R40 Live cover

R40 Live

Rush · 2015

379 min · 61 tracks · alternative rock

A celebratory fusion of intricate rock compositions and powerful live performance, encapsulating Rush's legacy over four decades.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The World Is… The World Is… Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Tom Sawyer — This iconic track exemplifies Rush's signature blend of progressive rock and hard rock, featuring complex rhythms and memorable lyrics that resonate with fans.
  • →
    YYZ — Known for its instrumental prowess, YYZ highlights the band's technical skill and chemistry, serving as a fan-favorite that showcases their progressive rock roots.
  • →
    2112 — As one of Rush's most ambitious works, this epic suite not only represents their conceptual approach but also encapsulates the band's evolution over time.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

R40 Live captures Rush's dynamic live performance style while celebrating their extensive catalog, making it a strong retrospective.

What we noticed

  • The setlist is arranged to create peaks and valleys in energy, alternating between heavier rock anthems and more intricate, progressive pieces.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • dynamic live energy throughout
  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • celebration of tracks
  • immersive long-form performance
  • nostalgic reflections on legacy

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer short, concise albums
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — A strong live retrospective that showcases Rush's legacy after 40 years.
Themes
progressive rock legacy· celebration of craftsmanship· retrospective farewell
Career context
Released in 2015, R40 Live captures Rush at the pinnacle of their career after more than 40 years together. This album serves as a retrospective celebration of their music, coming shortly before their announcement of retirement due to drummer Neil Peart’s health issues. It showcases a rich collection of their most beloved tracks from throughout their extensive discography.
Stylistic neighbors
Yes· King Crimson· Genesis
New to Rush? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 The World Is… The World Is… Start here 2:11
  • 2 The Anarchist 7:07
  • 3 Headlong Flight 8:46
  • 4 Far Cry 5:31
  • 5 The Main Monkey Business 6:08
  • 6 How It Is 4:45
  • 7 Animate 6:15
  • 8 Roll the Bones 6:05
  • 9 Between the Wheels 5:58
  • 10 Losing It 5:55
  • 11 Subdivisions 5:49

Disc 2

  • 1 Tom Sawyer 5:00
  • 2 YYZ 4:32
  • 3 The Spirit of Radio 5:03
  • 4 Natural Science 8:32
  • 5 Jacob’s Ladder 7:34
  • 6 Hemispheres: Prelude 4:19
  • 7 Cygnus X-1 / The Story So Far (drum solo) 9:21
  • 8 Closer to the Heart 3:08
  • 9 Xanadu 10:40
  • 10 2112 12:15

Disc 3

  • 1 Mel’s Rockpile 1:36
  • 2 Lakeside Park / Anthem 5:29
  • 3 What You’re Doing / Working Man 9:35
  • 4 One Little Victory 5:47
  • 5 Distant Early Warning 5:24
  • 6 Red Barchetta 7:09
  • 7 Clockwork Angels 7:46
  • 8 The Wreckers 5:39
  • 9 The Camera Eye 10:22
  • 10 Losing It 6:13

Disc 4

  • 1 The World Is… The World Is… Start here 2:27
  • 2 The Anarchist 6:54
  • 3 Headlong Flight 8:51
  • 4 Far Cry 5:25
  • 5 The Main Monkey Business 6:24
  • 6 How It Is 4:24
  • 7 Animate 6:16
  • 8 Roll the Bones 6:03
  • 9 Between the Wheels 6:42
  • 10 Losing It 5:11
  • 11 Subdivisions 6:21
  • 12 No Country for Old Hens 4:15
  • 13 Tom Sawyer 5:17
  • 14 YYZ 4:31
  • 15 The Spirit of Radio 5:03
  • 16 Natural Science 8:47
  • 17 Jacob’s Ladder 7:17
  • 18 Hemispheres: Prelude 4:14
  • 19 Cygnus X-1 / The Story So Far (drum solo) 9:35
  • 20 Closer to the Heart 2:59
  • 21 Xanadu 10:39
  • 22 2112 12:19
  • 23 Mel’s Rockpile 1:33
  • 24 Lakeside Park / Anthem 5:35
  • 25 What You’re Doing / Working Man 9:23
  • 26 Exit Stage Left 2:31
  • 27 Credits 2:28
  • 28 One Little Victory 5:46
  • 29 Distant Early Warning 5:24
  • 30 Red Barchetta 7:07

What to play next

Clockwork Angels Tour
Listen next

Clockwork Angels Tour

Continues the live experience with a focus on their later material and themes.
Vapor Trails Remixed
Go back to

Vapor Trails Remixed

2013
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alternative rock hard rock heavy metal

If this landed

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Combines technical proficiency with emotional storytelling, echoing Rush's craftsmanship and live energy.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata